Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Toshiba Digital Cameras > Toshiba PDR-M71

Toshiba PDR-M71 Toshiba introduces a feature-packed, value-priced 3 megapixel model! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PDR-M71 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PDR-M71 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 08/24/2001

Design
The PDR-M71 digital camera has a relatively compact, lightweight body with a solid black finish and slightly textured, all-plastic, molded outer shell. At 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.8 inches (107 x 71 x 47mm) and only 12 ounces (340 grams) with the batteries and SmartMedia card installed, the Toshiba PDR-M71 should fit comfortably into most any coat pocket or bag, and its accompanying soft case and wrist strap will keep it well protected and easy to carry on trips and family outings. It has a pleasant heft, and doesn't feel "cheap" as some low-cost cameras tend to.

At the front of the camera is the 2.8x Canon lens, which telescopes outward when the camera is powered on, and retracts into a small recessed casing whenever the camera is powered off or left inactive for a set period of time. A small, plastic lens cap fits into this recessed area to protect the lens when not in use, and attaches to the camera body via a tiny strap, which prevents it from being accidentally lost. Also on the front of the camera is a small microphone, the optical viewfinder window, built-in flash, and self-timer light. The PDR-M71 doesn't offer much of a hand grip, though a sculpted plastic strip on the front panel provides a resting place for your fingers when they grip the camera.

The right side of the camera (when looking at the back panel) houses the SmartMedia compartment and wrist strap attachment eyelet. A sliding switch releases the compartment door, revealing the memory card slot.

On the opposite side of the camera are the input jacks (DC In and PC/AV) and a built-in speaker.

A variety of camera controls are on the camera's top panel, including the Self-Timer, Image Quality, Flash, Shutter, and Power buttons, as well as the Mode dial, which includes six settings: Setup, PC Connect, Playback, Auto Photography, Manual Photography, and Movie modes. A small status display panel reports a variety of camera information, such as Flash mode, Image Quality, and battery power.

The remaining camera controls are all located on the back panel, along with the LCD monitor and optical viewfinder eyepiece. Controls include the Four Way Arrow pad, Zoom control, and Menu, Focus, Folder, Erase, and Display / Info buttons. A small LED lamp next to the optical viewfinder eyepiece indicates various status codes, such as when focus and exposure are set or the flash is charging.

The PDR-M71 has a very flat bottom panel, with a plastic, threaded tripod mount and battery compartment door. The battery compartment door features a sliding lock switch, and slides out before popping open. The battery compartment and tripod mount are much too close to allow for quick battery changes while working on a tripod. However, we do appreciate the side access to the DC-In jack, which is very useful when operating the camera on a tripod in the studio. We also liked a minor design touch we hadn't seen before on a digicam (or at least had never been aware of) -- Four small rubber feet on the bottom of the camera provide a more secure grip when you set it on a desk or table. This is very handy when connecting to the computer for image downloads, as it reduces the risk of the camera being pulled off the table by the USB cable. Nice.