Toshiba PDR-4300 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2.8x Optical Zoom

Optics and Resolution
The PDR-4300's 4.0-megapixel CCD image sensor yields a maximum image size of 2400 x 1600, with selectable 1200 x 800 and 720 x 480 resolution modes also available. The camera features an all-glass Canon lens equivalent to a 35-100 mm lens on a 35 mm camera, plus a 2.8x optical and 2.2x digital zoom (total 6x zoom), macro capability up to 6-inches, and a wide F2.9 aperture for improved light gathering.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) cards; a 16 MB SD memory card is included. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
The PDR-4300 captures 320 x 240 resolution video clips (with no sound) at 15 fps just as easily as it shoots still images. The size of your memory card determines how large a video file you can capture--up to a maximum of three minutes.

More Features

• 1.6-inch LCD screen.
• Built-in flash with automatic, red-eye reduction, fill in flash, and force off modes and effective distance to 10 feet.
• ISO sensitivity from 100 to 400.
• Exposure modes include program, full manual, shutter-priority, aperture-priority and scene select.
• , White balance modes include automatic, daylight, cloudy, incandescent light and two for fluorescent light.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by four AA batteries (included); rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries are recommended. This package includes the PDR-4300 digital camera, 16 MB Secure Digital card, batteries, USB and A/V cables, IR remote control, hand strap, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Product Description
Stunningly crisp, true color digital photography is yours with the Toshiba PDR-4300, the new price/performance leader in four-megapixel cameras!Imagine a four-megapixel camera that is simple enough for use by first-time digital photographers, plus offers many of the same manual control and adjustable image processing capabilities of cameras aimed at the pros. That is the genius behind the new PDR-4300, a state-of-the-art four-megapixel digital camera that merges technical sophistication with Toshiba's legendary focus on consumer-level ease of use.Topping the list of the standout feature set is a fast, all-glass f-2.9 lens with a 35mm focal range of 35mm to 100mm. The lens is designed for use with conversion lenses and filters from Tiffen, and is optimized for beautiful close-ups with its optical 2.8X optical telephoto and sharp 2.2X digital zoom. The advanced lens system works hand-in-hand with the superior 4.0 million pixels CCD to deliver brilliant images in living color.Printing at 300dpi yields eye-catching photographs suitable for framing or family photo books. Business people will find that they can easily incorporate the professional-level images into top-notch looking brochures, reports and presentations. Plus, the PDR-4300's lower resolution settings are ideal for producing internet-ready photography or video for web pages and e-mail attachments. And of course, there is no better way to capture every special moment with family and friends than the PDR-4300.The camera's full suite of manual controls is a serious photographer's delight, ranging from shutter speed and aperture to focusing and white balance. In addition, the burst mode enables the capture of fast-moving action and sports shots with unprecedented clarity.For the photographer on the go, the PDR-4300 offers a compact, lightweight design plus smooth, modern curves that assure a comfortable grip.

PROS:
* Excellent , stunning, photos (4 mp are the standard for professional photography)
* remote control - for doing extra chores like remote photo taking.
* Excellent in low lighting situations - pics come out crisp and white balanced.
* Hooks up to tv for monitoring pics or videos
* Videos can be as long as the memory card (no sound Note:professionals use separate mics and recording equipment - so if u want to do it right, buy a good mic and i.e. Sony digital recording machine)
* The software works excellent - was up in running in 5 minutes , easy to use software.
* Batteries seem to last long.
* Canon LENS - wow , if you want to get a good camera , make sure the lens are at least a good name brand - this fits the bill.

CONS (relatively minor):
* Many features - thats not a con, but it will take u awhile to take advantage of this sucker.
* no case - go buy one
* doesn't come with rechargeable batteries ($... extra) like the Sony.
* doesnt come with much memory to start - ie 32 megs would have been nice , CMON, not 16megs, whippee doo.
* does not come with extra power adapter - (so that u dont have to use batteries )


Nice!   June 3, 2003
Gadgester (New York)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

This Toshiba has a retro Leica look and with 4 megapixels it's also a powerful digital camera. 2.8x optical zoom gives you about 28-80mm in 35mm equivalent. Pretty easy to use and good build quality. Definitely use NiMH batteries -- but in any case I prefer these to LiIon because the latter are [spendier] and lose capacity after ~300 cycles. NiMH can be charged 1000 times before they degrade! Do carry extra sets of batteries.


Outstanding Digital Camera for the cost!   July 10, 2003
Sharon O'Neal (Southern California)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

The PDR-4300 is the second Toshiba digital still camera I've purchased, the PDR-3330 (3.2 million pixel) being my first. I am very pleased with the crisp clear pics I'm able to take with this camera and just love the ease of use. I feel the only drawback is how fast you can go thru batteries, so I highly recomment using rechargeable (NiMH) batteries and keeping a few sets charged and ready to go. This camera is just plain fun to use and that makes it outstanding!


Great camera, Bad battery...   September 8, 2003
Jeff Kloythanomsup (San Francisco, CA)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

The TOSHIBA camera I have bought is really great. It has most of the features you would need, including movie making. The battery runs out quickly if you use flash [even a little]. I suggest for users to buy it ONLY if they aren't advanced.


A BEST BUY   February 9, 2004
E. E Pofahl (HUNTINGTON, WV USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

For persons unfamiliar with digital photography who do not wish to be limited to a "point-and-shoot" camera as they learn the digital process, the Toshiba PDR-4300 is an excellent choice. The camera combines Toshiba's superior digital imaging expertise with a high imaging sensor into a camera that is easy to use. After the beginner has mastered "point-and-shoot" techniques, the PDR-4300 with a 4-megapixel resolution and a full set of professional-level manual options, they can readily progress to more advanced digital photography. The camera has a built-in flash and an all-glass quality Canon lens with a 2.8x optical zoom and with digital zoom provides 6x total zoom. The camera has several other features all of which makes for brilliant resolution and excellent photos. Finally, the installation software is "user-friendly" and excellent.

The camera battery life is poor. Battery life can be improved by adhering to the camera manual's instructions to turn off the LCD screen and use the viewfinder when taking pictures. However, the buyer should purchase a battery charger and buy rechargeable batteries that have a much longer life. Also, the 16 MB SD memory card limits the camera's picture file capacity and should be replaced by a 32 or 64 MB memory card. Nevertheless, the 16 MB card is adequate during the beginner stage in digital photography.

My major criticism concerns the camera manual. The manual is readable, comprehensive and well organized. Unfortunately, the manual, in four languages, is very poorly bound. I had not finished reading the introductory sections before the pages in the English section became unbound. Either the binding should be improved or each language section should be separately bound.

The camera is a "best buy", and is lots of fun to use.