Toshiba PDR-M81Toshiba steps into the 4-megapixel arena with a value-priced, full-featured model.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 08/24/2001 |
Video
Out
US versions of the PDR-M81 are packaged with an NTSC AV cable (PAL for European
models) for connection to a television set. The PDR-M81 can play back captured
images or movie files as well as use the television set as an enhanced LCD monitor
for composing images. The camera can be set to handle either NTSC or PAL timings
through the Video Out option under the Setup menu.
Power
The PDR-M81 is powered by four AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries (a set
of four single-use alkaline batteries come with the camera). We really don't
recommend standard alkaline cells for any digicam, as the amount of battery
life is significantly shorter than that of rechargeable batteries. An AC adapter
is available as a separate accessory, which we recommend purchasing to save
battery power when downloading images, or playing back captured images and movies.
The PDR-M81 reports the available battery power on the LCD monitor as well as
on the smaller status display panel. The camera does feature a power saving
Auto-Off feature, which lets you set the amount of inactive time before the
camera shuts off (one, two, or three minutes).
The table below shows the amount of power used for each of the camera's operating
modes.
|
|
(@ 5v) |
(1600 mAh batteries) |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
|
|
| Capture Mode, no LCD |
|
|
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
|
|
| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
|
|
| Memory Write (transient) |
|
|
| Flash Recharge (transient) |
|
|
| Image Playback |
|
|
Overall, the PDR-M81 has fairly good battery life, running about two hours in most operating modes. This is pretty good, given its 4 megapixel sensor and advanced feature set, but we still strongly recommend buying a couple of sets of high-capacity NiMH batteries and a good charger to go along with them.
About
Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now
inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our
site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam!
Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have
the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power"
ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.)
Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH
rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save
you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle
of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy
two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and
so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include
Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity
AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is
usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more
so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at
right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review
of it for all the details. Or, just click
here to buy one, you won't regret it.
Included Software
The PDR-M81 specification sheet lists Sierra Imaging's Image Expert (for both Mac and Windows platforms) as the software that ships with this model. (Because our evaluation model did not come with a software CD, we are unable to provide details.)
In the Box
Included in the box with the PDR-M81 are the following items:
- Soft carrying case
- Wrist strap
- Lens cap with strap
- USB cable
- 8MB SmartMedia card
- AV cable
- Four AA alkaline batteries
- Software CD
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