 Great compact device you can take everywhere! |
| Review Date: June 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: ken in the city, |
The form factor on this product is great. Its noticeably smaller (in both the pocket and the hand) than its predecessor - the Flip Video Ultra Series, 60 min. And the Ultra was already compact to begin with! The sleek size was important to me because I just won't bring a camcorder out with me if it doesn't fit easily in my pocket. This device did just the trick. If you don't care about size (i.e., because you will just put it in your purse, etc) then I would suggest saving the money and getting the Ultra, which lists for about $50 or so less.
As far as I can tell, the video quality and functionality is about the same as the Ultra and they both have the 2GB of memory, similar 1.5" screen size, digital zoom etc. So the only reason in my mind to get this is for the size advantage. But for me, size does matter. When I think about how many moments passed by unrecorded simply because it was too cumbersome to take a camcorder along, it really makes me wish they made this Mino years ago!
For those of you unfamiliar with Flip camcorders, the Mino has suprisingly good VGA video quality. I'd put it on par with that of much larger, more expensive traditional camcorders. The Mino also records well in a variety of light settings. The lack of a true optical zoom is probably to be expected given the small size, but the 2x digital zoom is good enough for most casual settings. The design is well thought out to avoid many of the classic pitfalls of portable devices - there's a scratch resistant covering on the lens, an on/off switch on the side that is difficult to trip accidentally and a centrally located record button that has enough resistance to avoid unintentionally starting/stopping recording (I know some have issues with the Ultra record button but I have not).
I have a PC at home and the Mino truly is a plug-and-play device. You don't have any confusing software or cables to muddle around with. Simply plug the USB adapter into your computer and you're ready to go! It's great for the non-technically savvy. I also like the rechargeable built-in battery in the Mino (which is a new feature). It recharges like an iPod, either in the computer or through an outlet which is convenient. I can't attest yet to the battery life/quality but I figure by the time it dies out on me, I'll be well on my way to buying a next generation Flip Micro!
------------ July 8th update -------------
I noticed the price dropped on the black Flip Mino. For those of you who don't know (Amazon doesn't advertise this) Amazon not only has a 30 day return policy, but a 30 day price adjustment policy as well. So if you bought your Flip in the past 30 days, you can call them up and they will immediately refund the difference to you with no hassles. This policy holds for all products directly sold by Amazon. |
Great small camcorder
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| Review Date: June 4, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Mediahound, SF Bay Area, CA United States |
The Flip Mino is a great small camcorder for the price, mainly because of the form factor. It's a lot thinner and smaller than the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (White), yet yields equal performance. The only negative is that it doesn't take AA batteries like the Flip Ultra because it's so thin. Instead, it has a non user replaceable built-in lithium ion battery like an iPod.
The Flip Mino does not neccessarily replace the Flip Ultra and the Flip Ultra is being sold side by side with the Flip Mino. And, the Flip Mino doesn't come in as many colors, only a black version and a white version.
I would say If you already have a Flip Ultra, you may not want or need to buy the Flip Mino (unless you really want the smaller form factor or you have money to burn) since it yields about the same video and audio quality. If you don't own a Flip video camera yet, the Flip Mino is probably the one to get unless you require AA batteries which admittedly is nice because they are readily available everywhere. I actually prefer AA batteries over an internal rechargeable battery that over a few years will start to lose it's charge and not last as long between charges.
That said, the Flip Mino is pretty nice because it's so small and thin.
Even though I have a digital point and shoot still camera that can shoot video, I find it easier to shoot video with the Flip Mino. The vertical form factor is better suited to shooting video. The built in software is nice and it's built into the camera so you need not install anything on your computer.
The Flip Mino is a great 'take everywhere' video camera that fits in your pocket and can yield some creative and endearing videos.
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Smartly designed and easy to use
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| Review Date: June 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. J. Shih, Seattle, WA USA |
The Flip Mino is a slick device that is well-designed to perform its intended task, namely to take videos that can be readily posted on the Internet. Here are some features that impressed me and that may not be clear from the specs:
Good video quality. The video quality is surprisingly good, even indoors. I have one of those first-generation consumer digital video cameras (a Sony Mini-DV) that cost $1200 way back when. The resolution of 640-by-480 is the same, and I don't see any difference in the pixel quality between that and my expensive camcorder. Of course the Mino doesn't have all the same features, but it turns out you don't use those features anyway. The picture quality is definitely way better than I get on my cellphone (a Blackberry) or other devices where video recording capability is only an afterthought.
No accessories needed. I love how you can charge and exchange data by USB. I'm not talking about using a separate USB cable. The Mino has a spring-loaded USB plug that pops out so you can plug it in directly to your computer. And when you're done using it, you push the plug down and a hard plastic cover protects it automatically. This is way smarter than those fiddly rubber port covers you see on many electronic devices that you have to push and stretch back into place. This cover hides the USB plug while preserving the clean lines of the device. No extra cables or chargers to carry around when you travel.
Stable picture. I was surprised at how un-shaky the picture is. The narrow, vertical form-factor allows you to hold the Mino steadier than, say, your cellphone. I used to use my digital still camera to take videos, but I'm finding the Mino is much steadier.
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Video recorder, so easy to use
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| Review Date: June 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Roy P. Russell, Cambridge, MA USA |
The Flip Mino is brilliantly simple. I've had a couple of camcorders which are big, complicated, fragile, and eventually break. The Mino is small, simple, sturdy with no moving parts. If you're looking for something easy to use to take high quality home videos, you've found it.
It recharges over the USB connector when you plug it into your Mac/PC. It seems to have way more charge than needed to take 60 minutes of video, so it might just end up being fully charged all the time (unlike my camcorders which were never ready to go). And I prefer the rechargeable over replaceable batteries that just end up in landfills.
The video quality of the compression software was also good, though the compressor itself took a long time. In all fairness, this is probably because I have an old slow G4 Mac -- time to upgrade. And you can easily grab the raw .avi files right off of the camera if you want to work with uncompressed files. |
Entrepreneurial videos
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| Review Date: August 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Crouse, SC |
I love my new Flip Mino camcorder. I was mega-skeptical about how good
something this tiny could be, but I needed something quick, easy and
practical for sales-oriented website videos. I was amazed at how easy it
is to use the Flip Mino, and at the quality of the end product video.
Is it the "perfect" camcorder for every ocassion? No, but for those
impromptu, "down & dirty", on the spot videos it beats the heck out of
using a big camcorder...or a cellphone. I considered buying a Sony
"Webbie", but dollar for dollar you can't beat a Flip. |
Pure Cool
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| Review Date: June 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Peter Pastore, |
Fantastic little device. Great video/sound quality, simple to use, rechargeable internal battery, all with a sleek styling. 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps make this ideal for videos you might one day want to watch on your tv. Publishing to the web could not be any easier. Highly recommended!
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The iPod Nano of Video Recorders
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| Review Date: June 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: V. Dean, Silicon Valley, CA |
Summary:
Love the convenience, form-factor, and results. The price is a bargain for this much capability.
Pros:
*Small enough to go everywhere you go.
*One thumb runs the whole thing.
*Lighted touch sensitive buttons guide you through steps.
*Very usable video quality.
*Drop dead simple Windows integration.
*Speaks native YouTube.
*Survives routine drops, coffee splashes, UPS crushers, and overstuffed computer bags.
*Lickable packaging with all the interconnect you need.
*Storage pouch doubles as lens cleaner.
Cons:
*More fingerprints than a crime scene.
*Mac installation not as slick as Windoze.
*Sound ease-of-use trumps quality (tech note: needs a better compressor/limiter).
*No SD slot (just like an iPod). |
Easiest, slickest pocket video recorder
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| Review Date: June 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Bosoxen2004, Sunny California |
The easiest way to describe this is to call it the iPod of video cameras. It's got the same kind of slick, intuitive design that made the iPod such a success.
The user experience is so easy that even a child could do it: It arrived fully charged, so I just took it out of the box and pressed the red button to start recording. When I was done, I just plugged the USB connector at the top of the camera into my computer and it saved my videos for me. The USB connection also recharged the camera so that I could go out and shoot another round. The flip doesn't need cords, cables, CDs, instructions, or anything like that. It just works.
The video quality isn't HD, but it's not bad for a device that fits comfortably in a pocket. You shouldn't plan on shooting your feature-length masterpiece on this, but it's great for shooting casual Internet videos with friends or for remembering special moments.
The only complaint I have is that the touch-sensitive buttons can be a little too sensitive sometimes. It's easy to brush your hand across the back and get a series of chirps from the Flip as it tries to figure out why you just pressed all the buttons at once. But so far I haven't had any real problems. I also tend to not use the video-editing software that comes with the Flip, but that's just personal preference. |
Top-notch, easy to use, and great for any age! Works great with my Mac, too!
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| Review Date: June 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Deanokat, Michigan, USA |
Let me start off by saying that I owned a Flip Ultra for about 4 days several months ago before returning it. It had some bugs in its software and I found the record button on it to be extremely hard to use. The Flip Mino is a vast improvement over the Ultra!!! And the smaller size is a great bonus!! I absolutely love the simplicity of this camera. It's easy to operate, right out of the box. And instead of a massive instruction book, there's a fold-out quick guide. It really couldn't be any simpler to operate. The software this time around seems to be fine, too. I'm using a Mac running the last version of Tiger (NOT Leopard), and haven't had any problems. It should be noted that the "extra" software that comes with the camera and allows you to stitch together clips, etc. does NOT work on a Mac. It's Windows only. Even so, this camera is great! The video quality is more than acceptable. In fact, I find it very good, even in low light. The sound quality leaves a little to be desired, but it's certainly more than acceptable. I love the smooth touch-sensitive buttons, although they might be just a tad too sensitive. They are easy to get used to, though. And the record/stop button is a regular button, right in the middle of the camera's back, which makes it easy to find and operate while you're shooting a video. The 1 GB of flash memory holds 60 minutes of video, which I think is more than enough. You can also save multiple videos on the camera and play them back right on the camera's screen at the touch of a button. It is also easy to skip forward or back while viewing videos directly on the camera.
Transferring the videos to my Mac was simple. Heck, they even load into iPhoto (yes...iPHOTO) if you want them to. And they play in Quicktime. No problems at all with the transfer or playing of the videos on my Mac with the Mino!! (I did have trouble transferring and playing videos from the previous Ultra model.) Uploading to YouTube is also a breeze. Just connect the Mino to your computer, select a video, click "Share," then click "YouTube," enter your YouTube account login info, and voila!!! The video uploads like a piece of cake (and it works the same on MySpace or AOL.) This camera is so very simple to use and so very portable. My 12-year-old and 18-year-old sons didn't even need instructions on how to use it. They just picked it up and started shooting. Although this camcorder is perfect for people of any age, it is definitely a great, great camera for young people. It fits in your front pocket easily and goes anywhere. The little carry bag included with the camera is even pretty nice.
Another advantage of the Mino over the Ultra is the rechargeable battery. I hated the fact that the Ultra took regular batteries. I'm sure some people prefer that, but I prefer the rechargeable battery and the fact that it charges while plugged into the USB port on my computer. Which brings me to the only downside to this camera (and the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars): I still think the little flip-out USB connector is too delicate. I can't prove that it won't hold up over time. But plugging the camera into my laptop's USB port and having the weight of the camera supported by that USB connector just seems like an accident waiting to happen. I have eliminated this problem, however, by buying a USB extension cable. I now plug the extension cable into my computer's USB port, then plug the Flip into the extension cable. That way the camera can rest safely on the desk or the couch or any other more stable surface. Problem solved! Like I said, I'm not saying the camera won't last without using the extension cable. I'm just trying to prevent damage I think might POSSIBLY happen. I will ad that I really think the manufacturer should include the USB extension cable with the camera. It would add minimal cost to the product but would give the buyer a great deal of flexibility and--more importantly--peace of mind.
I would give the Flip Mino 4.5 (or 4.75) stars if I could, but since I had to choose between 4 and 5, I gave it 4 stars. It might seem a little pricey for what you're getting, but the size, portability, convenience, and ease of operation make it a GREAT camera for anyone. And especially for tweens or teens who want to put videos up on YouTube or MySpace or AOL Movies. Highly recommended (but get a USB extension cable with it!!!). (NOTE: The USB extension cable I bought from Amazon to use with the Flip Mino is "Cables To Go - 19003 - 1M USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable (White)." It's very inexpensive and works like a charm!) |
Perfect for a non-tech-savvy blogging Mom
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| Review Date: June 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Phoebe Moore, |
I am a new mom and I keep a blog for my son that my family members all around the country check on. It's our way of staying close even when we are on the west coast and most of the family is on the east coast.
I looked and looked for a simple, straightforward camcorder type item that would work seamlessly with my computer so that I could easily upload video onto the blog. After hours reading Consumer Reports and visiting annoying stores like Circuit City, my friend and fellow Mom/blogger told me about the Clip camera. It is EXACTLY what I was looking for and cheaper than all the camcorders I had been researching!
What I like most is the following: (1) small size (fits in diaper bag), (2) incredibly easy interface for video upload and editing, perfect for technophobes like me, (3) seems to work nicely without installing all kinds of annoying software on my computer (which can't accept any more software because it is full of photos and video files!) It also charges via its connection to the computer which is excellent since we all know that batteries die at the least opportune times and also are a pain to replace.
It is also pretty cool, which is nice, as I try to appear cool at times.
This new model has an especially nice control dial that is an improvement on the earlier models. It does seem a bit sensitive/reactive but I am sure I will get the hang of it soon.
As far as I can tell, the video quality is excellent, beyond what I would have ever expected from such a petite and economical device. Even the sound is great - nice and clear.
So - five stars, and great enthusiasm for this little camera. |
Simple Little Video Camera Anyone Can Operate, Goes Everywhere!
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| Review Date: November 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: O. Brown, Twopeas, WA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3978KAPMRW5WR *****
The new Mino is simple and so easy to use right out of the box. See it demonstrated here in this very short video. Also see how it uploads. I made the video using the old Flip Ultra (the version that came right before the Mino), which I like; however, the new Mino is lighter, smaller, and performs some functions a bit easier.
Note that the new Mino fits the same tripod that the old Ultra did, thank goodness!
If money is an issue, you can save a few dollars by buying the old Flip Ultra, they do work great (they are a bit bigger and you have to put in two AA batteries). I'm still using mine, along with the new one. I enjoy them both!
Highly recommended.
***** |
Mac Users, No Worries
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| Review Date: June 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: S. Giffin, US, Bay Area |
I'm writing this review mainly because of the person who said Mac Users Beware. It works perfectly with my mac OS 10.5.
First time I plugged it in, I clicked the Mac version of the included software and it installed the codec needed to view videos with QuickTime. Maybe the reason you only had audio is because you didn't restart QuickTime.
The included software is simple to use and i can see it useful in some instances. For me though I set iphoto to download images when a camera is pluged in. So I just plug in the mino iphoto starts up and downloads the videos, done. Simple.
As for quality, its great. Very clean looking videos, sound is fine. For 180 bucks it does everything I'd expect it to do and does it well. |
Wonderfully convenient and beautifully designed
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| Review Date: June 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jerry Saperstein, Evanston, IL USA |
The Flip Video Mino Camcorder (Black) is a bit of genius. Following on the heels of the very successful and still available Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black), the Mino (pronounced "min-oh") packs 60 minutes of 640 x 480 at 29 fps video into a package that measures 3.94" x 1.97" x 0.63" and weighs only 3.3 ounces.
In other words, the Mino can go anywhere, any time. It fits handily into a pants, shirt or jacket pocket, purse, backpack. Its touch-sensitive flat buttons react instantly giving you the ability to record those adorable kid moments, embarass your friends by recording their antics or whatever strikes your fancy. (You do have to depress a power button first when starting up.)
The Flip Video Mino has to be viewed in perspective. It is definitely not going to replace a high end professional or pro-am Sony, Canon, Panasonic or JVC video camcorder. Image quality is on the soft side, though color rendition is accurate. Zoom capabilities are extremely limited: 2x digital which does result in some image degradation. Audio quality is adequate. Low-light performance is quite good. Many digital still cameras, in fact, with video capability such as the Panasonic Lumix FZ5, FZ18 and TZ3 or the Canon S5 deliver better video quality.
The viewfinder and playback window are a 1.5 inch LCD on the back of the Mino. It is barely adequate. For those with less than perfect near vision, certain messages, such as time remaining, may be difficult to read. Recording is accomplished by pressing a single large red button on the back. Zoom and playback functions are handled by touch-sensitive buttons, which can be a bit too sensitive until you become accustomed to them.
But none of the others mentioned are anywhere near as convenient as the Flip Mino. None of them are as small or light. And none of them offer the built-in software of the Mino. Plug the Mino into a USB 2.0 port and you can do very basic editing of your videos, create sort of snazzy movies, post your video to YouTube, AOL or MySpace or email video to friends - all without having to load any software on the computer you are using. You can also transfer the videos to the computer and organize and delete them using the embedded Flip Mino software. Overall, very convenient.
The Muvee mixing software provided takes your video clip(s) and applies a jazzy style to it automatically, even providing a music backing. There are a couple of problems. The bundled Muvee software is limited to six effects and it is unstable. In three attempts, it creashed twice. There is a subtle urging to upgrade to the full Muvee package. I wouldn't do it. There are other packages that do the same thing for the same or less money. Some of them are included in video editing packages such as the very capable Studio Ultimate Version 12.
You can recharge the Mino's non-user replaceable lithium-ion battery in 3 hours from the USB port. Or buy an external AC adapter from Flip that would charge it in 2 hours. Personally, if I were to be travelling with the Mino, I might be inclined to get the AC adapter. A full charge will supposedly power the Mino for 4 hours. I have not tested that claim.
The fabric case provided is more of an encumbrance than anything else. It is merely a pouch. The black surface will pick up and show fingerprints, so if something like this bothers you, carry a cleaning cloth or use the case.
The Flip Ultra, which is slightly larger and uses AA batteries remains available, with a new lower price.
You cannot go wrong with either of these units. The Mino is smaller, lighter, more convenient, has more accessible controls and software with more functions. The Ultra has the advantage (to some) of using AA batteries.
Taken alone, the Flip Mino is a marvelous piece of technology and design. It makes it so simple and convenient to capture video that there is no reason not to have one in your pocket.
Jerry
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What a deal I love the Flip Mino
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| Review Date: June 10, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Joe Richey, |
Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
I ordered the Flip Mino to make simple videos to quick load to YouTube for Seo purposes..... I love it. I got the camera on Sunday after ordering on Friday plugged it in and put it on the tripod they sent me.
Set to record some website reviews and I was done. The software worked flawless and it uploaded my video segments to youtube and this was awesome. I can now make 10 videos a day for marketing segments and load to my YouTube account and have a time saving method for loading Seo ideos.... The Flip is awesome see my Youtube channel for results
http://www.youtube.com/wholesalerwholesaler thanks Flip crew |
so portable and ready for video posting!
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| Review Date: June 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Ward J. Lamb, slate hill, new york United States |
This mini recorder is VERY user friendly,and for personal video use is a top product for the price.It is ipod type size and the push buttons are easy to get,although perhaps a touch sensitive.The 60 min limit for recording is fine by me,as I'm not making movies.
It is lithium battery powered,and rechargeable by plugging the auto usb plug.It does look precarious dangling from your port as it charges,but it illiminates other connecting problems.I found that recharging it was easy but it stopped when my pc goes into sleep mode.
The unit has a pouch to carry it in,hardly a protective case,so you may fashion your own out of a cell phone case.
The money it costs makes it a good general gift for that student or family member that enjoys videoing.Uploading to you tube was extremely easy,illiminating the steps I have taken to transpose,and resize.That alone makes this unit a must for me.
As soon as it came out of the box I tried using it with a simple fast set of instructions. I was up and running! The quality is good. The size of the videos and the format allow easy upload and emailing video to occur.
It's response to low light could be better,but it is fine in regular light situations.The software that comes with the camera has limited editing capabilities. It is for the more novice user.This product is SO easy it is perfect for the technologically fearful!Other programs such as motion box can help overcome the combining video problem that the software doesn't support.
The sound is very good,except when it is distance sound.I use it to record live singing and it sounds remarkable for the size!
The 3ivx codec the camera uses seems to be a very stable format.
Mine is the white version,and it seems to do well concerning the finger print problems mentioned by others.This model does not appear to look greasy or dirty as stated about the black.
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Very Easy to Use for Fun and Quick Videos
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| Review Date: June 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Douglas Figueredo, New York, NY USA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RAUXHXNFTSNZ9 I took the Flip out for some video fun today in Provincetown, MA. It's about the size of a new iPod, very light and easy to carry around in the included cloth baggie. In fact, I forgot I had it in my pocket because it is so light. Very easy to use. There's a power button on the side of the Flip which turns on within two seconds. To make a video, just hold it out, with the screen facing you and press the red button in the center to start filming. The read out tells you how long the current clip is and how much longer you have left before you fill the Flip up with video. Surrounding the red record button are the pause, play, rewind touch sensitive buttons (they don't depress, you just touch them). This lets you see the clips you've recorded and if you don't like one, you can press the little trash can button to delete it. A minor issue is that it's easy to press these buttons between recordings and you sort of lose the recording 'view'. Not a big deal but it can happen.
The screen is pretty small and can feel a little unfulfilling when you are recording something. Mostly it's good for framing the scene but you're not going to see any detail on it. Also, remember to bring your reading glasses if you use them.
I plugged the Flip into both a Mac and a PC and it worked easily on both. Software loads automatically to let you download, edit, and trim all of your clips. It's so straight forward that you don't need a manual or any directions. The program did crash on the PC when my screen saver kicked in, but it restarted and I was able to make a movie with no other problems - (to tell the truth a crashing program is not new on a PC). There are some fun options to make old-time looking videos and you can either use Flip's automatic music, or something from your own music library, to enhance your 'mix'.
You use the software to make movie 'mixes' which means that you don't have control over fades and such - but that's not the goal of this little player. It's about taking a quick and easy, hopefully fun video of something and posting it on youtube-like sites.
The ending videos are pretty small size-wise. Colors are nice and bright, contrasts looks good. I wouldn't use the Flip to document anything that was very important to me - a graduation, a trip to Paris, a child's piano recital. Again, the flip is more for quick fun - show the grandparents that the kids are playing on a swing, teenagers filming each other having fun at a birthday party or a theme park- those kinds of events.
I think this would make the perfect gift for a tweenish kid who is into films - they would have a blast and it would get them started in making little movies - then they could pass it on to their parents when they outgrow it.
I've uploaded a video that I took today while walking around town. Enjoy! |
Nick my Dog loves it.
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| Review Date: September 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Powell, Kentucky |
| This is a product that should be used by more people. It is a great thing, great idea and the photos are really good. It is a handsome camera that takes good pictures. Every time I have downloaded the videos from the Flip Mino they actually come out better looking than when on the screen which is large enough. I am crazy about this camcorder. When I think of the huge camcorders that they came out with that had to ride on your shoulder and the videos that were on it I have to laugh. This tiny thing really does fit in your pocket. Anyone and I mean anyone can learn to use it. Just flip the power button, hold it, point it, take videos that are amazing for the size of the product. Not only is it goodlooking it does a good job. It has a USB connector, just stick it in and go on to other things. I have found absolutely nothing wrong with this. It doesn't do a lot but take videos which is what you want it for. I've never had a single problem with it. As my first sentence says it isn't used enough. It has a good price, you never have to get into it to fix anything. It just does it's job. I like it very much. It holds an hour of videos, the color is good. They have now come out with designable Flip Mineos however i like the original colors better myself. I do not see how you could be disappointed in it. Oh, it charges itself while it is downloading. |
Crazy Fun
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| Review Date: June 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Brett Benner, Los Angeles, CA USA |
| This is the coolest little camcorder. It fits wonderfully in your hand and is actually smaller than many cell phones. I own a mac and had no problem loading it up. That said I wasn't trying to import anything into imovie, and instead used the software that came with the camera which was easy and responsive. Probably the easiest and fastest way to get some videos up and going. This would be a great "toy" for anyone who is not the most electronically savvy, yet still wants to capture some moments either of the the kids or grandchildren, a fast video message, or just messing around with some friends. Flip is the wave of the future. My only complaint is that I wish there was a way to add more memory. A removable card would probably be too much to ask because then people wouldn't need to use their service. All in all though a great, fun, inventive camera. |
Fantastic little toy for the gadget lover!
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| Review Date: June 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: W. Chang, Houston, TX |
| The Flip Mino is the latest generation Flip mini camcorder. It is small and very easy to use right out of the box. As long as you understand the purpose of this camcorder, you will be satisfied. This is NOT a high-definition pro camcorder so don't expect professional recordings, instead the Mino is a ultra portable camcorder used to record quick videos of everyday life for sharing online. The video quality is surprisingly good and the sound is clear. This is the perfect solution for parties, ball games, outdoor events, themeparks, etc... It's thin, light weight and seems well built. My favorite feature is the built in "flip-out" usb plug used to upload videos and to charge the Mino built right in. You never have to worry about cables or chargers! |
Great tool and get an external harddrive, you'll record way more memories
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| Review Date: July 14, 2008 |
| Reviewer: David F. Starr, WI, USA |
I've got a nice Canon GL2 and I have some beautiful video of my family memories, and even a local tv show I produce with it, "Yoga In Wisconsin". But in the couple of months that I've owned this camera, I have shot almost half the footage, I have with the GL2. Because its out of your pocket and running in 10 sec, you can actually capture the crazy dance baby started doing, before he stops never to repeat it again. And the fact you had it in your pocket in the first place, when I would never take my $1000+ camera, 1 because it's to big and 2 I might break it.
Its easy to keep charged, and download video files. I'm on a mac too, so I do NOT recommend their software, I purchased Visual Hub for $20 and copy/covert them right from the camera (.avi file) to my imovie folder (.dv file) using the software. Way worth it.
The tapes, when I record them back, from my GL2 onto the computer look better, but they take almost ten times as long to get back onto the computer (to convert 60 min of video through Visual Hub takes about 7-13 min, and it takes more time for the clips to render thumbs in imovie) and not cost for tapes. You will want to burn DVDs of your movies though because you wont be able to go back to the tapes once deleted. I had a little trouble with it hanging up the finder and I had to pull it out because it wouldn't let me eject it. So I called Cust Serv and they helped me right away, and had me restart it with a paper clip. I've had to do this a couple of times but that has been my only compliant. It still had all the footage on it by the way after reseting it.
Bottom line, you have a little one, or a life that is worth remembering pick one up, it's worth it. (and an external hard drive too, your going to have lots of videos.) |
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US $15.52
(4.00 out of 5)
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