Canon F2.9-F4.8, 7 elements in 5 groups, f=7.25 to 20.3mm (equivalent to 35-100mm on a 35mm camera), all glass lens Zoom 2.8X Optical, 2.2X Digital zoom.

Auto-Focus Range: Normal mode is 8ft to infinity, Macro mode: 0.33ft (wide), 0.83ft (tele) to infinity.

Real-image optical viewfinder, no dioptric adjustment. The LED indicates focus and flash status by changing color (red and green) and blinking or staying on steady.

The built in flash has a working range of 2.67 ft to 10 ft and Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Forced (Fill), Slow Sync and disabled modes of operation.

On the back is a 4-way jog switch that you push in the center to accept selections. The MENU button calls up the onscreen menu system in record or playback modes. The FOCUS button cycles between AF, Macro, 1m, 3m, Infinity. The button under the MENU button lets you create new folders on the SM card. The trashcan button is the image Delete button. Below the LCD is the DISP/I button that controls the color LCD and the amount of information displayed on it.

On top is the shutter release, power button and the Mode Dial with positions for Setup, Connect to PC, Playback, Auto Record, Manual Record and Movie Record.

The monochrome data display on the top shows important camera settings at a glance. Icons represent the battery level, image size/quality, selftimer, flash mode, space remaining on SM card and the number of pictures remaining. Unlike the PDR-M70, the M81's data LCD is not illuminated.

The buttons let you set the selftimer, change the image quality or flash modes without accessing the menus on the color LCD.

The built in microphone is used for the AVI Video Recording mode. The PDR-M81 can capture up to a maximum of 3 minutes of 320 x 240 motion video @ 15fps.

Image storage is on 3v SmartMedia flash cards, a 16MB card is included and any size up to 128MB can be used. The cards are easily removed by a push in and pop out type of ejector.

The DC IN jack is used for connecting an optional AC power supply. The PC/AV port connects either the USB cable for downloading to the computer or the audio / video output cable.

The camera is powered by four AA type batteries, a set of alkalines are included but NiMH rechargeable type are strongly recommended.