Sony released a new, pocket-sized Net-sharing CAM, designed for social networkers and video bloggers who frequently upload video and images to the web. Sony's Net-sharing CAM uploads short video clips to the web, and snaps print-quality, 5-megapixel digital still photos. Weighing just about five ounces, the model has portable dimensions (1 3/16-inches wide by 4 1/8-inches tall by 2 1/4-inches deep). It can record about five hours of web-ready video footage on a Memory Stick PRO Duo media card, when recording with the default settings on a 2GB media card.

The device shoots video in the "web-ready" MPEG-4 recording format, with selectable picture qualities ranging from QVGA/15 frames per second to VGA/30 frames per second, which can be viewed on televisions.

The Net-sharing CAM is pre-loaded with PMB Portable software. The application automatically runs when the device is connected to a compatible PC via the supplied USB cable, and will recognize "tagged" videos and photos. Because the unit pre-formats videos for popular web-sharing sites, it is easy to access them and post videos, without having to down-convert or manipulate the footage beforehand.

The PMB Portable pre-loaded software has pre-programmed menu buttons for direct publishing to web sharing sites, such as Crackle. The built-in software can also be programmed for web sites of your choice or even your own personal blog or "vlog."

Picture Motion Browser software is also supplied for those who would prefer an extended version of the application to run directly from a personal computer. Additionally, this version makes it possible to quickly edit and store footage, based on preferences. Bundled driver software is also included so the device can double as a live web cam.

The Sony Net-sharing CAM will be available in September for about $200 at sonystyle.com.