Apple iPhone 3G S Video Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry and Jeremy Stamas
Published on Jun 19, 2009 7:02 AM

 
Intro Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Samsung Omnia Comparison
Flip UltraHD Comparison
Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


iPhone 3G S versus Sony MHS-PM1
• MHS-PM1 has more video features and options, but is more confusing
• PM1 records HD video at 1440 x 1080 or 1280 x 720, has 5-megapixel still image capability
• Rotatable lens on MHS-PM1 makes it easy to record yourself and shoot at odd angles
• The Webbie has a tripod mount; the iPhone does not
Flip UltraHD Comparison (Page 14 of 17) Conclusion

Sony's foray into the ultra-compact budget camcorder market began this year with the Webbie HD line of camcorders: the Sony MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1. While the MHS-PM1 offers more features than most budget cams, it's also more difficult to use. It has a poor interface, confusing menus, and too many options for novice users. This is an area where the iPhone 3G S shines—its video mode is extremely easy to use and everything is very intuitive. The MHS-PM1 does, of course, offer HD video capability and it did better than the iPhone in a number of performance categories. It also has a tripod mount to reduce the effect of shaky hands while recording. 

  Comparison Specs
 
  iPhone 3G S Sony MHS-PM1
Price $299.99 $199.99
Primary Recording Media 32GB internal memory Memory Stick PRO Duo
Secondary Recording Media None 12MB internal memory
Image Sensor Unknown 1/4.5-inch CMOS
Mic Input None None
LCD 3.5-inch 2.0-inch
Viewfinder None None
Weight 135g (4.8 oz.) 120g (4.23 oz.)
Dimensions 62.1 x 115.5 x 12.3mm
(2.4 x 4.5 x 0.48 inches)
55 x 103 x 24mm
(2.17 x 4.06 x 0.94 inches)
HD No Yes
Frame Rates 480/30p 720/30p
Compression MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate Unknown 9 Mbps
Optical Zoom None None
Stabilization None None
Battery Internal Battery (ships w/ USB
charger and wall adapter)
ships with NP-BK1
(removable lithium battery)

 

  Scores
  iPhone 3G S Sony MHS-PM1
Color 7.42 7.83
Noise 12.06 7.77
Video Sharpness 6.34 9.77
Low Light Sensitivity 8.38 0.97
Low Light Color 9.24 8.29
Low Light Noise 11.14 8.89

 

Low Light Comparison
iPhone 3G S Sony MHS-PM1

 

  Low Light Sensitivity *
* the lower the lux required, the better the performance

 



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