Sony unveils two new “Webbie HD” Cameras at CES

I attended Sony’s Press Conference at CES Las Vegas today, and the company was not short on releasing new products. In fact, I have an eighteen page handout full of new products.

The company saw fit to highlight two HD digital cameras, the MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1, which they nicknamed the Webbies. The Webbies can film in high definition MPEG4 video (1440×1080/30p) and take 5-megapixel still photos. What makes the Webbies different from other cameras is that they come with embedded software that allows the user to upload his or her content online with just a few simple clicks.

All users have to do is plug the Webbie to their computer via USB cable, and their photos and videos can be shared on sites like Shutterfly, Picasa Web Albums, Photobucket, as well as YouTube and Dailymotion.

The MHS-CM1 has a design to fit naturally in the palm, with a 2.5 screen that can swivel up to 270 degrees as well as a 5X optical zoom lens. The MHS-PM1 has basically the same features, but comes with a 4X lens. Each one has five scene selection modes such as low light, sports, and landscape, and record their footage directly to a Memory Stick PRO Duo media (not included).

Both cameras are available today at Sony Style stores, Sony online, or authorized dealers in colors of eggplant, orange and silver. The MHS-CM1 is about $200, and the MHS-PM1 is about $170. Sony predicts that these cameras will be a hit with the youth, and I can’t help but agree.