Camcorder News

Sony added two more members to its line of ultracompact Bloggie camcorders with the release of the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10. The new Bloggies have the surname 'Touch' because of the addition of a 3-inch touchscreen, which is the primary new feature on these models. In addition to the new touch-sensitive LCDs, the new Bloggies offer Full HD 1080p HD recording, built-in USB connectors, HDMI outputs, and 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensors. You can expect to see the Bloggie Touch models hitting the shelves in October of this year. (Click here to view our photo gallery).

The Bloggie Touch camcorders have three HD video recording options—1080/30p, 720/60p, and 720/30p—but they have no standard definition record modes. There are also three photo size options on the camcorder, with the largest being the 12-megapixel setting. A new autofocus system on the camcorders allows for macro shooting up to 4 inches away from your subject, which is a much closer range than most ultracompact camcorders can accommodate.

Taking a page out of the design of the Flip line of camcorders, Sony did away with a memory card slot on the Bloggie Touch models. Instead, the camcorders either have 4GB (MHS-TS10) or 8GB (MHS-TS20) of internal flash memory. When shooting using the 720p setting, the 4GB MHS-TS10 should be able to capture 2 hours of video, while the 8GB MHS-TS20 can store up to 4 hours of video. Both camcorders also feature non-removable batteries and built-in USB connectors (no cable required).

Most intriguing is definitely the 3-inch touchscreen on the back of the Bloggie Touch models. This screen makes it possible for the camcorders to only include three actual buttons (power, photo, and video), while relying on the touch-interface for the rest of the controls. Ever since Flip released its SlideHD a few months ago it seems touchscreens have become all the rage on ultracompact models. JVC recently announced touchscreen versions of its Picsio line (the GC-WP10 and GC-FM2), as did Samsung with its new HMX-E10.

With the Bloggie Touch you can record video holding the camcorder either horizontally or vertically, and the video will fill up the entire screen either way (something that is not possible on the Flip SlideHD). Videos shot vertically, however, will appear with black bars on either side during playback. The LCD is also a capacitive touchscreen, which means you can use gestures like flicking and sliding for certain adjustments (to flip through videos during playback, to zoom, etc.).

You can record while holding the Bloggie Touch vertically....		... or you can hold the camcorder horizontally.

Provided software is a huge issue on ultracompact budget camcorders and it appears Sony has made some updates in that department as well. The new software works on both Mac and PC computers and you do have to install it the first time you use it. The software comes embedded on the camcorders, though, so there's no installation disc required.

Sony also announced a new 'Personal Space' feature, which is essentially a free online storage system where you can keep videos and photos (like Picasa or FlipShare). With the purchase of a Bloggie Touch you get 1GB of free storage on Personal Space, and you can privately share images or videos with specific people via email. Sony claims no registration is required by the email recipients to view the clips you share with them on Personal Space. Currently, Sony does not allow users to purchase additional storage on Personal Space beyond the one free GB that comes with the purchase of a Bloggie Touch.

Both Bloggie Touch models will arrive in stores this October. The MHS-TS10, which has 4GB of internal memory, is set to retail at $179.99. The MHS-TS20, with its 8GB of internal memory, has a price tag of $199.99. Sony insists these new models are not replacements for last year's Bloggie camcorders, but they should instead be seen as higher-end or second-tier options in the ultracompact market.