Sony DCM-M1 Price Drop!!! (A "Nasdaq-like fall")

Author's Rating:

Pros: Direct Video Access, Discounted Price

Cons: Not tape Compatible

Author's Review
Conventional theory is that if you wait long enough you can
save a lot of money on the newest technology, but that by
the time you have waited that long it is no longer the
newest technology anymore. That is true most of the time I
suppose (I mean by the time Digital TV prices drop enough
to fit in my budget they may not even make them anymore),
however the Sony DCM-M1
is quite an exception. Recent price drops, particularly by
online discounters, have made the DCM-M1 just as
affordable as many mid-to-high-end digital camcorders.

The DCM-M1 is the latest and greatest camcorder offering
from Sony. The biggest development of the DCM-M1 is
that it no longer utilizes tape as its recording medium, but
rather mini-discs. These mini-discs can store an amazing
amount of data and come with some incredible advantages.
One of these advantages that I feel most excited about is the
Direct Access aspect of Mini-Disc Recording. Other key
features include: a Graphical User Interface, an Improved
Digital Zoom, and an Ethernet Adaptable Connection.


Direct Access

As anyone who has purchased a camcorder can attest to,
one of the most frustrating events of home video recording
is being unable to locate a desired clip in a timely fashion.
I have myself become incredibly frustrated, having gotten a
friend or family member excited to see one of my
recordings, only to discover that I can’t find the clip that I
have hyped up to them ( I admit, that I could probably solve
the problem with some sort of simple labeling system for
my tapes, but I am afraid that I am just not that organized).
I have searched for hours to find some such clips, and one
of the main reasons that it is such a time consuming task is
the amount of rewinding and fast-forwarding that is
involved.

With the DCM-M1 there is no longer any rewinding or fast
forwarding involved. It is now possible, due to the digital
mini-disc recording medium, to directly access any portion
of the video instantly. This feature is unimaginably
convenient, and I can only assume that mini-disc
camcorders will become the wave of the future mainly
because of this single advantage.


Graphical User Interface

This feature has started popping up on the high-end digital
camcorders recently and has received mixed feedback. It is
basically a touch-screen menu which is displayed on the
LCD screen. It is certainly more convenient because it
allows users to see all of their choices before they make a
menu selection, rather than past menus which sort of
scrolled through choices one by one. It is also, however, a
little frustrating when “bigger” fingers accidentally press
the wrong selection.


Improved Digital Zoom

When digital zooms were first introduced it quickly became
apparent that their usefulness was limited by their
resolution. The next generation of digital zoom seeks to
right that shortcoming by reducing that amount of blocking
and distortion.


Ethernet Adaptable Connection

This feature allows users to connect to their computers
easily, which is what many will purchase this camcorder for
in the first place. It is necessary to purchase a number of
accessories in order to link many camcorders to a computer.
This ability to connect directly into the ethernet port should
make it much easier to download video, video stills, and
audio to a computer.



Overall, the DCM-M1 is arguably a solid buy. On the one
hand, the first generation of any product (in this case the
first ever mini-disc camcorder) is prone to problems. In
addition there is always a premium that must be payed to
own the “latest and greatest.” On the other hand, the price
has come down dramatically on the DCM-M1, and the
direct access feature alone makes me drool. If I were in the
market for a new camcorder and was willing to shell out a
fair amount of cash, I would definitely give the DCM-M1 a
thorough look-over.

Should you check the DCM-M1 out and deem it purchase-
worthy, I do have one final suggestion; do a little on-line
shopping. I myself have located one especially good deal.
In contrast to Epinion’s list price of $2500,
www.aaanet-inc.com offers the DCM-M1 at a price of
$1200 ($1099 if you purchase their “camera kit”). For
those non-math majors in the crowd, this is indeed a
discount of over 50%. Please note that I am in no way
connected to this site, and that I cannot vouch for it. I am
only seeking to point out that there are great deals to be had
with a little research.

Whatever you finally decide regarding the DCM-M1, be
sure to do plenty of research. There are enough camcorders
on the market these days that there is a perfect one for
everyone. Don’t settle for one that you are merely satisfied
with. In time merely satisfied will surely fade to
disappointment.