Sony sent me a review set of their latest Bloggie MHS-PM5K pocket size video camera that records Full High Definition. I always (am still waiting) wanted to have a Full HD Pocket Size Video Camera that I can use for events. Unfortunately, I have not come across the perfect one. So, is this Sony Bloggie the perfect Pocket Size Video Camera around?
Here is the back with the LCD screen and buttons.
As you can show, the good thing about Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5K is the rotating lens. It is a blessing to be able to rotate the lens. Convention video camera has rotating screen. Bloggie has rotating lens.
However, in my opinion, the rotating lens isn’t a good thing if you are taking video and trying to rotate the lens using your thumb. You may get jerking effect if you are not familiar with it.
The Sony Bloggie is very sleek (normal for Sony) and all the things are hidden underneath those slide to open cover.
With the A/V OUT cover slide out.
And the retractable USB port is also a nice move although it is not a new trick.
Now, on the other side, you have the battery and SD/MS PRO slot.
BTW, I am using a MicroSD Card with adapter. One of the thing I cannot understand the design of this Bloggie is the LCD screen. When it is powered off, the screen looks big. However, when you are in the shooting mode, the image barely takes up half the screen. The other half of the screen is just information. Unfortunately, during the test, I did not see any settings that can remove this.
The control buttons are right below the screen.
Unlike other Flip-style video camera, the record button is not situated on these sets of button. Instead, the recording button is by the side.
It is quite an awkward position for you to start recording. BTW, my review unit comes with a Fisheye 360 degrees Lens that you can take video in 360 degrees view.
It is attached to the eye piece.
Here is a short video of the unboxing of the Sony Bloggie.
Summary
The built quality of Sony Bloggie is very good. Very sturdy. I love the swivel, although you may take a practice to use it effectively. I also love the fisheye attachment. It makes your video unique and fun.
However, in terms of video quality, it did not do well in low light condition. When in a dim light condition, the video is grainy and not quite usable (for me)
At times, wavering video (common for these type of cameras’ sensor) are captured when you try to move your Bloggie fast. However, it produces quite nice video in bright daylight.
There is NO macro mode on this Bloggie. That means, there is no way to take close up. The placement of the record button is awkward for our hand.
I have not fully tried it out for the lack of time. For example, the battery life, the sound are not fully tested on this review. I will post some actual footage shot from this Bloggie in another post.
I hope that Sony can include Macro Mode in the Bloggie in future (I know the other model Sony Bloggie MHS-CM5 can shoot at close range but I love the form factor of this model, MHS-PM5K) and also improve to be able to shoot at low light condition. It will also be great if it has an external microphone input).
That’s it.
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