Sony's first entry into the mini-camcorder arena was 2007's NSC-GC1. That model didn't fare too well in our review, but Sony seems to have learned its lesson, as evidenced by its Mobile HD Snap Camera MHS-PM1 budget camcorder. Available for about £190, the MHS-PM1 follows in the footsteps of models like the Flip Video MinoHD, with a vertical, almost mobile-phone-like, design.
Design
It may not be quite as small as its Flip Video and Creative competitors, but it's compact, measuring 56mm by 102mm by 23mm, and lightweight, at 119g with its battery. It's attractively styled and easily fits into a pocket. Currently, it comes in three colours: purple, orange and silver.
Most notably, the MHS-PM1 records H.264 compressed high-definition video using MPEG-4 encoding in a 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, as well as the more typical 720p and space-saving VGA resolutions. As we say about all these mini camcorders: while they may be billed as HD models, they really can't be compared with true HD camcorders that cost substantially more. Numerous factors go into creating an image. Most important of these is a good lens -- not just a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor capable of capturing an image at a certain resolution.
The MHS-PM1's other key feature is its swivelling, fixed focal-length lens. It provides shooting flexibility, letting you, for example, record yourself at the same time as you're admiring yourself in the sharp 46mm (1.8-inch) LCD. Another benefit is that, when swivelled shut, the lens is protected and, when you swivel the lens open, the camcorder turns on.
The MHS-PM1 comes with 12MB of internal memory -- effectively nothing -- so you'll have to pay for a Memory Stick Pro Duo card, too. For HD video, you'll want at least a 2GB card, and preferably a 4GB card, which can hold slightly more than 2 hours of video in 720p mode or about 1 hour and 15 minutes in 1080p mode. The length of a clip is limited to 25 minutes, regardless. The camcorder lets you know exactly how much recording time you have left in each mode, which is a pleasing touch.
A removable lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers this model. You can't, however, charge the battery in the camcorder -- it requires the bundled battery charger. Similarly, there's no integrated flip-out USB connector, which means you have to use a cable. Also, the MHS-PM1 lacks the HDMI connector found on some competing models.
Sony has endeavoured to make the MHS-PM1 simple to use, and, thanks to relatively well-labelled and well-placed buttons, it's mostly succeeded. But, when it comes to these types of camcorders, there are degrees of simplicity, and the MHS-PM1 leans towards the more complicated end of the spectrum. Part of the reason is that it includes a few extra features that some competitors omit. For instance, you get a self-timer and four scene modes (sports, landscape, low light and backlight), as well as an auto mode.
The real issue with the interface is that there are two buttons on the side that activate menu options, and a button on the front that appears to be a 'return' button. You have to actually read the documentation to discover that it's for Sony's proprietary Sharemark image tagging, used only by the bundled Picture Motion Browser software. You'll figure things out after some trial and error, but the whole set-up is rather quirky and could have been better thought-out.
Performance
If the video quality were outstanding, we'd be willing to overlook those small interface gripes, but it's just okay. We viewed the video and photos on both a computer and an HD television, via the bundled component cable. You can blow up images and video and they'll maintain a reasonable degree of sharpness (although we use the word generously here). As with all mini camcorders, you have to hold the unit very steady to get rock-solid video, or attach it to a tripod via the threaded mount on the bottom.
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klw 24 July 2009
Good: small, lightweight, easy to carry, fun to use, produces quality video
Bad: Fixed focus lens - I can hardly believe this of Sony, mono sound, no optical zoom
Comment: This small, utra-lightweight camcorder/camera is one to drop into your pocket or bag, take everywhere you go and enjoy using.
Its small size means it can be comfortably stuffed into a pocket and with its rotating head the lens is protected when not in use while also forming a sleek and secure unit to carry around. An advantage of being so small and light is that you don't need to make a conscious effort to pack a bag to take it with you - therefore you're more likely to use it to catch and record moments you might otherwise miss.
Start-up is fast - just rotate the lens with your thumb; it's easy to hold and very simple to use - even for the complete novice. It has a full 'auto' mode so all you need to do is point it at the subject and press either the generously-sized 'Movie' or 'Photo' button and let the camera work out the best settings.
Strengths
HD resolution 1440 x 1080 - beats the ultra-compact camcorder competition
Dual function - HD camcorder and 5 megapixel camera
Very lightweight - lighter than my mobile phone!
Easy to carry
Unobtrusive - handy for discreet filming
Superior build quality - typical of Sony products
Rapid start-up
Very simple to use
Good battery life - about 90 minutes in my tests
Rotating lens - one of the best design features I've seen
Perfect lens for self-filming
Generous-sized video-filming and still photo buttons
Sensitive mic produces crisp sound
Good quality video footage
Low light mode is surprisingly good in buildings, but not for filming dark subjects eg caves or black pets
Accurate colour reproduction
Good white balance
Produces smooth video footage in a choice of three resolutions
MPEG-4 /AVCH.264 format produces smaller, more manageable files than other formats (eg MPEG-2)
An 8GB Memory Stick will hold nearly 3 hours of video in its highest resolution.
Good for filming your own action footage - could fasten it to bike handlebars or tuck it inside chest strap on rucksack
Easy video upload to YouTube at the press of a button
Perfect for blogging
Tripod socket
Weaknesses
Fixed focus lens
Digital zoom is very jerky and virtually unusable
1.8" monitor is small (but it's in proportion for a very small camcorder)
Tiny lens admits little light so low-light images can be soft and noisy (a problem common to all ultra compact cameras and camcorders)
Measly 12MB internal memory
Too few settings
No option to over-ride auto white balance
No video light
No flash
Mono sound
Uses Memory Stick Duo Pro - not SD/SDHC cards (my personal gripe)
Maximum length of a video clip is limited to 25 minutes. Why?
Digital zoom button feels upside-down (pressing down to zoom in telephoto feels wrong; it should be the other way around!)
No image stabiliser
Can't take still photos while using video (unlike Sanyo camcorders)
Overpriced??
I've used lots of camcorders and cameras and I've always felt that Sony produce crisper, clearer images with less noise and smoother video than probably all brands of competing models in their class - and this little gem is no exception in producing very usable video footage in up to 1440 x 1080 resolution and still images with good colour reproduction at up to 5 megapixels.
The white balance on mini camcorders often struggles producing a noticeable grey, blue or even mild sepia cast on footage and whites (eg white clothing) can 'blow' into an over-exposed mass losing all detail. Sony outperforms these with a reliable white balance although it can struggle with dim flourescent lighting and produce a greenish-yellow tinge. It's clearly invalid to directly compare this MHS-PM1 with the full-size HD camcorders at more than twice the size, weight and price - it can't match these, but the general perfomance in terms of sound quality, light sensitivity, white balance and colour accuracy on the MHS-PM1 is unmatched by the other simple point-and-shoot camcorders in its class such as the 'Flip' range of camcorders.
Unti
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