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  • Introduction

  • 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
  • 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

In addition to the purple version shown throughout this review, the Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 is also available in orange or silver.

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.

Product Tour

 

**Lens & Imaging System**


 

One of the big selling points of the MHS-PM1 is its movable lens, which can rotate up to 270-degrees. This allows you to shoot at odd angles without contorting your body and it provides easy access for self-filming. You can also easily turn off the camcorder by flipping the lens down so its tucked into itself. The tiltable LCD screen on the MHS-CM1 offers these same features, but it does so with a bulkier body and a horizontal design. Other than this different lens system, the Sony MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1 have the same sensor, pixel counts, and processing.

 

**Front**


 

**Right**


 

**Back**


 

**Left**


 

**Top**


 

**Bottom**


 

**In the Box**


Color & Noise Performance

 

**Color***(7.83)*


The MHS-PM1 measured a color error of 4.47 in our bright light testing, which is roughly the same score that the MHS-CM1 earned. Its colors looked quite strong, with the image saturation coming in at 93.88%, and the camcorder appeared to white balance very well under our 3000 lux light setup. (More on how we test color.)

In the Color Error Map above you can see exactly what colors gave the MHS-PM1 the most trouble. The camcorder did well with reds, yellows, and greens, but with blues and purples it produced some inaccurate results. The camcorder also had trouble with darker skin tones. Of course, there are no color modes or picture options on the MHS-PM1, but below we have a sample image from our color testing to give you a better idea of the camcorder's color performance.

Looking at the MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1 side-by-side (below), it is difficult to notice a difference between the two camcorders. We did, however, notice the CM1 produced a sharper image, which is probably due to its larger lens and 5x optical zoom capability. The other camcorders in this set, particularly the Kodak Zx1, had trouble white balancing for our bright light tests. The Kodak gave everything a bright, orange hue when we shot our color test, while the Flip UltraHD had a slight green-yellow tint to its image. Both Sony Webbie HD camcorders didn't show any signs of poor white balance.

The close-up color comparisons below offer an even more in-depth look at how each camcorder in this set produces color. Again, the MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1 don't show much difference here. The CM1 has a slightly lighter green and blue patch, but that's about it. You can really see how orange the Kodak Zx1 rendered color in these patches as well.

The two Sony Webbie HD camcorders are the clear winners in this test. They offered crisp, saturated colors without the white balance issues present on the Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zx1.

 

**Noise***(7.77)*


The MHS-PM1 had pretty low noise levels in bright light. The camcorder averaged 0.765% noise in this test, which is slightly more than the MHS-CM1 had. The Flip UltraHD measured a lot less noise, however, with only around 0.51% in our bright light testing. Still, these are all good scores for an ultra-compact budget camcorder. (More on how we test noise.)

In addition to showing you noise presence, the crops above should give you a good idea of each camcorder's sharpness. The two Sony camcorders record at a maximum video resolution of 1440 x 1080, which is a good deal larger than the Kodak Zx1 and Flip UltraHD—both of which top out at 1280 x 720. This higher resolution on the MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1 is definitely noticeable above. The Sony camcorders appear much crisper and capture finer detail than the other two models. Continue onto the next section of this review for complete results of our video sharpness test.

 

Motion & Sharpness Performance

Low Light Performance

 

**Low Light Sensitivity***(0.97)*


The Sony MHS-PM1 was a disappointment when it came to low light sensitivity. In our testing, the camcorder needed 23 lux of light to reach 50 IRE on our waveform monitor. This is over 3x the amount of light required for the Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zx1 to reach the same level. The MHS-PM1 did do a bit better than the MHS-CM1 in this test, but that isn't saying much. The MHS-CM1 earned one of the worst low light sensitivity scores we've had this year. (More on how we test low light sensitivity.)

Now, the MHS-PM1 does have a Low Light scene mode that is supposed to boost low light performance. Unfortunately, when we tried the setting we didn't notice much of an improvement to low light sensitivity. Instead, the colors looked a bit worse and the image got noisier when we turned the scene mode on.

When we normally test low light sensitivity we turn any slow shutter features off. With these camcorders, however, the shutters cannot be controlled and most of them will automatically drop to 1/30 of a second shutter speed when the lights are dim. The 1/30 of a second shutter speed isn't as much of an issue with these models, though, because the video is already choppy since it is captured at 30p. Also, if you're main objective is to get a heavily compressed video up onto YouTube, then a slow shutter probably won't make much of a difference.

 

**Low Light Color***(8.29)*


With a color error of 4.21, the MHS-PM1 had nearly the same color accuracy in low light as it did in our bright light test. The camcorder did have a significant drop in saturation, however, with just 74.28%. Still, this color score is very good for a cheap, ultra-compact camcorder and only the Kodak Zx1 did a better job out of the camcorders in this set.  (More on how we test low light color.)

 

In low light, the MHS-PM1's color error was more spread out amongst the various patches in our test chart. Blues and purples still gave the camcorder the most trouble, but all the colors were off by a fairly close margin (see Color Error Map above). The PM1's image in low light definitely appeared more washed out and blurred than its bright light image, but that is nothing unusual.

Notice how vivid and saturated the Kodak Zx1's colors are in the low light image above. It had a better color accuracy and much higher saturation level than the Sony MHS-PM1 in low light and you can easily see the difference between the two camcorders by looking at the comparison images above. The Flip UltraHD continued to have its odd green-yellow hue even in our low light testing.

 

**Low Light Noise***(8.89)*


The MHS-PM1 did rather well in our low light noise test, averaging 1.3575% noise. Both the Sony MHS-CM1 and Kodak Zx1 did roughly the same on this test, but the Flip UltraHD did even better. It was the only camcorder in this set to measure less than 1% noise in our low light test. All of these models had low noise levels, however, which is somewhat surprising. (More on how we test low light noise.)

In the crops above, the Flip UltraHD appears to show the most detail, but its image does have some discoloration and interference. The Sony Webbie HD camcorders have fuzzy images, but the colors are strong and artifacting is limited. The Kodak Zx1 also captures a good amount of detail, but there is a lot of interference and artifacting.

Overall, the MHS-PM1 is a slightly better low light camcorder than its sister model, the MHS-CM1. This is mainly due to its stronger (but still poor) low light sensitivity. Both the Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zx1 will get you better low light video, but the Sony MHS-PM1 isn't that far behind—except with sensitivity.

 

Compression & Media

 

**Compression***(7.5)*


The Sony MHS-PM1 records HD video using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. This is essentially the standard codec for ultra-compact camcorders as they all utilize some form of MPEG-4 compression. The codec is quite efficient, so you're files won't be too large and you'll be able to fit a lot of footage onto a decently-sized Memory Stick. The video files come out wrapped in an .MP4 container, which is beneficial for those who want ultimate computability. The .MP4 files can be dragged and dropped right from the camcorder into nearly any media player or video software. This is not the case with higher-end HD camcorders that use the AVCHD codec. AVCHD files must be imported using special software (or a video editing program) before they can be viewed on a computer.

The MHS-PM1 records all video at 30 frames per second (30p), which is different than the 60i frame rate offered on most high-end camcorders. 60i is sixty interlaced fields per second, while the 30p mode on the PM1 is natively progressive. Check out the Motion section of this review for more information about camcorder frame rates. The table below gives a breakdown of the video resolutions available on the MHS-PM1:

 

**Media***(5.1)*


The primary recording media for the MHS-PM1 are removable Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. These cards load into the camcorder at its base, behind a sliding door that also protects the battery compartment. The cards are a bit awkward to insert as it feels like they should go in with the label facing up, but it is actually the opposite. Sony does have an instructional graphic scrawled on the back of the port-cover, but it is difficult to read and understand. There is also a significant drawback to Memory Sticks themselves—they are Sony-proprietary media. This means they can be more expensive and harder to find than a regular SD/SDHC card and they won't work in any non-Sony product.

The MHS-PM1 also includes 12MB (yes, 12MB) of internal flash memory. This is the leftover memory from the space taken up by Sony's embedded software inside the camcorder. It won't do you much good, as 12MB will only get you around 15 seconds of video at the highest quality.

 

Here is a table of approximate record times:

 

 

**Editing***(6.0)*


An integral aspect of any ultra-compact budget camcorder is its internet and YouTube uploading capability. The Flip series of camcorders really began this phenomenon by including embedded software in its products that allowed for easy uploading of recorded video. The Sony MHS-PM1 attempts to mimic the Flip's success in this manner, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. The camcorder does have embedded software, and that software does let you upload video, but the installation process is far too confusing—especially for beginners. Sony also loses points because its embedded software isn't compatible with Macs.

 

The MHS-PM1 ships with Picture Motion Browser (PMB) and PMB Portable, which is included in the camcorder's internal memory. PMB is often included with Sony camcorders and it allows you to import your footage to a computer and organize your clips. The PMB portable software, however, is unique to Sony's Webbie HD line. It is this software that allows you to upload video and photo directly to the internet and sites like YouTube, Picasa, Shutterfly, etc.

 

Installing the PMB Portable software can be frustrating. First of all, three separate drives come up on your computer when you first connect the MHS-PM1. One drive for the Memory Stick that is loaded in the camcorder, one drive for the 12MB of internal memory that can be used to save media, and one drive for the PMB Portable software. For beginners or technophobes this setup can be rather daunting. It seems like it would have made more sense for Sony to eliminate the 12MB of internal memory altogether, just for the sake of simplicity.

Sony also includes too many extra programs and 'Tools' along with the PMB Portable software. Since many of the MHS-PM1 users are likely people who aren't comfortable with technology, why does Sony go to these lengths to make the included software more confusing than it needs to be? Included with PMB Portable are an Information tool, Location Settings tool, Media Check tool, Media Check tool, PMB Portable Maintenance tool, and a Settings Initialization tool. Sorry, but that's just too many 'Tools' for a tiny, compact camcorder—and it is one of the big reasons that the PMB Portable installation process takes so long.

Once you do get the software installed it is pretty easy to use. There are still a few too many options, but overall it works quite well. The software has pre-set upload options for getting your media to YouTube, Crackle, Dailymotion, Shutterfly, Picasa, and Photobucket. You can also manually enter another site that you prefer to upload to. Tagging videos on the camcorder before you connect it to a computer can make the upload process go faster, but we didn't think it helped out all that much. Overall, the included software on the MHS-PM1 is good, but the installation process is too tedious and the learning curve is too steep for it to match the simplicity of the software included on the Flip UltraHD and other Flip camcorders.

Manual Controls

 

**Auto Mode***(6.51)*


The Sony MHS-PM1 has more features and options than your average ultra-compact budget camcorder. Still, the camcorder doesn't offer much in the way of manual controls, so you'll be relying on auto mode for just about everything. In fact, the only thing the PM1 really does have is a few scene modes, a 2x digital zoom, a flicker reduction setting, and a live histogram for measuring luminance.

The lens on the MHS-PM1 is fixed, which means it has no moving parts and its aperture is always set at f/3.6. This isn't that wide of an aperture, but it does a pretty good job in keeping the whole frame in focus. Since the lens is fixed, there is no autofocus element on the MHS-PM1. Sony claims the camcorder can maintain focus from 7.0mm to infinity, but we found you had to be roughly 10 inches away before things started to become clear.

Auto exposure also had its problems. Bright areas were often 'blown-out' and overexposed and sometimes the camcorder had trouble when we shifted from light to dark. Most of the time, however, the camcorder adjusted quickly and fairly accurately. Auto white balance was a pleasant surprise, with the MHS-PM1 having one of the best systems we've seen on an ultra-compact budget camcorder.

 

Low Light Modes

There is a low light scene mode on the MHS-PM1, but we didn't notice any significant low light improvement when we used the mode to record video. The scene mode did lower the shutter speed for still photos, however (to as low as 2 seconds). The PM1's big sister, the MHS-CM1 has a video light that does provide a slight boost in low light.

Scene Modes

The camcorder offers four scene modes in addition to Auto: Sports, Landscape, Low Light, and Backlight. Sports limits the shutter speed of the camcorder to 1/250 of a second or faster, while Low Light allows for slower shutter speeds (for Photos only). Landscape is for focusing on a distant subject and Backlight will help if you're shooting a subject with strong illumination behind it.

**Zoom***(4.75)*

 


The 2x digital zoom on the MHS-PM1 is controlled via a small tab on the back of the camcorder. The tap feels cheap, flimsy, and has a strange implementation. To zoom out, you push the tab up; to zoom in, you push the tab down. This design feels awkward and most camcorders that use a vertical slider work the opposite way.

 

**Zoom Ratio***(0.0)*


The MHS-PM1 has no optical zoom, but it does include a 2x digital zoom. This lack of an optical zoom is one of the primary differences between he PM1 and the Sony MHS-CM1, which is larger, horizontally-shaped, and has a 5x optical zoom. The PM1's digital zoom isn't very good and can result in some image degradation when used. Since it is electronic and not optical, the zoom also isn't smooth and looks jumpy when you use it.

 

**Focus***(0.0)*


There is no manual focus on the MHS-PM1. In fact, the lens is fixed, so there really isn't any autofocus mechanism either. As we said in the auto controls section of this review, Sony claims the PM1 has a focal range of 7mm to infinity. We found the range to be more like 250mm (10 inches) to infinity. The MHS-PM1 does not have a telemacro setting like its sister model, the MHS-CM1

 

**Exposure***(0.0)*


The MHS-PM1 has no manual exposure controls.

 

**Aperture***(0.0)*


Aperture cannot be controlled manually on the MHS-PM1. The lens is fixed with an aperture of f/3.6.

 

**Shutter Speed***(0.0)*


As with aperture and exposure, shutter speed cannot be set manually on the PM1. Some of the scene modes do alter the range of shutter speeds used, but the adjustment is still automatic. The camcorder offers a shutter speed range of 1/30 - 1/4000 for video.

**White Balance***(0.0)*


There's no white balance option on the MHS-PM1 either.

 

**Gain***(0.0)*


Gain control isn't available on the MHS-PM1. In fact, manual gain is usually only found on high-end or prosumer camcorders, although Sanyo offers ISO settings on its VPC-CG10 and VPC-HD2000.

 

**Color & Image Controls***(0.25)*


The MHS-PM1 has a Flicker Cancel setting in its setup menu. Flicker Cancel is supposed to reduce the flickering that is occasionally produced when shooting under fluorescent lights. Strangely, we didn't notice the setting doing anything when we shot under fluorescent bulbs as there was no flicker with or without Flicker Cancel engaged. The MHS-CM1 does not include this feature.

**Other Manual Controls***(1.0)*


Just like the MHS-CM1, the PM1 has an onscreen histogram display that can be turned on or off. The display, which shows the light levels of whatever the lens is pointed at, is relatively useless. Since you can't make any exposure adjustments on the camcorder, there's really no way to utilize the information garnered from the live histogram. Sony would have been better off removing this feature altogether (or leaving a histogram display option during playback) as all it does is confuse the user and clutter the screen.

Still Features

 

**Still Features***(7.61)*


Based on its size and shape, the MHS-PM1 feels more like a digital camera than a camcorder. With its compact size, the PM1 really looks like one of Sony's digital cameras, although that fact that you hold it upright gives it an entirely different feel. The camcorder has the capability of taking 5 megapixel still images at a maximum size of 2592 x 1944 (see table below for full specs). Photos are taken by pressing the large photo button the back of the camcorder.

 

As far as special still features go, the MHS-PM1 doesn't offer much. There's an 8-second self-timer that is helpful when you want to get a group photo. The scene modes also work with still photos and they give you some control over the settings the camcorder uses. Sports mode limits the shutter speed to 1/250 of a second and higher for sill photos, which is good if you want to capture fast moving subjects. The low light mode enables the camcorder to use shutter speeds as slow as 2 seconds for photos.

Even though the PM1 has limited photo capability, many ultra-compact camcorders offer no still features whatsoever. The Flip UltraHD, like the entire line of Flip camcorders, has no still image capability. So, in this regard, the MHS-PM1 has more still features than most camcorders in its class.

 

**Still Color***(3.4)*


Strangely, the MHS-PM1 didn't produce very accurate colors in its still photos. The camcorder had a color error of 10.3 with a saturation level of 102.1%. This is a much higher color error than the camcorder measured in our video testing and the reason behind it likely has to do with white balance. The PM1's still photos had an orange coloration to them, which definitely affected the color accuracy results. (More on how we test still color.)

 

The chart above shows how most of the colors in our still photo test skewed warmer or towards the upper portion of the chart. This has to do with the orange tint the camcorder produced during our still image testing. Check out the sample images below to get a better idea of what we're talking about.

The MHS-PM1 didn't have an orange-tint problem to the extent of the Kodak Zx1, but it is still slightly noticeable in our sample images. Notice how much brighter the image from the MHS-PM1 is than the MHS-CM1. The gray background also appears much warmer on the PM1. The Kodak Zx1 is far worse, however, with its still image appearing almost as if it was shot in sepia tone.

 

**Still Noise***(2.97)*


The camcorder averaged 0.98% noise in its still images. This isn't terrible, but it is worse than the camcorder did in our regular video testing. The MHS-CM1 had a little more noise, while the Kodak Zx1 had slightly less in this test. The Flip UltraHD cannot capture still images, which is the case with all Flip camcorders. (More on how we test still noise.)

 

 

**Still Sharpness***(0.0)*


While the MHS-PM1 is capable of taking 5-megapixel still photos, the actual sharpness of its images wasn't nearly that high. The camcorder measured a horizontal sharpness of 586 line widths per picture height (lw/ph) with 20.8% undersharpening and a vertical sharpness of 517 lw/ph with 23.4% undersharpening. These undersharpening numbers are too high and the sharpness measurements aren't that impressive—especially for a camcorder that shoots 5-megapixel photos. (More on how we test still sharpness.)

Handling & Use

 

**Ease of Use***(6.0)*


Compared to a traditional camcorder, the MHS-PM1 is very simple to use. It records video in an entirely automated manner, it doesn't have too many complicated buttons or special controls, and it fits easily in the palm of your hand. When it comes to making a camcorder for the masses, however, it needs to be truly idiot-proof and simple and this is where the MHS-PM1 fails.

It almost seems as if Sony wanted to keep everything off of the MHS-PM1, but just couldn't help themselves. Instead, they opted for scene modes, strange options like flicker reduction, and a complicated setup menu that is too much for beginners. If Sony had left just half of these miscellaneous features off, the MHS-PM1 would have come much closer to being an idiot-proof device.

Now, if you're someone who knows how to use a camcorder or is comfortable with modern technology, the MHS-PM1 will feel like an extremely basic product. In that realm, the camcorder is easier to use than most. It is the Luddites, technophobes, and beginners that these products are meant to be designed for, however, and the MHS-PM1 doesn't do very well with that crowd. Its provided editing software is particularly frustrating, and the button implementation and design lacks an intuitive structure. Overall, the Flip series of camcorders, as well as the Kodak Zx1, are easier to work with in nearly every aspect.

**Handling***(6.0)*


The MHS-PM1 is a lot smaller than its other Webbie HD counterpart, the Sony MHS-CM1. It also handles completely differently due to its upright design instead of the horizontal form utilized on the CM1. Overall, the MHS-PM1 feels a lot like the Flip UltraHD. The two camcorders are about the same size, although the PM1 is a bit thinner. We also didn't like the grip on the PM1 all that much. Its surface is too smooth and slippery to really get a good handle on. This, coupled with the fact that the camcorder doesn't have a hand strap, makes it very prone to drops and falls. The MHS-PM1 does ship with a basic wrist strap that attaches to the base of the camcorder and can be helpful for avoiding drops.

 

 

The MHS-PM1's rotating lens is its most unique and interesting feature. The rotating lens is a good addition for the most part, as it allows you to shoot at high angles or point the lens at yourself for a little 'self-recording.' The movable lens really expands the versatility of the camcorder and it makes the stationary LCD screen less of a nuisance. Having the rotating lens is just about as good as having a tiltable LCD, like the one featured on the MHS-CM1 and most traditional camcorders.

 

 

The MHS-PM1 feels mostly durable, but it has its weak components. The port cover on the left side is thin and easily breakable, and the button design throughout the camcorder is poor. Most of the buttons are difficult to press and don't line-up with your thumb very well when you hold the camcorder in your palm. The zoom toggle is a cheap bit of plastic that doesn't respond with much accuracy. We wonder if Sony ever contemplated using a touchscreen on the MHS-PM1, just like it does for its mid-range and high-end consumer camcorders. Perhaps the PM1 would have been better suited with a large touchscreen on its back side, which would make the way for a larger viewing area and less clunky buttons.

 

**Stabilization***(0.0)*


The MHS-PM1 has no image stabilization system, which is the case for most ultra-compact budget camcorders. None of the camcorders we used as comparisons have stabilization systems either. (More on how we test stabilization.)

 

**Portability***(10.7)*


The MHS-PM1 is one of the lightest camcorders on the market. Since it utilizes a compact, upright design the camcorder is roughly 90 grams lighter than its Webbie HD sister-model, the Sony MHS-CM1. The PM1 is also lighter than both the Kodak Zx1 and Flip UltraHD, although not by a huge margin. The MHS-PM1 fits easily in a pocket, but, since the camcorder automatically turns on when the lens is rotated upwards, we found the device sometimes accidentally turned on when we carried it around in a loose pocket.

One limiting portability factor of the MHS-PM1 is the fact that it doesn't have any usable internal memory (only 12MB). The Flip UltraHD has 8GB of internal flash, which is enough to hold multiple hours of footage before you have to dump it onto a computer. So, when you bring the PM1 out on the town, you have to remember to pack a couple of Memory Stick Pro Duo media cards along with it. For this reason, the UltraHD has a slight edge in portability over the thinner, smaller MHS-PM1.

Right out of the box, the PM1 cannot charge and record simultaneously. It does, however, have a DC power input that you can use if you purchase the appropriate power cables. This would make the PM1 easy to use even for long events, like a school play. Sony's other Webbie cam, the CM1, comes with a DC power cable in the box. The Flip series cannot be operated while charging.

 

**Battery Life***(5.75)*


In our test, the MHS-PM1 recorded video for 115 minutes straight on a fully-charged battery. While this is a decent battery life for an ultra-compact camcorder, there are other issues with the PM1's battery system that are very frustrating. First of all, the camcorder has an enclosed battery compartment, which means you can't upgrade to a larger battery pack if you want longer performance. (More on how we test battery life.)

 

The PM1 does use a rechargeable battery, but it cannot be recharged inside the camcorder and must be inserted into the provided wall-plug charger to charge. This raises a problem if you want to view your videos but you have a dead battery. Since the camcorder doesn't come with a power cable there's nothing you can do except take the battery out, charge it, and wait. Interestingly, the MHS-PM1 does have a DC-input port on the left side of the camcorder. Unfortunately, Sony does not ship a cable for this port, nor does it offer a cable for sale with the camcorder on its website. We're not sure what cable works with the PM1's DC-input, but we're guessing its the AC-LS5K Portable AC Adapter—a cable that is sold with a number of Sony's digital cameras.

The MHS-CM1 has an entirely different battery system than the MHS-PM1. It uses an internal, non-removable battery that recharges whenever the camcorder is connected via its DC plug (which ships with the camera).

 

 

**LCD & Viewfinder***(5.9)*


The MHS-PM1 has a stationary, 1.8-inch LCD screen on its back side. This is a significantly smaller screen than what's found on the MHS-CM1 (2.5-inch LCD), the Flip UltraHD (2-inch), and Kodak Zx1 (also 2-inches). The PM1's LCD is a bit larger than the Flip MinoHD's, however, which has measly 1.5-inch screen. So, if you are at all concerned about having a large LCD, don't go with the MHS-PM1. On a positive note, the PM1's screen does have a decent resolution of 230,000-pixels.

 

Even though the screen doesn't rotate on the MHS-PM1, its rotating lens feature provides nearly the same function. Most people will rotate an LCD so they can film themselves, shoot at odd angles, or hold the camcorder in a more comfortable manner. The movable lens gives you all these options—including easy access to self-shooting by rotating the lens all the way around until it is pointing at yourself. The lens also helps the camcorder conserve space, as tiltable LCDs can take up a lot of room.

As is the case with all ultra-compact camcorders, the MHS-PM1 does not have an electronic viewfinder.

 

**Menus***(4.5)*


Even though the menu system on the MHS-PM1 is simpler than most camcorders, it is still far more complex than what you'll find on a Flip camcorder or the Kodak Zx1. The Sony PM1 has two separate menus—one for controlling image size and another for setting scene modes and accessing the camcorder's setup controls. Because settings are spread across two different menus, and due to the fact that their layout and design are a bit jumbled, the menus themselves can be somewhat difficult to navigate.

 

Of course, the reason for these lengthier menus is because the MHS-PM1 offers more settings and features than its competitors. Neither the Flip UltraHD nor the Kodak Zx1 offer any scene modes or photo size options (the Flip doesn't even capture photos at all), while the MHS-PM1 has a variety to choose from. The camcorder's setup menu, which includes options like flicker cancel, language settings, and video output options, feels a bit too complex for a camcorder that is designed for beginners. Still, the menus and options are nowhere near as intricate as they are on a traditional mid-range or high-end camcorder.

While Sony implements a touchscreen LCD on all its Handycam camcorders, the MHS-PM1 instead uses a navigation joystick. The joystick feels a bit cheap and unresponsive, which makes traversing the menus a bit frustrating. There is also a strange issue with the way you select options on the camcorder. The natural feeling is that you push in with the joystick to select a highlighted setting (like a scene mode). When you do this, however, nothing actually gets selected. All you have to do to select an option is highlight it and then exit the menu. This can be very confusing and often leaves the user wondering whether the correct setting has been activated at all.

 

Playback & Connectivity

 

**Playback***(3.25)*


To access video playback mode on the MHS-PM1, you press the small 'play' button on the back of the camcorder. This brings you to a screen that displays all your clips and photos in a thumbnail arrangement. Navigating through this footage is pretty simple, you just use the joystick on the back of the camcorder. The problem is, too many controls are manipulated by this puny joystick. Pushing it up changes the display, pushing it down alters volume, and you can fast forward and rewind by pressing the stick to the left and right. Far too many times, when playing back video clips, we found ourselves adjusting volume when we really wanted to fast forward or changing the display when all we wanted to do was advance to the next clip. It is a clumsy system, but it's about what you would expect from such a compact camcorder.

 

 

Deleting clips is also strange on the MHS-PM1. You have to press the trash/size option button on the right side of the camcorder when you want to get rid of a video. We don't like having the delete button combined with any other button, as it makes you worry each time you press it that you may accidentally be deleting something when all you really wanted to do was change the size of your video.

There are a few more options when you press the menu button during playback, including slideshow, rotate (for still photos), divide, protect, and direct to printer. The PM1 also has a 5x digital zoom for still photos during playback. The upload to web button, which is on the back of the camcorder next to the joystick is used during playback to tag photos and clips for upload. Tagged media will automatically be recognized when you connect the MHS-PM1 to a computer and the software will setup those clips for upload.

 

**Connectivity***(1.25)*


The MHS-PM1 has your basic connectivity options—Sony's proprietary A/V and component-outputs, a USB port, a Memory Stick slot—but it also has a strange DC-input port that is barely explained in the PM1's manual. The DC-input is right next to the A/V and USB ports on the left side of the camcorder. Strangely, the PM1 doesn't ship with a DC cable, so in order to use the DC-input you'll have to by a separate accessory. This is where things get even weirder. Sony doesn't list any compatible cables for the MHS-PM1's DC-input. Does this mean the cable doesn't exist? Maybe, but we're thinking it is likely Sony just forgot to post it. The camcorder is probably compatible with the AC-LS5K power adapter—a cable that is used in Sony's digital camcorder line.

 

The fact that the camcorder doesn't come with a DC power cable raises a number of issues as well. The only way to charge the PM1's battery is to remove it from the camcorder, connect it to the wall-plug charger, and wait for it to charge. This means you have to wait a couple hours before you can access footage on the camcorder if you have a dead battery. The Sony MHS-CM1 avoided this problem by shipping with a DC power cable, and the Flip UltraHD solves this issue by including its USB arm that charges the camcorder whenever it is connected to a computer. The Kodak Zx1 has a similar problem, but it works with regular AA batteries, so if you're in a pinch you can always load it up with new ones or steal a few batteries from your TV remote. Unfortunately, there is no way around this issue on the MHS-PM1... unless you find out what power adapter is compatible with the camcorder and buy one from Sony.

 

The MHS-PM1's battery compartment is located at the bottom of the camcorder and the Memory Stick slot is just above it. We found the card slot a bit confusing to load as its orientation seemed backwards. There is a puny diagram on the compartment's flip-out door that explains the loading process, but it is hard to decipher. The bottom port cover that covers the battery compartment feels solid and strong, although its spring-loaded mechanism feels like it could break off. The MHS-PM1 does not have an HDMI port, which is a disappointing omission.

 

 

Audio & Other Features

 

**Audio Features***(1.25)*


Usually, we don't see much in the way of audio features on these ultra-compact budget camcorders. The Sony MHS-PM1 continues this trend by including only the most basic of audio options—a built-in mono microphone. The camcorder has the uses the same monaural recording system that is featured on the MHS-CM1, and its microphone is placed on the front of the camcorder, just the right of the lens. This tiny mic won't get you much in the way of crisp, clean audio, but it is serviceable for picking up the voice of your subject. If you plan on uploading your video to YouTube, you probably won't care too much about sound quality anyway.

There are no connectivity options for attaching an external mic, nor is there a headphone jack on the MHS-PM1. The Flip UltraHD includes a built-in stereo microphone, which is something that sets it apart from the competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Other Features***(2.0)*


Webcam

The MHS-PM1 can be used as a webcam, but you need to have compatible software installed on the computer you are connecting it to. In the camcorder's setup menu, you can switch the USB output from Mass Storage to Webcam, which will enable the camcorder to be used as a webcam. We're not sure if this feature will work on Macintosh computers and even on PCs you'll need to have special software installed that can utilize the camcorder as a webcam.

PAL/NTSC output

The MHS-PM1 can be switched from normal NTSC to PAL output in its setup menu. This doesn't change the way the camcorder records footage, however. All it does is switch the output so it can be read by a PAL television. This is a useful feature if you're planning on traveling overseas to Europe or any country that uses the PAL signal.

Sony MHS-CM1 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Kodak Zx1 Comparison

Of the camcorders we used as comparisons throughout this review, the Kodak Zx1 is the closest match to the MHS-PM1's size and shape. The camcorders are roughly the same size, thickness, and width, although the Zx1 is a few millimeters smaller at each dimension. The Kodak Zx1 also has a slightly larger LCD screen, an HDMI output, and records to standard SD/SDHC memory cards.

 

In our performance testing, the Sony MHS-PM1 did better than the Kodak in all the bright light tests, except for motion. The Kodak Zx1 offers two frame rates for recording—30p and 60p. Its 60p mode, which is a unique option for an ultra-compact camcorder, produces smooth motion that is similar to what you get from a traditional 60i camcorder. The Zx1 tops out with a video resolution of 1280 x 720, which is not as high as the PM1's maximum resolution. In low light, the Zx1 was the winner in every category, although the only test it truly outperformed the PM1 was low light sensitivity.

 

The Zx1 is more rugged and offers a better grip than the MHS-PM1, but overall the camcorders are similar handlers. They each have their problems and quirks—the button design on the Zx1 is particularly awful—but neither of them stands out as the clear winner. If you want extra settings, a sharper image, and don't care much about low light quality, then go with the Sony. If you're looking for something more durable and you want multiple frame rates, the Kodak is the better option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flip UltraHD Comparison

The Flip UltraHD is a bit bulkier than the MHS-PM1 and it is significantly heavier (although it is still very light). The beauty of the UltraHD isn't necessarily in its design, however, but in its complete simplicity. The camcorder is incredibly easy to use and its included software is a breeze to figure out. This is exactly where the MHS-PM1 falls short—it has too many options and software that is too complex. If you're a beginner or technophobe, we have to recommend the Flip UltraHD over the MHS-PM1.

Of course, if you're comfortable with camcorders or technology, the MHS-PM1 will suit you just fine. Its extra settings, like size options and scene modes, make it a more versatile product than the Flip UltraHD. There's also the rotatable lens on the PM1, which does wonders in helping you shoot at odd angles or film yourself if you want to.

The choice between these two camcorders should be clear. If you want to upload videos to YouTube using the simplest product out there, the Flip UltraHD is your best bet. If you want a few more features and if the rotatable lens intrigues you, the MHS-PM1 is the stronger choice. The MHS-PM1 is also about $30 cheaper cheaper than the Flip UltraHD, so it is the more economical option.

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.**

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Specs and Ratings

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Meet the tester

Jeremy Stamas

Jeremy Stamas

Managing Editor, Video

@nematode9

Jeremy is the video expert of our imaging team and Reviewed.com's head of video production. Originally from Pennsylvania and upstate NY, he graduated from Bard college with a degree in film and electronic media. He has been living and working in New England since 2005.

See all of Jeremy Stamas's reviews

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