Reviews for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera2.5" LCD - 3x Optical Zoom - 640 x 480 Video - MPN: DSCM1
By member:
Anonymous
- Dec 15, 2004
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Good video quality, great pictures, excellent viewer/screen. Weakness: Expensive memory cards, pretty big unit compared to current digital cameras, expensive. I couldn't wait to get this camera but I was a little disapointed once I received it. First, you can't carry it in your pocket. way too big for that. But, what you give-up with the size, you gain with the functionality. Second, it needs lots of memory for pictures and videos and memory stick duo's are not cheap. Finally, I fumbled with it for a few days before getting used to the form factor. I was about ready to return it until it started growing on me. (I plan on keeping it now!) 96% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
katedickie
- Jan 4, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Great all round camera. Shoots excellent high-rez stills, and DVD quality video. Color, clarity and exposure are all excellent without manual intervention. Excellent form factor. Weakness: MPEG 4 converter software should provide ability to convert to DV codec, not just MPEG 2. Video mode requires decent lighting. Small size makes video shaky at 3X zoom even with image stabilization. I love this camera. The innovative design, twisting half the body to a 90% angle to shoot stills or video, allows a much larger display and well placed, easily manipulated buttons. I shot pictures with gloves on! If you want DVD quality video and high quality (5M) stills in one package, this is an excellent choice. The only negatives are, I think, unavoidable; the small lens requires decent lighting (not a problem for stills as the flash is quite intense, but a problem for videos in low light), the light weight makes it hard to avoid jitters when at 3X zoom (haven't tried with non-optical), and, well, only 3X optical zoom. But, given it's small size and wieght (and therefore truly outstanding portability), it's a great compromise that allows you to shoot what you want, when you want, while making it easy to keep with you whereever you go. 91% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
buyer_hopper
- Jul 7, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1Strengths: Large 2.5 inch viewer screen size, 3X zoomable on the fly during video captured with great stereo sound, great still picture. Weakness: Required moderatly bright light for good video capture. Its form factor is very stylist about half of the thickness of my old digital camera. 86% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
sdcaboi22
- Jan 28, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: very stylish, lots of features, great picture and video quality Weakness: a bit bulky, only comes with 32MB memory, hard to find a case for, Bought this camera to replace my Sony DSC-T1. I must say, I was quite anxious to get this new camera. The camera seems to be the exact same as the T1, with a few added features. ALl of the menu settings are the same, which I like, since I was already used to them. 82% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
Reply by member: schneiderdriver
Mar 26, 2005 Good review, but you say "the camera seems to be the exact same size as the T1". I'm not sure where you came up with that. On my computer screen, it is only about 1.5 inches long on its long side, but of course it is not shown to scale. I believe before I bought the camera, I'd check the specs... I certainly wouldn't trust my perception of it from a picture!
By member:
Masuyo
- Jan 2, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Exotic Design for a camera (many mistake it as a camera phone) Best compression for video clips in digital cameras, but definately not enough to completely replace the camcorder. Weakness: just like any camera that uses the NP-FT1 battery...weak flash, short life -LCD is darker (sometimes completely black) than the acutual lighting 78% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
eyecrispy
- Jan 10, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: -compact size with loads of functionality -great stills -high quality videos -ease of use -great design -cradle for camera Weakness: -expensive memory card -hard to shoot videos in low light situations -battery life could be better -a bit pricey -lens in way of hands if you're not careful i'm a busy mother with two young children. i don't have room or enough hands to carry both a digital camera and a camcorder. this camera is PERFECT for someone like me. i always have it in my pocket or in my bag and use it almost daily. I've captured a TON of priceless videos and stills. if you use it the way i do, you will get your money's worth in no time! no other hybrid camera comes close to touching the DSC-M1. the camera also has a lot of advanced features for the more serious photographer. it's worth the money. 77% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
yjwow
- Mar 15, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: wide screen, particular design, good video quality, convenience of dock station. Weakness: low f(3.5~4.4), expensive memory stick, location of hook for wrist strap I have used many digital cameras and this is the best of all. When I received sony dsc-m1, I thought it was little big for carrying around but my pocket's still enough for this camera. 75% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
hoQmoon
- Feb 23, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: really likes a hybrid camera that can take both good stills and videos Weakness: Only thing missing as with most sony camera's is the low optical resolution I have the M-1 for 3 days. I have to said it is an excellent DC. The video quility is excellent just like a DV the only problem is right now the largest MS Duo Pro is 512MB, but I think they have a 1G version come out soon. Great camera, but pricy. 75% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
harrymitch
- Oct 1, 2005
Get Real; salem,Ma,Strengths: Grate size,excleent pic's, fit's in your coat poket nice and neat,som guy's like to show thier camra, I dont.not a expart with eletronics,but i short of got it....And aways got a complemt when.seen. Weakness: Bad plasement for the fricking strap..And kind of heavy,and to be very stedy.need 2 Batts, Love the look, grate quilety,good size,Flash a little weak.Over all I Love it.. good pic's, looks good ,Easy to carry,aways get complimts,But if you must have a perfect pic Invest in a tripod....... 67% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
Reply by member: cbeni
Sep 5, 2006 This guy can't spell for his life,but thanks for the advice.
By member:
killerby
- Feb 21, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: size, video quality, the fact that there is a tripod attachment that isn't on the t1 Weakness: kind of awkward at first, but easy to use once you get used to the format and layout great camera. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is not too serious about photography, but wants good pictures. Price is a little high, but quality is great 67% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
craigg1
- Mar 6, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: This camera offers the best implementation for both still pictures and video that I have seen. 44 minutes of 640x480 30fps MPEG4 video on one chip. Very compact and portable. Weakness: Flash is weak but this is common with such small cameras. The DSC-M1 is certainly an interesting concept, and while it still has some rough edges particularly in terms of ergonomics and design, it also has plenty of positives as well. While it isn't designed to completely replace a camcorder, its relatively compact dimensions and light weight will make it much more likely to accompany you, than would be a separate digital camera and camcorder. This camera is great for the traveler and I'm a big believer in the saying "If you don't have the camera, you don't get the picture". How often have you left your digital camera and/or camcorder at home, and then wished you'd had them when you saw that "once in a blue moon" opportunity? With this camera there should be few times when you can't easily slip this camera in your pocket for that special moment! 63% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
Windchaser
- Dec 17, 2004
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Very Nice Camera, Cool Design, Capture high quality video Weakness: Expensive Momery Card & Size other than that is a perfect camera The DSC-M1 take beautiful picture and I haven't got a chance to use the video function but I'm sure it will be very nice and also one thing u have to look into is get a extra battery cause that battery doesn't seem least very long other than that I'm very happy with the DSC-M1 62% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
catwoman2001
- Mar 16, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: "Interesting" design, true mpeg4 recording, long movie recording times, zoom during filming, stereo sound, robust performance, large, bright, rotating 2.5" LCD, visible even in outdoor light Weakness: Expensive, clumsy design, poorly placed controls, buttons are too small, picture quality is disappointing, redeye problem Weak flash While it's an interesting concept, I don't think the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is good enough at taking pictures and videos to justify its hefty $600 price tag. For less money you could get a better designed camera that takes better pictures and videos of nearly the same quality. 50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
akari72
- Mar 4, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Compact size, Stylish, Superb video quality, Ease of Use, Rotating Swivel for Self-Shots. Weakness: Lack of sufficient memory stick capacity(36MB?), expensive memory, lack of night-shot vision. Purchased camera online - very pleased with the product. This has been one of the most innovative and best purchase in electronics I have made during the last 12 months. You will not be disappointed -simply no flaw that is worth mentioning. 50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
ericmatias
- Jan 12, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: I love the versatility. Digital stills and video images are incredible. Highly recommended for those requiring one device to take digital stills and videos. Weakness: I have had several other digital cameras, I was a bit thrown off by the size. It is a little larger than most but after a few uses it isn't that noticeable anymore. Having owned other Sony digital cameras and camcorders I knew before I purchased this model that I was getting a reliable and feature packed device. This camera does both stills and videos quite well. The new video compression format allows me to store at least 22 minutes of video on one charge and one 512MB memory stick. I would highly recommend this model. It's been a hit at work with all the IT geeks I work with. Enjoy. 43% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
wincent
- Jan 1, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: It has both function of taking still images and video. Weakness: It doesn't have the smart zoom function. I like it most cause it is small, more functional and portable. Also it's appearance is so stylish. Basically the only thing i feel that this camera has shortcomings.First, it doesn't have a better resolution than DSC-V3, second, it doesn't have smart zoom function, furthermore. but i like it best is that the vari-angles LCD it has. 23% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
linochanyungco
- May 3, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Sharp pictures, good size lcd screen, very short lag between and during still picture shots. Weakness: Unexpectedly bulky, poor ergonimics, low capacity memory stick supplied, charging cradle fell short on design/ ease of use. My super portable pocketsized all-in-one camera was a Fisher FCD-C1 which only had 3.1 mp resolution and a tiny screen. I loved its pistol grip design, but the resolution was just a bit too low to my satisfaction. Sony's DSC-M1 was, I thought, the best candidate with it's 5mp still shots and a larger screen. It solved the short comings of the FCD-C1, but it was way bulky in comparison. The DSC-M1 is pocket-sized if you're wearing cargo pants and I miss the ergonomic design of the FCD-C1. 0% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
ixcafe
- Mar 9, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: It's fast. Movie mode creates impressive MPEG4 video (with crisp audio) at a length limited only by available memory Unique form factor makes complex picture-taking situations easier Weakness: Bulkier than many compact cameras currently available Memory card slot is exposed, making wet weather a concern Some downloading methods caused the images to lose vibrancy, necessitating simple touch-ups The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is the ultimate 2-in-1 device. It allows you to record 5 MP-resolution still images with high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optics and to capture TV-quality MPEG4 video using Memory Stick DUO with lengths limited only by the capacity of media. The camera's ultra-slim design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or purse and makes its large 2.5-inch LCD seem even more amazing! 0% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
drippingdead
- Nov 21, 2006
Sony DSC-M1Strengths: portability, light density meter, decent amount of mem at 1gig. mpeg4 conversion simple to mov file. Weakness: case ?, strap is aweful, no night shot, no direct usb conn to camera. I bought this camera over year ago in NH ( so i didnt have to pay tax on it ) with a 1 gig psp pro stick. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
Conscious1
- Jan 3, 2006
Excellent camera!!!!! Mediocre software....Strengths: Takes excellent pictures, MS/USB compatibility, sturdy design (minus the door covering the charger port), big screen, separate shtter buttons. Weakness: Viewing video on computer is cumbersome, no USB on the unit itself, only 3X optical zoom, limited range for flash, pricey Ok, here's the deal. About 4 months ago I purchased my Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 for...are you ready for this? $250! That's right, $250. Would I pay $400-$600 for this camera? Of course I would...not! Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
gotwins
- May 29, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Very high cool factor, takes great photos (when they're not blurry), takes very nice video Weakness: Uses the more expensive Memory Stick Duo media, some blurry photo problems I've used both the Sony W1 and the P200 (my current camera). I bought the M1 thinking it would be the best of video & still photography, but my P200 is all I need. The M1 suffers from some of the notorious blurry photo problems plaguing other Sony models - most notably the W1. The media for this M1 is expensive too. I've decided to sell the M1 and just stick with the P200. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
wooddy
- May 25, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Easy to use, high photos and videos quality. It's small for carry. A unique rotating hybrid LCD monitor. Weakness: Memory stick duo and accessories are expensive. The quality is good. Easy to take photos and videos because it has two buttons. One button takes photos, and another one takes videos. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
By member:
lilithlin
- May 14, 2005
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 5.1 Megapixel Compact CameraStrengths: Wide screen with 270 degree rotation, special design, good quality for picture and video. There are several language interface so that it is convenient for my family who does not understand English. Weakness: Expensive memory card, big size comparing other current digital camera. Only one color option. This is my second SONY digital camera. Last year I bought the SONY P10 with similar price as this one. I have to say although M1 is not cheap, comparing to P10, this one is more valuable. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
reviewgist.com - Dec 23, 2009
ReviewGist for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1
Video is Good according to 4 Camcorder experts. -- "excellent movie quality"-reviews.cnet.com -- "The 640-by-480, 30-fps video clips we took were also good overall."-pcmag.com -- "good color"-reviews.cnet.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Optics, Battery, Interface, etc. Top
testseek.com - Feb 9, 2009
Sony Cybershot DSC-M1
Testseek.com has collected 8 expert reviews for Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 and the average expert rating is 68 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions. Top
TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008
Sony Cybershot DSC-M1
Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.27 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #439 Compact digital camera of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a... Top
DCResource - Feb 3, 2005
DCRP Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1
While it's an interesting concept, I don't think the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is good enough at taking pictures and videos to justify its hefty $600 price tag. For less money you could get a better designed camera that takes better pictures and videos of nearly the same quality -- heck, Sony makes just such a camera. Top
Imaging Resource - Sep 9, 2004
Sony DSC-M1
We're clearly seeing at least some signs of "convergence" between still and video photography taking place in the digicam market, with the "movie" capabilities of digicams becoming more capable every year. While they appear to be loathe to use the word "convergence" in their own messaging, Sony has clearly been one of the leaders in this trend, with virtually their entire line of digicams... Top
laptopmag.com - Nov 30, -0001
Shoots smooth video, takes crisp five-megapixel stills, and slips into your front pocket with ease.
Compared to the other tapeless camcorders we tested, the DSC-M1 is a tank-in a good way. The attractive brushed metal exterior is imposing. Swinging open the LCD exposes a generous 2.5-inch screen and Carl Zeiss lens, equipped with a 3X optical zoom. With the LCD in operating position, the unique controls are accessible: dedicated buttons to shoot video or still photos, a zoom control, and menu... Top
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Good Combo Unit
Strengths: Takes excellent stills, excellent video (for a combo unit), big and bright LCD, small form factor, stylish design
Weakness: Only 3x optical zoom, zooming is slow, steep learning curve, tripod needed to keep from blurring
Before i say anything, keep in mind that i am NOT a professional photographer, and that this review is from the perspective of an average consumer.
I originally looked into this camera after buying over $100 worth of memory sticks for my PSP. I thought, if these things are so expensive, i might as well have something else that uses them. You can remove the memory stick directly from the camera and view the pictures right away on your PSP. I was disappointed to find that the mpeg4 (video) format was not the same mpeg4 format supported by my PSP (although i hear that the soon-to-come version 2.0 firmware supports more formats).
Despite what some people seem to think, the DSC-M1 is very small and easily pocketable- a little smaller than most digital cameras actually. The LCD screen is big and easy to read. The menus are easy to navigate, even if you don't quite understand what all the options mean yet. The focus modes are a bit odd, but just hit the button and let the camera figure out what to do- the results are usually acceptable. The flash seems powerful enough to me. Some people have called it "weak", and i hope they realize that the DSC-M1 has a deafult flash setting of "normal" (you can still increase the power) when it comes out of the box.
Pictures are crisp and correctly colored. I took an amazing close-up shot of my thumb for testing- it looked excellent and suffered from absolutly no blurriness. The video is huge (640x480) and while it doesn't match the quality of a camcorder, i could see someone using this as a worthy substitute for one (in short bursts, a 512MB can only hold about 22 mins). You can also bring down the quality if you need to capture lots of video (a 512MB can hold about 4 hours of low-quality video).
My only problem with this camera is that some shots are hard to steady. It feels kinda stupid to whip out a tripod for this little camera, but you may have to if you want a great shot.
I paid $399 for my DSC-M1 and i am not regreating my purchase. This camera is for people that want loads of features compressed into a small package. If you want a really excellent still camera, or a really excellent camcorder, you won't find either here. But you will find a camera that takes very good pictures and very good video.
100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?