Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet)
Sony's MHS-CM5 bloggie Camera (Violet) is a high definition pocket camcorder that sports a pistol-grip design along with a number of features and functions. In addition to 1920 x 1080p MP4 video capture, the CM5 also take 5MP stills. The camera has "Movie" and "Still" buttons for switching between still or video capture as well.
When it comes to what makes the CM5 tick, you'll find all the same features that the big guys, consumer camcorders, use too. There's a 5MP CMOS sensor that helps to capture video and still images with clarity, a 2.5" swivel LCD that rotates up to 270°, and even 5x optical zoom for capturing far off subjects. Other important core features include Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization, which cuts down on blur caused by motion, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Sony's bloggie cameras go a step beyond many pocket camcorders by providing various extra functions. You'll benefit from an HDMI output for one cable connection to your HDTV, a multi AV terminal for connecting to analog TVs, and even Face Detection. When it comes time to upload your content to your compatible PC or Mac, the CM5 has a built-in USB arm that also allows you to charge the camera. bloggie cameras come equipped with Sony's built-in PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Portable software. PMB software makes it easy to edit and upload video and still images to your compatible computer without the need for additional software.
- 1920 x 1080 HD Recording with 5MP Stills
- The bloggie camera lets you record your favorite moments in High Definition MP4 (H.264) format and features a 5MP CMOS sensor that lets you take crisp 5MP still images. MP4 is a popular multimedia format that compresses the size of your audio and video, making your media files small enough to easily transfer to your compatible PC or Mac. MP4 is also highly compatible with the Web, so you can effortlessly upload your media to popular photo or video-sharing Web sites like Photobucket or YouTube 1
- 5MP CMOS Image Sensor
- The integrated 5MP CMOS sensor enables the bloggie to take sharp 5MP still images in addition to HD MP4 video
- Media Card Slot
- For convenient storage and sharing of your still images and videos, the camera accepts Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media (optional)
- Video Resolution
- With the bloggie camera you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing to record and play back in either high definition (1920 x 1080/30p, 1280 x 720/60p & 30p) or standard definition (640 x 480/30p) format
- Built-In USB Arm
- A built-in USB arm lets you connect your camera directly to your compatible PC/Mac to upload video and/or charge your battery without having to hunt for cables
- 2.5" Swivel LCD
- The bloggie camera features a large 2.5" LCD that swivels up to 270 degrees, letting you clearly and instantly see what you're filming from multiple angles. And, when the LCD is opened, the bloggie almost instantly powers on so you can start taking still shots or recording video immediately
- 5x Optical Zoom
- The bloggie boasts 5x optical and 20x digital zoom that lets you move in close and capture the action
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake
- Individual "Movie" and "Still" Buttons and Dual Capture
- Enjoy the convenience of individual "Movie" and "Still" buttons that allow you to seamlessly switch from video recording to still photo capture with the simple press of a button
- Built-in PMB Portable Software
- With the pre-installed Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software, the bloggie camera makes it easy to pre-select videos and images in the camera and conveniently upload them from the camera to a compatible PC and popular Internet sharing sites without the need for any additional software
- HDMI Output
- HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection with the ability to transmit HD video from the camera to compatible HDTVs via a single cable (not included)
- Multi A/V Terminal
- A Multi AV terminal (cable included) allows you to connect your bloggie camera to an analog television for easy playback
- Integrated Sony Lithium Battery
- Sony's long lasting rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries allow you record up to 105 minutes and are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you're free to charge the battery at any time
- Face Detection
- Face Detection technology recognizes faces and optimizes camera settings for both video and still images, so faces are captured more clearly and skin tones look more natural
- Tripod Mount Compatible
- The bloggie can be mounted on an optional tripod for added stability when capturing video or still images
- Compact Size
- With a width of approximately 1.6" and a height of 2.75", the bloggie camera is compact enough to effortlessly carry in your bag or pocket, so you never miss a special moment again
- NTSC/PAL Switchable
- Features a switchable NTSC/PAL output for watching recorded video directly from the camcorder on your NTSC or PAL analog television
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5 Megapixel 1/2.5" CMOS |
| Lens |
6.3 - 31.5 mm f/3.3 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 5x Digital: 20x |
| Filter Size | None |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo |
| Recording Time |
Memory Stick PRO Duo 8GB: 1080/30p: 80 minutes 720/60p: 160 minutes 720/30p: 240 minutes VGA/30p: 480 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p, 1280 x 720p (30/60 fps) Standard Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 5 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 1-Channel Mono |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.5" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Digital |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x Analog A/V Output 1x HDMI A (Full Size) 1 Please Note:Analog A/V output included via Multi A/V Terminal close |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
Please Note:Not compatible with 64-bit and starter editions of Windows XP SP3, Vista SP2, and 7 |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.54 x 3.98 x 2.64" / 39 x 101 x 67 mm |
| Weight | 6.9 oz / 195.62 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (29)
- Zoom range/performance (25)
- Great picture quality (20)
- Image stabilization (15)
- Large clear LCD (11)
Cons
- Poor in low light (14)
- No external mic input (13)
- Poor sound (6)
Best Uses
- Travel (22)
- Home movies (21)
- HD shooting (14)
- Weddings (13)
- Movies/short films (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (14), Enthusiast (10), Pro videographer (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11), Yes (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent HD (on tripod)
Admittedly, the Bloggie is limited in what's on board and what it can do. However, (& this is a "big" however) for a pocket HD camcorder that se...Read complete review
Admittedly, the Bloggie is limited in what's on board and what it can do. However, (& this is a "big" however) for a pocket HD camcorder that sells for [$] is it a great buy. It does capture top grade HD video. I tested the Bloggie outdoors this afternoon. The clips shot in 720p 60p (viewed on my mac with the VLC app.) were crisp, detailed with great natural color saturation. The downside is that it doesn't handle well in HD without image stabilization both in quick panning and in zooming. Also, the zoom noise is picked up by the built-in mic. I mounted the Bloggie indoors on a JOBY Gorillapod and used a one-point light source (I bought the Bloggie primarily for a daily video journal). Even with the lighting being tungsten, the color balance was spot on and the HD output was extremely impressive. The onboard face detection tracks phenomenally well. Suggest getting spare battery and charger from B&H. For what it is, It is great.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good cam, but with some disappointments.
This camera is super easy to use. It captures really nice looking video and pictures. My wife, who is photography [*], likes it because there are no settings for her to adjust.What ...Read complete review
This camera is super easy to use. It captures really nice looking video and pictures. My wife, who is photography [*], likes it because there are no settings for her to adjust.What I don't like about it is the lens cap always pops off accidentally, and more importantly, it does not handle connecting with Mac very well. Also, I wish it were a little bit smaller.
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
I bought this for my 19 year old son who immediately put it to use. He created one video snowboarding in West Virginia and then another wakeboarding in Florida. Each video was awesome and he had a blast using this light-weight easy-to-use small sized camcorder. We would def recommend this.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Pretty good little point and record hd video camera for this price range. Got it just to carry around in my pocket and shoot friends and every-day type stuff. Been working well so far. Compared to other cameras in its price range, it has given me some pretty good looking low light footage. Not the best, but good enough. To focus it on a nighttime street situation you might have to point it at a light, let it focus, then point it back at your subject. Having to get a memory pro stick duo is kind of annoying.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- No External Mic Input
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Compact and simple to use. Microphone picks up zoom noise which is annoying. 1080p setting does not pick up motion smoothly.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
The camera is easy to operate. Love the optical zoom vs a digital zoom. Size is great and quck startup is nice as well.
Do not like the low light capability which is basically null in inside light.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
The camera is very easy to use, doesn't require much of a setup, and has very good video/picture quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
I needed a recorder that used standard memory media, didn't need proprietary software, and was easy to use to give the wife for a Christmas present. We got all three! The trade off is focus is slow, picture isn't exactly what I would call "high def" even recorded in 1080 30f, but I'm very satisfied for my low $$$ purchase. I'm a "don't read instructions" kind of guy. I flipped open the screen and it turned on. I hit record...then stop. Plugged it to the computer and double clicked the file and it played on windows media player v12. It is that easy. No software installation neccessary. Sound is decent for the internal mic. Good enough to record the kids as they grow.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Videos are a snap
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
It is everything it is cracked up to be and more!
Lives up to the SONY quality label with an affordable price.
First, ease of use video and still pictures ... performs easily and flawlessly with top results. Its great to actually have such a small item do so much! Highly recommend its purchase. B&H unquestionably is the place to buy it from as I have for all my photographic needs. I appreciate being able to purchase an extended 'warranty' that can be counted on as well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
This product I already owned once before and I really like it. Much better than flip and kodak. Optical zoom in this class is hard to find.
This particular product though I found some previously taken photos in it of some family. That means it is previusly owned. Where as this was sold as NEW!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Dreadful audio. Slow charging. Crummy stability. Fine in quiet rooms but little better than a cell phone camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Good camcorder for home use. I especially like the 5X optical zoom and 1080 HD. It would be nice to get stand alone charger with the package. Charging is done with a USB connection to a computer. An overall great package.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
It is a very handy Camcorder. Easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Great camera for the price!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
I bought the bloggie for my sister. The bloggie seems very light and compact and easy to operate. One feature I liked about bloggie is that it has swivel screen and makes you feel like using professional camcorder.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Could have been a little better for the price. Unit has a low volume and does charge slow.
Missing accesories: Should have had a carrying pouch. The charging cord is too short to get it to a "PC", I had to go to "B&H", to get a longer cord for the "USB" end to charge the unit's battery. A "REMOTE" would have been nice, when using a tripod for still or video capturing. Lacks a "Earphone Jack", for monitoring video recordings.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
This is great to shoot simple HD movies and keep your memories. I liked the features and size.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
I use this camcorder for family and sporting events.
It` is fairly simple to use and PC friendly for downloading videos and photos.
I wish it had an extra charger in addition to built-in USB.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
Dear,
I am Brazilian and I often purchase products from B & H here in Brazil buying and delivery to the residence of my sister who lives in NY.
Never had any problems with credit approval and delivery of products.
B & H showed that a company is extremely reliable and are to be congratulated!
Claudio Queiroz
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
VERY EASY TO USE AND TRAVEL WITH. QUALITY IS GOOD FOR THE PRICE. IUSED THIS DURING OUR FAMILY VACATION TO MEXICO, DID A GOOD JOB OF RECORDING THE TRIP.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
It is so small it fits anywhere! It is wonderful to use with the kids. You can capture all of their precious and funny moments.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie Camcorder (Violet):
I use this little camcorder to tape video tours of homes for sale.Great wide angle to capture a whole room. The swivel screen is a real plus, allowing for adjustment to see everything clearly. Optical zoom is a plus! The microphone picks up the sound beautifully. I easily upload my videos & share them. Great picture & sound quality. I plug the camera into a usb port to keep it charged. No need for a 2nd battery; it lasts for many hours.
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Media
Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $12.95
- Instant Savings: -$3.00 Offer ends MAY 31 '12
- You Pay: $9.95
- GBP 6.34
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $24.95
- GBP 15.89
-
- Original: $12.95
- Save: $1.29
- Price: $11.66
- GBP 7.43
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $12.95
- GBP 8.25
- Price: $13.99
- GBP 8.91
What's in the Box
- NP-BK1 Battery Pack
- A/V Cable
- Wrist Strap
- USB Cable
- Application Software/USB Driver/CD-ROM
- 1-Year Parts and 90-Days Labor Limited Warranty
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