Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie reviews: Sony camcorder

Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie

1. how do you show a full screen when recording?
   
   Donna asked on 23 Jul 2010
   1. No dice I'm afraid. You can only view in the top half. I haven't found it's a problem and can shoot what i need to quite easily.
      
      Ian replied on 26 Jul 2010

       
2. how good is the interface os it simple or does it have many options and ugly ,hard to run
   
   A shopper asked on 09 Aug 2010
   1. It really is incredibly simple. In fact one of the main reasons I bought it was I don't really understand or care about mucking about with light balance options and such like.
      
      Ian replied on 05 Jan 2011

       
3. how do you attach the 360 lens to the sony HD bloggie
   
   pat asked on 30 Sep 2010
   1. I did not get the version with the 360 lens.
      
      simon replied on 30 Sep 2010

       
   2. Hi Pat
      Had a bit of trouble with this as manual just says "attach the lens..."!! I tried to put it on straight and had no luck. Then, with a bit of fiddling about it transpires that it does actually just click on, on top of the rotating lens. Don't try to take anything off! You have to click it on one side first, then press firmly and it attaches. Then to detach, just pull firmly. Good luck and happy Bloggieing!!
      
      Sue replied on 30 Sep 2010

       
4. what is the sound quality like on the videos?
   
   Chris asked on 30 Sep 2010
   1. Not as good as my camcorder and tends to pick up all the background sounds it would be better if it had a directional mic
      
      Mel replied on 01 Oct 2010

       
5. What is the low light Quality like on the video and stills
   
   Jim asked on 04 Oct 2010
   1. Not too bad, but I still wouldn't buy Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie. There is a newer version that I noticed in Comet the other day which might be better but I would be sceptical.
      
      Derek replied on 04 Oct 2010

       
   2. If you're talking about indoors in daytime it's OK, but when the sun starts to go down the bloggie does show it's weakness in this area.
      
      Ian replied on 04 Oct 2010

       
6. I bought this machine on the plane. I'm a little frustrated with it as most of my pics in the evening are of poor quality. Is there a flash or how can I improve the light quality?
   
   Evon asked on 22 Oct 2010
   1. Hi evon! Yes I have this problem as well! No there is nothing that I have been able to do so I bought the Sony Nex-5, a compact dslr and it is fantastic! I only use my bloggie when it is day time! Sorry that I couldn't be of assistance!!
      
      
      
      Jack replied on 22 Oct 2010

       
   2. The low light capabilities of the Bloggie are not one of it's strong points, but any camera without a flash will struggle in low light situations. I do not think there is a flash suitable for the Bloggie.
      
      simon replied on 22 Oct 2010

       
7. I have the bought one ,wanted to know if it should come with a memory card as mine does not and where can I buy one
   
   Marion asked on 29 Oct 2010
   1. Marion, it does not come with a memory card. I bought a Sony 8Gb from Argos
      
      Mel replied on 29 Oct 2010

       
8. how do you put the zoom or view the zoom on the bloggie? and has it got optical and digital zoom?
   
   r asked on 02 Nov 2010
   1. Personally I'd steer clear of the Bloggie. The video it produces is rubbish to say the least and jittery. Not worth thaq money.
      
      Derek replied on 02 Nov 2010

       
   2. I find the video very good if you use the 720p 60 frames/second setting. This gives a smooth video, although I never even think about the zoom as it's only digital and it's often easier to just move closer.
      
      Ian replied on 03 Nov 2010

       
9. overall is it worth getting? I did notice that a newer touch screen bloggie has just come out. i love that one but i just completely love the design of this one!! so i do want to get this one! is it reallly worth buying?? if not is there a cool video camera that is stylish like this one that is better that this one??
   
   anna asked on 07 Nov 2010
   1. I saw the new one too, but I just adore my bloggie. I've had it for 7 months. I got it to take out to Africa as I felt I didn't want a 'showy' big camara like my digital SLR in such a poor country, but I needed photos/vids of good quality to record the work I do with schools out there. It takes great quality stills and videos and I use it all the time now - never without it anywhere near my grandchildren!! I've also taken some wonderful sunsets and 'natural environment' shots with it. I love the design and haven't seen it bettered in a small video/still camera. Hope that helps.
      
      Sue replied on 07 Nov 2010

       
   2. Hi Anna! I find it is a great video camera but I never knew about the new bloggie!! I recently bought the Sony nex-5, a 14.5 mp compact dslr with full HD avchd video recording! It is very light and incredibly good in low light! I only use the bloggie if I am going out but on holiday I would use the nex-5! What do you not like about the new bloggie??
      
      Jack replied on 07 Nov 2010

       
   3. Get one of these, you will not be disappointed I assure you. My daughter took mine to a Jedward concert, I know total abuse of a Bloggie, and when she got home we plugged it into our 42" HD tv and the results were fantastic. Considering it was dark and she was jumping around, the results made me very happy with my Bloggie.
      
      "GO FOR IT"
      
      Simon.
      
      simon replied on 07 Nov 2010

       
10. thanx sue that is great info!!!! I was also wondering how good the quality of the video is and how bad the camera is at night. Also i have a Mac and I've heard it isn't very good with mac, although it iis meant to be mac compatable. I was wondering about the bloggie because i have had my eye on the panasonic hm-ta1. I dont know whether by comparison you know which one to get??? thanks again
    
    Anna asked on 07 Nov 2010
    1. I like the Bloggie a lot, but it does have drawbacks. HD video is stunning and stuff shot at VGA resolution isn't bad either. You get hours stored at that rate. Night shots are poor as it isn't very sensitive and its internal programme that you can start (PMB) is only for Windows. You would have to make sure you had a Sony Memory Stick and then remove it and connect to yr Mac with a card reader. Not sure what you would see if youconnected the bloggie direct to yr Mac Having said all the it is a great device. Hope this helps
       
       John replied on 08 Nov 2010

        
    2. The Bloggie is no good in poor light conditions as for mac I can't help you
       
       Mel replied on 08 Nov 2010

        
11. All this technical info, and I can't find an answer to probably the simplest question:- What is the maximum SD card size the camera holds, and how much recording can you get on the card at differing resolution settings?
    
    Phil asked on 16 Nov 2010
    1. Hi Phil, I use a 4gb card and I have a 23 minute clip shot on 1080p. I have a clip on the card now which is 10.20 and takes up 750mb this is on 1080p. Hope this helps.
       
       simon replied on 19 Nov 2010

        
12. what is the meaning of 360 video recording? please help me out...thanks
    
    asif asked on 20 Nov 2010
    1. Sorry cant help mine has not a 360 head
       
       Mel replied on 20 Nov 2010

        
13. How good is the zoom because I dont want to just look as far as my hand
    
    Hannah asked on 27 Nov 2010
    1. The zoom is quite good but you do loose a bit of image quality the further you zoom in as it is a digital rather than optical zoom. But for the size and versatility of this camera, it is more than adequate. It is better out-doors as the natural light helps with the overall quality of the recorded footage.
       
       simon replied on 27 Nov 2010

        
14. Hello
    
    I am looking to buy this for my son for Christmas.
    
    Can you charge this via mains or just laptop.
    
    Would you recommend this for an 11 year old just wanting to experiment? I have seen a similar Panasonic without rotating lense which seems to have better reviews but not as trendy.
    
    Trace asked on 28 Nov 2010
    1. Hi
       Yes I certainly would recommend it for your 11 year old to experiment with. Easy to use & good results. I have always charged mine on my laptop, but it charges with a USB connection and I have a USB charger that fits my car 'cigarette lighter' power source, and also one that plugs into mains electricity - so yes, you can recharge via mains with appropriate connector (got both mine from Amazon).
       Hope he enjoys his pressie!
       
       Sue replied on 28 Nov 2010

        
    2. If you have a mains to USB plug then yes..... Like the one you get with an iPhone, iPod or iPad...... They are brilliant for playing around and taking quick snaps!
       
       Jack replied on 28 Nov 2010

        
15. Can it be easily used by a lefthanded one armed person? I have looked for30 years for a suitable Camcorder and Camera all are made for righthand use only. I have missed out, particularly when my children where young and I now have grandchildren, because of this.
    
    Steve asked on 04 Dec 2010
    1. Gotta admit that's something of a tough one! Just tried it out and it's definately possible. The button for starting recording is fine to reach with your left thumb, it's perhaps just a little difficult to angle the swivel lens with one hand.
       
       Ian replied on 04 Dec 2010

        
    2. It is possible but awkward. I have used it one-handed (left hand) as I have had another camera in my right hand! I rotate the lens with my thumb. Switches are on the right of the unit but with practice they should be easy to use with fingers. Definitely a one-handed device!
       
       John replied on 05 Dec 2010

        
16. Hi
    Does the bloggie work on windows vista?
    
    suzy asked on 08 Dec 2010
    1. Hi Suzy, my Bloggie works on both Windows XP and Windows 7 so I would think it will work on Vista. Go for it you won't regret it.
       Simon.
       
       simon replied on 09 Dec 2010

        
17. Hi could you tell me the maximum size card it will take
    many thanks
    Andy
    
    Andy asked on 11 Dec 2010
    1. Hi Andy, the cards I use are both 4g and I have had no need to worry about not having enough storage room.
       
       simon replied on 14 Dec 2010

        
18. hi i have apple mac is there an uploading application available as the PMB CD doesn't work other than for windows?
    
    bill asked on 29 Dec 2010
    1. To be honest I have no idea. Sorry. You can split ur mac so it runs a pc if that is any help.
       
       David replied on 29 Dec 2010

        
19. I have a mains adapter,for my Kindle e book, with a 5v output. Can I use this for my Bloggie which is 3.6v.
    
    john asked on 02 Jan 2011
    1. I'm not sure about this - I use a USB adaptor to charge my Bloggie.
       
       Sue replied on 02 Jan 2011

        
20. if you had the chance to purchase the more expensive sony bloggie for the same price which one would you choose for overall product satsfaction
    
    sky asked on 18 Mar 2011
    1. Hi there
       
       sorry but there was not a more expensive bloggie on offer. Mine is white and is £120 - cheaper than the black (the same model but the colour). I'm afraid I can only comment on the product purchased which is very easy to use and i think good value for money. Obviously, the quality of sound and picture is limited (ie not high fidelity and pixel density is not as high as some mobile phones) but I think you would have to spend another 4o or 50 pound for better spec
       
       Hope this helps
       
       Andrew replied on 19 Mar 2011

        
21. Is it easy to edit and can you add music?
    
    Sue asked on 11 Apr 2011
    1. It is easy to edit and add music with the software provide.
       
       simon replied on 11 Apr 2011

        
22. got a bloggie at christmas find it very hard to use is their a full screen for the camera,can't find flash, can,t change timer 10 second delay on taking photos, is their an auto button can anybody help please
    
    amo asked on 21 Jun 2011
    1. There is no flash!! Timer won't change I understand. Not sure what you mean about auto button?
       Cheers, Paul
       
       Paul replied on 03 Jul 2011

        
23. May i know what is defferent between MHS-PM5 and MHS-PM5K?
    what will be included for the MHS-PM5K in the package?
    Why the white colour for MHS-5K is cheaper than other colour?
    
    jet asked on 07 Mar 2012
    1. So far as I know, the only difference is that the PM5K has a 360 degree filming capability against 270 for the PM5.
       In fact I returned mine fairly quickly because the software wasn't user friendly and I couldn't find any easy way to download onto disc , soaking up a great deal of HD space, each min of video taking up approx 1Gb
       
       Eric replied on 09 Mar 2012

        
    2. I don't pay to much attion to spec ,I took mine to india and it was perfect.Had no probs downloading vide0 to pc. I also used 16 GB card
       
       Vic replied on 10 Mar 2012

        

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