Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Mar 3, 2009 2:18 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Resolution Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Flip Mino HD Comparison
Kodak Zi6 Comparison Flip Mino Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction

With the instability of today's economy, it's perhaps fortuitous that Sony decided to push more heavily into the ultra-budget camcorder market in 2009. This year's Consumer Electronics Show saw the introduction of the Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1, a traditional horizontal camcorder with a low price tag, easy high definition recording, and simple uploading to sites like YouTube.

But with the market already inundated by similar products, including the extremely successful Pure Digital Flip Mino HD, Sony needs to create a stellar product in order to carve out its own niche. While the MHS-CM1 had overall video performance to rival the competition, it couldn't stand up to low light conditions and, perhaps more importantly in this category, it wasn't nearly as easy to use as models from Pure Digital or RCA. Plagued with complicated software installation, inconsistent menu operation, and a bland aesthetic, the Sony MHS-CM1 won't be enough to dethrone the Flip king.

Update: The Flip UltraHD was ultimately selected as our 2009 Ultracompact Camcorder of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour

 

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Simple design w/ most functions mapped to buttons instead of hidden away inside the menus Aesthetically bland; unlikely to hold appeal as a fashion accessory
Color & Noise Performance Strong color accuracy and relatively  low noise levels Enough to compete with ultra-compacts, but not enough to compete with other HD camcorders
Motion & Resolution Performance Excellent resolution to rival any consumer camcorder. Motion is fine, but won't blow you away
Low Light Performance There is nothing redeeming about the low light performance Horrible sensitivity, mediocre color and noise
Compression & Media Highly compatible compression format One of the worst software installation experiences we've ever had
Manual Controls Auto white balance is impressive No manual controls except for a few scene modes
Still Features In the ultra-budget category, something is better than nothing Very few options or features
Handling & Use Simple design is unintimidating Not comfortable to hold, some menu navigation inconsistencies
Playback & Connectivity Ports are conveniently located Sony's proprietary AV connections are never a welcome sight
Audio & Other Features Nothing of note Mono sound input and no audio features



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