 A Review for Mac users |
| Review Date: November 15, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Norman R. Hart, Concord, NH USA |
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. |
It is HD and does a fine job for what it is
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| Review Date: November 12, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jay Adkins, Columbus, OH |
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 1280x720 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! |
Score!
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| Review Date: November 16, 2008 |
| Reviewer: M. Gerrish, |
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.
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Amazing Little HD Camera
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| Review Date: November 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Charles Evans, North Carolina |
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 |
Absolutely cool camera, lightweight, great video, pocket sized fun!
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| Review Date: March 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Heath L. Buckmaster, Sacramento, CA USA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LPJ7PO0WVSWR Within 15 minutes of the camera arriving, I had it opened up, had taken a video, and created this video review for amazon. The camera was so easy to use that I think it took me less than 3 minutes to have it up and running and taking video.
For what it is, it gets 5 stars, however, I do want to say that after a full day of exploring the camera there are a few things to consider...
First, the viewing screen is very small, as you'll see in the video review below. This isn't a big deal, and again for the type of product, you go in knowing there will be limitations of some sort. In terms of taking video, that's about the only limitation I've found so far because the camera is just that easy to use. From one touch recording to fast playback and delete functions, you really can't get much simpler.
After you've taken the video, getting it onto your computer is also a snap. Flip out the USB plug and shove it into your computer's USB port. Make sure it's a 2.0 port. The software automatically starts and runs and it allows you to save the original video file to your computer in mp4 format, save it in wmv movie format (with rudimentary title/credit slides and optional music track), and a few other basic functions like image stills. There isn't a lot of fluff, and you really don't need fluff for this.
If you want to use the native file format you're going to need a video program like Pinnacle or Ulead that can read mp4, or a conversion program (you can use the one that's included to convert to wmv if you want). Windows Movie Maker will not read native mp4, so to use that tool you'll want to convert first.
The camera records in 1280x720 at 30fps. This isn't 1080i/p but you're really not going to notice that much of a difference - though I do wish it recorded at 60fps just for a cleaner and smoother video (just a personal preference - not a downside to the camera).
For the price, the size, the ease of use, and the ease of getting video off the camera, this is a crazy cool gadget that I'll be using very frequently for some great video!
Enjoy! |
PERFECT SOLUTION FOR BUSY FAMILY WITH KIDS
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| Review Date: November 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: R. C. Diaz, Sacramento, CA United States |
I also posted to [...], but wanted to post here to to share my wonderful experience with other Mac users.
Just received this camera today and have been playing with it. It works wonderfully! Great picture for such a small camera. It does a funky auto white balance adjustment on the fly, depending on the type of lighting (i.e. going from a room with fluorescent to a hallway with incandescent, or even changing the viewing angle in the same room . . . but this is not bad).
MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you have a PowerMac and are looking for a streamlined solution for getting HD video onto your computer and/or Apple TV, THIS IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION!
Several reasons:
-No need to transcode: I've uploaded clips directly onto the desktop and directly into iTunes by simple drag and drop, and clips play perfectly both within iTunes and in standalone QT. No more transcoding with Voltaic!! WooHoo!
-Apple TV has max HD resolution of 720p anyway, so I don't have to downconvert my captures from 1080/60i or 1080/30p or 1080/24p to 720/24p to play on the Apple TV, like I currently have to with my Canon HF10.
For the cost and size, this camera takes really very very nice images. MUCH nicer than the video captures on my point and shoot camera. And surprisingly, very nice even compared to the Canon HF10!
Overall, I am incredibly pleased, this device is the perfect, perfect solution for us: compact and portable, we can take it anywhere all the time and capture those short fleeting moments of joy with the kids, then upload instantly on a PowerPC Mac and view instantly on an Apple TV connected to our plasma, where it looks wonderful. No transcoding, no downconverting, no AIC, no AVCHD to h.264 to blu-ray or whatever. Just simple. I love this camera.
Did I say I really love this camera?
UPDATE 11/28/08: I must inform others that my review above is flawed in one way. I thought the clips from this camera worked flawlessly with both iTunes and AppleTV. They DO work flawlessly on BOTH Intel Macs and PowerPC Macs in iTunes (which is a godsend . . . no need to convert AVCHD to AIC using Voltaic, which is currently the only AVCHD solution for PowerPC Macs), but in order for the clips to play on AppleTV, they do have to be converted from 720/30p (what the MinoHD natively records) to 720/24p (the max framerate the AppleTV will support, for now anyway). Audio as recorded works fine.
So to upload and watch on any Mac: simple, flawless.
To upload and watch on AppleTV: upload to computer, open in QT, [edit if desired], choose Export Movie and change just one thing, make frame rate 24fps (I choose high bitrate 2500kbps, and audio pass-through). Not exactly "one step", but still just about the easiest way to get homemade HD video onto your plasma TV.
Easy + Compact = perfect for parents, like us |
Great HD Camcorder!
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| Review Date: November 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Peter Pastore, |
I loved my previous Flip so much, I could not resist the impulse to buy it in HD.
This camcorder could not be any easier to use. The personalization options make this thing even cooler!
The HD Mino is light, making it easy to carry around to capture important moments. As opposed to my other camcorder, I find myself actually using the Flip.
All you have to do it flip out the USB, plug it in (works great with Mac) and you can edit away with nifty software contained on the device itself. The software is much better than the previous generation; easy to use, lots of cool features.
The battery life is decent. I find that I plug in the Flip frequently enough to download footage that it's rarely low on batteries.
The footage looks great, even in somewhat low light, although night filming was a little more problematic. I found the sound quality crisp. Distortion caused by breezes was surprisingly minimal. You will not find better video quality for the money. The autofocus works fantastically.
My only complaint is that the screen is on the small side. I'd prefer to be able to see the benefits of the higher resolution on the device itself.
A perfect present for the holidays in my opinion.
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It's Fun
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| Review Date: November 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Adam S. Caplan, Houston, TX |
This is a fun toy, not an all purpose HD camcorder. If you want a pocket sized device that takes a decent video, and has great built-in software for easy sharing and creative projects, this is the product for you. It is very easy to use. I feel like my grandmother could master the Mino in a few minutes.
I have owned it for a few days now, and I have been playing with it almost non-stop. At work, I know at least two people who have ordered them based on playing with mine. The software allows you to share the video by sending web links, capture still shots from the video, upload to a variety of websites, burn to disks, and several other features.
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Easy to use without sacrificing on quality
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| Review Date: November 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: , |
The Flip MinoHD is a terrific device for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use digital video camcorder without sacrificing the quality. In addition, the device looks incredibly sleek and fits easily into a pocket. I own a Sony HD camcorder as well, but it hasn't received much use due to its size, making it a burden to carry with me. I am looking forward to taking the device with me on ski trips and tucking it in my jacket pocket.
As far as quality is concerned: it definitely exceeded expectations given the price point and compact nature. I often hook the device directly to my widescreen LCD to share videos with friends, and, even at 40+ inches, the video looks pretty good.
In addition, I cannot overemphasize how easy this device is to use. All of the necessary functions can easily be performed with the 5 or so keys on the device, and all without digging into detailed menus.
I haven't played around with the software that much, so I cannot comment on that aspect of the product. However, it is incredibly easy once you plug in the device to quickly drag the videos to your desktop/hard drive for viewing. |
Watch the Flip HDmino in action!
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| Review Date: December 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Josh Sundquist, Washington, DC |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3NZJHPFHOETQR Here's a video showing the size of the video in my hand as well as a live demo of me recording and playing back the clip.
Believe the hype! This gadget is amazing. |
A great improvement on an already fantastic device
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| Review Date: November 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Sherry, New York, NY |
First I should tell you that I would give the flip mino 5 stars even without hd. The jump to high definition is fabulous though and I can see the difference right away.
Since I now own BOTH players I can tell you the difference is as noticable as one would hope. Neither player quite blows up to the capacity of my 30 inch 2500 x 1600 res monitor, but I can make the hd picture several times as large as I can the original standard and still like what I am seeing very much. Also the HD flip mino records in
widescreen and plays back in widescreen as well.
The sound on these are fabulous. One of my key uses is to tape my two sons' suzuki violin lessons so we can play them back and really get the most out of their lessons. We like the sound well enough that we can listen to the music and follow. That is saying a lot!
Battery life is outstanding, and I run out of my hour recording time long before I need to power up again. I wish sometimes I could record more. Then again, I am much more likely to grab 5 and 10 minute clips with this little gem. To power back up, just plug it into your computer usb port. Do the same to transfer video clips to your had drive for longer term storage.
I had a full size camquarter before my Minos. I have to tell you, it came out of its case out for birthdays and school shows. It was just big enough and seemed fragile enough, that I would never just toss it in my bag and leave it there, like I do the flip.
I still like the big one for school shows because there is no add on light or super zoom on the Flip Mino -- but because it is so easy to carry, the Mino is allowing me to capture my kids in real life. I have become a candid camera mama.
When I only had the standard definition version, I was a little sad that I was capturing all of these fabulous moments in so so picture quality. That was better than before, when I captured none of them, but certainly less than ideal.
So if you already have a flip mino, I do think it is worth upgrading to this new model. If you don't have one at all, this is the place to jump in. the price difference is about 30% but the images this will allow you to capture are priceless. I love the kind of impulse recording this little machine is making possible.
These are movies I'd never have taken and I am so grateful to have them.
I do wish Flip would consider a replaceable battery. I really never liked the ipod model. Still, I am not complaining.
Oh, and just so you know, using ONLY the little microfiber pouch the Mino comes with. I have tossed the standard version in my backpack and carried it daily since last June. It works perfectly still. I will probably abuse the hd version just as much and I love that I can do that. It is this ultra portability that makes these cameras so useful. Now useful with a better picture.
So the babysitter will get the standard version and hopefully will spend lots of time taping my kids when she has them. The HD version will stay with Mom. Both will get good use.
I now think of these as standard parenting equipment.
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Great little camera
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| Review Date: November 18, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Mark C. Waldrop, Payson, AZ |
Just got this little camera today. Great video quality and good sound.
The video is very good in dim light. Really like the size, you can take it anywhere. Bought it for upcoming vacation. |
The Flip Mino-HD, with the Perspective of Time
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| Review Date: August 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: VideoInFocus, Dunstable, MA |
My comments are based on researching, using, and writing about the Flip Mino-HD for a number of months.
The negative arguments, in summary: 1) The composite output to a TV is poor. 2) There is no built-in image stabilization.
The positive arguments, in summary: 1) It's very inexpensive. 2) It does shoot very nice quality HD video, if you can hold it steady. 3) It fits in your pocket comfortably. 4) It's dead simple to understand and use. 5) It uploads its video (and editing software) to your computer by just plugging it into a USB port.
Sometimes, simple is the right way to go. This is one of those times. An inexpensive, simple camcorder that fits comfortably in your pocket means it's going to get used by different people in different ways from all those that went before. That's exactly what has happened with the Flip.
As for the composite out quality, who expects to watch unedited video straight off the camera and be entertained by it? I have never tried to use the composite output, because I don't want to watch unedited video.
The editor is as easy to use as the camera itself, and your friends and family will REALLY appreciate it when you take a few minutes to ferret out the good video from the crap. FlipShare lets you trim, add fade transtions, and add titles.
Actually, there IS built in image stabilization. It's a standard tripod mount on the bottom. If you want great video, use a tripod, a minipod, or a monopod. You can also stabilize the camera by bracing your elbows against your chest when you shoot. Start pans with your feet pointed toward the end of your pan. These are all things that professional videographers do.
Another piece of basic information: If you want to watch HD on your computer, your computer has to have enough horsepower to decode a complex video format on the fly.
Many people have suggested that the Flip Mino (sans HD) doesn't have many of these problems. If you don't want the potential of HD, that is the right way to go. If you DO want HD, you should be prepared for a little extra trouble and expense to get the value from it. And that is true regardless of what HD camcorder you buy.
In short, you get good quality and good economy from a camcorder with a carefully optimized feature set. You can actually create great videos with this camcorder, edit them, email mail them, auto-upload to YouTube, and create a web channel of your own movies, and all that is in the box.
There are competitors, but I have yet to hold one in my hands with the fit and finish of the Flip. Expect the Flip Mino-HD and Flip Ultra-HD to be outdone first by their own manufacturer -- Pure Digital.
Darrell Icenogle
[...] |
Flip keeps getting better & better
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| Review Date: November 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Margaux Paschke, New York |
I started with an Ultra Flip last year and my raves about it had my friend go out and buy the latest version, the MinoHD Flip. I borrowed it once too often and was told to get my own. I wasn't sure if I needed an upgrade but I am happy with the results. There's about a $100 difference between the two and here's some information to help you decide if it is worth the extra cash:
* The video quality is better - yes, the HD version shows a visible difference in quality when you watch on a full screen.
* It has the same great features and is so easy to use - a few buttons that do the trick; however, the control buttons are not as nice as the Ultra.
* The software has been tweaked for the better - it was always easy to use but now it has more options.
* The bloody USB port is still an issue! I prefer the Ultra version that had it on the side, the MinoHD has it on top which makes it stick out even more (I have to be careful that it does not get jarred from place as it sticks way out).
The portability of this video recorder and the quality is unbeatable. It was the leader and still beats the newbies that rushed to market. The MinoHD Flip is the newest in their line and another winner. I still have my dvd camcorder and intend to keep it for the holidays and like since (1) the quality is close but still not better then my camcorder (the Flip performs poorly in low light); and (2) I have an irrational fear of trusting all digital products but I need the Flip for the unexpected. It also makes vacations so much easier. Who wants to carry around the camera bag and stop to unload it whenever something happens? Usually the moment passed, by the time you were ready to record - that will not happen if you get a Flip. If you see this on sale - BUY IT! If the price is too steep just make sure you buy the Ultra Flip and you will not be disappointed.
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720p is HD
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| Review Date: November 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: C. Jacobs, Los Angeles, CA |
| To the user who said 1280x720 isn't HD.....it is. It's called 720p HD. It's one step down from 1080i or 1080p HD. Please correct your knowledge. |
Tiny, easy and light!
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| Review Date: November 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Susan, Pahrump, NV |
This is my first Flip Video Camcorder. I do have an RCA Small Wonder, but let me tell ya, the Small Wonder is big next to this Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder! As a comparison, this MinoHD is a little narrower and a little shorter than my Blackberry. I can carry it in my fanny pack and not even know it's there; it's so small and light.
It was really easy to start taking videos; just turned it on and I was ready to go (after the initial quick setup)! It had almost a full battery when I received it, but I did charge it that evening thru the USB connector. I experimented with some videos; first I used it in a room that had no overhead lights on - just a few lighted decorations and the video was dark. So I tried it with the overhead lights on and the video was great, so I guess it needs a lot of light. The RCA Small Wonder seems to adjust to the brightness better than this MinoHD. I connected the Flip MinoHD to the TV (TV connectors were included) and the picture was very clear on the 20" screen.
I cut one of the videos (very easy to do with the software that comes on the Camcorder) and emailed to someone to test out how it worked. Beware that HD takes up a lot of megabytes. A 20 second video was 27.5 mb! I cut it down more so I could email it. The recipient said that she just had to click on a link to see the video so didn't have to download the whole thing and that was good. There's an included program to email videos and even different cards (holidays, birthdays, etc.) that can be sent with a video in them and I thought that neat.
It does not use external batteries; just the internal Li-ion battery and there is no slot for any memory card. If you plan on using this longer than 60 minutes and won't be by a computer to recharge it, I'd recommend a Camcorder that has a memory card slot and external batteries. For my purposes this one should work great.
So far I'm really enjoying this and plan on using it on Thanksgiving and Christmas! |
Amazing
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| Review Date: November 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Griswel, Rochester, NY |
It's remarkable what this little camera can do. Not much larger than a cell phone, smaller than an iPod, this takes a full hour of high definition video on four gigabytes of flash memory.
Easy to use - hit the on switch, hit the red button, and you're taking movies. Simple to operate, red switch on/off, + to zoom in, - to zoom back out. The movies are sharp, as you'd expect from an HD camera. They can be edited with any mp4 editing program, and Flipshare software is built into the unit which easily allows you to clip off the beginning or end of a segment. Easy to upload your movies onto any computer - a USB port pops out of the top of the unit and plugs right in, automatically starting up (or installing) the included software. Plus it plays on your television as well, with included cables.
Nothing is perfect, of course, and the camera is simple to use because there are no special features. Start, stop, zoom in (2x digital) zoom back. Reading the manual takes a minute, tops.
A couple of warnings, too. If you play your movies on a computer and they seem choppy, check your hardware. These files are big, 150 megabytes for around 2 minutes. Lesser systems may choke on the data - my laptop has integrated video memory and images jump around. It's not the camera, the movies are clean and crisp, it's the computer. Also, when you playback a fairly dark scene on the camera itself, it looks too dark. Seen on a computer or television, the darker areas look fine, darker, but fine.
HD does have one disadvantage: your television won't play the movies if it's a standard set, you need an HD TV. Any computer should run the films, and playback is very clear on the Flip Video itself considering its a 1.5" screen. Finally, the sound pickup is impressive, so is playback, but if your subject is facing away from you the camera won't pick up as well as, say, your own voice. You'll get one loud and one soft, even though in the room they seemed comparable.
All in all this is an amazing little camera. Flash memory allows Flip Video to pack an hour of HD video capability into your pocket. You'll be playing it for your friends on a huge HDTV set, so be sure to take it someplace interesting.
UPDATE: I recently bought a 50" Plasma TV, and played a capella concert video on it directly from the Flip video recorder. It was amazing. Hard to believe that this tiny recorder looks this good on a 50" screen. The sound was a problem, though had I not been so close it probably would have been fine. In my opinion, the video quality direct to HDTV from the recorder was excellent. |
Yay/Nay on the Flip
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| Review Date: December 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Amanda Richards, Georgetown, Guyana |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RWY0AVF7U7NK4 1. Appearance:
Yay: Sleek, smooth, shiny glossy black finish; trim and slim
Nay: Fingerprints!!!
2. Weight:
Yay: Only 3.3 ounces
3. Responsiveness:
Yay: The buttons are touch sensitive, and they light up. It's a lot easier to start and stop filming, view and delete videos than the earlier model.
4. Specs:
Yay: 60 minutes recording time; HD-Quality video; 4GB memory
5. Battery:
Yay: Charges using a USB port. On-screen battery indicator tells you when it needs charging. Charges while you're uploading the day's footage to the computer. Does not use regular batteries or require a separate charger.
Nay: You'll have to make sure it's charged before you leave home if you're not toting your laptop. No chargee, no filmee.
6. Charging:
Yay: Easy if you're using a laptop. The USB arm flips up by sliding a button. The arm is at the top of the camera, so it's lying in a horizontal position when connected to the laptop.
Nay: Not easy if you're using a desktop, particularly when you already have the receiver for your Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro (920-000919) plugged in. I tried using a USB extension cable, but got a message on the display that said it was too hot and had stopped charging.
7. Uploading:
Yay: Just connect to your computer
8. Making movies:
Yay: All your clips are displayed on the computer screen, and you can edit them to select just the parts you need for your movie. Dragging and dropping puts the chosen clips together for final editing. There's a choice of 7 tunes you can use for your videos, or you can select your own. You can upload straight to the internet.
Big Yay: You can fiddle with the background sound, making your added music softer or louder, or taking out the background sound altogether. This is very useful in situations where a perfectly good shot is ruined by the sound of Aunt Bertha's burp, Uncle Fester's fart or Clint's curse word. You can also use this tool to make yourself sound like P!nk, Pharrell or Pavarotti on your next karaoke video.
Nay: You can't use the same video clip twice in one movie. You can't change the fonts for the title or add subtitles. The software doesn't offer a choice of movie styles like the older version. (The attached video is a combination of a Flip movie and a Windows Movie Maker project)
9. Misc yays and nays
Comes with lightweight soft cloth case that's pretty good at rubbing off fingerprints and stuff
Doesn't work well in low light situations
Zoom is limited
Not good with close-ups, especially graphics. Don't bother trying to film the fine print or even the logo of that new widget that you're thinking of buying - you won't be able to read it when you get home.
If you have shaky hands you'll need a tripod.
Conclusion:
This is an excellent camcorder for recording memories and capturing embarrassing moments. Totally idiot-proof, amazingly lean and light, and completely portable, you can easily film, save and store your directorial triumphs, or share them on the web.
It does have a few limitations, but most of them can be worked around.
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, December 6, 2008
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The easiest digital camcorder I have ever seen!!!
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| Review Date: November 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jaronimo, NJ, the garden state |
I received my Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder today. I unpacked it, and plugged it into my laptops USB port to charge it. It charged up fully in about 35 minutes. I then browsed briefly through the quick-start manual, which is only about 6 small pages long, and I was shooting video.
This is the easiest camcorder I have ever seen. My 5 year old son, Jake, wanted to try it, so I let him. He shot about 10 minutes of video, kind of shaky because he spends more time zooming in and zooming out than he does trying to capture a good video, but then again he is only 5. Once he was done he wanted to see it on TV. I grabbed the cable, hooked it up to the front jacks of my TV, hit play, and we were watching Jakes video. It was that simple.
After playing with it for a few more minutes I plugged it in to the USB port on my desktop PC. It asked if I wanted to load the software (which is preloaded on the camcorder), I clicked yes and about 4 minutes later I was editing the video footage on my PC.
Well thats my first experience with the Flip Video MinoHD. I will play with it for the next week or two and come back with a more detailed report. But my first impression is this is an excellent little camcorder.
*** Update 12/17/08 ***
I have been using this camera for a few weeks and still really like it. The video is high quality and because of that shakes and motion are visible, so I found I need to be aware of that and hold the camera steady. My videos turn out great, the kids are pretty shakey, but they cannot stay still for even a few seconds. But then again they are kids and should be in front of the camera and not behind it.
I have tried editing a few videos together to make mini movies and that feature works great. The only problem is my directing, which needs work. But the process of editing the movies is very simple and easy. |
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US $7.95
(4.00 out of 5)
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