Sony MHS-PM1

Playback (3.25)

To access video playback mode on the MHS-PM1, you press the small 'play' button on the back of the camcorder. This brings you to a screen that displays all your clips and photos in a thumbnail arrangement. Navigating through this footage is pretty simple, you just use the joystick on the back of the camcorder. The problem is, too many controls are manipulated by this puny joystick. Pushing it up changes the display, pushing it down alters volume, and you can fast forward and rewind by pressing the stick to the left and right. Far too many times, when playing back video clips, we found ourselves adjusting volume when we really wanted to fast forward or changing the display when all we wanted to do was advance to the next clip. It is a clumsy system, but it's about what you would expect from such a compact camcorder.

The playback menu

Deleting clips is also strange on the MHS-PM1. You have to press the trash/size option button on the right side of the camcorder when you want to get rid of a video. We don't like having the delete button combined with any other button, as it makes you worry each time you press it that you may accidentally be deleting something when all you really wanted to do was change the size of your video.

There are a few more options when you press the menu button during playback, including slide show, rotate (for still photos), divide, protect, and direct to printer. The PM1 also has a 5x digital zoom for still photos during playback. The upload to web button, which is on the back of the camcorder next to the joystick is used during playback to tag photos and clips for upload. Tagged media will automatically be recognised when you connect the MHS-PM1 to a computer and the software will set-up those clips for upload.

Connectivity (1.25)

The MHS-PM1 has your basic connectivity options—Sony's proprietary A/V and component-outputs, a USB port, a Memory Stick slot and a DC-input port.

Ports from left to right: USB, A/V-out, DC-input (cable not included)

The MHS-PM1's battery compartment is located at the bottom of the camcorder and the Memory Stick slot is just above it. We found the card slot a bit confusing to load as its orientation seemed backwards. There is a puny diagram on the compartment's flip-out door that explains the loading process, but it is hard to decipher. The bottom port cover that covers the battery compartment feels solid and strong, although its spring-loaded mechanism feels like it could break off. The MHS-PM1 does not have an HDMI port, which is a disappointing omission.

The battery compartment and memory card slot