Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 (orange)

I won this camera and was initially thrilled (i never win anything). However, once I started using it day-to-day, I realized that the camera is really a scam to get you to buy another camera. Focus is often poor, particularly on still photos. I avoid the 1080 mode due to reported issues and find the 720 mode excellent, that is until I learned that all recording are limited to 25 minutes. I found this out by having the camcorder stop recording without me realizing it after 25 minutes (I had memory for over 8 hours available). I doubt that the camera would sell if they clearly stated this limit on the box. Who wants to be worrying about constantly monitoring how close to 25 minutes one is at? In sporting events, you want to focus on the event, not the red dot on your camera! Very disappointing to say the least and deceptive in my opinion. I used to like the Sony brand, but when they start pulling stunts like this and provide a crippled product without making it clear on the box, I lose respect. I'm tired of manufacturers deceiving me about the abilities of their product. The moral of the story: Look for length limits on any camera you buy!

I was looking for the ability to record videos in You Tube's HD format. This camera works fine for that. If you want true extra sharp videos, with exact color, in low light situations, plan on paying 10 to 20 times more. The HD video is very typical for this price range. I got this for video blogging on You Tube and for home movie type stuff such as family gatherings and vacations. This camera does all that with ease.

So far I haven't had to go beyond the 25 minute time limit. (I assume it's to keep the CCD from overheating) It would be nice to have a full two hour recording limit just in case. For recording school activities of the kids I have to be mindful and stop recording when there's a break in the action so as not to exceed the limit. As I said I haven't had to go over the limit but only because I made sure I didn't.

I love to be able to flip the screen around so I can frame shots if I'm recording myself. With the Vado and Flip you kind of have to guess how the shot will be framed. Even with a tripod you have to shoot a few seconds watch it adjust the camera shoot a few more seconds etc... It's disappointing to get a good take just to find out you didn't have the camera pointed correctly

I like that I can shoot some video at a family gathering then connect the camera to the tv for everyone to watch. It's silly to have video out on a cam and not supply the cables to do it like Vado. Plus a big bonus to me is you can use the tv as a monitor when shooting videos and pictures.

It's not a big deal to me personally but I like that you can take a picture and video without switching modes. It hasn't been necessary for me but I like knowing I can if I want to.

One major drawback is not having a user replaceable battery. If your battery goes dead you have no option but to plug it in to the charger. This is not possible with something like an outdoor sporting event. Even if I had to buy their special battery I would at least have the option of swapping out a freshly charged battery and continue filming. I am also concerned that in a couple years the camera may not be worth the expense to have the battery replaced. That fact puts the camera in the disposable category when it could other wise be used as a backup or given to a child to use.

I also wish it had an external microphone input. I would like the ability to use an overhead or lapel microphone. I wouldn't think it would add much to the cost since it's just a switching jack to take the internal one out of the loop and put an external one in.

Even though I have several complaints I really do like the camera. I'll take the shortcomings for the difference in cost. Having owned the non HD versions I would still choose this camera over either the Flip UltraHD or the Vado HD just because of the reversible screen. If you never want to turn the camera on yourself this may not even be an issue for you. It's also nice to be able to point the screen upward if you happened to be positioned over the camera such as shooting from a low angle.