Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 Review Review at Cameratown.com

The DSC-M1 is a dual-function digicam from Sony that promises extended video functionality through the use of MPEG-4 compression in addition to a 5-megapixel still image mode. The camera has a unique vertical design with a flip-out LCD that can be rotated 270º. The M1 features several still recording modes ranging from Auto, Program, and 9 different preset modes. The camera offers some advanced exposure controls such as exposure compensation, white balance adjustment, and ISO control. The video mode uses MPEG-4 compression to record stereo audio and video with a resolution of 640x480 at 30 fps.

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DCResource

8.63

02-03-05

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Final Review: While it looks a heck of a lot like a camera phone, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 ($600) can't make or receive calls. Rather, it's a unique combination of camera and camcorder, though that's not necessarily how Sony wants you to see it. The M1 combines a 5 Megapixel camera (mostly parts from the DSC-T1), enhances its movie recording functionality by using the MPEG4 format, and throwing it into a body unlike anything else on the market.

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CNET Reviews

7.80

05-05-05

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At the unveiling of the eye-catching Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1 in the fall of 2004, it promised hybrid still and video performance to accompany its futuristic, quirky design. We found that the M1 delivers on most counts, delivering decent 5-megapixel images, a solid snapshot feature set with some novel additions, and a video mode that's impressive as long as you can afford the high-capacity Memory Stick Duo Pro media. Indeed, the Sony M1 has two major pluses that separate it from the hybrid pack: superior performance for a point-and-shoot camera and MPEG-4 movie quality that tops any we've seen from a competitor. On the minus side, Sony burdens the device with subpar software.

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Imaging-Resource

7.38

09-09-04

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First Look: The Sony DSC-M1 is the latest in Sony's tradition of making innovative Cyber-shot models that aim to identify traditional "problem" areas in other digicams, and improve on them. Sony digital cameras span the full range of price and performance, and Sony enjoys a leading position among digital camera manufacturers, but the DSC-M1 is truly a unique product in the digicam marketplace. Based on the existing T1 model, Sony's Cyber-shot M1 is a truly full-featured digital camera, with a 5 megapixel CCD, a 3x optical zoom lens, a huge 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a full complement of options such as variable ISO settings, color saturation, contrast, and sharpness adjustments. Automatic exposure control offers point-an-shoot ease, with a handful of scene modes for more difficult shooting situations. The main focus for Sony on the M1 has been on improving the movie clip functionality, however - with the camera body and firmware redesigned to make the camera conducive to recording a combination of still images and movies. Packaged with a camera dock for quick USB connection to a computer, the Cyber-shot M1 offers great portability and a large selection of features. Read the review below for the details, but if you're looking for an compact, functional five-megapixel digicam, and enjoy taking short movie clips, the Sony DSC-M1 should be on your "short list".

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Byte Sector

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08-30-05

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Sony has introduced another gorgeous camera to the market with more than a few tricks up its multi-industry-spanning and largely metaphorical sleeves. The DSC-M1 falls into the brand new Cyber-shot M category, with the M standing for movie. This new line not only takes great pictures, but is designed to record movies at high framerates, with small sizes. It may look more like a cell phone than a 5.1 megapixel camera, but it is yet another powerful product on the market from Sony.

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PC Magazine

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03-14-05

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In fall 2004, we got our hands on a pre-production model of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1, an intriguing new hybrid device that takes both stills and videos. But since the unit we looked at was preproduction, we had to reserve judgment on image quality and performance. Now that we've had a chance to run a production unit through our tests, we have a clearer picture (pun intended). This is a good, solid camera, though a few quirks keep it from garnering an Editors' Choice award (that went to the Casio Exilim EX-P505). Still, the M1 is a good camera and well worth the money.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 Review Review

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