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Toshiba PDR-M81 Toshiba steps into the 4-megapixel arena with a value-priced, full-featured model. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PDR-M81 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-M81 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
Despite its lightweight, all-plastic body and its relatively compact size, the Toshiba PDR-M81 provides a whopping 4.2-megapixel CCD and full manual exposure controls. At 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.8 inches (107 x 71 x 47 millimeters) and only 8.5 ounces (340 grams) without batteries or SmartMedia, the Toshiba PDR-M81 just barely fitting into a normal shirt pocket, and comes with a wrist strap and soft carrying case for easy toting. The light weight is doubtless due in part to its all-plastic body, but for our part, we'd gladly trade a little weight for a more rugged feel. (The M81 just feels a little cheap when you pick it up.)

At the front of the camera is the 2.8x Canon lens, which telescopes out from the camera body when powered on. The lens 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, flash, and self-timer light. The PDR-M81 doesn't offer much of a hand grip, though a sculpted, rubber strip on the front panel provides a resting place for your fingers as they grasp the camera.

The right side of the camera (when looking at the back panel) holds only 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 AV/USB) and a 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. 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 on the back panel, along with the LCD monitor and optical viewfinder eyepiece. Controls include the Four Way Arrow pad, Zoom control, and the Menu, Focus, Folder, Erase, and Display buttons. A small LED lamp next to the optical viewfinder eyepiece indicates the camera's current status, such as when focus and exposure are set or the flash is charging.

The PDR-M81 has a nice, flat bottom panel, which contains the plastic, threaded tripod mount and battery compartment. The battery compartment door features a sliding lock switch, and slides out before opening. The battery compartment and tripod mount are much too close to allow 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.