The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M2: Reviewed by Hugh McKinney
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M2 is a hybrid 5.1-megapixel combined video and still camera device. With the DSC-M2's ergonomic design, it's fold and swivel screen makes the camera compact and easy to carry around; it weighs just 180g, and when the camera is to be used the back panel is moved 90 degrees and the screen is turned to face the user. The controls are located in the body of the camera and are designed and laid out for simple one-handed operation, this is most definitely a point-and-shot device. The power-on switch and the DC-in port are located on the right of the device and the majority of the other controls are on the inner back panel. The charge, record and play lights are on the top right of the back panel, zoom control is centered above the larger photo release, movie record and the mode button for shooting or playback selection; the main function control panel is uncluttered and easy to operate whether you are taking stills or shooting in movie mode. The M2 can also be configured to be used as a two handed camera; by simply swiveling the LCD panel back with the LCD screen facing out the camera can be operated with the control buttons that are placed around the LCD screen. The camera uses a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tesser Lens with 3x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom and uses auto-focus and aperture modes. White balance has a number of option settings, Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent and Flash, and the in-built flash has a pre-flash and red-eye reduction modes. Pictures and movies shot can be previewed on camera with a slideshow function that can be accompanied with music, there a four per-set music options to choose from, however you have the option to replace these with your own 4 selections of music if you wish. The M2 records pictures and movies using Sony’s Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Duo Pro, the recording formats are JPEG and MPEG4 and the InfoLithium T battery will give up to 105 minutes of use or 210 shots. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M2 is quirky in design, and is probably not the best suited device if you are serious about shooting photos and video, however if you are looking for a funky alternative for taking pictures and movies this compact camera will do the job. |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quirky design. Versitle. | Pricey. Short battery life. |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Style | 4/5 |
| Service & Support | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 3/5 |
| Recommend | 1/5 |
| Overall | 4/5 |