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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.Flip UltraHD Comparison
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12.Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
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13.Kodak Zx1 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.Comments
JVC Picsio GC-FM1
Previous: Part 11
Flip UltraHD ComparisonNext: Part 13
Kodak Zx1 Comparison
JVC GC-FM1 versus Sony MHS-PM1
• The Picsio has slightly superior video performance, though both record 1080p video.
• Both record to memory cards and have internal, rechargeable batteries.
• Both are equally easy to use for the most basic operations, but confusing to navigate further.
• The Webbie is more durable and more reliable: ports are covered and buttons and switches have more solid construction.
The JVC Picsio GC-FM1 and the Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 are two of the only ultra-compact models that support 1080p recording. Most of the competition maxes out at 720p. Of course, native recording is 1440 x 1080, but all files are output as 1920 x 1080, in a similar fashion to HDV recording on traditional consumer camcorders. In terms of video performance, the FM1 achieves superior results compared to the Webbie. It was sharper, and had better-looking motion and colour.
The PM1, on the other hand, is a more attractive piece of consumer electronics and has that convenient swivel lens for self-recording. The ports have a sturdy cover, which should lengthen the life of the camcorder, and the Webbie has no flimsy tele-macro switch to hinder focus. The resolution isn't as high, so your videos and photos aren't as sharp, but we think that's a small price to pay for a more reliable product. (Especially considering that most videos recorded on these cams are headed towards a low resolution destination like YouTube.) Both camcorders are easy to fly on auto-pilot and more annoying to navigate when you try to delve deeper.
If you like the look of either of these cams, that will probably be the deciding factor for you. If you don't like the look, you're probably likely to spend your money elsewhere.
| Comparison Specs | ||
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 |
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| JVC GC-FM1 | Sony MHS-PM1 | |
| Price | £163 | £199 |
| Primary Recording Media | SD/SDHC memory cards | Memory Stick DUO Pro |
| Secondary Recording Media | 34MB internal memory | 12MB internal memory |
| Image Sensor | 1/3.2-inch CMOS | 1/2.5-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixel Count | Unknown | 2.07 Megapixels |
| Mic Input | None | None |
| LCD | 2-inch | 1.8-inch with 230,000 pixel display |
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Weight | 100g with battery | 120g with battery |
| Dimensions | 53 x 97 x 17mm | 55 x 103 x 24mm |
| HD | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Rates | 1080/30p, 720/60p, 480/60p, 240/30p | 1080/30p, 720/30p, 480/30p |
| Compression | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Maximum Bitrate | Unknown | Unknown |
| Optical Zoom | None | None |
| Battery | Internal lithium-ion rechargeable (rechargeable via USB) |
Removable lithium-ion rechargeable (rechargeable via wall-plug adapter) |
| Scores | ||
| JVC GC-FM1 | Sony MHS-PM1 | |
| Color | 10.94 | 7.83 |
| Noise | 2.28 | 7.77 |
| Video Sharpness | 11.66 | 9.77 |
| Low Light Sensitivity | 3.77 | 0.97 |
| Low Light Color | 8.77 | 8.29 |
| Low Light Noise | 10.08 | 8.89 |
| Noise at 60 lux Auto | |
 |
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| JVC GC-FM1 100% Crop |
Sony MHS-PM1 100% Crop |
| Low Light Sensitivity | ||||
| Mode | JVC GC-FM1 | Flip UltraHD | Sony MHS-PM1 | Kodak Zx1 |
| Auto Gain | 15 Lux | 7 Lux | 23 Lux | 6 Lux |
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