The Sony MHS-PM1 is one of the most portable camcorders in the market.  It features very compact dimensions of 2.2in x 0.9in x 4.1in (W x D x H) and weighing only 120 grams.  It is a pocket-sized camcorder with several great features and offers high definition recording saved in its memory card media.

The Sony MHS-PM1 runs on a 1/2.5-inch imaging sensor with an effective resolution of 2.07 megapixels in video recording and 5.04 megapixels in still images.  The camcorder records digital videos in AVC/H.264 format.  The camcorder is capable of recording high definition (HD) videos in 1080p/30p mode.  Aside from this, the camcorder can also record in 720 and VGA (640 x 480) quality settings – both operate in 30p mode.

The camcorder supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo / PRO Duo cards.  A 16 GB Memory Stick Pro can approximately hold 5.5hrs of videos in the highest quality and can store more in lower video quality.  The camcorder also has an internal 12 MB memory integrated to its system in addition to the memory card in its memory slot.

You can capture still images in JPEG format and stored in memory cards in the camcorder’s memory slot.  Maximum resolution for still photographs is at 2592 x 1944.  There are also four more still image sizes available for this camcorder.  The camcorder can capture in 3.2 MP, 3 MP, 2 MP and VGA (640 x 480).  The camcorder also has an 8-sec delay timer to capture group or family pictures.

The Sony MHS-PM1 is equipped with a zoom lens with 4x digital zoom capability.  The lens has a fixed aperture of f/3.6 and a shutter speed range of 1/30-1/4000sec.  The lens also features a built in lens shield to protect it when not in use.  It can also swivel up to 270 degrees providing versatility in capturing videos and still images in odd angles.  This feature also makes it easier to capture videos or still photos of yourself.  The ability of the lens to swivel is a big advantage that compensates for the camcorder’s limited stationary LCD.

The Sony MHS-PM1 also has a Playback mode that you activate by pressing the Playback button at the back of the camcorder – one of the buttons below the LCD screen.  You can display saved videos and images in thumbnails and navigation thru the selection is thru the joystick.  The camcorder’s speaker sits on the left side of the camcorder.

Audio input is thru the camcorder’s built in microphone located at the back of the camcorder at the lower right side just below the lens.  The on and off button are at the right side of the camcorder.  Beside the power button is the menu button that allows access to the camcorder’s settings.  Another button at the right side of the camcorder is the Delete/Format button that sets the changes for the image size and video resolution.  The shutter button is located at the back, lower left of the camcorder, just below the stationary LCD display.  Next to the shutter button is the zoom button that controls the camcorder’s 4x digital zoom.

There are no manual settings for the Sony MHS-PM1.  All videos and still photos record in automatic modes.  The lack of manual options is common for all pocket-sized camcorders.  Shooting programs include Landscape, Lowlight, Backlight and Sports Mode.  The camcorder doesn’t have a video light to help the camcorder operate in lowlight condition.  Under the Lowlight mode, the camcorder slows down the camcorder’s shutter speed to brighten the images.  There are no manual adjustments for the camcorder’s Aperture and Shutter Speed.

The camcorder also features a Live Histogram that you can toggle on/off by pressing the “up” of the camcorder’s joystick.  With the Histogram feature on, the camcorder displays a live histogram as you record your video.

Video monitoring and playback is thru the camcorder’s 1.8-inch color TFT active matrix LCD screen.  The LCD screen has an effective resolution of 0.23 megapixels.  You can adjust the brightness of the screen thru the camcorder’s settings.  It offers 2 modes for brightness with Normal and Bright settings.  There is no available viewfinder for this camcorder.

For consumers who like to upload videos to YouTube a lot, the Sony MHS-PM1 comes with internal software that will allow you to upload videos and images easily.  There is a Sharemark button located below the LCD display of the camcorder for quick uploading of videos and pictures to YouTube, Shutterfly and other sites.  The MHS-PM1 also offers a Flicker Cancel function that is very useful when taking videos of monitors or television screens.  This function reduces the flickering, caused by the monitor/television’s 60 GHz frequency interference, in the video output.

The camcorder comes with a NP-BK1 Li-ion rechargeable battery.  The sliding door at the bottom of the camcorder provides access to the battery.  A full charge battery can approximately last for 2 hrs of extensive use.  Beside the battery compartment is the camcorder’s tripod mount that fits to any standard-sized tripod.

Connection ports for the Sony MHS-PM1 sit at the lower left side of the camcorder.  Opening the port hatch will provide access to the USB, AV-out and DC in ports.  There are not HDMI ports, no accessory shoe nor mic input for this camcorder.

The closest competition for the MHS-PM1 is the Flip MinoHD.  In comparison, the Flip MinoHD features a smaller LCD screen at 1.5-inch in size.  The Flip MinoHD also doesn’t have a still capture capability unlike the Sony MHS-PM1 that offers 5 size settings in capturing still photos.  The Flip MinoHD may hold the advantage in portability with its smaller dimensions and lighter weight at only 93 grams.

With the addition of this pocket-sized HD camcorder, Sony has definitely placed an impression in the compact camcorders category.  It offers a wide range of controls and settings not available for camcorders in this category.  Its ability to capture still images (not present in most pocket-sized camcorders) is definitely a great feature.  This camcorder is a catch at the $80 – $150 price range.  In addition, it is available in purple, orange and silver colors.

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Technical Specifications

Hardware

• Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Lens rotates to close
• Media Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media¹