Sony MHS-PM1

Of the camcorders we used as comparisons throughout this review, the Kodak Zx1 is the closest match to the MHS-PM1's size and shape. The camcorders are roughly the same size, thickness, and width, although the Zx1 is a few millimetres smaller at each dimension. The Kodak Zx1 also has a slightly larger LCD screen, an HDMI output, and records to standard SD/SDHC memory cards.

In our performance testing, the Sony MHS-PM1 did better than the Kodak in all the bright light tests, except for motion. The Kodak Zx1 offers two frame rates for recording—30p and 60p. Its 60p mode, which is a unique option for an ultra-compact camcorder, produces smooth motion that is similar to what you get from a traditional 60i camcorder. The Zx1 tops out with a video resolution of 1280 x 720, which is not as high as the PM1's maximum resolution. In low light, the Zx1 was the winner in every category, although the only test it truly outperformed the PM1 was low light sensitivity.

The Zx1 is more rugged and offers a better grip than the MHS-PM1, but overall the camcorders are similar handlers. They each have their problems and quirks—the button design on the Zx1 is particularly awful—but neither of them stands out as the clear winner. If you want extra settings, a sharper image, and don't care much about low light quality, then go with the Sony. If you're looking for something more durable and you want multiple frame rates, the Kodak is the better option.

	Comparison Specs
	Sony MHS-PM1	Kodak Zx1
Price	£199	£149.99
Primary Recording Media	Memory Stick DUO Pro	SD/SDHC Memory Cards
Secondary Recording Media	12MB internal memory	30MB internal memory
Image Sensor	1/2.5-inch CMOS	1/4.5-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	2.07 Megapixels	1.6 Megapixels
Mic Input	None	None
LCD	1.8-inch with 230,000 pixel display	2-inch
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	120g with battery	152g with battery
Dimensions	55 x 103 x 24mm	50.1 x 107 x 20mm
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/30p, 720/30p, 480/30p	720/30p, 720/60p, 480/60p
Compression	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate	Unknown	Unknown
Optical Zoom	None	None
Stabilization	None	None
Battery	Removable lithium-ion rechargeable (rechargeable via DC wall charger)	AA (ships with two AA batteries, rechargeable via DC wall charger)

Low Light Comparison
Sony MHS-PM1	Kodak Zx1

Low Light Sensitivity Comparison*

* the lower the lux required, the better the performance