I ordered the Toshiba PDR-M5 that was advertised in a computer catalog. I couldn't find a review for this camera anywhere (I still can't), but I decided to purchase it based on the good reviews of the PDR-M4.

When it didn't arrive, I called and was told the shipping date from Toshiba would be August 20. Each time I call I am told the new shipping date has been moved up another week (the latest "new shipping date" is September 10). What is Toshiba doing? Why do they advertise something that won't be available for who knows how long? Or is this normal procedure for new products?

I'm beginning to wonder if it is worth wait

-- Thomas Rotkiewicz (tomrok@home.com), September 08, 1999

Answers

Attached is message from the web.

I am employed by Toshiba and work in the Imaging Systems Division. The product release date for the PDRM5 has been pushed back to October 1st because of minor production problems. We should see our first preproduction samples after Labor Day. Check our web site at the end of September for updates on the release of the camera. Thank you for your interest in our products. Ralph Abramo-Toshiba Imaging Systems Division Irvine, California

-- Ralph Abramo (ralph.abramo@tais.toshiba.com), September 03, 1999.

-- (dng10852@cs.com), September 08, 1999.

more info. for you. Imaging Press Release Toshiba Redefines Digital Photography With Launch Of PDR-M5 Two- Megapixel Camera At PC Expo Powerful & Stylish PDR-M5 Boasts Advanced Photographic Features Including 3X Optical Zoom, 2.14 Million Pixels, 1600 x 1200 Resolution, USB/Serial Connectivity & Burst Rates Of Four Shots In Two Seconds 22. June 1999 - New York, New York - Toshiba Imaging Systems, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., continues to expand its industry-leading position as a provider of cutting-edge digital imaging solutions with the introduction of the PDR-M5, an ultra-fast Two-Megapixel digital still camera featuring USB/serial connectivity and a 3X optical zoom, at this week's PC Expo Show in New York City. Available at an estimated street price of $799, the PDR-M5 is a superior value in the emerging Two-Megapixel class. Utilizing a 2.14 million pixel, 1/2-inch CCD, it offers true 1600 x 1200 resolution for spectacular, artifact-free photos suitable for framing in print sizes up to 8-inches x 10-inches. Moreover, its simple design -- inspired by traditional point-and-shoot cameras -- allows even novices to begin capturing great digital pictures only moments after taking the camera out of the box. "Because of the PDR-M5's exceptional quality, Toshiba is targeting it at semi-professional camera buffs in addition to our core consumer segment," noted Doug Freck, Vice President & General Manager, Toshiba Imaging Systems. "It will help us to carve out an expanded niche in the SOHO market and the graphic arts industry where the camera can be used in the production of desktop publishing projects, web pages and marketing materials." The sleek and powerful PDR-M5 is compatible with Windows (95/98) and Macintosh operating systems. Along with standard serial output it has USB (12Mbps) connectivity built-in enabling it to support all USB- compliant notebook or desktop PCs, including the Apple iMac(R). Video- out (NTSC) lets users connect the camera to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for business presentations or family entertainment. All required cables are included in the package. Built for Speed Toshiba engineers incorporated the most advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technologies to provide superior speed for the PDR- M5. This DSP chip set drives the PDR-M5 to operate at a higher burst rate than a conventional digital camera without compromising image quality. With the PDR-M5 there is practically no delay between shots (.8 seconds), so important photo opportunities are not missed. In burst mode, the camera's internal 16 megabytes of memory acts as a "buffer" temporarily storing images before transferring them to the removable SmartMedia(R) card. This sophisticated internal memory system -- combined with the DSP chip set -- empowers users to shoot up to four continuous shots at the camera's highest resolution setting in two seconds making the PDR-M5 one of the fastest digital cameras in the industry. 3X Optical and 2X Digital Zoom For greater image capturing flexibility, Toshiba features a motorized 3X optical zoom (38mm to 115mm equivalent) system that precisely maintains resolution even when zoomed to 300%. The PDR-M5 also comes equipped with a 2X digital zoom which can be utilized as a stand- alone setting or used in conjunction with the 3X optical zoom to provide 6X zoom capability. Perfect Pictures, Instantly To address the evolving quality needs of digital photo enthusiasts, the PDR-M5 incorporates some of the most advanced photographic features available in a consumer-class digital camera. For example, by combining the 2.14 million pixel CCD with the advantages of an aspherical, autofocus, 35mm equivalent, eight-piece, all-glass lens (F5.8/F5.5), the PDR-M5 yields professional-quality, color-rich images. The camera's lens focus range is 20 inches to infinity, with a built-in super macro mode boasting an impressive 4-inch to 20-inch range for crisp close-ups. Another key to the success of the PDR-M5 is Toshiba's patented Image Perfect(R) color reproduction circuitry for brilliant, true to life images even in low light environments. Easy to Use - A Toshiba Tradition The Toshiba Corporation has established its position as a global leader in consumer electronics by carefully balancing high-technology with user-friendliness. The PDR-M5 is no exception, providing users with an affordable, easy way to explore the new and exciting world of digital photography. No prior digital camera experience is needed to enjoy the PDR-M5. Operation is simplified by an adjustable mode dial on the back of the camera that gives the user fingertip control of set-up, recording, playback, erase and downloading functions. An optical viewfinder assures foolproof aiming and shooting. Photos can be taken in color or dramatic black & white. For greater creative control, the PDR-M5 also offers the choice of switching to manual mode for white balance, strobe and exposure speed. Because photography is a personal expression, the PDR-M5 features two resolution settings that allow users to tailor the camera to their needs. The 1600 x 1200 setting is ideal for detail-sensitive photography, such as family portraits, marketing literature and image databases, as well as for usage in the real estate, law enforcement and insurance professions. The 800 x 600 setting creates smaller file sizes geared for quick and easy e-mail attachments, web page development and other Internet applications. After reviewing the images on the 1.8-inch Hyper Amorphous Type (556 x220) LCD, the photos can be deleted or saved to the SmartMedia Card. The LCD boasts a 4x playback zoom for zooming in on a specific area of the photo for enlargement, plus a slideshow mode, and a multi- image feature that displays nine photos at once on the LCD screen. The five-mode flash system (automatic, red-eye reduction, forced-fill flash, slow synchro and force-off) is easily adjusted to any lighting condition up to 8-feet from the subject, helping to extend the range of the camera indoors and outdoors. The PDR-M5 ships with a reusable 8MB SmartMedia card capable of storing up to eight pictures at the camera's highest resolution (1600 x 1200) or up to 124 pictures at the lower setting (800 x 600). The camera can use cards ranging from 2MB to 32MB, plus is upgradeable to 128MB by firmware. Because the cards are only about the size of a matchbook, several of them can easily be carried in a purse or pocket, enabling users to capture several hundred images without toting a cumbersome case. The PDR-M5 uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can handle up to 200 shots when using the LCD and flash. An AC Adapter is included to recharge the long-life battery while it is in the camera. The camera weighs 13.4 ounces with the battery and SmartMedia card installed. It measures 5.1 inches (W) x3.1 inches (H) x 2.8 inches (D). Price and Availability The PDR-M5 (U.S. $799) comes bundled with multi-platform CD software from Sierra Imaging for accessing, managing and enhancing digital photos. Also included is a rechargeable lithium battery; USB cable; RS-232C serial cables for PC and RS-422 serial cables for Macintosh; video-out cable; hand strap; and an 8MB SmartMedia Card. The PDR-M5 will be available August, 1999, and sold through a wide network of resellers, including computer retail outlets, photo specialty stores, consumer electronics stores, and mail order catalogs. For information, U.S. customers call 1-800-550-8674. Fax, 1-800-640- 8674. Or visit Toshiba on the Web at http://www.dsc.toshiba.com. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Toshiba Imaging Systems is a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., and part of the $48 billion Toshiba Corporation, a global leader in high technology products with 307 major consolidated subsidiaries worldwide.

-- (dng10852@cs.com), September 08, 1999.

The above detailed description has at least three major errors.....first, the storage media will be Compact Flash cards, not SmartMedia...second, the LCD screen will be 2 inches and not 1.8 and third, the effective focal length will be 35mm to 105mm not 115mm. I apologize now if I am wrong !!

-- Chuck Haugen (chuck007@pacbell.net), September 09, 1999.

PC watch just posted specs on this unit. They claim 40-120mm. Maybe they're just rounding units to nearest tenth? They also say smartmedia. No word on LCD size. If you can't get this unit yet maybe try oly 2000 or fuji 2900z, they sound pretty similar? Both of those can take external flash, dunno about the toshiba.

-- benoit (foo@bar.com), September 09, 1999.

Sorry about previous response....I am wrong....I was thinking of the up-coming Epson 850Z !!!

-- Chuck Haugen (chuck007@pacbell.net), September 10, 1999.

Thanks for the responses. I changed my mind about the PDR-M5 and ordered the Ricoh RDC-5000 after reading the reviews posted on this site and other

-- Thomas Rotkiewicz (tomrok@home.com), September 11, 1999.