Flip MinoHD camcorder review

My Flip MinoHD. They also come in other colors and finishes/ Photo by Rhonda Lane

This post contains an affiliate link, which means that I get a small commission if you click on it and then make a purchase. I also find such links useful because you get reviews, info, sort of one-stop browsing. all on one screen. Anyway, you are free to click on the link just to look and not buy.

Years ago, I traveled like a photojournalist on assignment. Hanging from my left shoulder was a camera bag loaded with a Nikon 35mm SLR camera with a motordrive and a telephoto lens, a potato masher flash with a power pack and ten rolls of film.

Now, thanks to the Digital Revolution, I travel with both a “still” camera AND a video camera. Both fit in a handbag. Sometimes, one goes in each pocket.

My current much less impressive kit is an aging Nikon Coolpix 3200 and a Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Chrome) (this last one is the affiliate link. All it does is take you to a page on Amazon, just for a look-see.)

Recently, Wired Magazine (not an affiliate link, just where you can read about the pertinent article) ran a story about how a lot of us have lowered our expectations about our digital media products.

Even someone like me who has a newspaper and network television production background can be content with “good enough.” But, admittedly, I was never a broadcast engineer, like my husband still is.

Frankly, my entire current still and video kit combined is still half the price of the cheapest Nikon digital SLR. Plus, it’s more portable and less intrusive.

Whip out a Nikon SLR and you become a Photographer. Act pushy about it and you’re a paparazzi. The “observer effect” often applies. Actions and energies change because everyone is aware of the camera.

However, whip out a compact Coolpix, and you’re just another tourist with a snappy cam. Part of the scenery. No threat to anyone.

The Flip MinoHD

Every video that I’ve shot and included in this blog was shot with and edited with Flip-provided products and materials.

Everything you need comes in that little palm-sized gizmo. Software for editing, for uploading, for viewing.

Everything is rudimentary and the learning curve is intuitive. When I first opened the box with its small card of instructions, I felt uneasy. That’s it?? Then, I hooked the camera to the computer and watched the software for managing the videos download.

The rear view of the Flip MinoHD before powering up/Photo by Rhonda Lane

My husband who is a broadcast TV design engineer thinks my Flip is cute, but he’s apparently not in a hurry to borrow it. He still has higher standards.

Yet we both know that there’s a difference between having the perfect gear but not being able to get it out for the shot and having marginally acceptable gear available a moment’s notice so that getting the shot is easy.

Advantages of the Flip:

I recommend the Flip for videographers of any skill level and here’s why:

• Inexpensive – If you’re considering this camera, it’s most likely only going to set you back about $200US, no matter where you buy it.
• Compact – The camera would fit in a front shirt pocket. In a handbag, it fits in any side zipper pocket.
• Easy to use – The controls light up when power is on. Directions on both your camera’s and your computer’s monitors will walk you through what you need to do. You can even assemble your videos into a movie with dissolves between edits. See these videos on our YouTube channel for an example. The camera also comes with an image stablizer, so “camera shake” is minimized, plus you can shoot and walk simultaneously.

Caveats with the Flip

Even when I shot with professional-grade equipment, compromises and caveats abounded.

What you see when you turn on the Flip MinoHD camcorder/Photo by Rhonda Lane

One thing the Digital Revolution hasn’t changed is that you always must keep the trade-offs in mind. Using a long telephoto lens? You’ll probably need a tripod. Shooting with film sensitive enough to freeze action? The enlarged print might look a bit pointillist, making “Saturday at the Horse Park” look more like “Sunday in the Park” – only less artistic.

The same goes for this general consumer equipment. After all, if you want small, compact and relatively cheap, you learn to accept “good enough.”

• Zoom button – Either too sensitive or dead-headed – there’s no in-between. Try zooms while shooting at your own risk. Just remember that the built-in mic will pick up your swearing. If you want to zoom, your best bet is still “sneaker zoom” – get as close as possible.
• Don’t let it flop in the jack – When you hook your camera into a port on your computer, especially if it’s a few inches from a flat surface, put a paperback book underneath it. For those of you with laptops on a table, that’s not an issue.
• No MTV-style “quick cuts” – With the available software, don’t expect to make quick-cut edits. The movie assembling program assembles with dissolves, where one scene fades into another. Most people won’t notice that or care. If you do know the difference between cuts and dissolves, you might care.
• Learn to edit in camera – I tend to simplify by editing as much as I can in camera. I try not to depend on being able to cut things. I still can’t get that to work. But I haven’t ruled out the possibility that it might be a PICNIC issue (Problem in Chair, Not in Computer.)
• Update on the previous issue: When in a pickle, click on “help.” Also, I sent out a Tweet asking for help. I believe in Plan Bs. Anyway, @FlipInFocus came through with a video and links, plus the Help software that comes with the Flip helped, too. (So, it was a PICNIC problem after all.)
• Don’t expect HDTV high resolution – When you watch your vids on YouTube, the HD part, IMO, seems to go out the window. Don’t expect to hook your camera into your home theater big screen and expect your home movies shot with the Flip to look like “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel HD, either.

The Big Picture about the Flip?

I love my little Flip. (Again, feel free to purchase Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Chrome) at this link – or not. )

After all, I’m not in physical therapy anymore because I blew out my shoulder with a heavy camera bag.

For more information about the Flip, see these blog posts:

• Dappled Grey’s review shows how the Flip would apply to an equestrian business
• Gadgeteer gives us details and specs and photos – lots of them
• Marzouq tells us some specs and takes us for a drive, which shows off the image stabilization

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Tags: camcorder, Flip, Flip camcorder review, Flip MinoHD, Flip MinoHD review, Wired Magazine