Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 Camcorder Review

Sony MHS-PM1 versus Sony MHS-CM1
• The MHS-CM1 is the sister model to the MHS-PM1. • Video performance of the two camcorders is very similar, but the MHS-CM1 has a slight edge. • CM1 has a 5x optical zoom, horizontal design, and a larger, flip-out LCD.
	Audio & Other Features	(Page 12 of 17)	Kodak Zx1 Comparison

The MHS-CM1 is Sony's other member of the Webbie HD camcorder line. The CM1 and PM1 are similar in many ways—they share the same sensor and pixel counts, have most of the same features, and offer the same video and photo recording options. The real difference between the two is with size and layout. With its horizontal design and flip-out LCD, the MHS-CM1 is shaped more like a traditional camcorder than the MHS-PM1. It also includes a 5x optical zoom lens, which is something that is completely absent on the PM1.

As far as performance goes, we give the edge to the MHS-CM1, even though the two camcorders were very similar. The CM1's 5x optical zoom gives the camcorder more versatility and it also helped it perform better on a few of our tests. One of the other big differences between the two models is their battery systems. The CM1 has an internal, non-removable battery, but it comes with a DC cable that plugs into the camcorder. The MHS-PM1 has a removable battery, but the camcorder doesn't come with a power adapter and the battery must be removed from the camcorder for it to charge.

Obviously, the MHS-PM1 has its share of benefits. It is available at a lower cost than the CM1, and it has a lighter, more portable design. If you don't care so much about size, however, the MHS-CM1 is the better camcorder. Its optical zoom and larger LCD are two excellent features that are noticeably lacking on the PM1.

	Comparison Specs
	Sony MHS-PM1	Sony MHS-CM1
Price	$169.99	$199.99
Primary Recording Media	Memory Stick PRO Duo	Memory Stick PRO Duo
Secondary Recording Media	12MB internal memory (mostly used for internal software)	12MB of internal memory (mostly used for internal software)
Image Sensor	1/2.5-inch CMOS	1/2.5-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	2.07 Megapixels	2.07 Megapixels
Mic Input	None	None
LCD	1.8-inch with 230,000 pixel display	2.5-inch with 153,000 pixel display
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	120g with battery	210g with battery
Dimensions	55 x 103 x 24mm	43 x 61 x 105mm
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/30p, 720/30p, 480/30p	1080/30p, 720/30p, 480/30p
Compression	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate	Unknown	Unknown
Optical Zoom	None	5x
Stabilization	None	None
Battery	Removable lithium-ion battery (rechargeable via wall-plug adapter)	Non-removable internal battery (rechargeable via DC power)

Bright Light Comparisons
Sony MHS-PM1 100% Crop	Sony MHS-CM1 100% Crop

Low Light Noise Score Comparison