Manage updates with the Download AppSony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 (Silver)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: MHSTS20/S
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're looking for a simple shoot-and-share minicamcorder, the Bloggie Touch is a good option--that is, as long as you understand its limitations.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 06/19/2013 |
 |  | In stock | as of 06/19/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 (Silver) price range: $194.99 - $288.93
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 01/25/2011
The good: Attractive, lightweight, and small; full use of 3-inch screen for shooting; autofocus macro; captures stills while shooting video; simple to use.
The bad: Autofocus can be slow; no memory expansion; no HDMI cable included; no mic or headphone jack; weak software.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a simple shoot-and-share minicamcorder, the Bloggie Touch is a good option--that is, as long as you understand its limitations.
User reviews
-
-
Despite The Name, A Very Capable Pocket Camcorder!
by David_Perry on August 29, 2011
Pros: + Great video quality
+ Easy to use
+ 12.8MP still camera
+ 1080p supported (as well as 720p)
+ Built-in USB port
+ Built-in mini-HDMI port
+ Attractive appearance
+ SteadyShot image stabilization (not optical)Cons: - Middling still photo quality
- Hard to grip
- No pouch or case included
- Goofy nameSummary: Sony has introduced an interesting twist to the saturated pocket camcorder market with the new Bloggie Touch (MHS-TS20). Unlike the touch controls of the Flip MinoHD, the Bloggie Touch has ...
Summary: Sony has introduced an interesting twist to the saturated pocket camcorder market with the new Bloggie Touch (MHS-TS20). Unlike the touch controls of the Flip MinoHD, the Bloggie Touch has a large 3.0 inch widescreen touch screen. Anything to add to the already stale stable of current pocket camcorders is a welcome change. Ultimately though, two main requirements need to be met for this style of video recording device; they must be easy to use and have good video quality. On both counts, the Sony Bloggie delivers.
*** P.S. If you will buy this camcorder I suggest you have compare prices or read more reviews before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0043CYRT6?ie=UTF8&ref_=dp_olp_new&condition=new#?ie=UTF8&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957
A couple of years ago, I bought one of the original Flip pocket camcorders from Costco. It was somewhat bulky, took standard definition video and ran on AA batteries. But we loved it as a family for being super simple, fairly cheap, and allowing us to capture spontaneous memories. We then upgraded to a Flip MinoHD but never had the same affection for it the way we did with our original Flip. I also had experience using the Creative Labs Vado and so I had a good sampling of what the pocket camcorder market offered. When I initially ordered the Sony Bloggie through Amazon's Vine Program, I was expecting a toy-like camcorder-- a My First Sony camcorder. I was wrong. The cutesy, youth-oriented name disguised the fact that the Bloggie Touch was a very capable, easy, and fun to use pocket camcorder.
USABILITY
Even if you haven't used a touch screen device before, the Bloggie Touch will be very easy to figure out. Once you get past the initial demo video, you'll be prompted to set the language, date, and time and then you'll be ready to shoot your first video. The large 3.0" widescreen touch screen is fun to use and responsive. The itty bitty screens of the Flip or Vado were a bit of a chore to preview videos with but not so with the Bloggie Touch. There are just three physical buttons on the Bloggie- Power ON/OFF, Movie Button, and the still image shutter. That's it. All other functions and settings are are accessed through the touch screen. Though you can hold and record the Bloggie Touch in portrait or landscape orientations, keep in mind that it will be recorded in those orientations. Unlike the Flip or Vado, the Bloggie Touch is really meant to be used in landscape. The only problem I had with the Bloggie Touch was holding it correctly without it slipping out of my hands. The Bloggie Touch is very svelte and made out of slippery plastic. The front has a brushed finish while the side and back are a matte finish. Since you're supposed to hold it in landscape mode, it can be challenging to hold it with two hands without covering the lens with a finger from your left hand. It can be used with a single hand but since it's so slick, I felt the need to use both hands. Luckily, a wrist strap is provided.
VIDEO QUALITY
The Bloggie Touch has three video recording settings-- 1080/30p, 720/60p, and 720/30p. I found that the 720/60p had the best balance of video quality and size. FYI, there is a 29 minute limit for continuous recording and a 2GB file size limit. The Bloggie Touch uses Variable Bit Rate (VBR) format for video so the size and times of the video can differ depending on the type of video being recorded. Below is the estimated recording times for each recording setting:
1080/30p 1h20m
720/60p 2h40m
720/30p 4h00m
It performed very well outside in daylight. The autofocus actually worked really well. I should note that I immediately upgraded the firmware to v1.05 before I recorded a single video or took a single still. Firmware v1.05 is supposed to improve the format function, touch panel operation, and focusing. As I mentioned, I had no problems with focusing so perhaps some of the focus issues that the Bloggie Touch had initially were addressed in this upgrade. Indoors, it worked well for the most part, but as with most pocket camcorders, it struggled to keep up in low light. I did not expect any different.
PHOTO QUALITY
Outdoors, during daylight, the still shots that I took with the Bloggie Touch were rather good. Indoors, in good light, it was just ok and pretty awful in low light. The problem with still photos is that the Bloggie Touch does not have a flash so it's pretty useless indoors unless you have very good lighting. Except for the shots outdoors, I thought that my Droid X smartphone took as good a photo, if not better, than the Bloggie Touch. I was disappointed overall with the still pictures but still happy to at least have the option. In fact, you can take a still picture while recording a video.
SOFTWARE
I was never a big fan of the FlipShare software for Flip camcorders but did like it for it's ability to export videos and rename the files automatically by date. It was ok. The Sony software however seems to have no real added benefit other than organization and importing the videos from the Bloggie Touch to your computer. Yes, you can tag your videos and photos for automatic uploading but I don't personally find uploading my files to Facebook, Picasa, and others to be troubling to begin with. I suppose it would be decent for the super newbie. One feature I did like was the ability to trim videos, but that was about it.
CONCLUSION
Of all the pocket camcorders I have owned and used, the Sony Bloggie Touch is probably the most fun and versatile. It's a little more challenging to hold because you have to hold it in landscape mode and is a bit slippery, but the nice 3.0" touch screen makes up for it. If you already have a good HD pocket camcorder, I wouldn't say that the Bloggie Touch is worth switching to, but if don't already own one, the Sony Bloggie Touch is definitely worth a look.
Updated on Aug 29, 2011
Updated on Oct 24, 2011Eidt Link
I suggest you have to compare prices before you decide at: http://beam.to/MHS-TS2011 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Really Annoying Auto-Fous
by jmagaro88 on November 15, 2010
Pros: Solid video quality
Really sleek designCons: AUTOFOCUS NIGHTMARE
Summary: I bought this camera to do some video blogging. I wanted to get a Flip but saw this one and noticed that you could do 1080p video. Reviews looked decent ...
Summary: I bought this camera to do some video blogging. I wanted to get a Flip but saw this one and noticed that you could do 1080p video. Reviews looked decent so it was a no brainer. The initial short videos I made were fine but when I sat down to actually do a little vlogging, I couldn't get the thing to stop focusing in and out. It was on a table that was not moving and I was standing right in front of it talking and moving my hands a little bit, but it couldn't decide whether to focus on me or the wall behind me. When I looked at the video on my computer full screen, It was just unwatchable -- a couple of seconds crystal clear and then blurry a few seconds later and then back again. I felt like I was looking through the eyes of someone who's head was bobbing back and forth, like Quagmire-vision or something. I tried a number of different locations and even tried doing some additional backlighting, but I couldn't get the thing to stop focusing in and out. I really wanted to like this thing, but if you can't make watchable videos, what's the point. Needless to say, this thing is going back and I'm getting a Flip, which doesn't seem to have these problems.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Not A Good Choice...
by JJayLippincottAKF on September 8, 2011
Pros: Looks cool pictures are ok in good light.
Cons: touch screen is very unresponsive/hard to use... pictures blur very easily. videos stay out of focus for a long time until refocusing. often the videos will be ruined with a loud clicking noise. if it dies completely. it is extremely hard to turn back on(
Summary: you will regret buying this camera. do not buy it.
Summary: you will regret buying this camera. do not buy it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Not Recommended - Too Many Flaws
by sonpit on April 5, 2011
Pros: When everything goes well, the picture quality is awesome (especially 720p/60fps)
Cons: 1.) You must have the camera in a perfect horizontal position prior to pressing record. If you don't ... it will record a thin video with a large amount of black on both sides. This is a huge problem!
2.) I much prefer to hold a small camcorder straight uSummary: I was really disappointed with this camera. I think you're much better off with one of the Flip videos. I may buy another camcorder and give this away.
Updated ...Summary: I was really disappointed with this camera. I think you're much better off with one of the Flip videos. I may buy another camcorder and give this away.
Half of my review (above) was deleted. The cons should read ...
Updated on Apr 5, 2011
-You must hold the camera in a perfect horizontal position prior to pressing record. If you don't ... it will record a thin video with a large amount of black on both sides. This is a huge problem!
-I much prefer to hold a small camcorder straight up and down (such as The Flip) than horizontal. It is harder to hold the Bloggie steady than The Flip. If you use two hands ... you run the risk of blocking the microphone and lens with your left hand. Microphone is in bad spot.
-Autofocus is poor at best.
-On screen zoom in and out controls are pretty weak.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Horrible Zoom Quality!
by 666777jake on April 3, 2013
Pros: The Sony Bloggie is a great-priced camera for nature photos and close-ups.
Cons: The Bloggie should not be used at a place where you will need to use the zoom. The quality goes from 13 megapixels (without zoom) to what looks like only about 2 or 3 megapixels (with zoom.)
Summary: Overall, the Bloggie is weak. It's focus is too slow and it's zoom doesn't work like a normal camera. It's auto-focus always wants to focus on ...
Summary: Overall, the Bloggie is weak. It's focus is too slow and it's zoom doesn't work like a normal camera. It's auto-focus always wants to focus on the background and it's zoom simply does not work. And if you want to make some sort of movie......don't use the Bloggie!
But for the price, it's ok. I paid $250 so I still think its a good camera. -
Good quality, great price!
by Roxx33 on February 7, 2013
Pros: Amazing stabilizing feature
Good still shots
Turn it on and use it within seconds
Nice touch screen
Great priceCons: There can be some slight clicking on very low level audio
Auto Focus sometimes has a mind of its own, but adjusts quicklySummary: For a couple of years using the Flip Cam, one small drop to the floor had changed it forever. Some grainy lines started to appear on all my videos, so ...
Summary: For a couple of years using the Flip Cam, one small drop to the floor had changed it forever. Some grainy lines started to appear on all my videos, so it was time to upgrade.
When I opened the Sony Bloggie Live package and turned it on, I actually said, "whoa." I could tell this was going to be an entirely new level of quality.
I use my recorder sometimes for trips and events, but mostly live music recording. For this, I think the Bloggie will do well. My favorite thing about it is the stabilization. It really makes videos taken when walking or in a moving vehicle quite smooth.
Here are some suggested tips. I would recommend you put the wrist strap on as soon as you get near it, like a Wii control. If you have small hands, it can be a bit awkward, but you can get used to it. Your tripod mount is on the bottom, so you will have to mount it from the side.
I spent 2 days with this camera intentionally not looking at directions, to see how far I could get. The controls are very common sense, there was very little to surprise me in the directions.
The stereo microphones sound best between medium and loud levels.
The touch screen is really nice, and the camera feels much like a phone.
Overall, it is what it says it is, a great camera for blogging. The quality is good, the learning curve is easy, and the price is right.
Youtube's SonyListens channel provides some great info, and at this time offers a promo code for 15% off Bloggie accessories! -
Good video quality overall, auto-focus nightmares.
by dneuwir on September 8, 2012
Pros: Great video quality for a $149 (street price) unit. Easy to use even for beginners. Good pocket camera for trying to capture quick moments of life.
Cons: Autofocus basically doesn't.
Summary: As a basic video camera, the Bloggie MHS-TS20 is reasonably good in its price range. Video quality is generally sharp and colors are reasonably vibrant.
However, the Achilles' heel with ...Summary: As a basic video camera, the Bloggie MHS-TS20 is reasonably good in its price range. Video quality is generally sharp and colors are reasonably vibrant.
However, the Achilles' heel with this unit is its abysmal auto-focus. Even in brightly lit outdoor situations, there can be periods of time where the video is totally out of focus for 5-15 seconds, even though there may only be a single subject, or it's a wide-shot nature scene. I've had numerous occasions where I've shot 20-40 minutes of footage across 10-30 videos, only to pull the videos up at the PC and find half of them were unusable because of long periods of focus issues. Focus problems aren't relegated to action shots. Often just trying to film basic nature (i.e. a trail amongst trees) is hopelessly out of focus.
While this is okay for a pocket camera, I'm so unhappy with the focusing problems that I will probably replace it with something else soon. After all, why record video if half of it is unusable? Aside from the focus issues, I would rate this unit 5 stars, but these focusing issues drop it to "merely average". -
Dreadful! Video very poor, the camera useless!
by Chamfrom on January 12, 2012
Pros: Looks nice, very neat. The camera is nice and sharp as long as its taken in broad daylight only.
Cons: Not fit for purpose - cant get worse than that! Camera cant take pics in false lighting as has no flash - the vid clicks dreadfully and is so blurred at times even when the subject is still.
Summary: Just dont do it!! It is a huge regret!
Summary: Just dont do it!! It is a huge regret!
-
I love it!!!
by Grinder1958 on September 20, 2011
Pros: Easy to use, Small compact, good quality pictures
Cons: No case provided
Summary: A great camera for the computer non savy.
Summary: A great camera for the computer non savy.
-
I think most people misunderstand this little gem
by alexexum on August 30, 2011
Pros: Great HD video quality, great photos 12mp, 3.0" Touch Screen LCD ) with full-screen playback
Cons: Poor auto-focus, no flash, mic position.
Summary: I think most people misunderstand this little gem. This is a point and shoot video camera, geared at Bloggers, Youtubers, etc. Don't get me wrong the video quality is ...
Summary: I think most people misunderstand this little gem. This is a point and shoot video camera, geared at Bloggers, Youtubers, etc. Don't get me wrong the video quality is AMAZING for a camera this size, but is has limited features as you would expect.
It is a pretty little camera, looks really slick. The design (other than mic position) is great, and the fact that there is one, BIG red button to start recording is key to me (I hate to fumble around setting, i like my camera ready to shoot at a seconds notice.) I take this thing everywhere, and it holds plenty of space for your HD videos and photos.
Again, this is not for making a feature film, its for quick, fun type videos. The software makes it easy to tag friends, family and post to social networks.
Take a look at this camera; if you can get by the sometimes 'rogue' focus and no flash for photos, but want GREAT video, this is a great choice.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: MHSTS20/S
- Description: The Bloggie Touch camera captures web-friendly HD MP4 video and 12.8MP images while featuring a capacitive touch-screen for simple touch & slide operation. Integrated software makes it easy to share videos and images on Facebook or YouTube. Record up to 4 hours of HD video on its 8GB of internal memory .
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Enclosure Color Silver
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 13 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Effective Photo Resolution 12.8 megapixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 12.8 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Internal flash memory
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5"
- Optical Sensor Type Exmor CMOS
- Digital Video Format H.264
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Steady Shot)
- Min Shutter Speed 1/30 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- White Balance Automatic
- Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic - Exposure Metering Center-weighted
- Image Recording Format JPEG
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces HDMI
Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO auto (80-1600)
Lens System
- Type Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8
- Lens Construction 4 groups / 4 elements
- Lens aperture F/2.8
- Lens system type Lens
- Min focal length 5.3 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Min Focus Range 3.9 in
- Macro Focus Range 4 in
Additional Features
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec,
10 sec - Additional Features USB charging,
Face detection,
RGB primary color filter,
Built-in speaker,
YouTube capture mode,
Auto power save,
Touch-screen control,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Date/time stamp - Software Sony Bloggie 1.0
- Included Accessories Wrist strap,
USB cable Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type 3 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x HDMI output
Memory / Storage
- Media type Internal flash memory
- Internal Storage 8 GB Flash
- Included Memory Card 8 GB
- Image Storage JPEG 4128 x 3096,
JPEG 3840 x 2160,
JPEG 1920 x 1080 - Video Capture H.264 - 1920 x 1080,
H.264 - 1280 x 720,
H.264 - 1280 x 720 System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP SP3,
MS Windows 7,
MS Windows Vista - Peripheral Devices USB port
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Built-in
- Resolution 288,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 4.2 in
- Weight 4.4 oz
Product series
-
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 (Silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor CMOS,
12.8 megapixels,
4.4 oz,
0.6 in,
4.2 in,
Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8,
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory,
2 in -
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor CMOS,
12.8 megapixels,
4.4 oz,
0.6 in,
4.2 in,
Lens - 5.3 mm - F/2.8,
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory,
2 in -
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS10 (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor CMOS,
12.8 megapixels,
4.4 oz,
0.6 in,
4.2 in,
Lens - F/2.8,
Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS10 - Camcorder - Pocket - Internal flash memory,
2 in
Accessories
- Cokin DIGI-HOODS lens hood (34746436)34.63
- Sony digital camera accessory kit (34539118)26.27 - 30.51
- Tamrac Aero 65 Model 3365 - shoulder bag for camcorder (34567976)29.95
- Vanguard BIIN 17 - shoulder bag for camcorder (35263239)22.95 - 27.59
- Canon FC-10 - semi-hard case for camcorder (33614120)26.99
- Canon SC A80 - soft case for camcorder (34166769)27.00
- Canon SS-650 shoulder strap (30120541)35.00
- Hoodman Hood Riser hood loupe attachement adapter (34691715)29.99
- Lowepro All-Weather Shoulder Bag for SLR Cameras - Black (32070464)29.99
- Lowepro Clips 140 (32640977)34.25
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-bloggie-touch-mhs/4014-6500_9-34182263.html?info%3Dreview&x_breadcrumb=6451:6500&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}