FLIP MINO HD CAMCORDER

Flip has always produced reliable pocket video cameras. Though this is not a high end product, it serves the purpose of having it for regular use and taking videos that would otherwise go un-captured. This makes it convenient for basic use without having to compromise on the quality as the output is very impressive compared to that from its alternate products. As the title indicates, the video is going to be HD, making it a pleasure to watch the same on HD televisions.

The all new HD video camera from Flip, the Mino is a beauty with a simple and elegant design. The screen is very wide and attractive and it has the capacity to record for two hours straight. Its sleek design makes it very portable and fits comfortably into the hand and into the pocket. The keys are sort of touch screen and very sensitive too. The sound quality is also pleasing and it can play videos on HD TV with amazing clarity and sharpness. The material used to make the outer casing of the device does not attract finger prints, which is a welcome feature for most of the users. Also it is very easy and quick to turn it on/off which does not let the user miss a moment that has to be captured and comes unnoticed.

There are many improvisations on this model compared to its previous versions, the most important and basic one being improved picture quality. The videos taken by this device can also be compared to those taken by a professional and bulky camcorder. The color balance is very natural even if the video is taken indoors. The software that comes with the device is also very user friendly and like the device itself, this too has improved. The time taken to upload pictures is now faster and also includes an email feature that allows the user to send the videos to friends and family directly, without having to log in to the users specific email address. The software called flipshare that comes along with the device can be used to get still images from the videos taken. The time the device takes to recharge the battery is also less and it includes a USB stick so it does not need a separate USB cable to be connected to the computer.

The camcorder has only HDMI output and not AV, which might be disappointing to a few users. The software has problems when run on Mac machines and when on Windows Vista, it changes the color from premium to basic. The videos taken are by default of .mp4 format and the file has to be converted to a different type to play it in the desired player if it is not supported by it. The registration process for the product is also found to be troublesome and a few devices just freeze up when tried to zoom while recording. The reset button that has to be used in such situations is hard to reach due to its design. The high sensitivity of the buttons can be taken as a disadvantage too as it makes it very easy to erase the videos by mistake.

A basic camcorders job is done more than just efficiently by this device and for the price it asks for, it is a good deal.