Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5/V pocket HD camcorder

Short version: This camcorder is certainly small, and the swivel head can be handy, but the lack of optical zoom hurts, and the poor video quality, focus trouble, and low light performance pretty much sink this little bugger. Cute, though.

Features:

• Swivel head for easy vanity shots
• 1080p resolution (720p at 30/60fps also available)
• Built-in USB plug
• 360-degree lens accessory (extra)
• MSRP: $169.99

Pros:

• Very compact
• Nice screen and layout
• Swivel head works great

Cons:

• Video quality pretty bad
• No close focus
• No zoom

Full review:

I saw this little Bloggie at CES and was impressed by its form factor. The swivel head and 360 lens accessory were unique and seemed practical. Plus, it’s 1080p and all that. We got one of the first to review and, well, I’m afraid it’s not all I wanted it to be. Sure, the swivel head works great, and the 360 adapter, while kind of janky, looked like a lot of fun when I saw it at CES, but the fact is that this lens and sensor simply can’t handle 1080p. I understand you’ve got to look like you’re on the cutting edge, thus 1080p on everything, but when the product suffers, that’s no good.

I compared it against my own Sanyo CG-10 for clarity and low light performance. The CG10 is last year’s 720p version of the new pistol-grip Sanyos, and really has more in common with this Bloggie’s big brother, but I felt that at least they could compare based on price and video quality.