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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.Samsung Omnia Comparison
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12.Flip UltraHD Comparison
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13.Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Specs and Ratings
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17.Photo Gallery
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18.Specs and Ratings
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19.Comments
Apple iPhone 3G S
Previous: Part 12
Flip UltraHD ComparisonNext: Part 14
Conclusion
iPhone 3G S versus Sony MHS-PM1
• MHS-PM1 has more video features and options, but is more confusing
• PM1 records HD video at 1440 x 1080 or 1280 x 720, has 5-megapixel still image capability
• Rotatable lens on MHS-PM1 makes it easy to record yourself and shoot at odd angles
• The Webbie has a tripod mount; the iPhone does not
Sony's foray into the ultra-compact budget camcorder market began this year with the Webbie HD line of camcorders: the Sony MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1. While the MHS-PM1 offers more features than most budget cams, it is also more difficult to use. It has a poor interface, confusing menus, and too many options for novice users. This is an area where the iPhone 3G S shines—its video mode is extremely easy to use and everything is very intuitive. The MHS-PM1 does, of course, offer HD video capability and it did better than the iPhone in a number of performance categories. It also has a tripod mount to reduce the effect of shaky hands while recording.
| Comparison Specs | ||
 |
 |
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| iPhone 3G S | Sony MHS-PM1 | |
| Price | £0 - £538.30 (depending on tariff) |
£149.99 |
| Primary Recording Media | 32GB internal memory | Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Secondary Recording Media | None | 12MB internal memory |
| Image Sensor | Unknown | 1/4.5-inch CMOS |
| Mic Input | None | None |
| LCD | 3.5-inch | 2.0-inch |
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Weight | 135g (4.8 oz.) | 120g (4.23 oz.) |
| Dimensions | 62.1 x 115.5 x 12.3mm (2.4 x 4.5 x 0.48 inches) |
55 x 103 x 24mm (2.17 x 4.06 x 0.94 inches) |
| HD | No | Yes |
| Frame Rates | 480/30p | 720/30p |
| Compression | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Maximum Bitrate | Unknown | 9 Mbps |
| Optical Zoom | None | None |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Battery | Internal Battery (ships w/ USB charger and wall adapter) |
ships with NP-BK1 (removable lithium battery) |
| Scores | ||
| iPhone 3G S | Sony MHS-PM1 | |
| Colour | 7.42 | 7.83 |
| Noise | 12.06 | 7.77 |
| Video Sharpness | 6.34 | 9.77 |
| Low Light Sensitivity | 8.38 | 0.97 |
| Low Light Colour | 9.24 | 8.29 |
| Low Light Noise | 11.14 | 8.89 |
| Low Light Comparison | |||
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||
| iPhone 3G S | Sony MHS-PM1 | ||
| Low Light Sensitivity * |
 |
| * the lower the lux required, the better the performance |
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