Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 Camcorder Review

Compression & Media Summary
• Convenient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec is compatible with most editing software • Extremely limited recording options: just 30P w/ three frame sizes • Sony continues to string us along with their proprietary media: the only real storage is option is the MemoryStick PRO Duo card slot • 12MB of built-in internal memory is all but useless • Using the editing software is the most unwieldy and frustrating installation process for a camcorder we've ever experienced
	Low Light Performance	(Page 6 of 17)	Manual Controls

Compression (7.5)

The Sony MHS-CM1 records in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec, which is more or less the new standard for compact camcorders. It's a highly efficient codec in terms of file size, so you can fit a lot more video per gigabyte than you could with an older MPEG-2 camcorder. Video clips are wrapped in an .MP4 container, making them easy to transfer from the camcorder into any media player software. This is a benefit that should not be overlooked. Frequently, a new camcorder owner's biggest complaint is the inability to easily drag and drop files from camcorder to computer. AVCHD camcorders, in particular, have been inducing headaches since their inception. In this category, at least, the Sony Webbie is a winner.

The camcorder records only at 30 frames per second (30P), while higher-end consumer camcorders tend to offer 60 interlaced fields per second (60i) as a second option or the only option. Frame sizes include 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 640 x 480.

Media (5.1)

Video and stills on the Sony MHS-CM1 are recorded primarily onto MemoryStick PRO Duo cards. Cards load into a slot in the bottom of the camcorder. Any camera shop, or even convenience store, in your area will likely carry the memory cards you need, as well as hundreds of online retailers. The drawback is that MemorySticks are a Sony-proprietary format, and unlike SD cards, you won't find much use for them outside of Sony-branded products.

There is also a meager 12MB of internal memory on the MHS-CM1 camcorder, good for a few still photos. 

Will Sony cling to its proprietary MemoryStick media forever?

Below is a table of approximate record times.

* Sony offers recording time specs only
on 720P recording mode.

Editing (6.0)

With the MHS-CM1, Sony is attempting to duplicate the easy, swift YouTube upload process that is prominently featured on Pure Digital's Flip series of camcorders as well as other low-end models. Sony definitely didn't succeed at this task. Yes, the MHS-CM1 includes internal uploading software—but, no, it isn't easy or seamless to use. The software is too complicated to install, has far too many components, and isn't compatible with Mac operating systems.

The PMB Portable software is included built-in on the MHS-CM1

The big software inclusion on the MHS-CM1 is Picture Motion Browser (PMB), which is commonly included with Sony's consumer camcorders. The software assists with transferring footage from the camcorder to your computer and can organize files using a variety of attributes (i.e. in albums, by date, etc.). New on the MHS-CM1, however, is PMB Portable, which is a program designed to upload your videos straight to video sharing sites like YouTube.

A screenshot of the PMB Portable software.

The software can be easy to use once you get it installed, but Sony provides too many "Tools" along with the software that only make the program more difficult . For a system that is meant to be perfectly simple, why in the world does Sony include an Information tool, Location Settings tool, Media Check tool, PMB Portable Maintenance tool, and a Settings Initialization tool? All these extra installations make the software seem far more daunting than it really is. Some of us were left wondering whether Sony was parodying itself by making things as complicated and confusing as possible.

The YouTube upload page on the PMB Portable software.

The PMB software features pre-installed upload setups for YouTube, Crackle, Dailymotion, Shutterfly, Picasa, and Photobucket. It also gives you the option of choosing your own sites or blogs for quick upload. The process is relatively simple once you get the hang of it, but don't expect to be able to plug the MHS-CM1 into your computer and get things rolling right away. The software installation process takes some time and getting used to all the aspects of the PMB Portable program is a lengthy process.