Product Review: Minox DSC 5MP Digital Spy Camera

A popular search term on Google is 'small digital cameras', indicating that many individuals want a small camera that is light, easy to carry and simple to use. While many digital variations have appeared over the years, including Sony's small Cybershot U, the smallest (with usable quality) camera available is Minox's new DSC.

The DSC stands for digital spy camera, and it's marketed as the digital version of Minox's old tiny film camera used by James Bond. This updated version of the classic small camera is black, and approximately the size of a five-stick gum pack (sans the flash and LCD attachment). If you're in need of a camera that is hard to detect, and ideal for your spy needs, read on to find out if the Minox Digital Spy Camera is the right choice for you.

Design

To be precise, this camera measures in at 86mm x 29mm x 20mm, which is quite small. It is only available in black with a silver trim, and comes in two units: the main camera, which lacks both LCD and flash, and another unit with both those features that attaches to the main body. The main camera unit by itself is quite small, sized so that it can be concealed in a single palm, while the flash/LCD unit is just slightly larger; when combined, they definitely aren't 'covert'.

The design is fairly basic: a Minox logo sits on the front next to a small round lens, viewfinder, and light sensor. The back has the opening for the viewfinder, while the top has the mode dial, power button, and zoom switch.

The left side of the camera is the port to connect the external flash/LCD attachment.

Photo Quality

Whether or not this is a 'good' camera depends on what you want to use it as. If you're looking for a camera that can be your everyday snapshot unit, then you'll likely be disappointed. If, however, you're first and foremost concerned with having a small unit and the ability to capture photos with the lowest possible chance of detection, then this camera is a very good option.

The images aren't as nice as you'd get from similarly-price modern cameras. Many come out soft or fuzzy, and the color appears washed out in many photos. Low light settings return images of poor quality, as is expected from cameras with small image sensors, but overall the images are definitely usable, which is the goal of a spy camera.

Video Quality

The video quality is acceptable. The image bounces with movement, as is characteristic of a CMOS sensor with a rolling shutter, and the image has a bit of vignetting, though not a terribly noticeable amount. The edges are sharp enough in the videos, though it does appear a bit pixelated. Again, the quality is acceptable for the purpose of catching something incognito that you otherwise would be unable to get.

Conclusion

This camera is an excellent option above other small, covert cameras, such as the Aiptek MegaCam. However, with such a high price, the image quality is a bit disappointing, and this camera isn't something you'd want to bring on the family vacation.