Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 4 GB, 1 Hour (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
by Flip Video
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 4 GB, 1 Hour (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Disappointed
Summary: 2 Stars
I didn't have high expectations for this camera given that the Flip's are known more for their exceptional convenience rather than video quality/features, but for $200 I expected a lot more. With so many other choices in the pocket HD camcorder race, the Mino HD is crippled with so many disadvantages over it's rivals. The cons are too many to list, but I'll highlight a few that ultimately did this camera in for me (I compared this camera directly with the Sanyo HD700 which I liked much better - both are pocketable HD camcorders in the $200-$300 price range):
-Tiny LCD screen - yep, I knew it would be small, but this thing is ridiculously small. I would prefer a slightly bigger unit that could accomodate a larger LCD screen and still be pocketable
-2x digital zoom is worthless
-Video quality - outdoor is exceptionally crisp, much better than I expected, but the white balance on the Mino is horrific, rendering everything with a yellowish cast - colors are very unnatural...especially in low light.
-Poor low light - no camcorder in this price range is going to have great low light quality, but with some other pocket HD camcorders you get some manual control over ISO settings - this makes a huge difference.
-I was not a fan of the touch buttons. Too many times I would hit something accidentally and interrupt filming. And when I reached for the zoom button, no zoom unless I got my finger in the exact spot - it never zoomed with my finger directly over the "+" or "-". This was extremely annoying.
-The big red record button - it's what makes this camcorder so easy to use, but I found it to be unresponsive on a number of occasions. Not sure if I had a bad unit, but a handful of times I would push the record button only to have to push it once or twice more to actually get it to record. I missed a number of recording opportunities becuase "the moment passed" while attempting to get the unit to record
-Build quality - again the beauty of this thing is the featherweight pocketability, but it ultimitaly sacrafices in build quality. See my point above for examples.
-No digital out - I'm completely dumbfounded why Flip supplied no HDMI out on an HD camcorder. Hook your videos up to an HDTV with the included composite video cables and you will be sorely disappointed. I was.
And Finally, the one con that I just simply could not overlook and the ultimate deal killer for me - sound quality. Not sure how to put this, but sound is simply non-existent on this thing. Sound is great on actual playback within the unit, but once I downloaded and played back on a computer, I was simply awestruck by the lack of sound. I could barely make out my wife's conversation across the table...maybe 4 or 5 feet away!! This may not be important for some, but I simply must have sound on my videos. I don't think that's too much to ask - even from this tiny thing.
The Flip Mino HD is a great concept, but the lengthly list of negatives was too much for me to bear. I returned it for a Sanyo HD700 and couldn't be happier. There are more pocketable HD camcorders on the market, so I urge you to shop around and decide what's best for your intended use.
Customer Review: Flip Mino HD
Summary: 5 Stars
The Flip series of camcorders are designed with the ultimate simplicity of operation in mind. In fact, it is so simple to use, you won't even need the small instruction booklet that comes with it. Usually with simplicity comes sacrifice. In tiny camcorders, that usually translates to lousy image quality. Now the Flip HD is by no means a true high definition camcorder capable of creating broadcast TV productions. But it does produce a very crisp image. So crisp, it puts all the old Hi-8 and mini-dv camcorders to shame. Normally, when the lights go down, small camcorders get very grainy and the color gets distorted. The Flip HD gets grainy too, but not until the light level is so low that you're straining your eyes to see where you're going. The color seems natural and true in almost any lighting condition.
Using the Flip to it's full potential requires that you have a PC or a Mac. It derives it's charging power from the USB port, and also transfers it's video files that way. If you are familiar with file transfers, the Flip is a breeze. Just plug the camcorder into the USB port (no cables needed) and your PC or Mac sees it instantly as another drive. Simply drag and drop your files onto your hard drive. Editing and burning to your files to DVD requires some knowledge. DVD's made from the Flip HD are stunning, but of course, standard DVD's are not high definition unless you make a BluRay disc (which is more complicated). You can use the included cable to connect the Flip directly to a TV or VCR, but the cable output is not high definition.
The Flip is so tiny you can carry it in a pocket or purse and forget it's even there. You'll get great video and crisp sound out of the Flip HD. Voices sound crisp and clear. It's adapted for voices, so there is very little bass to the sound. So what's not to like? There is no photo mode. It's just video. There is no high definition output port. You can only get high definition quality on your computer from copying the files through the USB port. The screen is very small. There's no image stabilizer, so you need to hold the Flip with two hands to get steady video. It shoots at 30 frames per second, not 60 frames like TV, so fast motion can look a little jittery. Normal motion like people walking is fine. There's no autofocus or optical zoom. But the usable depth of field is so wide from three feet to infinity, you don't need autofocus. Which is actually an advantage because the focus is steady. It never hunts for the right distance, so shots are always clear until you get closer than three feet. The 2x digital zoom reduces image quality, so use it sparingly, only to frame out unwanted objects when absolutely necessary.
All in all, this is a great camcorder for vacations because you'll always have it in your pocket, ready to go. For the money, there isn't a better mini camcorder on the market that shoots high dfinition video.
Rick Bennette - Fine Art Video dot com.Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
Customer Review: BEWARE of minimum Mac/PC system requirements!!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I am a Mac user who owns the regular Flip Mino camcorder and was looking forward to upgrading to the Flip Mino HD model. However, when I received my Flip Mino HD and started to open the box, I was surprised by the Minimum System Requirements listed on the flap. Amazon.com's product description page for the Mino HD simply says: "Operating System Compatibility - Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OSX." HOWEVER...The minimum requirements listed on the box are much more detailed, as follows:
PC: 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or faster processor, Windows XP SP2 with 512MB of RAM or Vista with 1 GB or RAM, and USB 2.0 port.
MAC: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM, OS X Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5, and USB 2.0 port.
Now, I realize that most people today may have computers that easily meet or exceed these requirements. But all of my Macs--an older iMac and two PowerBooks--have 1.5 GHz PowerPC processors (with 1.25 GB of RAM, running OS X Tiger 10.4.11). But I decided to try the new HD camcorder anyway.
Alas, the video taken with the Flip Mino HD will not play on any of my computers. The Flip software installed on my computer without a problem, but when I try to play back video shot with the camera on my computers, it is extremely choppy and unwatchable. (This happens whether I'm playing the video using the Flip software or QuickTime.)
I'm very surprised that Amazon didn't thoroughly outline the system requirements for the Mino HD on the product page. Even if you click on "See More Technical Details" on the product page, you don't get the down and dirty system requirement info.
I'm giving the Flip Mino HD 4 stars in this review because I can't write the review without giving a star rating and I didn't want to penalize the product with a poor review just because Amazon.com didn't properly list the minimum system requirements. I am very confident that the HD is a great product. I base this on the reviews that I've read (including a great one in the New York Times) and on my experience with the standard Flip Mino camcorder. I just wanted to alert people who may have older, less powerful computers that you may have problems using the Flip Mino HD.
FYI, I contacted Flip customer support and got this response in regards to the issue at hand:
"If you are running below the minimum requirements, we cannot guarantee that the Mino HD will perform to its full capacities. Certain functions and tasks may be delayed or may not work at all. It all depends on your processing speed and computer space. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Bottom line: If you have an older Mac or PC, you may want to stick with the standard Flip Mino instead of the HD model.
Customer Review: Flip Mino HD Camcorder
Summary: 5 Stars
Ahhh, the Flip Mino HD Camcorder that fits in your shirt pocket. I ordered my Flip Mino HD in November 08 and it arrived swiftly. I enjoyed it from the beginning even though I had some problems with it regarding playback of my downloads directly from my computer in what I will call original or first generation playback. [I solved it quickly though! ]
The problem was, and I mention this in case other folks experience a similar problem, that being a ventriloquist, I would video myself and my puppet, and down load it to my computer. When I attempted to play the video back from the computer our voices and our lips were out of sync for some reason. At first I was quite distressed but shortly tried a few things that worked and I will share them with you all here. This is no longer a problem! [ BTW I recommend you see my review of the "Tripod" for info on how to video yourself doing performancews of various types. ]
This Problem was more than likely a computer fault and I have since up graded my memory and added a couple of High Speed USB ports. My computer is about 5 years old and did not come with High Speed USB ports and it did not have a lot of memory. Adding memory will speed up computer work considerably in all its uses, and is not all that expensive. However, this was not necessary if I was willing to take one additional step and send the original Flip Video to myself before sending out to others. Somehow, everything evened out in cyber space to my satisfaction.
I have used my Flip Mino HD on several occasions already and have captured Christmas model train layouts at a museum, recorded a Middle and high school concert with great satisfaction, and find it a most handy device to have to capture all manner and sorts of episodes. I caught a Moon, Jupiter, Venius conjunction in the night sky, Christmas and house lights, and various performances of myself with my puppets and playing a flute. More will come. The beauty is, the handy availability of the Mino HD CAmcorder, the no hassle set up and use, the copying, playing, and recording to other devices that this item offers. Let me finish with a tip. If you are hand holding the video and go to telephoto using the + button you must be very careful to keep the camcorder still. If you can prop your hands against something or hold with two hands, one to steady the other things will remain jitter free for the most part. It is also desirable to do this when panning and switching from telephoto to a long shot using the + to - buttons. This will occur with all types of cameras but since the Flip is so small, just be extra careful and you will be amazed at what this litte gem will do for you. Joe Radle, Huddleston, Virginia. P.S. I would like Flip to come out with an alternate method for AC charging of the unit when one is away from a computer as I might be on a vacation trip. Since the batteries are internal in this unit, this would enhance its use. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all
Dec. 20, 2008 J.B.R.
Customer Review: Great recorder-small package
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This is an amazing video recorder for those who want to capture the moment without all the fancy trappings. This is as small as an ipod video or cell phone with a small viewing screen, and seven buttons on the back (play/pause; zoom+; zoom-; record; scroll forward, scroll back; trash). You capture video with the touch of a button. Perfect for the You Tube generation, soccer moms and grandparents! Even my kids can use it with ease.
The screen instructions make it easy to use straight out of the box without even reading the directions. Set-up can be accomplished in about 2-5 minutes (time, date, tone on/off) by following the on-screen instructions. Deleting and recording are also simple to do by following the directions on the screen.
There is a battery indicator on the screen. Small speakers are located on the back. The overall sound quality is not bad, but I wouldn't use it to record music. It is fine for voices, and such. The sound quality improves dramatically once you get it on your computer and listen to it with real speakers, so don't judge sound quality by the internal speakers. It comes with a tripod attachment port on the bottom. The recording mic is located next to the lens on the front.
Once you capture your video, you can scroll through all the captured videos and easily delete the ones you don't want to keep. There is also a delete lock button, so you won't accidentally hit the trash button. As a secondary control, it asks you to confirm the delete before the final deletion.
The only drawback of the design is the plastic. I worry that it will scratch without much effort, so I have been handling it with care. I have ordered a Invisible Shield cover from Zagg (Zagg.com), the world's best producer of scratch-proof covers for all electronic devices (money-back guarantee, which they really honor!). Once I get the cover on it, I will be able to toss it in my purse so that I can record at a moment's notice.
Because of the nature of a portable camcorder, it does not have an external light nor a mic extension port. You will need to be in a well-lit area and within a good hearing range for it to work. The mic is pretty sensitive, though, and hasn't been a problem yet.
Note: This product does not come with a still-shot feature (camera). I am actually surprised it doesn't, as it seems like it would be easy to add. However, given everything else that it does so simply and that I have an iPhone, I don't worry about it much.
Downloading is made simple by a USB port that pops out of the top and stores safely when not in use. This whole system couldn't be easier! I highly recommend it, as it is worth the money.