Sony MHS-PM1 Webbie HD First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby Jeremy StamasPublished on Jan 9, 2009 1:50 PM
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Compression
The Sony MHS-PM1 Webbie HD uses AVC/H.264 compression, which is an MPEG-4 codec. According to Sony, the file extensions on the video clips will be mpeg and still images will use a jpg extension. This is good because it increases compatibility and files should work smoothly with both Macs and PCs.
The camcorder records in three quality settings: 1080p, 720p, and VGA (640 x 480), but Sony didn't have information about the bitrate for each of these settings. Interestingly, the MHS-PM1 records in 30p mode for all settings, rather than the standard 60i. This gives the footage a slower look that may be undesirable to some users. However, if your primary plan with the MHS-PM1 is uploading video to the internet, the 30p shouldn't cause any difficulties. The slower video likely won't be noticeable when the video is being viewed on YouTube.
Media
The MHS-PM1 uses Memory Stick cards to store video and pictures. The camcorder does come with 12MB of internal memory, but this isn't enough memory to record much of anything and it's mostly used to store the internal uploading software. We couldn't get a hold of specs that would tell us how much footage would fit on various sized Memory Stick cards, but the fact that the MHS-PM1 uses cards (rather than only having internal memory) gives the camcorder something of an advantage. Sony states a 16GB Memory STick Pro Duo card will hold 340 minutes of footage at the highest quality on the MHS-PM1. The Flip MinoHD has 4GB of internal memory, which can hold roughly 60 minutes of video. We wish Sony had included both internal memory of that size as well as the option for using Memory Stick cards—just so the product would be ready to go out-of-the-box. Internal memory is also great in a pinch, like when you're on the slopes and you realize you left your Memory Stick at home.
Editing
One of the reasons the Flip is so successful (and the reason it has spawned so many imitators) is its capability to easily upload video to YouTube. With the MHS-PM1, Sony is attempting to do the same. The camcorder's internal software allows video to upload directly to YouTube, Picasa, Shutterfly, or Daily Motion. You can also choose other websites to set as favorites—the MHS-PM1 will remember your login information and automatically setup a system to upload to these "favorite" sites as well. It's a good feature for someone who wants to have a quick, easy way to post video on their blog.
The MHS-PM1 also comes with Picture Motion Browser software that allows for basic editing of video and assists with organizing clips and images. This is the same software that comes with all Sony camcorders and it is not compatible with Mac OS.
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