January 7, 2009 4:15 PM PST

Sony takes on Flip Video, in Technicolor

by Lori Grunin
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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 - $149.00
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (orange)

On Sale Now: $138.00
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (purple)

On Sale Now: $126.99 - $169.99
View the latest prices for Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 (silver)

Senior Editor Lori Grunin has been covering digital imaging for two decades, but her memory's kind of sketchy on the details. You can hear about it every week on Indecent Exposure, the podcast she co-hosts with Matt Fitzgerald.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register)
by Universal_Indie_Records January 9, 2009 5:23 AM PST
I love these flip camera's. Created a homemade music video with them:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNSIhwsry98&#38;feature=channel_page<br /><br />but I wouldn't have paid $170 for it. I paid $99 for mine.
Reply to this comment
by MrMurder March 26, 2009 4:48 PM PDT
I really want one. My dad has a Sony Handycam, but it doesn't film in HD. Since it's a Sony, I'm thinking it'll have good video quality. I just want Lori to write a review about this camcorder. It might be an Editor's Choice camcorder.
Reply to this comment
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