Sony MHS-PM5K Bloggie

Sony’s new MHS-PM5K ‘Bloggie’ camcorder boasts high resolution recording capabilities and a range of cool features. With a swivelling 360 degree lens and pocket-friend design, this innovative camera could set the standard for blogger, traveller, and pocket media recording.

Pocket camcorders have become immensely popular over the last two years, with HD models of the Flip mini-cam and high quality phone cameras leading demand for ultra-portable recording devices. While Sony’s MHS-PM5K – or as Sony would prefer you called it, the ‘Bloggie’ – offers some seriously high quality compact recording, it’s unlikely to be an adequate camcorder replacement for serious digital film fans.

The MHS-PM5K is designed for maximised portability and versatility. The recording head – housing the camera lens and basic directional microphone – swivels 270 degrees to allow users to capture footage and audio from almost any direction. While somewhat impractical during initial use, with some slight refinement the swivelling recording lens can prove quite useful.

‘Bloggie’ certainly makes sense as a pet name, as the MHS-PM5K appears to have been designed from the ground up as a camera that’s useful for all-purpose bloggers. Turn the camera’s top section around and you’ll have the perfect recording camera for video blogging and demonstrations. Flip it around again and you’ll end up with the ideal device for recording action.

And when it comes to recording, the MHS-PM5K is certainly no slouch. Videos are recorded in full 1920×1080 HD resolution and can be instantly exported to your Mac or PC for editing. Low action footage is clear and crisp, with details captured perfectly. However, when recording action footage and low-light scenery, the MHS-PM5K shows its weaknesses.

Similarly to many other ultra-lightweight cameras, the MHS-PM5K suffers when used as a handheld device. Movement can be jerky, adjustments to light aren’t particularly smooth, and zoomed footage can quickly cause headaches. Due to the design of Sony’s recording lens, full HD video can only be shot without zoom – leaving some action orientated videos without enough detail.

In addition, low light footage can be quite muddy and difficult to capture. The small lens makes it difficult to adjust ISO and sensitivity settings for night-time shooting, which causes muddy, bland, and uninteresting visuals. When used in combination with a lighting set, the MHS-PM5K holds up more effectively, but still retains some irritating muddiness around dark areas.

However, most of the MHS-PM5K’s audience are shopping for a camera that can survive a round-the-world trip or be used effectively as a video blogging tool. The Bloggie is one of those. Like its micro-cam competition, the MHS-PM5K offers a combination of high quality HD video, simple recording and file import, and a compact form factor.

If those are your priorities, then the MHS-PM5K is a very worthwhile purchase. However, if you’re looking for a camcorder that provides shake-free footage, a range of sensitivity and adjustment options, and the quality level required for creative film making, then you’d best look elsewhere.

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