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Toshiba PDR-M25 Review
Toshiba PDR-M25
 Click to take a QuickTime tour of the PDR-M25 Toshiba's sleek and stylish PDR-M25 is a 2.2-megapixel digital camera designed to offer consumers an inexpensive gateway into the exciting world of digital photography. Aimed at first-time buyers of digital cameras as well as current users looking to trade-up, the Toshiba PDR-M25 will be on retail shelves in November with an MSRP of $279, just in time for holiday shopping. The PDR-M25 takes advantage of a wide spectrum of digital imaging technologies to enable users of all levels to capture dynamic, eye-catching photographs, whether it's freeze- frame action shots, sensational close-ups, or cherished portraits. These advancements include an impressive 2.2 megapixel CCD that provides image resolutions up to 1792 x 1200 pixels, together with an aspherical glass lens (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens on a 35mm camera) equipped with 3X optical zoom capabilities. In addition, the macro mode lets photographers get as close as 3 inches to the action and captures intricate details missed by other cameras, along with a precision 2X digital telephoto that can be used in conjunction with the optical zoom to assure great pictures from any distance (total 6X). Users will also appreciate the 1.5-inch high resolution color LCD for instant preview and review of photos. You can use the color LCD for single image playback, automatic slideshow playback, nine-picture thumbnail function, and a 3X zoom. The PDR-M25 stores its images in standard JPEG format in one of three compression levels (fine, normal and basic). Depending on the compression and resolution selected, up to 112 images can be recorded on the included 8MB SmartMedia card. The PDR-M25 accepts SmartMedia card up to 128MB, which enables maximum storage of more than 1,800 pictures. Adding to its appeal is a rugged and remarkably compact sized body that measures only 4.1" x 2.6" x2.2" and weighs a mere 8oz (w/o batteries). The PDR-M25 camera ships with an 8MB SmartMedia® card, and features Sierra Imaging's ImageExpert® software, making it quick and easy to download, edit, print and e-mail photos. It is compatible with both Windows® (98+) and USB-connect Macintosh (OS9+) computers. Other accessories are a soft case, a wrist strap, a protective lens cap, an instruction manual on CD, a USB cable, a Video cable (PAL/NTSC), and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
Physical Views 
 
 Toshiba PDR-M25 and the pocket-size Olympus D-40 Zoom for size comparison. |
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Toshiba PDR-M25 Specifications
| CCD Sensor | 1/2.6 inch 2.3 million pixels (2.2 million pixels effective) |
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| Image Resolutions | 1792 x 1200 or 896 x 600 |
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| Lens | 3X zoom lens 6.2mm-18.6mm F2.9-F3.02 (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), all glass lens |
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| Auto-Focus | TTL system AF, focus adjusting range: approximately 3.15 in. to infinity Contrast detection system. |
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| Auto-Focus Range | Normal mode: 15.7 in. to infinity, Macro mode: 3.15 in. to infinity. |
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| File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.1), DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compliant |
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| Image Quality | Fine, Normal or Basic |
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| Exposure Control | Automatic with Exposure Comp ( +/-2.0 at 0.5 EV) |
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| White Balance | Auto, Outdoor, Cloudy, Incandescent, Flourescent |
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| Sensitivity | Equivalent to ISO 100/200/400 |
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| Shutter | Mechanical shutter 1 to 1/1000 sec |
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| Recording Modes | Single, MULTI (16 continuous), Bulb Mode (1 or 2 secs) |
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| Built-in Flash | Adjusting range 1.3 ft to 8.2 ft (Auto, Red-Eye, Forced, Slow Sync, OFF) |
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| Video Interface | Provides NTSC and PAL video output signal |
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| LCD Monitor | 1.5" color LCD monitor, TFT (61,600 pixels) |
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| Storage Media | Supports SmartMedia 3v 2MB to 128MB, ships with 8MB |
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| Optical Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder |
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| Status Display | User selectable controls and LCD status display |
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| Self Timer | 10 or 2 seconds |
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| Tripod Mount | Built-In |
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| Data Communication Interface | USB |
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| Power | Includes four AA Alkaline batteries. Accepts four AA sized batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-Cd and NiMH). Optional AC adapter, rechargeable batteries and charger. |
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| Software on CD-ROM | Sierra Imaging Image Expert, USB Storage Driver |
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| Camera Dimensions | Dimensions (W x H x D): 105mm x 68mm x 55mm 4.13 in. x 2.68 in. x 2.17 in. |
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| Weight | Without batteries: 8.1 oz. |
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| System Requirements | Windows: 98/Me/2000. Macintosh: System 9 or higher |
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