Sony DCM-M1

Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony DCM-M1”. Links, layout and file names normalized; missing database fields restored; remote embeds replaced with links. Manufacturer manuals and separately credited photographs retain their original attribution.

Name	DCM-M1
Manufacturer	Sony
Released	1999/12
Device type	misc
Recorder	Player
MDLP	No
NetMD	No
Hi-MD	No
Radio	No
Dimensions	74 x 111 x 118 mm
Weight	680g (excluding battery and disc)
ATRAC ver	Not recorded
Battery	Not recorded Not recorded
Battery notes	Not recorded
Sidecar (depr)	No
Voltage	100
Power cable	AC
Price (launch)	Not recorded
Price (launch)	¥250 000
-
Inputs	3.5mm microphone, 1/4 inch microphone, Built-in mic
Outputs	other
Control	3.5mm control

The DCM-M1 is a only camcorder that utilizes the MD Data2 (MMD-650A) format. It has advanced editing features for the time period. This allows you to clip and make transitions all within the touchscreen viewfinder using stylus in real time. It also has a web server accessible via a local IP address to transfer the recorded videos to your PC via an ethernet battery simulacrum.

The recording playback time varies depending on the bit rate modes, SP (8Mbps) 10 minutes, VP (variable playback) 13-20 minutes, and LP (3.75Mbps) at 20 minutes. It can take Up to 4,500 still images at 640 x 480 in JPEG format.

It was ultimately a failure as they did not make any additional MD camcorders. It only can record up to 10 minutes of MPEG2 and the cost of the MD Data2 discs were very expensive, compared to tape. Also the method of transferring the short clips via the web server results in speeds only at max of 12KB/s over 10/100 RJ45.

There was a firmware upgrade offered between March 3rd to December 29th, 2000 that was distributed via a MD Data2 disc, however there doesn't appear to be any archives of this.

Wireless Remote: RMT-DCM1
Rechargeable battery pack: NP-F550
AC adapter/charger: AC-VQ800
Connection cord: ZK-ET1

Mechanism Type: MT-DCMM1-163 (new)
ATRAC IC: CXD2652AGA (there's also IC3009: CXZ31021GA marked as "Atrac")
Optical Pickup is not named and in the service manual says "not serviced" (IE Sony won't sell it to you), the higher level assembly had a part#: X-4952-432-1

Content adapted from: Sony Product Release Page Sony Product Website Sony Product Website (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) MD Discam site MD Discam site (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) Sony Product Park Sony Product Park (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) 2nd Product Park 2nd Product Park (MiniDisc Wiki mirror)