Sony Cyber-shot M2 reviewed

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-M2 is the company's second-generation M-series hybrid camera. You know, the one that's supposed to squash all the bugs that were in the M1 and prove that this odd cross between a camcorder and digicam really works. DCResource took a look at the M2 and found it to be less boxy and more ergonomic than the M1, and found the MPEG-4 VGA movie mode to be better than that found in most still camera, with good quality and decent compression (a 1GB Memory Stick holds about 45 minutes of video). Still images were consistent with those taken with other compact Sony digicams, and suffered from some softness. Overall, the reviewer wasn't exactly wowed, which isn't that surprising; now that almost all decent point-and-shoot digicams (including other, cheaper, Sony models) come with 30fps VGA video, the M series may just be a novelty whose time has come and gone.

[someone who knows @ Feb 10th 2006 11:54AM]

Here is an idea... lets put the left and right stereo mics to the side of the lense. That way if someone is speaking directly into the camera, it will sound funny! Everyone loves a funny voice!

[nicholas @ Feb 10th 2006 12:59PM]

Skip that! I ordered a Sanyo HD-1...

Full 720 and rumored 1080, and a 5m still for $800...

[cuby @ Feb 10th 2006 1:16PM]

the M2 is significant in that it is a step towards abandoning the film-camera form factor. we wouldn't need so much image stabilization if we didn't have to fiddle with shutter releases with our index fingers and hold an awkward little block which has no real reason to resemble film cams. enough with the anachronisms already, do consumers really still need to be coddled by familiarity to the detriment of usability?

the M2 (along with that ridiculous little pentax optio mx guy that came out a while back) show that the digicam is coming into its own. now the only question is, when the heck will they develop a camera with zero-force AF and shutter release?

[Kamalot @ Feb 10th 2006 1:46PM]

"the M series may just be a novelty whose time has come and gone"

Sounds like most of Sony.

[john @ Feb 10th 2006 2:32PM]

I have a DSC-M1 and I gotta say I love it!
It's given me wonderful pictures and movies everytime I've used it. I wouldn't trade it for anything less than a DSL at this point. For $475 (Sale at Circuit City) It was the best camera investment I've made. Yes, the dock sucks for transfer, but I have a pro-duo reader on my Vaio laptop so it's fine for me.

Is it perfect? No. But it is a terrific camera for someone who wants to be able to pull out a camera, take a photo or video VERY FAST, and put it away...

I like the design of the M1 better though. This one looks like a rejected Qualia line (or whatever that super expensive Sony line was called)

I like my Black Brushed Metal finish better.

[vienna @ May 1st 2006 6:13AM]

hello, i hope to know can i use my Sony Cyber-shot M2 sending my photo by ipod camera connector in my ipod?

[max @ Sep 4th 2006 5:39AM]

i love this camera! it has been with me just since April and it's really trusty. the problem now is the lens.. i mean i keep on getting a message then i checked on the manual and stated there that the lens caused some error..what the heck?? up to now i still don't want to let my mom know.. can anyone help me??