Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Jun 26, 2009 1:00 PM

 
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 Sony MHS-CM1 Comparison
Kodak Zx1 Comparison Flip UltraHD Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
The MHS-PM1 ($169.99 MSRP) and MHS-CM1 are the two members of Sony's Webbie HD line of camcorders. While the MHS-CM1 has the traditional horizontal layout of a consumer camcorder, the MHS-PM1 offers an upright design that strongly resembles the popular Flip series of camcorders. Both Webbie HD camcorders offer 1440 x 1080 HD recording at 30 frames per second (30p). In addition to its compact design, the PM1 has a unique movable lens system that allows you to rotate the lens up to 270-degrees (great for self-shooting). The MHS-PM1 certainly has a lot more to offer than the Flip camcorders—you can change video resolutions, use scene modes, and take 5-megapixel still images. The real question, however, is whether the camcorder is able to emulate the Flip's intuitive design and simple interface.

In addition to the purple version shown throughout this review, the Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 is also available in orange or silver.
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Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Rotatable lens offers flexibility when shooting Some elements of construction feel cheap
Color & Noise Performance Great color accuracy for a camcorder in its class Colors aren't as vibrant or saturated as the competition
Motion & Sharpness Performance 1440 x 1080 resolution offers good sharpness 30p is the only frame rate option, lots of artifacting
Low Light Performance Good color and noise scores Low light sensitivity is poor
Compression & Media Multiple video resolution options Editing software is difficult to install
Manual Controls Scene modes give you some basic control No manual controls available, no optical zoom
Still Features Photo size options and self-timer Sharpness isn't very good
Handling & Use Portable design, fairly simple interface LCD is small, buttons and joystick are poorly designed
Playback & Connectivity Playback is simple Doesn't come with power adapter for DC-input, no HDMI port
Audio & Other Features PAL/NTSC output is useful for overseas travelers Built-in mic only records mono audio



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