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March 6, 2009
Flipping Over HiDef Simplicity
Dear Larry,
I remember you writing about the Flip “Mino” and now see
there’s a high definition version available, the MinoHD. What do you think of
this new handheld video camera?
G. R.
Dear G. R.,
When I reviewed the Flip Mino (pronounced minnow) back in July
2008, its manufacturer, Pure Digital, was still at the peak of the market for
handheld mini camcorders. And its mantra of “keeping things simple no matter
what” is still evident in the Mino’s high definition offspring, the MinoHD.
Pure Digital kept everything that was right about the Flip
Mino in its design of the MinoHD. The significant difference between the two
units is video quality: The Mino shot standard video only resulting in a picture
640 pixels across and 480 pixels high. In contrast, the MinoHD shoots in high
definition, equivalent to a 1280x720 widescreen image.
Keep in mind that the 3.3-ounce MinoHD’s lens and optics
system is still a far cry from what you’ll find in a standard size high
definition camcorder. But that’s not the point; the MinoHD easily slips into
your pocket and can shoot video in a matter of seconds. Even palm-sized
camcorders like the popular Canon Vixia or Sony Handycam line require a camera
bag.
The $200 black MinoHD is easily distinguishable from the
all-white Mino, though in a nice change for the industry, MinoHDs purchased
directly from Pure Digital can be personalized in an infinite number of ways
(see
http://www.theflip.com/store/Minohd.aspx).
Like its brethren, the MinoHD is simplicity defined. It does
one thing only: it shoots video, no strings (or wires) attached. No fancy
settings, no manual focus; just point and shoot. It sports a power button, a
record button, 4 directional arrow buttons, a button to play, and one to delete.
And it’s a piece of cake to use. You hold it in one hand, and your thumb does
all the work. Press the power button, point and aim via the 1-1/2” wide-screen,
press record, and hold it steady.
Where the MinoHD really shines is in low light! It can easily
record up to 60 minutes of video and play it back on one charge of its internal
battery. While the display screen on the back of the unit works okay for
shooting video, it’s a little small when it comes to playback.
And when it is time to move your videos to your computer,
don’t go looking for the cable because there is none. Slide another little
button and up pops a USB connector that plugs directly into your computer. Oh,
what’s that you say about first installing software? Don’t even try because the
Mino doesn’t come with a CD. All the necessary software is embedded inside the
unit—this time around, it’s an exceptional program—for both PC and Mac—called
FlipShare that lets you easily edit, save, e-mail, and upload your videos. And
in three hours, the MinoHD will be fully charged and ready to go for another
round!
This is Larry Schneider, logging off.
