Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 Camcorder Review

The MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1 are the two members of Sony's Webbie HD line of camcorders. While the MHS-CM1 has the traditional horizontal layout of a consumer camcorder, the MHS-PM1 offers an upright design that strongly resembles the popular Flip series of camcorders. Both Webbie HD camcorders offer 1440 x 1080 HD recording at 30 frames per second (30p). In addition to its compact design, the PM1 has a unique movable lens system that allows you to rotate the lens up to 270-degrees (great for self-shooting). The MHS-PM1 certainly has a lot more to offer than the Flip camcorders—you can change video resolutions, use scene modes, and take 5-megapixel still images. The real question, however, is whether the camcorder is able to emulate the Flip's intuitive design and simple interface.

In addition to the purple version shown throughout this review, the Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 is also available in orange or silver.

Via camcorderinfo.com

Buy a Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD Camcorder (Orange)

Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 Camcorder Reviewed

Camcorderinfo has a review of the Sony Webbie, here's a bit from their conclusion, follow the link at the bottom to read full review.

When compared to the competition, there aren't a lot of compelling reasons to choose Sony's new entry into the ultra-budget YouTube market. The Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 is inexpensive, but it's not nearly as easy to use or as easy on the eyes as the popular Pure Digital Flip Mino HD. The former is colorful and simple, but not nearly the bare bones fashion accessory that you'll get from the latter.

In terms of video performance, the CM1 is only a little better than the Flip and isn't nearly as good in low lighting conditions. There's the added bonus of still photography, but you're much better off just taking still photos with your point and shoot digital camera instead.

So what remains for Webbie? Traditionalists looking for a horizontal body design and the added "umph" of a 5x optical zoom might spring for the MHS-CM1. But the upload process is such a chore and the low light performance so unimpressive, we find it difficult to recommend the Webbie when there are other fish—fish named the Flip Mino HD—in the sea.

Read the full review at camcorderinfo.com.

Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 HD camcorder Reviewed by

Michael Smith at michaelsmith.tv has poted a review of the new Sony Webbie $200 HD camcorder from the Webbie series. Here is part of the review, head over to his site for the full text.

Pros:

• It’s very easy to use. There’s not many options so nothing to mess up. I feel like I could give this camera to my 3 year old and she’d be able to use it.
• It turns on when you open the LCD panel, turns off when you close it. Again, this makes it easy to use. When you need to get a quick shot it’s ready to go. Just open the LCD and hit record.
• The camera shoots video in 1080P, 720P and VGA 30P, and photos in 5M, 3:2, 3M, 2M, and VGA. I recommend leaving it in the factory setting of 720P and 5M.
• The light is handy and while not very bright does come in useful in some situations.
• Normal USB port! Thanks for that!
• Very compatible MP4 files. You can shoot and upload the clip directly to YouTube and it will stay HD on the web.
• Reasonable 5 megapixel resolution.

Cons:

• No integrated lens cover. The plastic one will get lost.
• All the auto settings are in constant flux - iris, color and zoom never seem to settle.
• 1080P has major auto focus problems
• No flash on the still photos. The light helps but not for still photos.
• Bad position of the Movie record button.

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