Sony Cybershot DSC-M2 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Wide Zoom

Product Description

It's only the best of times when you've got the Sony DSC-M2. The camera can be metamorphed to act as a digital-camera or as a digital camcorder for optimal shooting comfort. Shoot or record using the convenient flip-up LCD and never miss a moment. Its sleek design makes it easy to carry anywhere and switch from video to still image mode. Store up to 1,100 photos or 70 minutes of video with Pocket Album on top of removable Memory Stick(R) Duo media. Equipped with a Carl Zeiss®Vario-Tessar lens, 3x Optical and 6x Precision Digital Zoom, the Cyber-shot® DSC-M2 delivers outstanding clarity and performance. Choose your shooting orientation and capture the perfect shot. Or put yourself in the picture by turning the display 180-degrees. Simply rotate the LCD according to function and use. With 50% higher resolution than MPEG-VX free mode, Sony's MPEG-Movie4TV ensures sharper, high quality video. At 30 fps, the DSC-M2 maintains picture integrity without sacrificing clarity - even during abrupt recording shifts. Record over 1 1/2 hours of spectacular video with 2GB Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo. Move beyond MPEG2 and discover the quality of MPEG-Movie4 TV. The effective 5.1 Megapixel Super HAD(TM) CCD delivers high quality image control and rich color for high-quality stills. Create a masterpiece with Picture Package and Sony's DSC-M2 Cyber-shot(R) Hybrid Digital Camera/Camcorder. Add music or special effects for a professionally mastered look and copy the movie directly to Video CD or CD-R. With Picture Package, digital home video comes alive. Look around, the DSC-M2 is the logical choice digital camera for you. Images may be easily transferred to Windows PC or Macintosh computer for enhancement Size - 2.0 x 4.9 x 1.3

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2007-08-14

This is the most aesthetic camera I have ever seen, the vertical design allows one hand operation without the risk of dropping it, perfect for having fun at parties or vacation.

PROS:
Easy to use.
BIG shooting buttons! (not the ones you have to press with toothpick fingers on other cameras).
Long last battery.
Not too big files.
Pretty descent video/photo quality.

CONS:
Fragile (simply get a good case).
Not a Professional camera (if that's what you're looking for), only 5mp 3x zoom.
Zooming should be associated with the jog control during camera mode.

I wish Sony make new improved models of hybrid cameras. Meanwhile I'm really happy with my DSC-M2.

GREAT CAMERA BUT DELICATE.......2007-07-04

THIS CAMERA WAS GREAT FOR THE 1YR AND 3 MONTHS THAT I HAD THE CAMERA IN PERFECT CONDITION. FIRST OF ALL YOU NEED TO GET A CARRYING CASE FOR IT IF NOT U ARE GONNA GO THROUGH WHAT IM GOING THRU. THE SLIDE CLICK WHEEL(fwd button) TO CHANGE PICS AND VIDEOS WHEN IN VIEWING THEM SNAPPED OFF AN BROKE ON ME. THE CAMERA BEEN ACTING FUNNY ON ME LIKE LOCKING UP ON ME AND WONT CHANGE MODES, IT WONT STOP RECORDING VIDEO AFTER I PRESS THE VIDEO BUTTON AGAIN, AND WHEN IM VIEWING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS THE CAMERA SOMETIMES STARTS SWITCHING AUTOMATICALLY FROM PHOTO TO PHOTO OR VIDEO FROM VIDEO WHEN IN VIEWING MODE. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE CAMERA WHEN ACTING LIKE THIS IS TURNING IT OFF AND ON AGAIN BUT SOMETIMES I STARTS TO ACT THE SAME WAY SHORTLY AFTER, THIS IS STARTING TO GET FRUSTRATING SO I WAS WONDERING IF SONY SELLS ADDITIONAL PARTS LIKE THIS OR DO I NEED NEED TO REPLACE THE CAMERA.

Don't waste your money on this camera.......2007-04-03

I was so excited when I got this camera from Amazon. Why ? The looks alone - the flip out screen was cool, like a mini camcorder. It has MPEG4 with Stereo Sound which is, indeed, very cool. And, the video is great! But that was where the excitement ended. Now I'm not technical but I've had 3 digial cameras in the past so let me explain in simple terms why this camera sucks.

Why does this camera suck ?

It's bulky. Had they packed in something better than the standard 3x optical zoom I could understand that but they didn't.

Pictures came out blurry in darker settings. Maybe I didn't make the right settings adjustements ? But it's the worst in standard settings of all my cameras.

Flash is weak. Again with a camera this size you expect more.

5.1 Megapixel camera only. Not bad, but come one, my wife's credit card sized DCS T10 does 7.2, so again, why is this camera so big if the specs are so... average...

You need the base station to both charge the camera and view on the TV using the AV cables. Considering the base sticks out like a sore thumb with its bulky design its not something you can easily take with you unless you are carrying luggage or something. Bad choice.

But here is what really clinched it. After having 3 cameras where the LCD screen was exposed I thought, wow, this screen is protected inside so it will never break - never mind none of my screens ever broke before. So what happened? Two months after I got the camera I dropped it from from waist level and it fell on a little rock or something because I saw a little indentation on the outside and guess what - the LCD screen was all messed up. 90% unviewable. $450 wasted. I wasn't going to put in another $200 to get this junker fixed.

Bottom line? Best video I've seen, esp. for the size. Everything else about the camera sucked.

Come on Sony! Give us more photo/video cameras!.......2007-03-14

I can't believe they haven't made more and these are so hard to find now! I've had mine for a year now and it is awesome. Finally a handy marriage between a still camera and a video camera. Parents and grandparents everywhere I go wish they had one to catch EVERY fun moment with the kids. My only complaint is the low-light capabilities. Pictures just won't turn out and movies are terrible unless you're outside or inside with bright lights.

You Will Love The Hybrid Feature.......2006-10-14

I always say that there is technology you can use and technology you can impress others with.
This model helps you do both. You have a nice 5.1 MP still camera and MPEGMovie4TV video.
The very fact that you have a camera which you can take both still pictures and video is huge. I never had a video camera before because I hate to carry two camera and a big camera case, so this was the obvious solution.
I realize that instead of embracing the moment (for which they need the memory) most people often juggle between cameras.
Cons:
* Sometimes people might confuse it with camera phone
* Buttons are harder to find
* Software is not the best
* Wish had more zoom
Pros:
* Convince
* Compact
* Battery lasts long
* Flash is good
* Video sound quality is good
I wonder why this model has not swept the market - another story of good product and mad marketing.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good for the Price.......2007-03-12

Pros: Good (large) clear aperture
Good quality image
Cons: No eyepiece set screw
Telescope end tends to unscrew sometimes (due to .965 adaptation)

I purchased this erect image diagonal for use with a homemade spotting scope and it has not disappointed so far. See comments above. I got over the lack of a set screw by tapping the eyepiece end with a 4/40 tap and inserting a 4/40 thumb screw purchased from Small Parts Inc (also accessible through Amazon).

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