Alan Stafford

Toshiba PDR-M25

The Toshiba PDR-M25 is one of the least expensive 2-megapixel digital cameras you can buy, especially when you consider that it comes with a 3X zoom lens. Yet it feels sturdy compared to some other models. It's also one of the quietest models we've tested recently, even when zooming. The PDR-M25 makes it easy for anyone to take photos, though that's partly due to its lack of features. But the camera simplifies even mundane tasks: A small four-way thumb button (a feature quickly becoming ubiquitous on digital cameras) enables you to navigate a menu just a few layers deep; to enter the menu, just press the thumb button downward. Unlike with other cameras, you don't have to press a separate menu button. To confirm a setting, press the center--you don't have to press another button. The only other button on the back of the camera is a delete button for erasing unwanted images you've just taken. On the top of the camera, three buttons surround the monochrome LCD screen. The first button controls the flash; the second, the image quality and resolution; and the third, both the macro and the timer. (Combining those functions in a single button can be a little confusing at first, but it doesn't take long to figure out.)
You'll have no trouble hustling through the menus and controls, but the camera frequently struggles to keep up with you in some operations. The optical zoom moves slowly, and it blurs during its travel. The camera also autofocuses too slowly. Worse, the image in the color LCD display freezes when you push halfway down on the shutter release, seemingly because the camera is trying to focus. Reviewing captured pictures goes slowly, too--you must wait about 2 seconds between frames. The manual doesn't have much to cover, but it lumps four different languages into a 0.75-inch-thick manual--and it doesn't have an index.
In our tests, the PDR-M25 took average-quality shots. Nearly all shots looked properly exposed, with accurate to slightly dull colors. On the other hand, most shots, even the 4-by-6-inch prints, looked grainy. A set of four AA batteries lasted 220 shots, or 1 hour and 17 minutes. That's slightly below average for cameras that use AA batteries, but it should work well for most users needs, and you can swap in a set of inexpensive rechargeables. Your only picture taking options are full-automatic mode and manual mode. The latter adds the ability to tweak the white balance and exposure compensation settings--but nothing more. When you turn on the camera, the lens extends and pops off the tethered, plastic lens cap. Unlike on some other cameras, the operation doesn't seem likely to damage the lens. The thick, squarish body is difficult to hold in one hand if you want to work the zoom--a tiny little toggle on the very edge of the back panel moves the lens, and moving your thumb to press the toggle leaves the body unsupported.
You can buy better cameras, but you'll pay much more for them. The PDR-M25 is a solid value for a simple point-and-shoot.

Buying Information

Toshiba PDR-M25 2.2 megapixels, 1792 by 1200 maximum resolution, 38mm to 114mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.9 to f6.9 aperture range, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/500 seconds, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB 1.1 and video connections, 8MB SmartMedia card, four AA batteries, 12 ounces with batteries; Sierra Imaging Image Expert software. One-year parts and labor warranty; toll-free support for 12 hours on weekdays. $ 249 2.2 megapixels, 1792 by 1200 maximum resolution, 38mm to 114mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.9 to f6.9 aperture range, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/500 seconds, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB 1.1 and video connections, 8MB SmartMedia card, four AA batteries, 12 ounces with batteries; Sierra Imaging Image Expert software. One-year parts and labor warranty; toll-free support for 12 hours on weekdays. http://www.dsc.toshiba.com 800/288-1354