[Recovered Thread: 30366]

[thkn777]

Is it a good cam? Cheap and stuffed with lots of goodies.

- 10x Zoom, 3mp

- 4x Alcalines or rechargables

- Movie 320x240 with zoom (asked support if or not with AF) and sound

Cheapest online price I found on a quick search: 259 EURO.

[JimC]

From what I've been able to find out, this model is actually made by Premier Image Technology in Taiwan (it's their model DCA2A30). It appears that the Toshiba PDR-M700 is also the same camera (just restyled). See this article:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1070381549.html

Steve has a review of the PDR-M700 here:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/m700.html

[thkn777]

Thanks a lot. Seems to be a retail cam:

Toshiba, Vivitar, Rollei, Jenoptic have similar cams. So is this good or bad - hm.

[JimC]

You'll need to decide for yourself, if it's a good choice for you. I'd read Steve's Review carefully, paying close attention to his conclusion section. I see that this model does seem to have a problem focusing in low light, and the EVF useability in low light is also questionable.

Of course, this is common with some of the EVF equipped models ("Super Zoom" models must use an Electronic Viewfinder, since it's too difficult to manufacturer a Zoom Coupled Optical Viewfinder in a non-SLR camera with a lens this "long").

You may also want to check out the reviews of some of the other "Super Zoom" models (if you really need the longer zoom). You'll seemore models listed in Steves' "The Best Cameras" page here (under the 10-12X Optical "Super" Zoom section)

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

[shutterbuggy]

I think the Minolta DiMage Z2 is the better cam and the price tag is slightly comparable to that of the Rollei.

Plus: You know what you get. With the Rollei you don't know if the quality is up to Toshiba's standard.

The Minolta DiMage Z1 is at a very reasonable 242 EUR, has a 3-MP CCD as well. But: there might be some quality problems with the LCD switch.

And: the Minolta DiMage Z2 is much faster and it sports a 4-MP CCD! Oh, and the video mode rocks!

If having a new digicam isn't too urgent, wait for the Z3 that'll be available in September or so, but it is supposed to cost more than 400 EUR.

The Z1 review is located here

The Z2 review can be found here

Link to a good German online shop with nice prices: here

[thkn777]

Thanks all,

the design of the Z2 is what we (whole family) don't like at the moment. Or to be more exact: the way it feels when you hold it and operate it

Otherwise: I am a Minolta Dynax 500si user for a long time now - so would like another Minolta too