items tagged with Sony

With all the traveling we do here at TechZulu, we're always on the lookout for ultra portable gear with high computing power and decent battery life. And if it looks snazzy, all the better. Which is why I was so excited to come across the Sony VAIO X-Series ultra thin notebook at CES. This super-sexy notebook computer weighs in at just 1.6 pounds and is a mere half-inch thick. You can thank its carbon-fiber casing for that, which also makes the X-Series surprisingly durable.

Just look at these features and specs:

• 10.95 by 7.29 by 0.55 inches
  
• 1.6 pounds
  
• 11.1 inch backlit LCD screen
  
• 3.5 hrs battery life (14 with extended battery)
  
• CPU: Intel Atom CPU
  
• SD/memory stick slot
  
• 3G chipset from Verizon
  
• GPS chip
  
• MSRP: starting at $1,299
  

This year at CES, Sony was kind enough to allow TechZulu the opportunity to use and review their Bloggie Camera CM5, a flip-view hand-held HD-video camera. First impression of this device was, "Who named this thing?", and even worse, "Why would they plaster that awful name on the device where everyone can see?". Perhaps I'm just particular, but the product name isn't professional, and even worse - it's plastered to the front of the device when you open it.

I never got over the name of the device while using it, so I'm going to refer to it as the CM5 for the rest of this review. So, name aside, the CM5 definitely handles the job of Vlogging quite well. It allowed for closer quarters shooting with a wider frame than the device we compared it to, the Kodak Zi8. Also, the CM5 includes optical and digital zooming.

The battery life will get you through a day of shooting, the zoom will get you close to your subject, and - a Sony product bonus - you don't have to go run out and get their proprietary Memory Sticks to use it. That's right, the CM5 actually accepts standard SD-Cards for your recording pleasure.

As far as video quality, it's not bad for an "HD" camera. The overall saturation and contrast I wasn't all too impressed with, but for a hand-held $199.99 camera? It does a good job for the money. It feels comfortable in the hand and turns on really fast, but the buttons are placed awkwardly, and can accidentally be pushed while holding it causing for some undesired confusion, and there isn't an indicator light on the front, making it for either a spy device, or just a nuisance for when trying to queue up someone while interviewing them - which is what Vloggers do.

One other feature I think Vloggers would need, microphone input. Without a mic-input you're restricted to being about 3 to 5 feet from your camera while recording to keep background noise at bay a little. The on-device microphone is better than the Zi8, but the Zi8 has a microphone input.

The most notable feature of the CM5, it turns off when you close it, and on when you open it. There's no need to fiddle with a switch or push annoying power buttons. Ultimately, this might allow you to see something, flip it open and nearly immediately start to capture it. I found the "turns on when you open it" feature to be very useful when walking the floor at CES. Aside from the few drawbacks of the device it got the job done, and holds it's own against the Kodak Zi8. I'm not sure how it stacks up against the Flip product line, but when I get my hands on one of those, it'll be time for another review.