Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Product Description
Put the power of HD in your pocket. MinoHD offers stunningly crisp, HD-quality video in a sleek, simple camcorder that’s designable…. More >>
- Holds 60 minutes of HD-quality video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen) on 4 GB of built-in memory
- Weighs only 3.3 ounces; Super-slim, super-sleek design, fits into your pocket or purse
- Features one-touch recording and digital zoom
- Flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer to launch built-in FlipShare software
- FlipShare software lets you save and organize your videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, email your videos, and upload them
Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes
Tagged with: Camcorder • Flip • MinoHD • Minutes
Filed under: Video Pocket Camera
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Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RHOOY5QZUJGVU The folks at Pure Digital have created a tiny little HD camcorder. If you watch the video you will get a full appreciation for just how small it is.
A few details-
Unlike previous versions the Flip Mino HD records as a MP4 file (instead of AVI). This is not a big deal, but it does prevent you from going straight from recording to Apple TV – you will need a program like Roxio Crunch to convert the file.
Maybe not the greatest camera if your only goal is to pot videos on YouTube. The extra resolution will not show up, but it will take the video significantly longer to upload.
Capture speed is a bit too slow – this causes the picture to blur during motion. It can also give your videos a “Blair Witch Project” feel if you film while walking.
Final Verdict – if you are want a camera that is highly portable with great quality look no further. If you would prefer a video camera that you are only going to use for posting videos on the internet ou ay want to go back a model.
5 Stars
Rating: 5 / 5
There are no more excuses for missing the moment. This camera isn’t designed for producing major motion pictures, but it does a terrific job of being available, while being ridiculously easy to use. It will be tossed into the purse for recording moments at gatherings.
I would say that the “HD” designation is mildly exagerrated, but the picture quality is better than what I get from the Sony miniDV Handicam (which does a nice job), but with far less aggravation when it comes to importing and viewing. And I have never thrown the miniDV into my purse to capture a moment at a gathering. This Flip MinoHD, I doubt if I’ll ever leave home without it.
Auto-focus is first-rate. It automatically adjusts for lighting conditions and does a good job in dim light. The sound quality is not exceptional, but it isn’t exceptional on any home video camera I’ve ever used, either. Still, it picked up my granddaughter’s voice from across the yard without distortion. I haven’t tried to edit the video yet, but the included software is straightforward when it comes to storing and viewing videos. The camera also comes with a cord to connect to your TV.
It is what it is and at a very reasonable price. This thing…this is truly a score. Oooo oooo, I have to get a DryPak so I can use it in the pool…!
UPDATE:
A potential customer asked a question in the discussion area. I answered, but include it here as well in case others are curious, too. The question — how does the video compare between TV or HDTV, and a computer monitor.
I tried four different screens — a 42″ plasma flatscreen, a 42″ lcd flatscreen, a regular old-style TV and an lcd computer monitor.
The old-style TV, I wasn’t surprised, was “grainy,” to use an old-fashioned term. The plasma was disappointing. The particular model I own didn’t allow me to shrink the video to its natural size, so the picture was blown up edge to edge and that caused the picture to degrade. (DVDs on that TV are great, by the way.) Your plasma might operate differently and therefore, offer better results.
The lcd TV allowed viewing the videos at natural (large) size, best quality of all, although even full size it looked great. And the computer monitor was great, too.
If your potential gift recipient is a casual videographer as most of us are, they won’t be disappointed. Fancy themselves as the next Baz Luhrmann and the Flip will promptly find itself on the return pile.
Rating: 5 / 5
Amazon should really consider only allowing those who actually purchase the product to review it.
Contrary to D. Knapp’s inaccurate claim of false advertising(do your research), this unit is indeed capable of High Definition video at 1280×720 and it looks quite stunning, more so than I expected. I was satisfied with the original Flip Mino’s video and audio quality. This is icing on the cake.
The software seems to be improved over the original and regular Flip devices. I found it to be much snappier too.
My only gripe is low level lighting situations. It would be nice to see an add on infrared light system or a light accessory attachment. I’m sure battery issues might play a role in the decision to leave that option out though.
If you’re like me and only drag your real camcorder out on the holidays, or you always seem to miss those Kodak moments with the kids, the Flip Mino HD is for you!
Rating: 5 / 5
Flip camcorders are easy to use like the name suggests. So your friend starts pulling a stunt, or your baby starts taking the first step, you may have missed getting it on video earlier…but with the Flip you don’t. You flip out this sleek camcorder from your pocket (or purse)and take that video and then flip out the USB arm, plug it into your computer and start “flipping” your video directly into youtube. You can set your privacy options on the videos you upload to include only your circle. It’s super easy with the Flip and so nice to share special moments with your far away family and friends.
Here’s what I like about this camcorder:
– Takes HD video (720p) in 16:9 ratio, picture is very sharp especially when viewed on a computer screen or LCD TV.
– To upload your video you just flip out the USB 2.0 arm and plug it into your computer like a mini external drive. You can then directly upload your video to youtube, myspace or any other video-sharing website without having to transfer it to your computer. Or just upload it to your computer.
– Super sleek and easy to carry in a pocket or small purse. Weighs only 3.3 ounces and is 50% slimmer than the earlier Ultra series Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black). And Mino also has 4GB capacity compared to 2GB of Ultra – although both take 60 minutes of video
– Controls are super-easy, really child’s play. A simple press of the big red button records video. The +/- signs operate the digital zoom and the left/right arrows scroll through videos. Touching the trash can button deletes a video. That’s it!
– Good performance in low light – although one wishes for some sort of extra light source sometimes, this camcorder performs above average in low light
– Sound is good especially given the size. The sound syncs well with the picture too. The videos I shoot with my digital camera sometimes go out of sync but not with the flip.
– Easily charged through your computer, has a Li-ion battery as opposed to the Flip Ultra that used 2 AA batteries
– Creates MP4 video with good compression so the files are not huge, easy to load files into youtube or your computer. The upload feature seems to be faster than the previous Flip Ultra. Video uploads can be slow but Flip seems to make good time with its H.264 video and AAC sound compression which is stored as a MP4 file.
– Software drivers are on the camcorder drive so you’re good to go with any PC or Mac. This camera works perfectly with Mac and iTunes for viewing your videos as well as Windows Media Player or any other popular player.
– Included Flipware can be used to edit/share/organize video files. I don’t use it though, I just drag and drop the files to my computer, so easy
– It also comes with video cable to watch your video on a TV
– The camera is smooth and sleek and self-contained which makes it fairly rugged compared to the super sensitive traditional camcorders. The lens is also protected and has been able to weather some minor drops.
–Comes with a basic soft carrying pouch although you may prefer to buy a separate case.
Here’s what I don’t like:
– Zoom is limited at 2X digital zoom. It’s great for making videos of people right in front of you but if you’re trying to record a performance from a distance prepare to be disappointed.
– Given basic controls it’s also difficult to zoom in as smoothly as my Sony MiniDV camcorder to capture people’s facial expressions without noticeable camera shake and repositioning. I find Flip is best for mostly fixed focus videos.
– Due to higher definition video, camera shake can also be more pronounced. A tripod or putting the camcorder on a flat surface will help minimize shake.
– Li-ion battery replacement is only available through the Flip Support as of now, the earlier Ultra series used the widely available AA batteries
– The 1.5″ screen makes it difficult to see what you’re recording at times. Since there is no tilt like traditional camcorders it is also not possible to hold the camcorder over your head and shoot something. Although FLIP says the screen is trans-reflective, it can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
Overall, I like this camcorder for its super sharp videos and ease of use. A high end camcorder may be nice for very special occasions but it’s not possible to carry my bigger camcorder at all times. You can also use your digital camera to make videos but the resolution is not good and files are large and unwieldy and cannot be widely shared. I find it worth carrying the Flip with a digital camera in my purse and can do so because of its slimness.
I have found myself capturing more moments on video since I started using the Flip camcorders. These moments would have never got on video if I did not have the Flip camcorder which I could pull out and turn on in a few seconds!
Rating: 4 / 5
The camera
The camera has a 1.5 inch screen that is vibrant but small. The camera is thin and can easily be slid into the front pocket of your jeans. It is extremely light. The buttons on the back are touch sensitive and are not typical buttons that you “press”. There is a nice quality built in microphone. Operation is dead simple. Turn it on and push the large red button to start record and then press it again to stop.
The video quality:
The video quality from this camera is phenomenal considering its price tag. No its not a Canon HV30 but its not supposed to be.There is very little motion blur and the colors are nicely saturated. Due to the higher quality video shakiness is more pronounced in the videos but its not terrible. The more still you can hold this camera the better. The sound is crisp and clear. I can easily say the quality of this camera trumps all other flash based camcorders in this price bracket.
The Software
Mac users rejoice! The Mino HD’s video files ( MPEG4) are natively supported by Mac OS X, Quicktime, & iMovie 8 or iMovie HD. The software (Flipshare) even allows stitching the footage together, adding music and transitions and exporting the finished result directly to Youtube or just onto your desktop. I am very impressed Pure Digital rewrote the software package so that the features for Mac Users were the same as PC users. When you first plug in the camera iPhoto will open and offer to import the video’s. You can override this in iPhoto’s preferences. From then on the Flipshare will open automatically.
Final Conclusion:
The Flip Mino HD billed as the worlds smallest HD camcorder (as of 11/14) is worth its weight in gold. Especially if you have a Mac! If I had to choose one con for this camera I would say that I wish they would’ve added an external microphone jack to it-but thats really reaching. It’s a wonderful camera for the money and they say the best camera for the job is the one thats with you when you really need it.
Rating: 5 / 5