Customer Reviews

Sony MHSPM5K/V Bloggie Camera Kit

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

first off this little camcorder has great hd it has steady shot,takes 5mp stills, face detection, at a great price.some bad things are that it is out of focus for closeups,the door for the battery is kinda flimsy and also the pop out usb is a little scary to use.



overall this is a great camcorder for casual users

I bought this Bloggie with great expectations based on the advertisements. Well, I must start by saying that eve thou the box, the website and everything says it is Mac compatible, it isn't The image was fair, average for a small HD. The software for Windows is a pain, it crashes constantly even on XP (yeah I tried Mac OS, W 7 and W XP) and when I could finally access the 360º converter it showed such a bad video recording that I am returning the product within 24 hours of having received it. Definitely is a fashion camera but not worth the price.

I must say, the Sony Bloggie is awesome. I had Windows XP, and know that the hd didn't like the video card that comes with XP. I did wind up getting a new laptop (after having a desktop for 10yrs) and the laptop has Windows 7. So the hd video works wonderful now. I like the fact that I got the package of the Bloggie, that came with the 360* lense and 4 gb card. On the lowest settings, you get 4 hrs 15 mns of footage, and 9999 photo's. Even in that setting, the photo's/videos came out awesome.
I know this is a low end camcorder/camera for Sony, but for the money, it does a really good job. The battery life is 8-10 hours long. I wound up going to a local theme park for the day, to finally get some shots and video, and was very pleased on how the camera worked. It has a face stabilizer, and motion stabilizer, which is a plus. The sound comes out really good, doesn't sound like your in a barrel talking, like some can sound.
I do like the 360* lense. It takes a few times to get used to working it, and the software that comes with it to straighten to video out is alot to fun to play with. The 360* lense always records in hd, despite what you set it for, which is fine by me, as longs as I get footage.
The indoor shooting is fine, a little dark maybe for some peoples taste, but when you have a lamp on, that will be fine to shoot it. I would like to see a light adapter for it, but otherwise in low light it fares very well. I know that is a major complaint for some, but a lamp will help correct the problem, or having the curtians open in the room, will help for light. I'm not complaining about that, but there are remedies to correct low light issues.

This thing sucks...
1. the 360m view attachment is pretty interesting but when i got it there were alot of hairline scratches...
2. the clarity of the picture is not impressive...not clear
3. software to install...just another added step that was a waste of my time.

I know the intent is there but the execution is just bad...Sony what happened?
Just buy a simple quality digital camera...

It's just a waste of plastic...maybe cool for teens (only for a short while) but after that just a straight trip to the landfill

Previous to this camera I owned an Aiptek MZ-DV-MPEG4 Camcorder with 3x Optical Zoom, which I was pretty happy with at the time. Funnily enough, it still runs for around the same price as the Sony but with twice the problems and half the quality.

So when comparing the two I can't help but be more impressed with Sony. The "HD" is certainly nowhere near Blu-ray, but acceptable for the casual videographer. I'm staying on 720 at 30 fps to be able to use the image stabilization, because even with it some shots can be pretty jittery -- don't expect miracles at this price. And indoor shots even in full sunlight are surprisingly dark. Bring a decent video editing program. I've ordered a Bower .45x Wide Angle Magnetic Lens with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for Sony Bloggie PM5, TS10, TS20, FS1, FS2 and FS3 (3D) (which supposedly is also a macro lens) hoping to gain some additional filming options. I also dislike using only a quarter of the screen as a viewfinder, but I suppose I'll get used to it.

Also you should invest in a screen protector. I picked up some surface scratches on the first day.

But the good outweigh the bad, in my opinion. Super compact and portable (which I said about the Aiptek, and it makes me laugh -- it's fully twice as big as the Sony). Power on and recording in literally about three seconds. Easy, self-explanatory navigation, haven't even opened the manual yet. The mono recording sounds like stereo on my computer and picks up well. Also the Sony lacks one of the Aiptek's biggest shortcomings: wavy distortion of objects if moved too quickly (and by "quickly" I mean "at all"). I flailed the PM5 around willy-nilly and experienced none of that. Getting your media to the computer is easy and quick, though I agree the flip-out USB makes me a bit nervous. Don't know what the option will be if it ever breaks.

Sony is coming out with the new "Duo HD" in about a month which is the PM5 without the rotating lens, instead it has a front facing LCD screen. Sleeker and more high tech (and probably more costly) to be sure, but the PM5 won out for me for a few reasons: I like the rotating lens and the potential to shoot at odd angles. The PM5 has a removable battery and SD card, unlike the Duo which will have both built in and inaccessible to users. Also I do a lot of mountain biking in the summer, and I'd feel less nervous taking along the more affordable PM5. Lastly, well, I'm terrifyingly impatient and I wanted my toy NOW.

The 360-degree lens seems like a fun thing to play with, but I'm glad I got a really good deal on the kit because it certainly isn't going to be used often enough to justify the extra cost.

So I guess the trick is to come from a far, far inferior camera to be happy with the PM5. Doesn't speak well for the camera, but as with everything, you get what you pay for. But as a casual, fun, portable camera, this fits the bill.

Just bought this yesterday and I must say not thrilled particularly with the quality. Supposed HD seems a bit fuzzy. Thinking about returning it