CES 2009

Read all 'MPEG-4' posts in CES 2009
January 7, 2009 4:15 PM PST

Sony takes on Flip Video, in Technicolor

by Lori Grunin
  • 2 comments

Sony MHS-PM1

Sony does the minicamcorder in bright colors with a swivel lens.

(Credit: Sony Electronics)

Now that Flip has created a market for cheap minicamcorders such as the MinoHD, Sony's decided to jump in with its own offerings, somewhat annoyingly nicknamed the Webbie HD models.

The vertical-style MHS-PM1 seems a better category fit than the MHS-CM1; though like many of its competitors it lacks an optical zoom, it has a nifty swivel lens mount. It records 1080p MPEG-4 video to Memory Stick Duo media at 1,440x1,080-pixel resolution, and shoots stills at a comparatively high resolution (5-megapixels). Also like many competitors, the software it ships with--Picture Motion Browser Portable--doesn't support the Mac.

You should be able to get it in March for $170.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $139.99 - $199.95
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (orange)

On Sale Now: $149.99
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (purple)

On Sale Now: $124.99 - $149.00
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (silver)

January 7, 2009 4:15 PM PST

Sony offers up Web camcorder with 5X zoom

by Lori Grunin
  • Post a comment

Sony MHS-CM1

The CM1 comes in eye-popping orange and purple, as well as staid silver.

(Credit: Sony Electronics)

One of a duo of direct-to-Web HD mini camcorders marking Sony's debut in the market, the MHS-CM1, is modeled more after the traditional cheap designs from Panasonic and Samsung than the new tech toy-type Flip MinoHDs of the world.

The horizontal design does allow for a 5X zoom lens and largish 2.5-inch LCD. However, I found the CM1 oddly uncomfortable to hold. It records 1080p MPEG-4 video to Memory Stick Duos at 1440x1080 resolution, and shoots stills at a comparatively high resolution. Also like many competitors, the software it ships with, Picture Motion Browser Portable, doesn't support Macs.

You can get one of these brightly colored shooters now for $200.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $219.99
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 (orange)

On Sale Now: $178.00 - $199.77
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 (purple)

On Sale Now: $169.99 - $199.99
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 (silver)

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