Flip MinoHD Portable Video Toy

Just recently got my new gadget-toy: The Flip MinoHD Portable Video Camcorder. You probably use camcorders like Canon, JVC, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and the like, but most of those camcorders might not be suitable for your mobility requirements particularly if you are looking for portable and lightweight, yet can produce high-definition videos.

I have this version that is the 8GB Flip MinoHD portable camcorder. If this is the first time you’ve heard about this gadget, then don't worry --it took me a while to find this and solicit opinions on this little Flip Video device.

About the Flip MinoHD Video:
On November 12, 2008, the Flip MinoHD was released. It has the same dimensions as the regular Mino, but with 1,280 x 720 HD, 30 frames per second recording capabilities. Its internal storage was upgraded to 4 GB while maintaining about 1 hour of recording time due to the increased optical resolution. The battery life is about 2 hours of recording time when fully charged.

The original 4 GB MinoHD only has a stereo to composite (RCA) output for connecting to a television or input into other media viewing monitors. This was a major drawback to quick viewing of videos on a High Definition Television, considering that the produced video is captured in 720p high definition and composite cables are unable to transmit HD resolution to HD capable televisions. This flaw was corrected in the later released 8 GB version that now harnesses a mini HDMI output port, which now gives the option for Mini HDMI to composite (RCA) or component cables as well as Mini HDMI to HDMI allowing videos to be viewed in full HD on an HD capable television directly from the MinoHD camcorder. (As per Wikipedia)

The first time I held the device, I thought, it looks like the SmartBro Pocket Wireless device or when I showed it off while using it, many thought it was an old ipod or a cellphone. It has the dimensions (3.94” x 1.97” x 0.63”), which totally fits within my palm. The device is lightweight, a built-in rechargeable battery and easy transfer of data via the built-in USB port.

Here are the specifications of my new Flip MinoHD Portable Video:
Internal Memory: 8GB (2 hr)
Screen Size: 2.0" (transflective TFT)
Screen Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
Video Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
Frame Rate: 60 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
Image Stabilization: Yes
Video Bitrate: 8.8Mbps (average - auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format: H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type: Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface: 8 Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
Dimensions: 3.94" x 1.97" x 0.63" (H x W x D)
PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to USB 2.0 speed)
FlipPort Enabled: No
TV Out: HDMI™ Mini Connector. Standard HDMI™ cables sold separately (buy now)
Battery Life: Up to 2 hours of use between charges
Tripod Mount: Yes
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OSX
Min. Requirements: (PC) 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or faster processor, Windows XP SP2 with 512 MB of RAM, Vista or Windows 7 with 1 GB of RAM, and USB 2.0 port
(Mac) 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM, OS X Leopard 10.5 or Snow Leopard 10.6, and USB 2.0 port
Software: Pre-loaded FlipShare software

Find out more about this FLIP MINOHD PORTABLE CAMCORDER through the Video below:



So for my summary: It's portable, HD, easy data transfer, 2 hours of video recording time and quite ergonomic. Anyone here has this portable camcorder? What can you say about it?