Sony MHS-PM1

Compression (7.5)

The Sony MHS-PM1 records HD video using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. This is essentially the standard codec for ultra-compact camcorders as they all utilise some form of MPEG-4 compression. The codec is quite efficient, so you're files won't be too large and you'll be able to fit a lot of footage onto a decently-sized Memory Stick. The video files come out wrapped in an .MP4 container, which is beneficial for those who want ultimate computability. The .MP4 files can be dragged and dropped right from the camcorder into nearly any media player or video software. This is not the case with higher-end HD camcorders that use the AVCHD codec. AVCHD files must be imported using special software (or a video editing program) before they can be viewed on a computer.


The MHS-PM1 records all video at 30 frames per second (30p), which is different than the 60i frame rate offered on most high-end camcorders. 60i is sixty interlaced fields per second, while the 30p mode on the PM1 is natively progressive. Check out the Motion section of this review for more information about camcorder frame rates. The table below gives a breakdown of the video resolutions available on the MHS-PM1:

Media (5.1)

The primary recording media for the MHS-PM1 are removable Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. These cards load into the camcorder at its base, behind a sliding door that also protects the battery compartment. The cards are a bit awkward to insert as it feels like they should go in with the label facing up, but it is actually the opposite. Sony does have an instructional graphic scrawled on the back of the port-cover, but it is difficult to read and understand. There is also a significant drawback to Memory Sticks themselves—they are Sony-proprietary media. This means they can be more expensive and harder to find than a regular SD/SDHC card and they won't work in any non-Sony product.

The MHS-PM1 also includes 12MB (yes, 12MB) of internal flash memory. This is the leftover memory from the space taken up by Sony's embedded software inside the camcorder. It won't do you much good, as 12MB will only get you around 15 seconds of video at the highest quality.

The Memory Stick PRO Duo card slot is located beneath the battery compartment.

Here is a table of approximate record times:

Editing (6.0)

A integral aspect of any ultra-compact budget camcorder is its internet and YouTube uploading capability. The Flip series of camcorders really began this phenomenon by including embedded software in its products that allowed for easy uploading of recorded video. The Sony MHS-PM1 attempts to mimic the Flip's success in this manner, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. The camcorder does have embedded software, and that software does let you upload video, but the installation process is far too confusing—especially for beginners. Sony also loses points because its embedded software isn't compatible with Macs.

The opening screen of the PMB Portable software

 
The MHS-PM1 ships with Picture Motion Browser (PMB) and PMB Portable, which is included in the camcorder's internal memory. PMB is often included with Sony camcorders and it allows you to import your footage to a computer and organise your clips. The PMB portable software, however, is unique to Sony's Webbie HD line. It is this software that allows you to upload video and photo directly to the internet and sites like YouTube, Picasa, Shutterfly, etc.

Clips are arranged as thumbnails and can be selected for upload to various sites.

Installing the PMB Portable software can be frustrating. First of all, three separate drives come up on your computer when you first connect the MHS-PM1. One drive for the Memory Stick that is loaded in the camcorder, one drive for the 12MB of internal memory that can be used to save media, and one drive for the PMB Portable software. For beginners or technophobes this set-up can be rather daunting. It seems like it would have made more sense for Sony to eliminate the 12MB of internal memory altogether, just for the sake of simplicity.

Sony also includes too many extra programs and 'Tools' along with the PMB Portable software. Since many of the MHS-PM1 users are likely people who aren't comfortable with technology, why does Sony go to these lengths to make the included software more confusing than it needs to be? Included with PMB Portable are an Information tool, Location Settings tool, Media Check tool, Media Check tool, PMB Portable Maintenance tool, and a Settings Initialization tool. Sorry, but that's just too many 'Tools' for a tiny, compact camcorder—and it is one of the big reasons that the PMB Portable installation process takes so long.

The YouTube upload screen

Once you do get the software installed it is pretty easy to use. There are still a few too many options, but overall it works quite well. The software has pre-set upload options for getting your media to YouTube, Crackle, Dailymotion, Shutterfly, Picasa, and Photobucket. You can also manually enter another site that you prefer to upload to. Tagging videos on the camcorder before you connect it to a computer can make the upload process go faster, but we didn't think it helped out all that much. Overall, the included software on the MHS-PM1 is good, but the installation process is too tedious and the learning curve is too steep for it to match the simplicity of the software included on the Flip UltraHD and other Flip camcorders.