My son wanted a video camera to film him and his friends skateboarding. I saw this at another online store and bought it. The High Definition quality promised by the name made it seem worth the $205 price. Plus the small size seemed a plus.
br /
br /Should have read the reviews here first. As others have said, if you want to film people in motion, buy something else. If you hold this camera in your hand, the picture jiggles as your hand moves. But the capture speed is slow enough that any motion is jerky even if you put the camera on a tripod. Filming a skateboarder doing a kick flip just did not work well with this camera.
br /
br /It's not false advertising. This is a fun camera, well designed. If you freeze the frame, you see a pretty good picture, with good definition. And the camera is very convenient for using with a laptop. It charges from the laptop's USB port (that is actually a little inconvenient for us -- a normal charger would be easier). Uploading pictures to the laptop is simple. No problem there.
br /
br /We need something different (and I'm sure more expensive and less convenient) for the skateboarding. But we may keep this camera for fun. It packs a lot into a small, easy-to-use package. We won't really use it, I'm afraid, but it feels a little harsh to think about sending this clever gadget back. Like sending a puppy back to the pound.
br /
br /[Update -- I did return it.]

(Reviewed by a Mac Addict running a MacBook and OSX 10.5.4)
br /
br /Ok, so, the Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder has a small but clear LCD (TFT) so you can watch what you're recording. Some may view it as a plus, but the camera is tiny, thin and lightweight. Sure, these are normally nice things things, but for me, I keep thinking I'll break the thing. It's really no larger than most smartphones, but it's lighter.
br /
br /The Flip comes with its own software... but as a Mac user: it was plug and play. I had to monkey with iPhoto settings a bit (since my Mac thought it was a still camera), but the Flip's video format is easily editable in iMovie and Final Cut Express. Or, you can just copy the video over to your Mac and watch it via QuickTime. Easy peasy. I was really impressed with this feature; I expect this sort of performance from a Canon digital camera, but a little gizmo like this.
br /
br /As for video quality: it's remarkable. No, it's not professional level or even pro-sumer level, but it is HD and it's clear. Compared to my Canon, I'd say it's close. I have trouble holding the Flip still, so there's a fair bit of shake in my shots (not a problem with my Canon's anti-shake settings). Minuses for me are: fixed focus no optical zoom. I like being able to adjust focus from background to foreground... and I can't do that with the Flip. (But hey, if you're recording your kids play or time at the park, likely this won't be a concern for you.)
br /The built in mic is decent, if not a bit tinny. No real concern here and not even that much of a complaint.
br /
br /In a nutshell: if you need a pocket video camera and have a Mac, this will work wonderfully for you. Even more so, if you're not a technical wiz like me and just want an easy to use, no worries video camera: the Flip MinoHD is a solid choice.

I bought this to record family events but also to record ballroom dancing lessons and events without lugging around a big camcorder. It worked beautifully at Thanksgiving and guests got a big kick out of playing back the events of the day and watching themselves projected via my computer to my front projector tv. Even with a 10ft diagonal picture the hd image was quite good. Recording dancing was more problematic since framing with the 16:9 aspect ratio (there is no other option) and non wide angle lens wasn't good. The distance to frame a 6 foot vertical object (dancer) entirely with the camera is about 17 feet. Because we liked the camera so much, i looked for a solution and have found a sunpak wide angle lens (.45x, cam2100, available from amazon for about $35) that fits beautifully on the camera and mounts magnetically therefore retaining the small size advantage of the mino HD. With this lens, one can frame an entire person at about 12 feet which compares quite well to much more expensive cameras. Color does wash out in low light but low light capabilities were nevertheless better than I expected. You can obtain very usable video in a darkened ballroom.
br / I agree with all the great comments about ease of use, build quality and the intuitive software. There is an easy learning curve to using this but you quickly find out that you must move the camera very slowly or you'll see lots of shake and motion artifact. Shake is less with the wide angle lens and worse with the zoom. A good tripod would certaily help. The mini tripod from flip is pretty flimsy and the camera is too small to work well with my full size tripod. I've read the gorilla tripod works well but haven't tried it.
br / Overall, it performed better than expected and especially with the addition of the wide angle lens, I rate it highly.

a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R116USJ0SKBZ04"Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R116USJ0SKBZ04/a Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

I own both of these cameras. I have seen a lot of requests for information regarding the comparison of these two products and thought I might try and contribute. For me there is no clear winner. I believe if you want superior image quality and are traveling for a length of time, the Kodak's replaceable batteries and memory are preferable. If you want something that is extremely easy to use, has great desktop software for both the PC and MAC and is easily put in your pocket, the Flip is the way to go.
br /
br /Flip:
br /Slightly more user friendly
br /Great desktop software and Mac compatibility
br /Good low light performance
br /Doesn't suffer from apparent dropped frames of the Kodak when in low light
br /Rechargeable batteries
br /Considerably smaller
br /
br /Kodak:
br /Much less expensive. Major national retailer is selling these for 39% less then the Flip.
br /Noticeably sharper image
br /Better color rendition especially under artificial light
br /Desktop software is not as easy to use and supplied software incompatible with Mac. However iLife apps work fine with this camera.
br /Much larger viewing display but the whole unit is larger as well
br /Removable memory
br /Easy to get and replace AA batteries

I bought a Flip minoHD--I do like it..The HD VDOs are great to see in my computer (and Facebook, uTube etc)..However there are two major limitations
br /
br /There is no way I can play HD VDO directly on my HDTV--There is no HDMI (or similar) connection available..For the price I do expect this. Flip sells this device with advertisement saying it can play VDO on TV--but this is misleading.
br /
br /I emailed them and they confirmed this ..The solution below pretty much takes away the simplicity of the Flip MinoHD
br /
br /"Thank you for contacting us.
br /
br /While the videos recorded on your Mino HD will not play in high-definition format on your HDTV directly through the AV cables provided with the camcorder, we do have two work-arounds you may be able to use if you have the existing equipment required.
br /
br /1) If you have a Blu-Ray DVD writer on your computer and the burning program for the writer, you can transfer your Mino HD videos to a Blu-Ray disc and watch them in high-definition on your HDTV.
br /
br /2) If you have an MPEG-4 compatible, up-converting DVD player connected to your HDTV though HDMI cables, you may be able to watch them in high-definition by saving the MPEG-4 files from the Mino HD onto your computer then burning them onto a DVD disc in MPEG-4 format. You will actually be burning them onto an standard-definition DVD disc, but the DVD player will upscale the videos to high-definition.
br /
br /We hope this addresses you inquiry. Feel free to contact us with any further questions."
br /
br /
br /They are very helpful---but this is not a good solution. It seems like a competing product has this feature..(Z16)
br /

a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/RWY0AVF7U7NK4"Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RWY0AVF7U7NK4/a 1. Appearance:
br /
br /Yay: Sleek, smooth, shiny glossy black finish; trim and slim
br /Nay: Fingerprints!!!
br /
br /2. Weight:
br /
br /Yay: Only 3.3 ounces
br /
br /3. Responsiveness:
br /
br /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.
br /
br /4. Specs:
br /
br /Yay: 60 minutes recording time; HD-Quality video; 4GB memory
br /
br /5. Battery:
br /
br /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.
br /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.
br /
br /6. Charging:
br /
br /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.
br /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.
br /
br /7. Uploading:
br /
br /Yay: Just connect to your computer
br /
br /8. Making movies:
br /
br /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.
br /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.
br /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)
br /
br /9. Misc yays and nays
br /
br /Comes with lightweight soft cloth case that's pretty good at rubbing off fingerprints and stuff
br /
br /Doesn't work well in low light situations
br /
br /Zoom is limited
br /
br /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.
br /
br /If you have shaky hands you'll need a tripod.
br /
br /
br /Conclusion:
br /
br /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.
br /
br /It does have a few limitations, but most of them can be worked around.
br /
br /Rated: 4.5 stars
br /
br /
br /
br /Amanda Richards, December 6, 2008
br /

Before my baby was born, we bought a Flip Ultra. It's been so great for capturing little moments with my daughter. We've caught some of her first smiles and coos, first laughter, bathtime, and so many more moments. It's so nice to have a little camera that we can just carry in a pocket and have ready in an instant. If you're thinking about getting any of the Flip products, I would highly recommend one.
br /
br /For this review, I'd like to concentrate on comparing the Flip Ultra vs. the Flip MinoHD in case you're waffling between the two of those products.
br /
br /Here are the things I like about the MinoHD versus the Flip Ultra:
br /- Smaller size - This thing is really really small. It's surprisingly small, actually.
br /- Better color - I felt like things I shot had richer, truer colors. In low lighting, I felt like the Flip Ultra was washed out.
br /- Bigger video size - Obviously, with HD, the resolution is higher than what the Ultra captures.
br /- Improved UI - I feel like the menus and options are easier to navigate.
br /
br /And there are a couple of things I didn't prefer:
br /- Small preview screen - It's the same size as the Ultra, but since it shoots wide, it's essentially smaller. I understand we're dealing with limited real estate here. Perhaps if the camera were used horizontally then the screen could be horizontal (and thus larger)
br /- USB charging - I think rechargeable stuff is great but I prefer to use my own rechargeable batteries. That way, if I'm out and about and I run out of battery power, I can just pop new ones in. It's really annoying that this charges through the USB port on the computer (and the power adapter is sold separately). I think for the price, they really could have included a charger.
br /
br /All in all, you really can't go wrong with either camera. If you're thinking of getting one, do it! Hopefully the comparison above will help you decide if you want to spring for the MinoHD over the Ultra.

I really was enamored for many reasons. Unfortunately, after trashing two videos, the unit froze
br /and will not recover. It may be better to wait for a later production run. I asked for a refund
br /and Amazon obliged. Amazon, you get five stars as usual!

I've used a Sony Hi8 camcorder, and at the other end of the spectrum the video recorder on my tiny Fuji F30 digital camera.
br /
br /The real question was, is the MinoHD that much better than the Fuji F30 in video mode, which isn't bad at all for 640X480, and is of comparable portability?
br /
br /The answer is yes, but not by as much as I expected after all the glowing reviews here on Amazon.
br /
br /On my iMac, the video looks better than that of the digital camera, but not by a huge amount. The direct output to both to my regular Sony SD and Sharp HDTV is poor, perhaps because of the connector. I haven't tried creating a DVD and seeing if it's better.
br /
br /Do I regret spending $200 in these tough time on something that isn't that much better than my little digital camera? Not really.
br /
br /That being said, I wish I had doubled the investment and bought the new Canon HD Flash camcorder.

Opened up an early Xmas gift 2 days ago and have already created a 10 minute movie and a few more clips around the house. The ease of use is astounding and the picture quality is excellent for a device (sensor) so small and with no image stabilization. I got the two free accessories offer from Amazon (tripod and case). The tripod really helps keep the picture steady and I would recommend using it whenever possible. When it is not possible to use the tripod, do what you can to steady yourself and your hand (e.g walking and shooting video is not a good idea) as the shaking only gets amplified on large screen TV. Also, when you need to pan, do so slowly without jerks. Also note that with a 1.5m minimum focus point, you have to be at least 5 away from your subject to have them in focus. This focal point is greater than both the mino, ultra and original flip series camcorders.
br /
br /The minoHD is extremely easy to use. It had about 50% battery charge out of the box. Time lag between powering on and being able to record seems to depend on the amount of video already on the memory (# of clips/size of clips). With no video on it, you can shoot in about 3-4 seconds. With about 10 mins of video on it, it took almost 6-7 seconds. This is still better than most camcorders I have used. The 1 hr of storage is ample for my needs and style of shooting. Audio quality is OK and the highs (treble) seems on the higher side. Some reviewers suggested this device should have a mic input to add an external mic - I agree it would help with audio quality when recording say, your child's concert at school, however for most speech this is sufficient.
br /
br /For my first project, I recorded over 30 clips totaling 10 minutes during my toddler's outing to the museum. Back home, I plugged in the flip minoHD into the USB port on my macbook pro and found 4 ways to download the video content:
br /1. Install the included flipshare software and use that to view what's on the camera and your HDD
br /2. iPhoto opened up automatically and asked if I wanted to download videos from the camera
br /3. I could have copied the files directly from the device to my desktop using Finder (explorer)
br /4. Launch iMovie and click on the camera logo
br /
br /I installed the flipshare software and in 3 minutes was able to view the clips on the flip. Saving all clips to the computer is easy. Next I created a movie by selecting 29 of the 30+ clips and clicking on the movie button in flipshare. The feature allows you reorder/delete/add clips, add title in the beginning, credits at the end and also add music (sample supplied) from your mp3 collection. Finally, you can preview the results at all steps in the 4 step process. The final step is to export the movie to a single file. This took about 20 minutes for a 10 minute total movie time. The finished video was in .mov format (I wish it was .mp4 like the original clips). From here you can upload the movie (or if you prefer the individual, unedited clips) to YouTube. With YouTube now supporting widescreen and high quality video, this is a no-brainer method to share good quality video with others.
br /
br /Why not 5-stars:
br /1. I would love to be able to edit clips, mainly to trim them using the flipshare software, but the mac version does not allow this (not sure about the Windows version)
br /2. focal point of 1.5m to infinity is higher than I would like it to be. Had it started at 1m or lower, that would have been perfect.
br /3. The quickest way to watch recorded clips on your TV is also the worst - i.e. the included composite video and audio cable. The output is NTSC (I think that's close to 480i) and in 4:3 aspect ratio with black bars above and below the video (letterboxed). So on a widescreen TV, it looks stretched width-wise, or compressed height-wise. Maybe there is a way to change the output to 16:9, but I haven't found it. Instead, I converted the final edited movie to M4v and pushed it to my Apple TV for viewing - much better, but process takes longer.
br /
br /In a nutshell, I am very pleased with this little device and expect to use it a lot more than any previous camcorder I have.

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:
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.)
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /FYI, I contacted Flip customer support and got this response in regards to the issue at hand:
br /
br /"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."
br /
br /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.

SUMMARY: Fun and simple HD video
br /
br /
br /PROS:
br /
br /*OMG video quality, take a look: http://www.filedropper.com/vid00009
br /
br /*Sound so good my Panasonic Voice Recorder stays home
br /
br /*Works perfectly with my MacBook Pro
br /
br /*Goes everywhere I go - small and rugged
br /
br /*Touch sensitive controls minimize jarring while shooting
br /
br /*Easy uploads and edits - no format worries
br /
br /*Lickable packaging with all the interconnect you need.
br /
br /*Storage pouch doubles as lens cleaner.
br /
br /
br /CONS:
br /
br /*More fingerprints than a crime scene.
br /
br /*Low light shots are grainy (easily solved at price points $1,000 higher)

I received the Flip MinoHD as a gift and I never thought I would have so much fun using a camcorder! I always thought of myself as more of a still picture person because I didn't want to be stuck filming behind a big bulky camcorder. But when I'm filming with the Flip it's so small that I almost forget I'm filming! And the Flip is so simple to use that I picked it up and was using it 5 minutes later, and I've been able to hand it off to lots of different people with different levels of tech savvy and they've all picked up operation of it with no trouble.
br /
br /In addition to the ease of operation, the other advantage of the Flip is the great video quality from such a small camcorder. The video looks great on both a computer monitor and a full size TV (I've watched it on up to a 42 inch widescreen). I took the Flip on a recent trip to the theme parks in Florida, and I filmed everything from rides to fireworks, and it all looks great. And the video is so easy to share--just plug the Flip into a computer and share--that it makes it easy to share everyday events with friends and family.
br /
br /My only complaint with the Flip is that it only takes 60 minutes of video at a time. But it's not a big negative for me compared with all of the great features of the Flip.
br /
br /I would definitely recommend the Flip to anyone looking for an easy to use, compact camcorder. It's a great addition to my memory capturing toolkit, and gives me a reason to take great video everyday.

Works great. The Software included is very easy to use. Also works well with iMovie 08. I was able to easily upload movie in mpeg4 format directly to a mobileme web gallery as well as to google video. I did not even bother converting it to quicktime as I will probably be archiving most of my videos on Google anyway (as it allows to to control access better than youtube does). We are having a baby in the next couple of weeks so this will be perfect to easily capture quality video to share with the Grandparents that live Canada.

I owned an RCA EZ201 Small Wonder 60 Minute Point-and-Shoot Camcorder before coming into possession of a Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder. There is no comparison in image quality, and the price difference reflects this. The Small Wonder does, however, have two features that I consider useful that the MinoHD lacks. One is the ability to use replaceable batteries (the MinoHD has a built-in rechargeable Lithium battery). The other is a flip-out display screen that enables the user to get in front of the camera while seeing exactly what is being recorded.
br /
br /The MinoHD comes in an attractive, elegant black box, with none of the difficult-to-open plastic that we've come to expect electronic gadgets to be packed in. A high-gloss image of the MinoHD adorns three sides of the box, and the overall quality of the box broadcasts that it contains a high-quality item (reminiscent of the packaging for fine perfumes, watches, and fountain pens). This, plus the items quality, makes it an ideal gift item for anyone who might have use for a pocket- and purse-size camcorder.
br /
br /Open the box, slide out the inner black box, and one sees that this box is designed not only to hold the unit but to display it (again, in the way the packaging for many fountain pens and watches are designed). Flip open the lid of the inner box and there is the MinoHD nestled in a black cardboard bedding that lifts out to allow one to access the TV cable, wrist strap, carrying bag, and instruction manual. The packaging for the MinoHD is a work of design art and makes for a most impressive display.
br /
br /Charging the unit is simple: Flip out the USB connection and plug it in. Once the unit is charged, using it is as intuitive and simple as can be. I first used it on Thanksgiving at an 18-person family gathering. A couple of days later I took it to an art museum where I mostly used it in those areas where the use of cameras (but not flashes) are allowed and a little bit in areas where the use of cameras were not allowed. Friends who saw the "legal" and "illegal" museum segments on the MinoHD's display screen as well as friends who saw them on a large TV/monitor, were so impressed that they swore they would get to the museum before the exhibits I'd captured clips of were taken down.
br /
br /Within my first days of having the MinoHD in my possession I also took a number of clips of my just-turned-6-months-old granddaughter, and these clips are as clear and sharp as I could want when I play them on my laptop and TV.
br /
br /Price is obviously a factor for anyone considering purchasing the MinoHD for themselves or for someone else as a gift. The price will no doubt come down over time, and in six months or a year a high definition model or models will appear on the market that will make the MinoHD slide toward obsolescence. My advice to anyone who isn't sure if the quality of the image offered by the MinoHD is worth the price (to the potential buyer), is to find a store where you can compare mini camcorder video images on a large screen. My advice to anyone considering purchasing the MinoHD as a gift for someone who you are reasonably sure will actually regularly use a mini camcorder, is, if the cost of the MinoHD is in the ballpark of what you want to spend on a gift for the individual in question, the MinoHD is an excellent choice that anyone who appreciates quality will surely be impressed by.

I love this camcorder - so much, in fact, that I gave away my 3 yr old MiniDV camcorder. The flip mino takes more than adequate video quality for filming the kids or family activities - it's not professional movie quality, but at this price point, that's an unrealistic expectation. What really sets it apart and makes it the only camcorder I use, is it's small size and ease of downloading videos onto the computer for saving or emailing. The software is embedded on the camcorder itself and installs the first time you plug it in, after that you just plug in and choose what you want to do - save it, which only takes a few minutes. Emailing takes longer to upload to flip's servers, but is wonderful because you can email out much larger and longer videos than you could thru traditional email (unless you want to spend hours transcoding to smaller resolution before sending). This camcorder is easily small enough to toss into your purse so you always have it handy, which is actually where I keep mine when not in use. My only complaint is that when I try to combine multiple videos to make a movie, the process crashes and it can't even begin (I'm running windows vista, with intel onboard video). However, this is a minor complaint, since I don't really plan on making a bunch of movies or dvd's - if I wanted to do that, I would've kept my big expensive tape camcorder. And this can still be done using other traditional video editing software. This is primarily for those who want to have videos and be able to keep them and manage them on their computer as easily as they do their photos, or for those who want to be able to easily email or upload their videos to the internet. Lowlight quality, which is typically an issue for all camcorders, is great - there is some noise, but it still does better than my 3 yr old minidv camcorder. If there was anything I felt it was lacking, that would be an electronic image stabilization - but that would also add to the price.

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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.

I received my Flip Mino HD yesterday and have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. I've owned every Flip device and have to say:
br /
br /1. It's faster
br /2. The Flip's ability to deal with low-light is very impressive
br /3. When you plug it in, it shows up on the desktop almost immediately (no waiting!)
br /4. The quality is VERY impressive (for a $200 device)
br /5. Audio quality is decent for a tiny gadget
br /
br /Like all Flip cameras, it's easy to use, reliable, sturdy and a bargain.
br /
br /The ONLY major disadvantages to the camera are:
br /
br /1. Lack of an external microphone input
br /2. Lack of removable storage (SD card slot would be nice)
br /3. I find the lack of "real" buttons to be somewhat annoying
br /4. Sometimes when I push the red record/stop button, it doesn't respond immediately
br /
br /But all of these are easy to live with given the portability, ease of use and overall quality.

After owning the regular Flip camera for over a year and then picking this one up the only difference overall is the built in battery and the HD badge it carries. The only way you will get HD out of this is if you have component cables to plug into your HD TV to the out port of the Flip HD....and they don't even include those in the package, just the regular standard definition cables.
br /
br /Using the camera is very simple, as is plugging the camera into your USB port and doing what you want such as e-mailing a clup, clipping multiple clips to make a movie and burning to DVD.
br /
br /All in all it is a decent first time camera.

As others have already stated, I don't think amazon should allow reviews from people who haven't purchased the product and are putting their $0.02 worth in based on looking at the tech specs.
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br /This little camera is fantastic for what it does. It takes quick and dirty hight resolution video in a tiny portable package. If you want bells and whistles, move on, you will be disappointed.
br /
br /The software that is included on the device is totally serviceable if you just want to throw you stuff up on Youtube or wherever and can even do some light editing. It also efficiently offloads your clips to your hard drive if you want to import them into a more full-featured video editing suite. I don't really have any complaints thus far. I've had it for almost a week and it holds a charge well, the built in mic works well, and it's size is it's best feature. I will always have it in my bag if I'm ever out and need it. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

I really, really liked the original Flip Video Mino camcorder. It's sleek, small design, ease of use and handsome presentation made it a perfect gift for that special occasion. Now I've had some hands on experience with the Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder and urge this as excellent little stocking stuffer. In fact, this would be the perfect gift to open the night before Christmas to catch those great moments connected to playing Santa-- the ones involving parts that don't fit together and packaging that it would take a blow torch to cut open and Santa losing his cool. Those special memories.
br /
br /While it holds about 60 minutes of video on the built-in 4 gig of memory-- if I had to change anything about this camera I would add an option to slot in a memory card--you won't be shooting War and Peace with it. There's more than enough memory to shoot some great moments here, video to send to friends and loved ones who can't be sharing Christmas this year, a video Holiday card to be uploaded to email or shared on Youtube.
br /
br /The video playback screen is sharp and crisp. It comes with a television connector but the real friend of the Fip Video MinoHD is the computer. Plug it up with the build in USB adapter to charge it. It also has built in software that aids you in sharing and saving your video. It's very easy for even the inexperienced to use this intuitive camcorder.

Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
br /Just got my Mino HD yesterday. Works fine as a camcorder, but video issues when viewing on Mac computer with Flipshare or Quicktime. Sound is fine but videos are like multiple stills in sequence. No flow. I contacted Flip support. Why would they ship before testing with Macs.
br /
br /Here is what Flip Support had to say:
br /
br /We have recently become aware of this issue concerning Mac users who have Mino HD. We have forwarded this to the engineering department and are quickly working towards a solution.
br /
br /We apologize for the inconvenience. We shall notify once we find a remedy.
br /
br /Thanks,
br /Flip Support

I've had the original Flip for a long time - about a year, actually - and am well acquainted with the versatility of this small camcorder. When I received the new one I was surprised at how much slimmer it is from the original Flip. I guess the size was reduced by the onboard rechargeable battery; the original uses 2 AA batteries that have to be changed after a few hours of use.
br /
br /It's super easy to use, but I'm having a bit of trouble with the buttons that operate the thing. Like an iPhone they are embedded in the unit and just need a touch to work, but I can't seem to get them to do what I want, when I want. I'm not blaming this on the camcorder - it's my fault for trying to use it the same as my older Flip and things are not the same.
br /
br /I don't necessarily like the widescreen format on the view screen. Makes it harder to see what you're filming for someone who is older, like me.
br /
br /Overall it does a great job, love the small size and the rechargeable battery.
br /
br /Oh, before I forget - another great feature is the new Flip software that comes with it. The newer version makes editing videos and posting them anywhere (Youtube, etc.) much easier than the software that came with the older version.
br /
br /Definitely love it, definitely using it - I recommend it highly.

The size and price of this Flip makes it a well worthwhile purchase to be able to take HD video pretty much anytime I want to, it is alot of fun.
br /
br /Of course it will not replace my Sony HC7 for when I want what that camera offers, but the Flip has its own place now.

If you are looking for a super-easy HD camcorder for yourself or as a gift, this is the model to get.
br /
br /It is particularly nice for those who are not overly tech savvy, but want to save or more importantly send a memory.
br /
br /You can easily shoot a HD video, and email it within a minute or two - People seem to really love this! It is impossible to make a mistake, the software works like a charm.
br /
br /As with any consumer camcorder, one needs to use care with pan's - s l o w is good, fast looks bad. This is something you will get a hang for when you use it.
br /
br /I do think this model is superior to the RCA and Creative versions- the product has a better design,and is easier to use. It also feel's substantial, if you know what I mean.
br /
br /As others have mentioned, remember that you are shooting 16:9 , which can be hard to imagine on the screen with the camera. Again, you will understand this better when you see it.
br /
br /The best part of this product is the portability, and picture quality--you WILL use this. How many times have you seen an interesting shot, or event and wished you had a camcorder?
br /
br /This one fits easily in your pocket, backpack or case. This one will NOT stay in the box, it will get USED!
br /
br /The Flip products are also frequently distributed at red carpet events like the Globes, OSCARS and SAG Awards - many use them on-the-spot, which proves the ease of use!
br /
br /I am sure you will use and enjoy this.
br /
br /

I bought the Flip Video MinoHD a few weeks ago as my first camcorder; I had never used a camcorder before. The thing is so intuitive - including the software - that I just unpacked it and started taking, editing and sending videos immediately. The quality of the video looks fine to me. The only problem: the thing is so handy to use that my family says I'm overding it and need to set it aside for awhile.

We host a lot of web products and services for our grads ([..] and find that our ecommerce customers had to jump through yucky hoops to get their products on U-tube, including Sony editing software, wmv conversion protocols, FTP glitches, etc. NO MORE! This awesome package-- including both the camera and it's user friendly sofware-- makes your dream of rss video feeds, clips on your website, and Utube uploads a BREEZE. Although the average customer will love this for family events, we'd like to emphasize the importance this little monster can have for your online business. If you don't know it yet, Utube can be a great place to get visibility for your product (our bladesmiths post their knives in action, for example), and you can include backlinks to your websites. Utube, owned by Google, also has automatic Googlebase (Froogle) feeds, so you get the added advantage of higher organic search listings free. We've found that four things can supercharge your web commerce: email blasts, ebay listings, article submitter software, and UTUBE clips! This amazing camera, with it's flip up usb, makes Utube capture, editing, and posting simple enough for your pre-teen (so keep an eye on them). Take a brief clip of your product in action by pressing the red record button, plug the unit into your usb, use the software to check or edit it, and upload instantly to utube, your own server, your website, or your email list! The first time you use it, you are prompted to install the software, which is in the unit's chip (no disc required). The GUI is friendly and easy with point and click for all features. Note: there is a bunch of trash talking about certain cables that don't fit this unit. The funny thing is that these cables are offered by third party sellers, whereas amazon's own cables work just great [...] less than the ones that don't work! These cables really are not necessary, as the unit is light enough to "stick out" of your usb or hub, but if you have a crowded usb family, the cables are 8 bucks and worth the investment. Ebay is even allowing utube "additional descriptions" in their listings, which is a sneaky way to get folks to your website, as it's two links removed. To be safe, add "this link is to provide additional product description only" in your ebay listing, and when you do the link, put "buying on ebay is always fastest, safest and least expensive" and the AUP "community" crowd won't ding your link. GET THIS LITTLE MONSTER, START UPLOADING YOUR MINI PRODUCT CLIPS, AND SUPERCHARGE YOUR WEB BUSINESS! Brief caveat: Utube or separate server links are better than direct posting on your site, as they can slow loading for those with dial up. Also, don't put music on your site-- it slows loading, and can get folks in trouble who are surfing at work. In any case, keep your promo clip to under 60 seconds, folks won't watch longer than that for "most" products! ;=) good luck and God bless your business.

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! ]
br /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. ]
br /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.
br /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
br /Dec. 20, 2008 J.B.R.

I think Flip is the absolute leader in inexpensive mini camcorders. They've definitely improved their line with the additions of the MinoHD.
br /
br /The one thing I really love about the Flip line of cameras, is you don't have to worry about that extra CD to install programs on your computer. It's all tucked away nice and safe on the camera ready for you to plug it in and go. Any install that needs to be done is immediately done by the camera.
br /
br /The editing software is much improved over the one that came with the Ultra line of Flip cameras. It now allows you to add an opening title, join clips together to make one movie, and then add end credits. The only thing I would like to see added to the software is the ability to add a couple of different transitions to between the clips.
br /
br /When it comes to the camcorder itself, it's dead easy to use. Hit the power button and in less than 3 seconds you're ready to go. Hit the red record button and you're making HD memories.
br /
br /The only thing preventing me from giving this 5 stars is the sensitivity of the buttons. With the exception of the record button all the other buttons are extremely touch sensitive. I've found myself more than once lightly grazing the zoom button while filming and having it zoom in or out when I didn't want it too. The buttons work somewhat like the touch screen on the iPhone where just the lightest touch can set off the capacitive feedback of the button to activate it.
br /
br /One other thing I would like to see Flip add to their cameras is an SD card slot so you can add additional recording time. All in all though 60 minutes of recording time is sufficient for most things I do, but it would be nice to have that choice.
br /
br /Given its small size, I always carry my Flip with me everywhere I go. It's perfect for parents with small kids, because you can just throw it in the diaper bag and always have it on had to catch those cute moments that pop up. You can't ask for an easier camera to use.

I'd expect like most people who would use a Flip Mino, I'm not a professional videographer. I use a device like this on family occasions, or to have in my car for the odd event that begs for a youtube upload.
br /
br /For what it is, and what it does, the Flip Mino is a great little video camera. It has a zero learning curve - even if you never, ever held a video camera in your life, I guarantee you'll be up and shooting with this in minutes.
br /
br /And the resolution is pretty mind-boggling, for the ease and size of this camera. I shot a little backyard snippet of my dog doing cute dog things, and within minutes I was editing and viewing the footage on my Macbook (I should mention this camera is particularly wonderful with a Mac.)
br /
br /It's lightweight, yet doesn't feel cheap - it's almost like an expensive jewel-like compact. Fits nicely in a small purse (or a glove compartment, if you don't want to miss taking pix of a fender bender.)
br /
br /If you want an easy to use camera for family moments, one that won't drive you insane trying to figure out how to work it or how to offload the video, this is the camera you want. There may be better cameras out there for the pros, or for folks who want to spend a few years fiddling around with a manual, but if you're like me and want a camera that documents your life instead of running your life until you figure it out, the Flip Mino is for you. Highly recommend.

I ordered this the day after it came out. This was my first video camera ever. I had purchased a flip ultra for my nephews earlier this year and they loved it. The new mino HD is GREAT quality. it really shocked everyone that saw it. They sure have raised the bar! it has a great ability to pick up sound at long distances. and to shoot in low light. overall, an excellent buy

I got this item for my friend, who sent me the example of this HD video image while he was shopping in a supermarket having this little thing in his pocket. The quality seems to be satisfactory as HD. He said he is very satisfied with it because of its size and image quality. I thought it would be nice to have a bit more image stabilization feature.

I bought two for gifts based on a review I think in the NYT, and the price was right. The size of a cell phone so can take a video anytime. Would never carry a regular size cc with me all the time.
br /So I got them and tried one out. It works! Not only that, you can send greeting cards with the a video embedded- that's a part of the software hardwired into the cc and that offloads to your computer. I tried that out last night and dynamite! So my son can take videos of his 3 year old and email greeting cards to his friends and keep family members updated. The video clip is evidently upload to Flip servers and the greeting card distributed from there.
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Drop this camera in your pocket or purse, and you are set for an hour's worth of good quality family or party movies. Because the camera is small, simple in shape, and a dark color, it is not conspicuous. You can take movies that you probably could not get with larger cameras that are more intrusive. My experience is that this little camera is a lot of fun to use and to share the results with friends and family. The picture quality is good, more than adequate for viewing on a computer screen, HD-TV, or posting on the web. Exposure in dim light is very good, which makes the camera ideal for use at parties where lighting is likely to be poor. Overall, I am quite pleased with this little chocolate bar sized camera - about the size of a cell phone, bit much more capable.
br /
br /The controls are very simple. An on-off switch for power is located on the side. There is a button to pop up the USB connection to your computer. Here is where the camera really shines. Connecting the camera to a USB port automatically downloads the software needed to process the movies. After a couple of minutes, downloading the movies and viewing them is very simple. The picture taking controls are also simple, and consist of start, stop, zoom in and zoom out using touch sensitive "buttons" (no moving parts). Movie deletion is indeed child proof and almost adult proof the first time.
br /
br /The Mini HD also has a small bright screen for composing and viewing movies on the back. While small, the screen is very clear. Playback of movies in the camera includes the sound track, which is loud enough to hear only if the room is reasonably quiet. Of course, playback on your computer or TV is as loud as you might like it to be.
br /
br /I would recommend this camera as a gift for friends and family, or as a fun camera for yourself. I have thoroughly enjoyed using it, especially in circumstances where a larger camera might have interfered with the ongoing party, or where you just pull it out of your pocket to record an unexpected event. The battery retains charge quite well between uses, so you can charge it and then be confident that it will work a couple of weeks later.
br /
br /On the technical side, there is no optical zoom. The 2x digital zoom is a bit limiting except for party use where you are simply improving the composition of the picture. The lens is fixed focus, but does a good job from 5 feet to infinity. Battery life is adequate, and recharge is easy from the USB port. This can also be a negative. If the battery runs out in the middle of usage, you cannot simply load a spare, but must wait for a recharge. I do not see any real negatives to this camera, if used as intended. Namely, as a device to capture pictures on the spur of the moment where you would not normally be carrying a camera. Many of us have cell phones with some video capability. The Mino HD is far superior and just as convenient.
br /

Awesome for the right expectations and situations:
br /I bought this camcorder because my real camcorder usually sits in a large bag, uncharged and batteries drained. Then its a total hassle for downloading. Its also a hassle to carry an extra bag somewhere all of the time. So the minohd fits my expectations perfectly. Its super easy to carry - truly pocketable. The battery life has been really good and its charges in a few hours via the usb port on your computer.
br /How does the picture look? If you are a cinematographer please look elsewhere. If you are super critical of each and every shot vs enjoying the moment that was then you probably wont want this. The minohd does take great film pictures and the lighting makes a big difference. The more natural light you have the better the picture looks - and it can look spectacular. In dim light, the pictures will look grainy but seemed slightly better than the Zi6 (my friend has this) that people may be looking at. The software is very easy to use and I have had no issues. Its does not have all of the bells and whistles that other movie editing software has but it does the job easily and quickly and with little to no help you can have you video posted or sent via email quickly. Comparing the software to other camcorder devices I would give a HUGE plus to the MinoHD.
br /Cons: The only con I see is that the TV jack is the old style RCA jacks. What this means is that you will be watching the videos in 480i standard definition on any TV source. The pictures still look really good and to all of my family members no one ever seems to care. On my plasma the pictures shot in poor lighting, which exhibit graininess to begin with, tend to get magnified on the 50 inch plasma. Still, most of the videos look fine in 480i. If you are looking for Blu-Ray quality you should not be in this segment of the market anyways.
br /Bottom-line: Great cam for capturing all of those moments that you would normally miss with a regular camcorder (because of size, wires, batteries etc..). It takes very good to awesome videos depending on the lighting and the editing software is a breeze to use.

This digital camcorder is the most awesome pre-Christmas present that my family has ever received.
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br /The Flip Video MiniHD Camcorder has the "WOW" factor for its elegance, tiny form-factor, and simplicity. Whether you want to connect to your desktop, laptop, monitor, or flat-screen TV, the push-button USB adapter makes it a one-step process for even the most technologically challenged. The picture quality and audio is great (even on a 50-inch PDP flatcreen) and the built-in HD holds up to 60-minutes of audio-video.
br /
br /Our 8-year-old and 5-year-old have become addicted to taping silly little interviews every night and then laughing themselves into a frenzy watching themselves on our flat-screen TV. And our extended family across the country (and living abroad) loves that we have no longer have any excuses for not posting videos because we can't find the wires in that jumbled mess at the bottom of the drawer.

The Flip MinoHD provides a great picture from a camera that is probably smaller than your cell phone. If you own an earlier Flip camera model, this upgrade is well worth your money. It is also extremely easy to operate. I am extremely impressed with this camera!

My first reaction after receiving this product in the mail is wow. I couldn't believe that something this small could work so well. Especially in HD. But it does. Now, you will not be making the next great blockbuster film with this thing, since it only has 60 minutes of record time. But this little guy is perfect for recording things like your child's first steps or first words. YOur kids opening presents on Christmas morning. Or a child's performance on stage in a play or concert. Then you can just go home plug the camera into your USB port and upload the video and send it to friends or family. This camera is also good for those that like to show off on YouTube and MySpace. Just record your reviews or rants and pop them right online. Now again this has very short record time so be aware of that. Also it is not hard to leave fingerprints on it so be sure to keep it clean. But you will not need any batteries for it. Just plug it into your computer's USB port and charge it. I look forward to using this camcorder this Christmas so I can have all the memories of Christmas morning for years to come.

There's a lot to like about this little camcorder. It must be the smallest HD camcorder on the market. It's very simple to operate. . . . The quality is great. . . there's not really that much on the "negative" side, but I would like to note a couple of things that would be great if they would change:
br /1.It would be great if you could add a mini SD card for additional storage. When you're traveling, if you don't have your laptop with you, you're not going to be able to transfer what you've already shot so that you can record some more. It would be a BIG plus if they would add this.
br /2.You can't replace the battery. If they made it where you could have removable memory and batteries, then you could record endlessly.
br /3.This is more of an "observation" than complaint, but though it's great that the USB plus pops-up and so you can plug it right into your computer or USB hub. . . . you might want to invest in a cord simply because if something were to happen and something were to hit the MinoHD it could easily damage it.
br /4.Also, I must say that trying to use the small viewer on the back takes some getting used to. I never feel like I have it just right because it's simply not easy to tell what you're recording. This is simply something you have to live with though, and the price you pay to have such a small device.
br /
br /It's a great little gadget. Like with a lot of electronics, you have to decide if you want to buy now, and start having some fun. . . or. . . wait around and see if the price drops and if they change it so that you can add memory cards.
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I have the original Flip Video and am a big fan of it. I've carried it around with me and taken a large number of videos with it. So I got very excited when I saw that a new high def version was available through the Vine Program. And after having tried out the new MinoHD Camcorder, I'm more in love with it than ever.
br /
br /There are a couple of substantial differences between the original Flip Video and the Flip Video MinoHD. First, the new MinoHD does not have replaceable batteries. This is both a good and a bad thing. The good is that it is able to much, much smaller than the original. The MinoHD is perhaps 80% the size of the original Flip Video, though it actually seems to weigh a bit more. The USB port flips from the top of the MinoHD instead of the side with the Flip Video. It also has a tiny plastic brace that helps in holding the camera in place on a computer, though I definitely recommend on getting a USB cable with a female connector on one end and a male on the other. I got one with my original camcorder and continue to use it with my new one.
br /
br /The new MinoHD does not have a zoom feature, which the Flip Video did. But I actually seen that as a good thing. When I made videos on the original Flip Video, I found that everytime I used the zoom, the picture got less detailed and a bit fuzzy. It was simply a terrible zoom feature.
br /
br /There is a great inherent weakness to both versions, which is also a great inherent strength. These two camcorders are tiny, tiny, tiny! The upside is that you can always take them with you. They can fit into any pocket, any shoulder bag, pack, or purse, as if they weren't even there. The downside is that they are so small they are really, really hard to stabilize. I've learned the hard way that you simply can't walk while using either of the Flip camcorders. The bouncing results in a truly irritating-to-watch video. If you stand still you can hold it fine with your unsupported hand, though I recommend moving the camera as little as possible. That is true of any camcorder, by the way. Be faithful to the frame that you establish. TV shows that use highly sosphisticated hand held cameras, like BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, resist the temptation to move the cameras around very much, even though theirs, unlike the Flip versions, would not jiggle in doing so. Another option is to carry a mini tripod with you. There is an official Flip tripod, but I would recommend spending an extra ten dollars and get the Joby GP1-01EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod instead. Its flexible legs can be used to place your camera on a greater variety of surfaces and can even be used to attach it to a small poll (like a stop sign poll).
br /
br /The Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder won't substitute for a full featured camcorder. But for its size and portability it is without compare. My only concern with the new Flip Video MinoHD is how its battery holds up. Will I have to get a new one two years from now because the battery will no longer hold a charge? I love the iPod, but I hate its battery. I know the industry expects me to replace this is a couple of years, but I'd like to think a few of the electronic gadgets I get have more than a two-year lifespan. On this one, only time will tell.

I read somewhere that Flip has some astronomical market share for video cameras, and having purchased the MinoHD I fully believe it. The simplicity of this thing belies its sophistication. Like good apple products, this thing JUST WORKS. The software is located on the device and loads automatically. While not "feature rich" it seems to work very well on my Mac. The device contains everything it needs to have (the only accessories are a little case and a wrist strap that is a bit fey for a bulky guy like me). It contains a presto-appearing USB adapter which also charges the device. It has a very small number of controls, and needs no explanation to use. Tech freaks with non-techy spouses and children: buy this immediately

I wanted to love this product. I've been through two of them already, and they have both died on me within days of my having received them. In both cases, the same problem occurred: The battery refuses to charge. Plug it into a USB port, a powered USB hub, or anything else, and I get the same result. The thing just won't accept any juice, will not mount on either a Mac or a PC, and is otherwise useless.
br /
br /Tried contacting tech support at Flip/Pure Digital--good luck to you if you ever have a problem. They have no phone support, just automated email responses, in which they give you the same instructions already available in the user manual, or on their web site.
br /
br /I'm sending both of mine back to Amazon for a refund. I guess I'm going to look around for another pocket camcorder.

Disclaimer: I do not own a Flip MinoHD or any other Flip device. This review is based on a week's heavy use of an HD that I borrowed to take on vacation.
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br /It is stretching a point to call this an HD camera as the video it produces scarcely resembles anything that consumers have learned to expect when the letters HD are involved. As might be expected from the nature of the sensor used in the camera, images are grainy and focus is vague--just what one would anticipate from a fixed focus lens. It reminds me of the images that used to be produced by 8mm consumer film cameras a couple of generations ago.
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br /Low light sensitivity is surprisingly good although white balance pretty much goes away and colors are shifted toward blue.
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br /Audio quality is likewise surprisingly good although the device suffers the usual problems of camera-mounted microphones. That is to say that it faithfully reproduces every movement of your fingers on the camera, not to mention your inadvertently mumbled, "Hold still, dammit," The apparent lack of effective AGC means that if you turn up the playback volume loud enough to hear gramma's quavering thanks for such a wonderful 90th birthday party and then someone next to the camera speaks in a normal voice you'll get bounced out of your chair.
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br /Frame rate, either of the recording or the playback software is erratic. Sometimes the video is quite smooth and sometimes it has a Keystone Cops jerkiness to it. This was noticeable even when playing the video on a pretty powerful graphics PC and is most apparent during fast pans. Of course, panning is one of those things that ought to be avoided by home videographers but...
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br /Ergonomically, the Flip is first rate. Controls are simple, logical, intuitive, and they just work. Build quality, at least on the outside, is excellent though I share with others a measure of befuddlement over the choice of piano black unless Flip assumes that owners are interested in collecting not just videos but fingerprints.
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br /I found the limited battery endurance an issue in a vacation setting where I was away from my hotel from morning to night. For more typical home use (drag it out for Junior's christening party; film the kids making the first snowman of the year) it probably is just fine.
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br /I had no problems with the PC software though I understand some Mac owners are having indigestion.
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br /Bottom line? This is a nice looking, easy to use video camera, stripped to its bare essentials, capable to capturing very mediocre images. It is inexpensive and readily accessible to both your 12 year old granddaughter and your 80 year old palsied uncle.
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br /And therein lies its brilliance and the reason for its stunning success. John and Mary Lunchbucket have never demanded excellence in either video or still photography. They don't want on-screen menus that are six levels deep or handfuls of accessories and add-ons certain to be lost when needed. They don't want to be confronted with an 85 page on-line user's manual. What they want, for the most part, is easy access to memories. This is exactly what the Flip provides. It is a niche product with a very large niche. It fills that niche well.
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br /As an absolute video recorder...one star.
br /As a stroke of marketing genius...five stars.
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br /If it suits you, go for it.

After an hour I can say that the Mino does what it is suppose to do...... capture video !! It also Works with IMOVIE AND IPHOTO 08...I have an Imac 20 inch 2.0 core 2 duo. I shot inside with low light for my test..Video quality is what you would expect from a two hundred dollar camera...not what you would expect from a six hundred dollar camera. Given the premium usually associated with miniaturization the Mino is well priced..I wouldn't be surprised if some digital still cameras have better video performance than the Mino. I bought mine to introduce my 8 year old daughter to shooting video and video editing.

This little video camcorder is simply amazing! I absolutely love the compact, minimalist design, along with the simplicity of its operation. I do not particularly care for the proprietary software that comes with most electronic devices, but the included FlipShare program is simple to use and very intuitive (and Mac-compatible). My only minor complaint is that I wish the zoom buttons had more of a "positive" feel to them when depressed. Sixty minutes of 720p HD video is plenty for my needs. Overall, quite a product. Great job, Flip Video!!

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):
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br /-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
br /-2x digital zoom is worthless
br /-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.
br /-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.
br /-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.
br /-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
br /-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.
br /-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.
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br /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.
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br /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.

Overall the Mino is a delightful little toy. The sound quality is suprisingly good, it is easy to operate, and makes you a hit at parties. The question is.. do you want the regular version or the HD. While HD is the new hip thing, most people will not be filming and producing serious movies with this gizmo. This is mainly a grown-ups toy. Yes indeed the HD picture will be better when you figure out how to funnel it through your large flat screen plasma TV. IF you dream of seeing your friend's acne and dog's drool in HD then this is the toy for you. If you just want nice and easy video clips of those fun times in life... save a few bucks and buy the original version.

This flip HD camcorder is cool. It does what it is supposed to with simplicity and ease of use. The videos are clear and just what you would expect from HD. It is overkill though if you just use a camcorder to put clips online. I have the standard flip and it works great for that. Flips are quality products and you wont be sorry. Some other brands suck pretty bad if you look at all the reviews.

I purchased this camera because of the great reviews, and boy was I sorry! I am a mom just wanting a small camera to take with me on the go. This looked like a good camera. I took some videos inside and they were grainy. Then I tried loading the installed software on my computer and it wouldn't ever load. I contacted customer support, and they were not helpful at all. Then my power button ended up locking up, and I couldn't ever get the camera to turn back on again. Also my computer was messed up for about a week after trying to install the program. I returned this camera and purchased the Kodak Zi6 and I love everything about it! The video quality is much better, even indoors. And Kodak's software is easy to install and very user friendly. The Flip camera needs help!