Sony Webbie HD cams hands-on

We couldn't help but notice Sony's cute little Webbie MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 HD cams hiding in the corner while we were scoping out the VAIO P and the Walkman NWZ-X1000, so we snuck a few shots. They look and feel really nice, and while we didn't get a chance to check the video quality, the PM1's swiveling screen certainly brings something new to the Flip-esque form-factor. Check 'em out in the gallery!

Sony Webbie HD hands-on

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 8:53PM]

these really put my DXG-567 hd down.
they make it look old, and crappy.
first my netbook, then my pocket camcorder, what is next for them?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 8th 2009 1:21PM]

Are these supposed to be webcams (tethered) or carry around (ie Flip)?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 9:03PM]

nice nice

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 9:05PM]

Nothing to see here, boring.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 11:22PM]

What no memory stick support??? How could you Sony! Be like everyone else!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 8th 2009 3:48AM]

I agree the specs look great and the price is right, but there are two deal breakers. The first is that Sony should have given up on their stupid overpriced proprietary memory stick years ago. The second is that, for the CM1, it would have been better for Sony to orient the lens along the short axis so you can hold the camera with a pistol grip. It's uncomfortable just watching these people try to hold the device: http://dvice.com/archives/2009/01/sony_webbie_hd.php?p=4&cat=undefined#more

You would have to hold the device in a backhanded motion at eye height to make it level, and there's no way to lower it gently from that height or swap hands while still filming when your arm gets tired. I'll stick with my Sanyo HD700, thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 8:13AM]

The great thing about this camera, and one that most reviews seem to be missing, is that it takes 5 MegaPixel still pictures. Since this is enough for 99% of consumers (ok, maybe not for you, geek), it could be the first of a trend where camcorders and still cameras are merged into just ONE gadget. Kudos to Sony for having the courage to dive into it and not be afraid of canibalization.
If you are a father of hyperactive kids (all of them are), you don't want to carry two cameras, one for stills and one for video. You don't mind if your videos of your kid poking his nose is broadcast quality. What happens is that you simply carry one or the other, or often neither.
Look this situation from a marketing perspective, not an engineering one: this camera is a killer-app.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 4:02AM]

Does it give out 720p through component?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2009 3:59PM]

Sample videos posted on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S83NN6EBz4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGG9Em1Y_Y&NR=1

On arstechnica a reviewer notes the anti-blur function does not work in 1080p.