DCResource takes on the Sony Cyber-shot M-1
posted February 6th 2005 5:20PM
We're not quite sold on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1.
While we like the camera's swiveling 2.5-inch LCD and its MPEG-4 support, it's a little awkward-looking, and $600 seems
a bit steep for a 5 megapixel camera, even if it does take decent videos (especially since Sony already has
other cameras with many of the
same features, like the DSC-W1, for half the price). DCResource got their hands on one and gave it their full
treatment, and found it intriguing but not quite appealing. Our gut on this one is that Sony's prepared for that
kind of response and that they're testing the waters to see how much of a market there really is for this kind of
full-on hybrid — and that the next rev of this design will rock (either that or they'll decide there isn't enough of a
market and there won't be a next rev).
[Via PhotographyBlog]
It looks like the Sony Ericsson S700i
Broken link to the review...
I purchased this little toy a month ago and I love it. Of course there is much room for improvements and I wouldn't say everyone would be as thrilled as me. Also I got it for $475, I would not have paid $600 for a point and shoot.
This is my daily (fun) camera, I keep it in my bag, so I always have it with me (not really pocketable). I have already captured many pics/videos which normally I would have missed.
It isn't the best in low light situations. You either have to use 3pod or flash to get good results. What I would like added is manual aperture/shutter speed.
Right now I am working on editing the video and burning to DVD. Would be nice if Sony creates software for this.
You can't take this camera too seriously, it is still a compact point and shoot camera, but has very good video too.
I hope they do continue the M series, I am hooked.
"especially since Sony already has other cameras with many of the same features, like the DSC-W1, for half the price)."
Well, kinda. The video features on this one are really much better. 30fps stereo video, with twice the horizontal resolution AND at 25% the filesize.
"The M1 uses MPEG4 instead of MPEG1, which reduces the bit rate by a factor of 4 (down to 2.5 Mbps) while increasing horizontal resolution by 50%"
"Well, kinda. The video features on this one are really much better. 30fps stereo video, with twice the horizontal resolution AND at 25% the filesize."
Not true, the DSC-W1 does VGA resolution at 30fps but ONLY if you have a 512MB or 1GB memory stick pro.
Drop in a cell phone/organizer and i'm sold! That's really all devices i need to carry around with me.
The demand is pretty good in Hong Kong - it's supplanted the DSC-T1/11/3/33 series as the hottest non-pro gear here, despite its large size. Or at least there's plenty of interest. So the demand is there - whether because the demand is there because it's the latest Sony gadget or because people really want a combo is open to question.
I haven't seen anyone produce an actual home movie with one, if that's any indication.
i got a dsc-t1 for $500 from dell. i wanted a camera that did both photos (4m or higher) and videos (sorta-near-dv quality) well in as small a body as possible, and right now this seems to be a good choice.
as eric said, the body is too big if you're looking for a pocketable cam. (dsc-w1 is even bigger.) i carry my messenger bag almost everywhere, so i knew the size wouldn't be an issue with me.
the video quality is excellent and certainly enough to do home movies with. when i get my powerbook, i'm going to try editing some of the clips with imovie and final cut pro.
Now if Sony would just bump up the optical zoom to 5x (why are companies stuck on 3x?), I'd be more interested. This camera is too thick not to have a 5x optical zoom.
And if they'd also bag that stupid memory stick slot and go with SD, I would seriously consider this camera.
But as it stands, no deal. Nice specs otherwise.