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Average rating:
4.04
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Toshiba PDR-M813.8 megapixels | 1.5" screen | 35 – 98 mm (2.8×)
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Average rating:
4.04
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Opinion: Viewfinder cropping is the biggest issue for me.
I got this camera right after it came out and had it till just a few weeks ago when it was stolen. After doing research, I've come to the conclusion that I will again buy this camera (I'm glad the price has dropped) because it is the only acceptable camera for me that has 4 MP and an image ratio of 3:2 (I had a Kodak before but Mack defaulted on their warranty after trying to extort money from me by falsely claiming I'd put a hairline fracture in the camera. The other cameras with this image ratio are the Pro ones. Why is that?).
I have been satisfied with the camera, except for the points noted below. I am not as fussy as some on this forum about picture quality, so I don't feel qualified to comment on it other than to say I've been happy with it.
As a last point, the camera has come down quite a bit in price. Hurrah.
Problems: The biggest problem with the camera (this and the final point is why I gave it a poor Ease of use rating) is that you get more in the photo than you see in the viewfinder. I'm very fussy about framing, so it's fine when I take the photos, but it's always a hassle when I ask someone to take a photo with me in it because it will always include an extra border.
The online help and Toshiba help is quite shoddy unless you already have a camera. Just try to find out how much the warranty costs (or what it covers or other details about it - it's an expense, after all) unless you have already purchased the camera. Or just try to find a non toll free number for Toshiba in case you happen to need help from Europe. And I got nonsense answers when I sent email to the help desk (though through perseverence and many international phone calls I eventually got someone to help me).
The driviers for downloading the photos from the camera via USB were not available online when I purchased the camera.
I find the procedure for initially formatting the Smart Card confusing, and the camera refused to do it the on the first several tries, but it eventually figured out how to do it by itself.
Opinion: Weaknesses--battery use--recommend NiMH 1800 mha; however, with normal use, I filled a 128MB card without a recharge. This is a weakness with most of these cameras.
The camera shoot very good pictures at wide angel and close range; it is not good (even on optical telephoto) for the most extreme telephoto.
Camera is well built, but could be better at resisting the elements (I recommend a cover).
The feature set is very could and overall I feel I got my money's worth.
To be fair, I did talk to the Toshiba technical support group, and it appears my review of the telephoto image quality, may be skewed due a focusing defect. They have offered to exchange the camera.
Overall this camera is a good value for the money, and well suited for the use I actually put it to. I would not use for it a professional print.
Problems: Focus of telephoto shots--Toshiba recommends camera replacement
Opinion: This is my 2nd digital camera, with the first a Fuji !.3 mg, so the jump in definition is huge! It's been an easy camera to use, easy to focus and compose photos. Haven't tried all the features, but am impressed with the versatility and quality especially for the price ($334 on ebay as refurbished). The sofrware package is adequate, but still need Photodeluxe for serious work.
Problems: The 2.8x zoom is barely adequate. Be prepared to get a 128mb Smartmedia card, the provided 8mb is a joke. The camera suffers from the small and light problem of shake at low speeds. Be extra cautious in holding steady or using a tripod in dim light situations.
Opinion: This is truly an excellent camera at a great price. The lens is made by Canon, and is first rate. I have owned another Toshiba digital camera (PDRM5) and I have been very pleased with it's results and the new PDRM81. This camera is VERY easy to use and to master its features.
The image quality is excellent at all resolutions, and it very fast. I like the choice of the smartmedia storage cards, and the ability to use a "flashpath" floppy disc adapter to upload images into my computer.
The software supplied with it (from Sierra Imaging) is the best image software I have ever used that is bundled with a digital camera.
In summary, for under $500, this camera gives you 4 megapix, good optics, good image quality, ease of use, and decent ergonomics. Also, nice to get a free case without paying extra.
Problems: Using standard alkaline batteries are a poor choice. Buy rechargable batteries and this problem is solved. I'm sure if they bundled rechargable batteries and a charger with the camera, the price would be higher.
Opinion: Good for the price. But can you expect anything else from Toshiba?
Problems: Grip sucks.
Opinion: Good camera fir the money.
Problems: Bad batter drain. 20 Pics Max with flash
Opinion: I have owned two previous Toshiba camera's, the PDR-M70 and PDR-M71, piror to this model.Like those, this is very nice camera. The feature list for this camera is very useul for both newbiies as well as advanced photographers. The macro function, works very well, producing very detailed, saturated images.This camera, like the 70 and 71, has a "Vivid" setting for color capture hat produces stunning bright saturated colors!!(reminds me of using Fuji's highly praised "Velvia" film).Shop around this camera can be found in the 399.00 range.(I bought it for 335.00, after a now xpired rebate!!!!)The camera has a very sharp Canon lens.
Problems: Battery life is about average
Opinion: http://www.bensbargains.net - $305
Opinion: $699 cdn right now. Seemed like a good deal.
Small camera, heavy with batteries. Comes with 4 'AA' throw
away batteries. Add $50 for rechargeables.
Batteries are accesed from below - not tripod friendly.
Pixel count shows in images but colors are washed. Auto
focus easily defeated indoors low light.
Flash is pretty good.
Works well in WinXP.
Not crazy about smartmedia and 8meg is too small.
No raw or tiff support.
Overall, not worth the money (its going back tomorrow). Poorly
thought out construction, probably why its so cheap right now.
Problems: Not OSX compatible! I am switching to Mac and really wanted
to try out iPhoto, no go!
USB 'broke' on third connect! USB connector on unit shallow
and flimsy.
Lens cover strap is more like a string.
Reviews and specs
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Galleries
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Challenges
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
