It didn't take long for Sony to mount a direct attack on the Pure Digital Technologies trend setting flip UltraHD camcorder. The new Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 meets it head on and does a great job.

The unique looking new Webbie HD is encapsulated in a 'flip like' casing and features a lens that can swivel 270 degrees (enough for self shooting) with 4X digital zoom. With its integrated 5MP CMOS sensor for razor sharp stills and features HD MP4 recording in either high-def (1440x1080/30p, 1280x720/30p) or standard definition (640x480/30p), all viewed via a 1.8" ultra clear LCD display on the back (or the front).

The Webbie records directly to the memory stick PRO Duo, and is able to cram up to 8.5 hours of HD video or thousands of photos using the 16GB version.

Sony made viewing and uploading all this good stuff up a snap with it's pre-installed Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software, which allows users to easily pre-select desired videos or pictures for viewing on your PC and uploading to sites like YouTube.

Powering this puppy is Sony's removable InfoLITHIUM battery, which according to the specs, is able to deliver up to 85 minutes of continuous recording. In addition, Sony built a neat little indicator into the screen that displays how many minutes of battery life are remaining.

The Webbie HD comes in three colors; silver, orange and eggplant. It retails for $169.99 and should prove tough competition for the flip.