The 7 oz. Sony MHS-CM1 is built like a standard horizontally-oriented camcorder. I've been surprised at how good the few well-shot samples posted online from it look, considering it uses only 4.4 Mbps for 720p and 6.6 Mbps for 1080p, using VBR. Search Vimeo for some of them. The MHS-PM1, a smaller, upright version without the CM1's 5X zoom, will be delivered in April. Here's Sony's press release:
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/38253.html

I should mention that it costs only $200. (U.S.) and Sony sells a 2-year replacement warranty for $21. Here's a link to Sony's promotional webpages for it:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644610396&XID=O:webbie%20hd:corp_webhd_gglsrch

And the PDF for the manual:
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/MHSCM1.pdf

And a detailed specifications PDF:
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/MHSCM1_mksp.pdf

Thanks for posting these. I'd checked these cameras out at the local Sony Style store, but I didn't realize they shot 1080p (1440x 1080); I had thought they were limited to 720p.

I figure it's a waste of time going on about Sony's use of Memory Stick's but when the camera is only $200, the price difference between Memory Stick and SD cards becomes even more noticeable!

Thanks for posting these. I'd checked these cameras out at the local Sony Style store, but I didn't realize they shot 1080p (1440x 1080); I had thought they were limited to 720p.

I figure it's a waste of time going on about Sony's use of Memory Stick's but when the camera is only $200, the price difference between Memory Stick and SD cards becomes even more noticeable!

Cute ..but Memory Stick = deal breaker.

I am thinking these kind of fall into the disposible (35mm) cameras for the pro-photographers. Imagine being hired to video a wedding and reception and walk into the reception and one of these is on each of the tables.

Actually that gives me a better idea.

Buy them and offer them to the client as an upgrade. Place one on several tables and instruct the guest to shoot and leave messages for the bride and groom. Then use the footage in your final video given to the client. Hmmmmm.......

Cute ..but Memory Stick = deal breaker.

Right now, BB has 8 GB Sony Pro Duo cards on sale for $40. I may grab one or two, just for future use. They also have 2 GB SanDisk Pro Duos for $15.

Right now, BB has 8 GB Sony Pro Duo cards on sale for $40. I may grab one or two, just for future use. They also have 2 GB SanDisk Pro Duos for $15.


$40 seems like a pretty good price; though buying memory before you need it has historically been a losing proposition; prices keep falling as capacities go up.

Right now, BB has 8 GB Sony Pro Duo cards on sale for $40. I may grab one or two, just for future use. They also have 2 GB SanDisk Pro Duos for $15.

My biggest problem with memory stick isn't the price, but the fact I can't put it in anything else. The rest of my stuff is Canon, and I'm already stuck with two formats (the DSLR takes compact flash).

I'm glad that Sony has stuck with a card format that I can use in the card-slots of my computers, that has a capacity larger than 2 GB. With SDHC, I'd have to buy and keep a card-reader (one more piece of clutter) on my desk and use up a scarce USB port. So which is best? A format that can't go beyond 2 GB, or one whose designers thought of future capacity increases and maintained much more compatibility with newer equipment?

The format is the same as for the new Sony HX1 digital camcorder with HD video.