Toshiba PDR-M500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom

by Toshiba

Product Details

Product Manual [12.52mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.3 x 2.7 inches ; 10.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000AMDVT
• Item model number: PDR-M500
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,953 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 30, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Toshiba introduces its new M Series--two multi-featured digital cameras boasting 10x optical zoom Canon lenses, ultra-bright 2.5-inch LCDs, blazing high-speed continuous shooting, and a long-running AVI video mode with audio. Both M Series cameras--the PDR-M500 2.0 megapixel camera and the PDR-M700 3.2 megapixel camera--are designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shutterbugs seeking a variety of high-quality photographic and inventive multimedia requirements.

Stylish, compact, and feature-rich, the two new cameras are identical in appearance, apart from the color of their housings. The PDR-M500 sports a high-tech silver hue, while the PDR-M700 has a classic champagne tint. The body design mirrors the traditional look and feel of a 35mm SLR camera while showcasing the impressive digital technology. In the booming category of digital cameras for consumers, M Series cameras are standouts. With their wealth of advanced photographic features and controls, the PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 redefine what a digital camera should be.

Features include:

• 10X OPTICAL ZOOM LENS: Both cameras provide for a range of shooting possibilities thanks to a Canon 10X optical zoom lens equivalent to a 35-350mm lens on a 35 mm camera. This up-close feel is greatly enhanced by a 4x digital telephoto mode that, when used in conjunction with the optical zoom, produces a jaw-dropping 40X zooming capability without compromising image clarity from any distance.
• CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: For action sequences, M Series cameras have a continuous shooting mode that captures up to 4 high-resolution images per second for up to 9 frames (PDR-M500) or 6 frames (PDR-M700) when the shutter button is held down. In addition, the photographer can capture one shot per second for up to 16 seconds (PDR-M500) or 14 seconds (PDR-M700). Unlike other cameras in its class that are troubled by slow shutter response time, M Series cameras achieve optimal speed with their vastly-improved TTL method auto-focus featuring a more sensitive contrast detection system. On the other end of the photographic spectrum, the shutter can be manually set to remain open for up to 16 seconds (0.7, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 seconds) for extended exposure photography, excellent for night-time shooting and fireworks.
• 2.5 INCH LCD SCREEN: M Series cameras give shutterbugs the really big picture thanks to a 2.5 inch low-temperature poly silicon LCD. The 118K-pixel screen is 60% larger than the LCDs found on most other digital cameras. Moreover, the Toshiba LCD automatically adjusts to ambient lighting conditions for maximum visibility to aid the user in framing and shooting.
• MANUAL CONTROLS: In addition to its point-and-shoot automatic features, M Series cameras offer a full array of manual controls, empowering the advanced shooter to select ISO sensitivity, exposure control method (Program AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE), exposure compensation (+/-2.0 EV in 1/3 increments), aperture (F2.8-F8), shutter speeds, white balance, Macro mode, plus flash settings (auto, red eye, forced, suppressed, off and slow sync) for greater personal expression.
• AEB FUNCTION: As any experienced photographer knows, it may be difficult at times to settle on the exact exposure value while shooting in manual mode. For that reason, M Series cameras have AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) to make several bracket shots of the same subject with different exposure points, and then choose the best exposed shot for saving.
• VARIABLE RECORDING MODES: Ideal exposure in standard shooting situations is assured with the M Series’ six programmed recording modes: portrait, macro, landscape, night mode, sepia, and black and white.
• MULTIMEDIA: Adding to the camera’s appeal is an extended play movie mode with audio that records uninterrupted based on the capacity of the SD card, rather than pause each 15 seconds as is the case with lesser-quality cameras. Like digital photos, the AVI videos (320x240, 15 fps) can be stored on an SD memory card, viewed on a TV, burned onto CDs or DVDs, e-mailed to friends or colleagues, posted on a website, or used in multimedia authoring. The cameras are equipped with a terminal so that users can also connect an external microphone for higher audio quality.
• ADAPTER RING: For the first time in a Toshiba digital camera, an adapter ring will be included standard with the PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras. This 52mm ring allows conversion lens and filters to fit onto the camera lens barrel to enhance versatility.
• SD MEMORY CARDS: PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras ship with a 16 MB SD card capable of holding up to 268 JPEG images. Both cameras support SD card up to 512 MB. Exceptionally compact, SD cards do not need a power source to store information and permit fast downloads of images. Individual storage folders can be created inside the SD card to better organize pictures.
• SOFTWARE: ACD Systems Ltd. ACDSee software is a comprehensive solution for downloading, editing, printing and e-mailing photos. The cameras are compatible with Windows (98/2000/ME/XP) and Apple Macintosh (OS 9.0, OS 10.1.3-10.1.5, 10.2) operating systems.
• ACCESSORIES: Other accessories included with PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras are: a wireless remote control, a soft case, a wrist strap, a protective lens cap, an instruction manual, ACDSee software on a CD, a USB cable, a Video cable (PAL/NTSC), and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.

Product Description

Includes 16 MB SD Memory Card, 4AA Batteries, USB Cable, Video Cable, Adapter Ring,Camera Case , Shoulder Strap, Instruction Manual

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best digital for the money I've seen, October 7, 2003

By 

Geoffrey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba PDR-M500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This was a replacement for my Nikon CP775, and so far outperforms it in every category. This camera has continuous shooting, manual shutter and aperture if desired, selectable flash- it even uses AA batteries rather than a specialty battery, and uses a standard rather than proprietary USB cable! For a semi-pro/ high-end hobby camera, I haven't been able to find this combination of features for this price. 10x zoom means no more separate tele lens, and the TTL viewfinder shows just the pic I'm getting. Clarity is good too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to use, Nice, Functional with Great Zoom!, July 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Toshiba PDR-M500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I purchased this camera because I wanted a moderately priced, adequate camera to take photos from, especially on trips. I didn't want to shell out $500+ dollars for a camera with a significant optical zoom because I've lost some expensive cameras in the past. I ordered this one, and it is fantastic. I'm not a professional photographer, of course, but this camera does a great job and the zoom is fantastic! You can easily zoom in on someone's face from over 100 feet away. The large screen is also very good. I really like this camera.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this camera, March 15, 2004

By 

L. Wilder "KnowsGoodMusic" (Cordova, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba PDR-M500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camera is a dream to use. I read various reviews before buying this model and everyone seemed to really think it was a good value. I agree. I have had 3 or 4 rather mid priced digital cameras before this one, and every feature of this camera is far, far superior to all my others. I keep a couple sets of rechargable AA's in rotation, but I even think this model has battery long life considering all the power. Another reviewer here mentioned great low-light photos, and I'll just add that I used it for a night time Mardi Gras parade for the web and I got some good shots, great color even in that low light at night. You can forget the 40X 'digital' zoom for hand held shots---but the 'real' 10X optical zoom is GREAT !