Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 4 GB, 1 Hour (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
by Flip Video
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List Price: Our Price: $124.50 You Save: $75.49 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $50.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 4 GB, 1 Hour (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Flip keeps getting better & better
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
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.
Customer Review: The easiest digital camcorder I have ever seen!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
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.
Customer Review: Exceeded my expectations
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't know anything about the previous generation Flip cameras, so I didn't have any grand ideas of what this camera was capable of. Now that I've owned it for awhile, I could say it exceeded my expectations in every regard. The video quality is really good when taken outdoors in high light situations. It becomes grainy pretty quickly, even with a good amount of ambient light indoors. The quality is still very good for a camera of this size. The HD video is really nice and takes up the whole screen on my MacBook.
The best thing about this is the size. It's comfortable to take anywhere, and it's completely unobtrusive so people feel more comfortable around it, moreso than a large video camera. The portability of it just makes shooting video fun again. It fits in your pocket and is super lightweight. The lightness of it makes camera shake a problem, as it doesn't have the stabilizing weight of bigger cameras, but it's certainly manageable.
I've only used it on a mac and haven't installed the included software so I can't say much about that, but the fact that I didn't need the included software is a huge plus. It just plugs into the USB and you could drag your clips off the device like you would from a digital picture camera.
Overall, it's a great camera and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've bought one for my brother and I'm actually thinking of getting a second one. Other people who have seen me use it have also went out to purchase one.
Here are the complaints. As others have stated, I wish there was an input jack for an external microphone. Right now the microphone seems to be right next to the screen, so the camera operator's voice is 3 times as loud as anybody elses. Another gripe I have is that I wish there was a quality setting to limit the amount of compression or even make uncompressed films. I know that would change the amount of video you can record from an hour to a minute or 2, but having the option there would be a huge plus, especially since it's just a small firmware update.
Other than that, buy this thing!
Customer Review: Amazing quality, incredibly portable, easy-to-use!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The MinoHD is absolutely AMAZING and it is a great gift for the holidays.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
--PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY--
For such a small camcorder, I have to say that the quality of the MinoHD--both in filming and in playback-- is impeccable. It films better than any other camcorder that I have and it captures sound very well. Upon playback, video is crystal-clear and sound is crisp. I took my camcorder to the beach and it captures all sounds--the seagulls, the wind, the waves, everything. Don't underestimate this product due to its size--it's great!
--DESIGN--
The design is both aesthetically and ergonomically appealing--the camcorder is very sleek and looks shiny and polished. My friends keep asking me, "What is that? That's so cool." (Yeah, it is pretty cool!). It is also designed to grip easily in your hands so it's really easy and comfortable to use.
--SIZE--
The MinoHD fits RIGHT IN MY POCKET and could easily fit in a purse, wherever you want to bring it. Who would have thought that you could find an HD CAMCORDER THAT WAS PORTABLE?? It's so much easier to carry this around than a bulky camcorder or camera.
--FUNCTION--
The MinoHD is really easy to use. There are only a few buttons on the MinoHD, which takes a lot of the hassle and confusion of trying to figure out how to start filming. The screen is bright and easy to read. The camera has a zoom that works while you're filming. It stores 60 minutes of video--which is a lot for a little device like this. It charges through the USB port of your computer.
--COMPATIBILITY--
The flip-out USB extends after pressing a button on the side and my Mac instantly identifies the camcorder once I plug in the USB.
This is a great product for everyone--I love my MinoHD Camcorder!
Customer Review: Great Little Gadget
Summary: 5 Stars
The title of this review should be: Why Didn't I Buy This Sooner?
I am not a videophile; I'm just a parent of two little kids who would like to capture everyday moments on the fly. Flip Mino HD fits that bill to a T.
PROS:
1. Petite form factor, highly portable, and therefore encourages toting around, unlike those bulky (yes, even those Canon VIXIA HF-100s) camcorders which require their own bag ( and accessories).
2. USB connectivity is built-in. No annoying tangle of cords. Just plug it into your PC and download videos to the software, and charge your Flip at the same time.
3. Covered lens. The plastic cover is quite scratch and scuff-resistant, and therefore, you won't have to worry about dust getting into your lens.
4. Decent quality 720P video, with above-average microphone fidelity. I mean, you're not using one of those professional shotgun microphones here, but at 200 bucks, can't feel too bad about the Flip's pretty decent mic pick-up.
5. Decent battery life. Mine can run around two hours, fully-charged.
CONS:
1. I wish it had better low-light capability.
2. I wish it had a bigger LCD viewscreen.
3. I wish it had an adapter that allowed wall charging(probably has it out there, haven't found it yet)
4. I wish it had higher-definition video capability.
Overall, I prefer having and using this 99% of the time around the house, around town, and whenever it suits my fancy, compared to my "real" camcorder . If I have to tape something more "serious" such as a recital, game or something in low-light, then I would use my Canon VIXIA HF-100, for better quality. Flip Mino HD certainly lets you preserve more of the spontaneous moments life throws your way.
I would seriously recommend this to anyone who already has a Hi-Def camcorder as a "back-up" of sorts. You may end up using this little gizmo more often than you would even care to admit.