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Toshiba PDR-M60 Toshiba introduces a "value-priced" 2 megapixel camera with nice image quality and a 2.3x optical zoom. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet Toshiba PDR-M60 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 Toshiba PDR-M60 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 1/12/2001

Video Out
An NTSC video cable is supplied for connecting to a television set (European models come with a PAL cable). The video signal is adjustable through the Set-Up menu, with options for NTSC or PAL, as is the menu language setting. You can view recorded images or compose new ones, using the television set as an extension of the LCD monitor. Note that live images will appear less clear than playback images because they are displayed at a lower resolution.


Power
The PDR-M60 uses four AA alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH rechargeable batteries. Four AA alkaline batteries are supplied with the camera. An AC adapter is available as a separate accessory, and we highly recommend you invest in one for time-intensive tasks such as downloading images to a computer or reviewing images in Playback mode. A battery power level indicator appears on both the LCD monitor and small status display panel, to report the remaining battery charge. (The symbol is the standard battery outline with the shaded portion indicating power level.) A blinking battery symbol means that the batteries are completely dead.

The PDR-M60 features an Auto-Off function, which shuts down the camera after a specified time of inactivity. Through the Set-Up menu, the shut-off time can be set to one, two, or three minutes. One minute is the default setting.

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	690 mA
Capture Mode, no LCD	<10 mA
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	690 mA
Half-pressed w/o LCD	400 mA
Memory Write (transient)	710 mA
Flash Recharge (transient)	980 mA
Image Playback	440 mA

Overall, the PDR-M60 showed better than average power consumption, particularly when the rear-panel LCD was left off. If you leave the LCD display off, you could easily leave the camera on all day without killing your batteries. Even with the LCD enabled, power drain in capture mode is a bit lower than average. (A set of high-capacity NiMH AA cells should provide about two hours of continuous operation in capture mode with the LCD running.) Power drain in playback mode is fairly typical of other cameras we've tested.