Video Review: FLIP Mino HD

I thought it was time for me to plug this wonderful device that has been on the market for over a year now.



I would advise almost anyone to purchase one of these. There are many different types:
HD
Standard
1 hour recording time
2 hour recording time
etc, etc

The first one I tried is the MINO HD
http://www.amazon.com/Flip-MinoHD-Camcorder-Minutes-Black/dp/B001HSOFI2
It is full HD capturing at 1280x720 @ 30fps with 4GB of internal memory in 16x9 format. It fits in any pocket, you can take it anywhere, and there is no more capturing of your dv tape footage, or letting it sit in your drawer somewhere for a future project.

The fullfillment gets started as soon as you are done pressing the REC button. No cords or anything, just plug it into a USB port (which also charges the unit), and open as a drive, and transfer the files (MP4 format) onto your hard drive. SIMPLE.

Adobe CS4 supports MP4 format now, so it's a drag and drop kind of thing. Fantastic for YouTube and other online media sites(Vimeo, FB, etc). Even at retail price (199), I would recommend this product.

Now, the downsides.
Stability: it does not have any. Handholding and recording provide less than desireable results. Very jittery. Use a tripod, branch, table, anything at all. Outdoors I use a ski pole when skiing, trekking pole while hiking. If I do have to freehand it, I use both hands, one supporting the other.

That's really it. No tape to worry about (moisture, buying, etc), and it's always ready to go. The wife can keep one in her purse and capture the children or whomever at any time. No more excuses for leaving the camcorder at home.

Nuff said.
Don't forget to check out the time lapse video project we did with the FLIP Ultra HD. 6 hours of video presented in less than 3:00
http://www.facebook.com/v/196198529213