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Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
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Flip Video Mino 2008-11-14
i purchased the mino just over a month ago. i was primarily looking for a video camera that was small, had a decent battery and made it easy to transfer the footage. the flip meets all three qualifications. i've used my flip more in the past few weeks than i've used my larger camcorder in the past three years collectively. it's small size makes it perfect to keep in my purse so that it's always at hand for the random, funny moments that you never expect but would love to have recorded.

at first, i was concerned that the 60 minute battery life wouldn't be enough. however, in the past three weeks i've taken it out with friends, to a political rally, and on a weekend trip and have had plenty of time and battery life left. it's an extremely simple process to transfer the footage to your computer so i no longer have to worry about footage sitting on my camcorder for months at a time. plus, i really like that i can email it to my friends in a matter of minutes.

so far, i have two negatives: (1) i was recording last weekend and it froze while i was recording. it wouldn't turn off so i had to let the battery die before i could do anything with it. thankfully, it froze just as i was finished recording. however, i am concerned that it may happen again. (2) the video editing software that is on the flip is extremely basic. to really do anything w/ your footage, you need to purchase additional software. while i didn't expect it to come w/ top-notch software, i thought it would be a little more advanced.

a friend has the original flip and while it really isn't that much larger than the mino, i definitely prefer the mino. it's a sleeker design that is worth the extra few dollars. overall, i love my flip. i'm confident that i will record a lot more memories than i ever would have w/ a regular camcorder.
The official recording device for VipePower.com 2008-11-13
We provide video marketing solutions for companies ([...]). Our product requires a video device, and we recommend the Flip Video Mino to all of our customers.

We suggest this device because it is easy to use, produces high quality videos, and works flawlessly with our system. We love that it recharges automatically from the USB port and that we don't have to carry cables around!

We highly recommend this little camcorder for recording video on the go!
Don't sell thru Amazon 2008-11-13
Sirs:

The Mino is an excellent product. I have used it in many situations and have found only one minor difficulty - stabilization.

I have tried using the Mino while walking and I can keep a subject in frame and not too jerky, but the 'bounce' created from my pace is nearly impossible to overcome.

However, even then, the results are quite amazing.

So, for the next generation, may I suggest increasing resolution and improving stabilization.

As for the Amazon title - Amazon offered this product in two colors for the same price. While my order was processing, Amazon reduced the price of the white Mino by $20. I had ordered a white Mino, which I did not receive until many weeks after the discound was announced, but I did not receive the anticipated discount.

IOW - Amazon cheats its customers.

Michael Weldon
Udon Thani, Thailand.
Five Star Flip Mino 2008-11-08
I orignally owned the Kodak Zi6 and returned it because, contrary to Kodak's specifications, there were no directions at the web site to which you were directed. Kodak obviously rushed their Zi6 into release to compete with the Flip Mino and failed miserably. The Flip Mino is everything and more that the Kodak Zi6 ia nor.
The Flip Mino is justifiably deserving of five star ratings in ease of operation (take it out of the box, turn it on, press one button to begin recording), video quality (comparable to full-size camcorders), utility (download videos to your computer, transmit videos as email attachments, burn DVDs, snap photos, upload to various web sites, and more),four-hour encased lithium battery that recharges in three hours all in a unit that is smaller and lighter than your cellphone. The maximum 60-minute recording time before having to download is plenty. Ask yourself when you last watched a 60-minute camcorder recording. Customer support is also exceptional with almost immediate responses, in addition to detailed information at "Support" at web site.
The only negative is that the optional Flip Video Quick Recharger, which recharges the lithium battery in two hours, is not yet available.
Note that this review is for the Flip Mino and not the basic Flip or Ultra, which use AA batteries.
I never leave home without my Flip Mino.
Really, really pleased 2008-11-07
My Mino arrived yesterday afternoon, and within five minutes of my diddling with it, I had the time and date updated, and my first minute shot of my 8-year-old daughter feeding the dog. (She asked to see that footage over and over and over, she was thrilled.)

We played with it some more, and it was just as easy to put the file on my laptop and charge the Mino fully by letting the laptop "feed it."

I am really happy with this; it's in my pocket now; and I plan to use it to post to my blogs and take lots of shots of my daughter. I'm only sorry I hadn't seen this/bought this before our vacation last June ...

inexpensive, fun, camcorder 2008-11-04
If you don't want to invest in a more bulky expensive camcorder, the Flip Mino is just the thing. Lightweight, and compact, it's great on the go. Being able to charge in a computer makes it excellent for travel without needing extra power chords. Excellent microphone picks up background audio. One touch recording w/zoom controls at your finger tips, makes use easy. Two possible drawbacks: 1-not ideal for low light conditions; 2-uploading videos for emailing, etc. not very intuitive. I expected a pop-up prompt or at least an icon saying 'new software detected.' You need to go to MY COMPUTER to find and run what you need. Those two minor things aside, excellent product for the price.
Good Product for the Money 2008-11-04
I usually don't take the time and trouble to write reviews since most of the time, I'm not so excited about a product that I feel compelled to make the effort. I must admit this is one of the few electronic devices I have purchased (and I've purchased tons) that I've found to be fairly user-friendly. The built-in software is a great feature. The device is fairly idiot-proof. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to operate this. The results are decent. The best feature is its portability. I haven't tried to do much with it other than record and play back. The only thing I don't like is the awkwardness in plugging it into the back of my computer. I should use a USB extension, but I've had problems with electrical shorts, so I don't use any extensions. It's a pain to get on my knees and peer through the dark for a slot only to find that I have to move cables around to get a slot that will enable me to plug in the camcorder. With laptops it's not a problem.
I recorded a school concert with this Flip camcorder and with my Hitachi. The Flip recording came out better much to my dismay. I'm very disappointed with the Hitachi having spent multiple times more $$. While the Flip recording came out fine, I wanted a higher quality recording. Guess I'll have to spring for another camcorder
I like this cam..,,,BUT...SVP HDDV 3001..has more..................... 2008-11-02
..Flip has 2 gigs of internal mem that can't be changed out..My friend has this cam and I have the "SVP HDDV3001" with a panasonic CCD sensor built
inside that costed me 99 dollars and takes up to 16 gig HCSD cards..and the price is 140 with a transcend 16 gig card on amazon..The SVP HDDV3001 also plays mp3s and records your favite tv shows(a pocket VCR)..Great service from "slim sharp" company through amazon...
easy video 2008-11-02
the flip is compact, light and easy to use. perfect for instant gatherings. videos are shared to friends and family instantly.
great gadget to carry around like a mobile phone.
Simple Little Video Camera Anyone Can Operate, Goes Everywhere! 2008-11-01
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3978KAPMRW5WR *****
The new Mino is simple and so easy to use right out of the box. See it demonstrated here in this very short video. Also see how it uploads. I made the video using the old Flip Ultra (the version that came right before the Mino), which I like; however, the new Mino is lighter, smaller, and performs some functions a bit easier.

Note that the new Mino fits the same tripod that the old Ultra did, thank goodness!

If money is an issue, you can save a few dollars by buying the old Flip Ultra, they do work great (they are a bit bigger and you have to put in two AA batteries). I'm still using mine, along with the new one. I enjoy them both!

Highly recommended.
*****
Flip Mino video recorder 2008-10-30
Don't be without one! Easy to carry and use. This is one grandma who got to see a grandson's first steps soon after, from across the country. Video posts easily on facebook, and probably other networks as well. Video and audio quality is quite good. Up to 60 minutes of video. You can't pause the recording, so you get separate clips, but for keeping up with family and events, it's great!
Nicely designed Flip Mino is a cool little camcorder! 2008-10-27
Your first impression, when you open the Flip Mino box, will be shock at how small this camcorder is. You'll warm up to the size quickly enough. The size offers a certain creative freedom in how you shoot in that you do not have to hold the Flip in same fashion as you may hold larger digital cameras. The camera is so easy to use. The design is simple like an iPod. As a designer I found the controls intuitive in the same way. Now, the box my camera came in did not have the software I needed to connect the camera to my Mac. That's fine with me, but the instructions seemed unclear to me as to what I needed to connect. I found Flip website online and after a little more searching than I would have like to have done, I found the software I needed. The software is very simple and also nicely designed. I'm 53 years old and I'll probably carry this camera around with me like I was a teenager....
Flip Video 2008-10-27
The recorder is easy to use, but I have had trouble in loading and sharing videos. Also, the zoom-in leads to much lower resolution. All in all, I would give it an OK rating.
Great Videos with Mino Camcorder 2008-10-26
Though smaller than my cell phone, this camcorder does everything anyone could want, and with ease. I am blown away by the ease of recording with the Mino. My daughter had one when I evacuated to her home during Hurricane Ike and I promptly ordered my own. It arrived quickly and was very handy when I got back home ans surveyed my property damage. I was able to have video footage of my damages for insurance purposes. I was also able to download videos to my laptop and share with others. A great device for putting videos of my grandkids on YouTube.

It's an amazing little camcorder at a very reasonable price from Amazon. If it had been possible, I would have given it ten stars.
This thing does what it's supposed to do! 2008-10-25
I got one of these when I started taking private classes with my karate Sensei from 40 years ago. He's so good that I wanted to be able to preserve the classes against the day that he finally retires (he's 73 now, and he's gotten better for each of the 44 years he's been teaching in the United State).

The good news is that as old as I am I can use this camera to take perfect, perfect video of karate classes in multiple levels of lighting, and it picks up fast movements with no problem.

The quality of the video is only part of the value of this thing.

First and foremost there's the ease of use.

Then there's the portability.

Then there's the ease of use, which INCLUDES the ease of saving the video to my computer.

The battery life is perfect for the amount of space in this thing.

The only thing that would make this better is if it had two or four hours of capacity.

If you get this, get one of the matching tripods, because then you can video your own karate classes!
Perfect for parents! 2008-10-24
Very happy with my Flip Mino. It can't get an easier to use on both the hardware and software sides. It's simplicity is it's greatest asset. The video quality is exceptional given it's small size and price. The only negative is the video quality when 'sharing' the videos via email. The files are compressed by Flip to reduce size, but the quality suffers a bit...not bad though. All in all, this is a great recorder to keep in your pocket (about the size of a cell phone) for those impromptu moments.
A must have for any parent 2008-10-24
We have a new baby boy and this camera is just perfect. It is small enough to carry everywhere we go and catch those little memory's as they happen.
Great basic camcorder 2008-10-24
This little device is so easy to use, a diseased monkey could use it to take effortless videos. Everything is straightforward, intuitive and self-contained so you aren't matching cables, ports, plugs, buttons, etc.

The obvious question: what's the quality? If you already use your cellphone to snap pics and share them with your friends, family and well-wishers, you won't have any problem with the quality of these short videos (and did I mention how easy they are to shoot/ upload?) Serious videographers probably aren't looking for a product like this anyway.

Happy videoing!
I love my Flip 2008-10-20
I didn't even know I wanted a video camcorder until I received the Flip Mino for my birthday. I love it!! It is small and so easy to use...the manual is only about 4 small pages long. Perfect for everyday use. I am having a problem with loading videos on my computer using Flip software. It always uses my camera software to download them so there never any videos in my flip video library. I need to figure out why. Anyway, buy the FLIP!!
Stay Away from this Toy! 2008-10-17
If you are used to the quality of other reputable brand names, stay away from this toy. I used many cameras and camcorders for years without a single defect. This toy stopped working after 3 months. It just won't power on.

Customer support staff are responsive but not helpful. The only advice they have is "reset and recharge the camera" and they keep going round in circle! They also give all sorts of excuses to avoid replacing the defective camera.

Yes, this product has some interesting features, such as the form factor and ease of use, but what good would this do if the quality is poor?! This camera has many other problems as well; the buttons (except for the power button) are touch based and extremely sensitive and can drive you nuts. The quality of the video is not as good as you would expect it to be. Many point and shoot cameras and even mobile phones can produce better videos. The screen is so small, to the extent that you feel like using a magnifying glass to preview your shots! Your mobile phone would most probably have a larger and more superior screen.

If you take this camera in your vacation you would be forced to take your laptop with you, because you would need it to re-charge the camera (through the USB port) as well as downloading the video when it gets full. As this camera doesn't have re-charge cable and there is no slot for exchangeable memory cards. If you are like me, I like to travel light in my vacation. I certainly don't like to take my laptop with me (my BlackBerry would be enough to check my email.)

In addition, all camcorders I used can directly be connected to DVD recorders. I find this to be the easiest way to save and share my videos. This camera cannot be recognized by DVD recorders. You have to take the tedious way of using PC software to create your own DVD. This can be complicated and time consuming.

I find it strange for this camera not to have still picture capabilities, as you would most probably need to take still pictures while you are shooting your video. This means that you will have to carry your still camera along. This will negate the advantage of being a pocket size camera. At this day in age you can hardly find a video camera, still camera, or even a mobile phone that doesn't have both video and still picture features. Even my kids' toy camera has both features!

It seems that the manufacturer of this camera had to cut corners and make so many compromises to come up with this interesting form factor. This might explain why the major players didn't follow suit and produce similar camera. I don't think they would be willing to make such compromises.
Great Product! 2008-10-17
The Flip Mino is absolutely awesome! We purchased it before going to Disney World with the family and it was the best. The Mino is easy to carry (fits in your pocket), is really fast to turn on (able to get quick shots), and provides really good video. First of all, an hour of video is a very long time. We easily fit a whole day's worth of family fun at WDW. The battery lasts a long time. It went over several days of heavy use without needing a lengthy charge. And it also seems to hold the charge for a long time when it is not in use. I turned it on the other day after it was sitting in my backpack for at least 5 days and still had a full charge! The only small complaint that I have is that the digital zoom stinks. But anyone who has any dealings with digital zoom anything knows that they are just a waste on any device. The included software also works really well and you can use the software to make a long video from all of your smaller video clips that come complete with background music. I cannot say enough about this great product. It really made our vacation extra special with so many quick video clips to capture the special moments. One last side note is that I was able to record both night time fireworks and the Disney light parade with this and the videos came out awesome as well!!!! If you want a quick and easy video recorder that provides good video and sound quality then get the Flip Mino!
Really Great for Families!!! 2008-10-16
If you have kids or grand kids, you have to get this camera! I had the older Flip and just upgraded. It is really great and you can customize it to have your own photo or logo on it.

If you own a small business and want to give your clients a great gift for the holidays, get this gift with you logo on it. They will always use it and will always see your logo. Give it to your employees, they will love it.

I am in love with this video camera. It is so inexpensive, but is better than most of the really expensive cameras. You can get 10 of these cameras for the same price as one expensive camcorder and do the same things.

It is really great and I highly endorse it as one of the best gifts this year!
love it! 2008-10-13
sure its small and flimsy. but it's super easy to use, and does exactly what it's supposed to do. i know some people claim to have problems using it on their MACs but we havent had any issues.
'Four Seasons'/ J.P.'s Greatest Hits, Vol. .05 2008-10-13
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3HYVI5X461YU6 You can do better...
You can do worse...
But you'll never get better,
Unless you rehearse.




(The resolution of my videos looks better on my Windows Media Player and from my Flip Video library, so what you see here looks a lot better on your own PC than when it's taken from the Internet [e.g. Amazon or You Tube.])


I REALIZE MY 7:20 VIDEO IS LONG, so feel free to click and drag to speed up the highlights. This way everyone can make the sample as long as he or she wants. Enjoy! :>)

Flip Video is convenient, thrifty, and nifty.

***You can record and keep up to 60 minutes of video at one time, but once you save the videos to your computer, you can delete them off the camera to free up space.

On the Flip side, while you don't have to focus except to zoom in and out, there are a few times when a manual focus would yield a better picture. You won't hear me complain, though.

***(I'm sorry, but my model is not the Mino. The Mino looks just like the model I have, except it is "thinner and smaller" than my Flip video camera, and the Mino can be charged up by a USB port.) I'll bet the videos are just as good, though. :>)

This video contains a version of Vivaldi's "Autumn" from his work 'The Four Seasons,' featuring Itzhak Perlman, and also available from Amazon.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos
quality problem for a great idea. 2008-10-13
I LOVE THIS VIDEO RECORDER. IT'S EASY TO USE, PRODUCES NICE CLEAR VIDEOS AND, WITH THE SOFTWARE BUILT-IN, IS EASY TO EDIT, EMAIL AND SAVE. BUT, IT DID NOT ALWAYS START RIGHT UP AND, NOW, THE BATTERY WON'T TAKE A CHARGE. AND BOY DO I HATE TO GO THROUGH THE HASSLE OF SENDING IT BACK!!! AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND ONLY GOT 4 VIDEOS USAGE OUT OF IT!! LOTS OF LUCK IF YOU BUY ONE.
Flip Mino Simple to Use 2008-10-12
Not being a techie, I was happy to learn how easy this camcorder operates. The drawback of the simplicity is the lack of options found on more expensive camcorders. For example, the zoom feature does not have a very wide range. But, for the casual user, it is a fine product.
Flip Ultra - Great investment! 2008-10-12
I bought the Ultra two weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I had read about people having problems with the record button, but did not have any such trouble with mine. The main selling feature for me was the fact that the Ultra could be bought with an underwater housing. I don't think they have this yet for the Mino. (good to 30 feet)
The camera is light weight and fantastically easy to operate. Unlike many cameras, the screen is very clear and easy to see, both in bright sunlight and underwater. The software is in the camera, so you can literally plug it into any USB on any computer and be watching videos in minutes. Nothing to install or programs to download. I import the video files directly into Final Cut Pro to edit. Both sound and picture quality are very good. I'd say exceptional if you are doing it for the web. You can check out my first video at www.KeysDiver.com (bottom of the homepage)
Flip impressions 2008-10-10
Flip device immediately usable, intuitive to record and download video files. Good video and audio quality. Easily mastered by non-technical users.
Thanks
Flip Mino 2008-10-09
This is a great video camera for the price. It's extremely easy to use - just turn it on and click the red button in the middle. It is also highly portable.
Flip Video Mino Series 2008-10-08
The camera has no sound when you play back videos on it but when you transfer the videos to your computer, the sound is fine. The tech support has not been very helpful to me in resolving the volume issue on the camera. I may end up returning it to the manufacturer. Other than that, the camera is light weight, compact, and easy to use.
A videocamera that I have always wanted 2008-10-06
This is one of the easiest products to use. My seven year old figured out how to use it in 10 minutes. It works very well for recording videos and it is so easy to upload the video to your computer. All the software is embedded into the device. It works like a charm.
Very easy to use, amateur camera 2008-10-05
I wanted the Flip Mino because it seemed like a great, easy-to-use, point-and-click video camera that would allow me to chronicle my last few months of college. I was very satisfied with this product. The software that comes with the camera is also very easy-to-use, although the Mac version does seem to lag/run slowly sometimes. I run it straight off the camera, rather than installing the application on my computer.

I'm not making any fancy movies. Aside from aforementioned "college chronicling", I've used it to make video logs (vlogs) and have recorded myself practicing my various instruments as a way to keep track of my progress.
Love it - buy one now! 2008-10-05
I'll keep this short and sweet. This is an awesome product! It is easy to record, easy to edit, easy for erase, easy to upload the videos, easy to do everything. It is so small, I just stick it in my pocket or purse and have it handy to use anytime, anywhere. I love it!
Great everyday camera! 2008-10-03
This is a great camera for everyday events and things. It is a tad pixulated but I deal with it because it is so easy! I don't like the buttons and how easy it is to accidentally press to stop or start. I have, more then once, been in the middle of recording and lightly tapped the middle button and it stops. I wish they weren't so sensitive. But upload to computer to DropShots is so quick and easy! I can share a ton of video in no time! :)
Flip mini camcorder 2008-09-30
Excellent camcorder for quick videos. Easy to upload. Not great on zoom but does take good video. VERY EASY TO USE!
Great Pocket Friendly Cam! 2008-09-30
I love the Flip Mino. It is easy to carry around and takes great video. Very easy upload as well. The included editing software won't allow to make a masterpiece but it is fun for editing together clips. The only problem is that it loses a little bit of video quality after editing, but that's to be expected.
Flip Got Smaller 2008-09-30
If you want a quick, shirtpocket-ready video that downloads to imovie this is a very good option. The weakness is the sound since there's no remote microphone. But the image quality is great and stabilization works fine. I carry a tiny tripod if i want to interview someone. And it's the ultimate in ease of use. I strapped it to my bicycle handlebars and made a movie of my regular ride. Came out great in the flats, not so good when the road got rough. Not likely to get stolen because you can carry it with you when traveling. Might go through the washing machine, though, it's so small. Check those pockets!
NOT FOR LIVE MUSIC!!! 2008-09-30
If you are looking to record your band live, don't buy this! The *compression is so sensitive and really isn't as they describe. The Mino is great as a toy and is super easy to use. I like the user-friendly aspect of it, excellent and simple.

*The volume levels will change drastically when recording live music due to the utra sensitive compression.
I love this little camera! 2008-09-30
I am not a camera buff but this little video camera, right out of the box, is so much fun! You almost don't even have to read the instruction pamphlet it is so simple. You just turn it on and push the record button. All you do to put the videos on the computer is plug it into the USB port and it's right there to do whatever with. This is such an easy camera and I love it. Good size to carry with you. It has a nice clear picture and good sound.
Really Handy but buy think when you put it down 2008-09-30
This Mino is cool. What a great way to capture family events or document things that you want to remember. I'm a novice and I even figured out how to put things on Youtube. This camcorder is very easy to use and so small, it's with you all the time (more on that later), and battery life seems excellent.

I only have two complaints and only one of them is about the camcorder. The first is that I really would want a wide angle and/or a telephoto lens for this device. I couldn't find any official or aftermarket lens adapters. when taking picture of a room, it does tend to take a pretty narrow view.
The second is that it is black and comes with a black case. Since it is so small, I constantly set it down and couldn't find it easily! That shows my lack of attention, but unfortunately, I've already misplaced/lost it! Think about buying a bright colored case for it.
I highly recommend this fun camcorder.
OK, while it worked 2008-09-28
After having this camera only 6 weeks the internal lithium ion rechargeable battery crapped out and will not hold a charge enough for the camera to turn on for more then 2 seconds. The worst part is you can't buy another Battery@! Bummer, I wrote Amazon to see if they would swap for a replacement (No Luck, too bad it took 6 weeks to fail and not 4weeks)
$150.00 Flushed.............
I Love It!!!! 2008-09-27
This is the smallest video recorder I have ever seen.... It's perfect to take out so you'll never miss a great moment... I've already have gotten 3 people to buy it since I got it... So easy to use, not complicated at all... Love it & would recommend this to anyone who enjoys taking pictures but would prefer taking video when your out!!!!
Compact, Easy to Use, No Fuss 2008-09-25
Now we can capture our kids in action with a No-Fuss easy to use device. So easy to upload and share magic moments with family and friends. I have already recommended Flip to many of my friends. Love it!
The best yet! 2008-09-25
This is the best little machine I have ever experienced. We are bikers and took this little thing on a 3200 mile motorcycle trip. It rode in my pocket and we pulled it out to send what we called "video postcards" to all our friends. It is reliable, simple and amazingly good quality.
Several of our friends have bought one after seeing our travel videos. Most people buy a regular camcorder and it sits in the closet, the Mino is great for active people who want to take it along in a pocket.
So easy to use 2008-09-24
I bought this so I could record short videos of my child. It is so easy to record and then upload to my computer. I love that the program is built in so that I can save the video in high quality and burn to disc, as well as convert it to a compressed file and upload it to a Flickr and share with family and friends. For $120, it is the best quality for a pocket-size camcorder and it is so small that I keep it in my purse so that I don't miss a thing. I figure, with my son so young, it's better to have something really portable so I will use it more often, rather than something bigger that I won't bring with me everywhere. When he's older, I will buy something with more features like zoom and flash for when he's doing more. However, for a good camera that does all that, I'd have to spend $500 or more.
It died after owning it for a couple hours 2008-09-21
I would have given it a zero rating if one was offered. It died and even pushing the reset button does not work.
Great little product 2008-09-20
This is a great little camera. Obviously some features are somewhat limited, like to zoom and telephoto lens, but what do you expect for the price. Highly recommended.
Tiny and good quality 2008-09-20
I was not sure this small camera would cut it. It's so simpl my 6 year old son could work it without directions.

The video quality is very good. Not as good as a $800-$1000 camcorder, but this think goes in your pocket. I think I will use this more than my "normal" camcorder. Software loads FROM the Camera. Simple

Get one you will love this.

5 Stars for sure.

Mark W (NJ)
cool and simple device 2008-09-19
Very easy to use and fun. Would be nice if you could hook it up to your computer (via USB cord) to be a web cam. Otherwise, cool video device.
Flip Mino Series Camcorder 2008-09-16
This camera is very easy to use and so compact. I bought this for my husbands birthday. He is a hunter, not a shutterbug...until now. He takes his Flip everywhere he goes. It does very well in low light situations. First video was at night of a skunk crossing the road and approaching the truck. It was a short clip but it was very clear. My only concern is the rechargeable battery. If it goes bad it must be changed by professionals. We shall see how well this design feature works. Everyone should have at least one!
Little Marvel! 2008-09-15
This is my second Flip. The first Mino stopped working after 2 days. It just suddenly wouldn't power up. Amazon was great with the exchange.

I've had this second Mino for 3 weeks and have used it indoors and out including a 4 yr old birthday party and various outdoor activities including farm visit, amusement park, etc. I've shoot interior scenes pointing to bright sunlight, fast motion and have been impressed with the overall quality of the videos. Transitions between dark and light was quick and good. Video playback on a 37" HD screen was quite acceptable. The camera will not provide super high quality images but for everyday personal use, it's great.

Some reviews have complained about sound pick up. I think considering the price and size, sound is fine. Both outdoors and indoors, I've been able to hear most everything. Unlike another reviewer, when I turned up the volume during playback or directly on the laptop/tv, sound was plenty loud.

File transfer has been easy and seamless on 3 laptops and 2 desktops. I've also had no problem using the Youtube feature. Have only used the editing features slightly but so far it's good and easy! That's really a major feature... everything about the Flip is easy... you can figure out how to do anything without downtime. It's so easy that I would highly recommend it for any technophobes.
Flip over Flip Mino 2008-09-15
A cute little camera that makes it easy to catch unposed videos. The software that comes with it also makes it easy to email them. The zoom feature is modest, but better than nothing. It handles the transition from bright to dim light fairly well. If you don't expect Hollywood quality video, this is a great camera.
Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder 2008-09-15
Had bad experience with 2 of these in a row. Cool product just maybe too soon to buy, They need to get the bugs out. I had the veiw finder screen go weird on one and the next one shut off after a brief session and never came back on. Maybe next years model.
Don't Leave Home Without It! 2008-09-13
Wow! Simple & great quality! I love the simplicity of this camera! The point & shoot capability is awesome! The quality is good! The ease of use when connecting to your PC is fabulous!

The editing software is basic, but does an ok job. Beyond the simpleness is a minor learning curve, but don't make it too complicated on yourself. This is really a nice, small, convenient tool!
Great video for the money 2008-09-13
I bought two of these. One as a gift for my daughter-in-law and one for myself. It is incredibly easy to operate & download the videos. The movie making option is a bit primitive but if that matters to you, you can buy other software that will give you many more options.

What I love about it is its size (fits into a woman's pocket easily), how easy it is to use, and how easy it is to upload to your computer. The first time you plug it in to your computer the software downloads. I gave it 4 stars because it does not come with AC adapter and when I bought mine, flip hadn't started selling them as an optional accessory. The size and ease of use is a huge advantage as you can have the best video camera out there but if you don't have it with you when those memory moments happen....what good is it? I so wish something like this was available when my kids were babies & toddlers. It would be a fantastic gift for any new mother.

First Impressions 2008-09-13
I just got this product... Delivery was amazingly fast, by the way! It's *tiny*, and that was exactly what I wanted... And it works out of the box... So simple & easy to use, a triumph of design and execution. I have not done any editing yet -I'm looking forward to giving that a try! My first impressions are very positive!
Great Product 2008-09-13
Haven't had a problem since I got it. Easy to operate and quality of video is great for such a small item.
Excellent! 2008-09-12
This little camera is very good. We bought the mini tripod for it and now tape our ping pong games all the time. It sits comfortably on our kitchen counter and we tape it at will.

Pros: Very small and easy to work with. Extremely convenient. Easy to hold with or without the strap. Easy to store. Easy to take video. Great for new moms.
Cons: The quality of the video is of course not that great. In bright sun light it comes out great but indoors it's poor. Still very good though. Another bad thing is that it is only good for viewing it in small size (600 x800). Any more will distort the video. I wish it would allow more than just 2GB of memory.

Conclusion: I would get one for every day use. The price is not that bad. I took more videos with this than my better video camera even though the quality is not as great just because it is so convenient to use.
Flipped out for Flip Video Camcorder! 2008-09-12
While it was BEFORE Mac Life had given this unit an "AWESOME" rating, I would have personally given it a "Stupendous/Colossal" rating. It is so easy to use, just point and shoot! Watching the seconds of available video time counting down in the corner, it is set in such a way as to not disrupt the monitoring... I used it to capture lightening in the night sky to post on my website.

And so easy to offload! Flip out the USB, connect it to my machine - the editing software for Winders and Mac is onboard the Mino - so you can be ready on a friends machine to download and edit. The format is a nice AVI.. I have a HUGE-Screen TV, and when I plug the monitor cables in from the Mino to play back - it fills the entire screen with great definition video... Verrraaa niiicccceee!!
Awesome and Easy. 2008-09-11
The Flip Mino is a great little camcorder. I did not once look at the manual for operating this thing--it's that easy to operate. Plugging into the computer is a snap and doesn't require any software to connect (software for uploading to Youtube and Myspace is built into the camcorder). If you want to get to the videos directly, just open the DCIM folder and you will see the video files.

Video quality is pretty good. The company claims the video bitrate is 4 mbps, which about what DVDs push. Audio is good (camcorders are notorious for having bad/over sensitive microphones).

In short, it's a great little camcorder for carrying around to shoot quick little videos. While not something to use for weddings or trips, it's very good for what it does. And it's simple as cutting bread.
Easy performance in a small package. 2008-09-10
This camcorder is easy to use and the clarity is fine for home videos and blogs. If you're looking for super high-def, look elsewhere. But if convenience and ease of use is what you're after, search no further.
Flip Mino 2008-09-09
This is a Great, Fun Camera. Perfect size to take with you anywhere for those spontaneous moments you would like to capture. Easy to use for everyone. The battery lasts and transferring the videos to our MAC is simple. I recommend this product to everyone. We have had a Blast with the camera.
Little Dynamite! 2008-09-08
I purchased this for my husband and we are having lots of fun playing with it. It is small and easy to use. Highly recommend it!
Great video camera but is it reliable? 2008-09-08
This is a very user friendly and fun little video camera. The system is well thought out and the software makes it very easy to save, upload and share videos. I was a little disappointed that my camera became completely unresponsive after just three weeks of use. I emailed Flip Video support with the issue I was having and they were completely unresponsive as well (never got an email reply). Fortunately, I was within my first 30 days of purchase and Amazon took care of replacing the camera for me. I have to say that Amazon's customer sevice was very good and hassle-free with the return/replacement process. My new Flip is working fine but I'm concerned about the long-term reliability and considering buying an extended warranty.
The Flip - a Flop! 2008-09-08
Seemed like a great idea. My husband, quite difficult to please, LOVED his birthday present - the Flip MINO. First problem was how to attach the wrist cord (very brief instructions; it's the new thing - go find the how-to guide on the internet), but he mastered that. The size is great, the quality of the picture - surprisingly good, and it was simple to use. We even downloaded to e-mail and bored our friends with our test results. Then we tried to watch it on TV, using the attached cable. Nothing! We had sound and a scrambled picture and their technical assistant could not help us. And then - the lights on the back wouldn't go off, and we couldn't use the Flip. Called another techie and was told to stick a pin in the pin hole in the bottom, which we did. It re-set everything. But the problem occurred every time we used the Flip: the lights stayed on and it stopped working. The battery kept charging when we tried that as a solution. We gave up and sent it back (thanks to Amazon, returns are always simple). Would like to try it again, but I'm nervous about this problem and the overall quality of the product.
New Product Has Defective Battery---I Hope 2008-09-08
This Flip Camcorder has a built-in, rechargeable battery that needs to be replaced, and I have to send it back to the factory to correct the problem. Very Inconvenient! It is still under a 90 day warranty and they are suppose to give me a working cam without any charge. It is very frustrating to buy a cam, take it on vacation with hopes you will get lots of great videos, but the darn thing doesn't work. It worked for about 30 minutes and then shut down. It appears that the battery is weak and defective because it won't take a charge. Strange that this wasn't discovered in testing before being sent out to the public. Who was suppose to have caught this, the battery manufacturer or the camcorder people? Regardless, I will not give this product a favorable rating until I get a good one in my hand so I can use it. Until then, I give it the lowest rating.
Easy to use for us technically challenged 2008-09-08
I really really love my Flip! Its so easy to use. The film resolution is really wonderful for such a little thing. The buttons in the back are flat and easy to maneuver. The transfer from Flip to computer is a breeze. You can also down load your video straight to Youtube. It's easy to delete any footage you may have on the Flip. They only down side is that there is no light on the Flip so the area you are filming has to be well lighted, but other then that there is no downside. Even their customer support is wonderful. I had to contact their support center and the customer service department were knowledgeable and incredibly nice. For those of you that are technically challenged and are looking for something non complicating but still something with quality in film, this would be your ticket. I would recommend this to you as I do to anyone else.
Marvelous Mino 2008-09-07
As small as most cell phones. So easy to use. Love it. Only thing I do not like as well as my Ultra is the Mino is a hard cover and scratches show up really easy on the body. The Ultra (blk) had a soft body that was nice, easy to hold. The touch features are much better and not having to replace batteries...Wow! I would like to see Flip come up with a better strap for all their cameras.
Good for PC not good for mac 2008-09-06
I love this camera for it's ease of use. I use it primarily for quick videos for work and for personal. My 9 year old nephew loves it as well, and can run the whole thing himself no problem.

Unfortunately it is not plug-and-play for mac OX10 and the new iMovie does not recognize the the file types. Apparently if you tweak some settings and do some conversions it works. But that sort of kills the whole point of an easy to use camera. I haven't had time to mess with it, so I can't use it with my mac, but it is quick and easy on the PC (XP operating system)
flip video 2008-09-06
This is a great item to carry with you all the time.
I was just blessed with my first granddaughter, you can imagine how this camera has been over used.

We can keep everyone in the country updated on whats going on with the baby by emailing the videos.

This is a great little item.
Flip Video Mino 2008-09-06
Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black) I bought this for my husband right before we went to a musical performance by my son. With no time to learn anything about how to use it and it was very easy. The size makes it great to carry in your pocket. Just flip the usb plug and connect to computer- we downloaded the video in moments and were happy with the quality. Only wished it had more of a zoom feature. Decided to buy one for my college age daughter as well. Good product for the money.
Flip Mino is GREAT! 2008-09-06
This is a nice pocket size camera that has amazing quality and is also Mac friendly. A lot of camera for the money!
Fantastic Flip 2008-09-05
This little video camera is amazing! I purchased one for myself some months ago, primarily to take short movies of great-grandchildren. I've ended up using it for fun clips of get-togethers with friends, lovely shots of river views, and just fun shots. It is so easy -- and it is very simple to stitch together several clips to make a little movie, with or without background music. I was so impressed that I ordered two more - one for a young mother of a new baby, and the other for an old friend with health problems. They both love it! If you do not want to make professional quality films, but want to have a little camera that you can carry in a pocket or a purse, go for it! You won't be disappointed.
Good looking and highly functional for what it promises 2008-09-05
I was looking for a pocket-sized camcorder to use for basic video recording and this one works just fine. Couldn't be easier to use, the equivalent of a point-and-shoot digital camera. Good resolution, viewfinder just large enough to be useful for framing the subject and playback. Easy download directly to PC.

This is one of those great products that does what it says it will do. No over promising here: the maker tells you you're going to get 60 minutes of flash drive recording in a compact, well-designed unit and thats exactly what you get. It will be useful for casual videocamming and on-the-run recording. It will not be useful for someone who wants a lot of bells and whistles or the ability to do a lot of fancy editing and framing. But it gave me what I wanted at a price that you simply can't beat.
Flip Mino 2008-09-02
An excellent companion to any outing. The Flip Mino is a great little camera with only a few shortcomings. The design is well thought out and focused on the functions of the camera, while the quality of the video is amazingly high-quality.

My biggest complaint is the how excessive the video jitters on panning or trying to walk, even smoothly, while recording. Slow pans are a necessity with this camera to avoid this effect.

Great camera and holds up nicely to Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera, despite not shooting in HD.
Great video camera 2008-08-31
After reading the reviews of this camera I took the chance and purchased it, what a fun video camera. It takes great videos and is so easy to use. I went to New Mexico and wasn't sure if it would capture the beauty of the mountians, well it did and its amazing how long 60 minutes is. I am very pleased with this camera, its a must buy for anyone that wants to capture special moments.
Flip Video Great Product 2008-08-30
I've had nothing but good experiences with the Flip Video. It's not super quality video, but, it's portability, ease of use, and quality video make it a good prodcut for quick videos. It's great to have handy for events.
Wonderful Video Camera 2008-08-30
I absolutely love this little camera for its convenience. It's size makes it perfect for taking everywhere. What's thepoint of having a camera if you don't have it available whenever and wherever you are!
I plan to use it to make a video of each of my students throughout their years in highschool where I teach young adults with special needs. Not to mention with my grandson who will be making videos of his own and uploading them to the internet. It's so easy even he can do it, and he just turned 6.
Great little camera but ..... 2008-08-30
....my Mino was defective the 3rd. day. The switch / off button did not work anymore so the camera was "dead". This can happen with any product but that's why only 4 stars. I filed for an exchange with amazon.com the same afternoon it broke and had a new camera the next morning. This was my best customer service experience ever!! We are using this camera since 4 weeks every day and it work just great!
This is the bomb! 2008-08-29
I bought this as the "traveling Pants...video" type thing. It has been all over the state of California in many different hands. It's compact size really makes it easy to stick in a pocket or my purse. The program is easy to use as well. We are in the process of clipping all the pieces of the pictures together to make a surprise birthday movie! It's been a kick and everyone who used it now wants one as well! Highly recommend getting one! You will never miss a moment for a good memory!
Works great 2008-08-29
I bought this just for simple little clips to put on myspace or youtube and for that it works just fine. The one drawback is there is no editing software for Mac and you can't use it with iMovie which is too bad. So you are stuck with simple unedited video but if you can shoot things like you are editing you'll be fine. Did that make sense? I wouldn't expect anything fancy with this but for short and sweet, it does the trick.
Flip is a big success. 2008-08-29
The Mino is everything I thought it would be and more. After an initial disappointment with it not being charged properly and a little help from FLIP Support it has worked flawlessly since. The trick here is to charge it fully right away. I took it out of the box and fired it up...worked fine. I charged it for a short time and thought I was okay. But later, it wouldn't turn on at all. FLIP Support informed me that in the tri-pod mounting hole is a small reset hole into which a paper clip or some such thing can be inserted. That will reset everything. Charge it fully and have fun.
I took it on vacation and now with the help of iMovie, I have a wonderful 26 minute video of our vacation at the beach. I couldn't be more pleased.
Awesome camcorder~! 2008-08-28
We got this just in time for my sister's wedding and we love how small and easy it is to use. We also have a small baby and it is super quick to capture all her precious moments. Not only that, the built in USB adapter makes it super quick to attach to a computer/laptop to download and edit the movies and put them online. We highly highly recommend this item.
Perfect! 2008-08-28
This camcorder exceeded my expectations. It has worked perfectly since day one. I am using a Mac and the preloaded software works fine. You can also import straight into iPhoto if thats what you prefer. Battery life is more than enough to record 60 minutes of video. Oh ya it looks pretty cool too!
It stopped working after about a month and a half 2008-08-27
We loved the little camcorder and it worked great for about a month and a half. Then my husband plugged it into the computer yesterday and it was not recognized nor did it charge. Completely dead. Luckily we had uploaded what was on there before the crash. Since others have had similar problems I would hesitate to order unless you got an extended return policy and even then, maybe just look for something else...
So far, so cool. 2008-08-27
I have not had a great deal of time to play with this but with the short time that I have, it's been very pleasant. Without reading a thing in a manual, I charged it up via the USB port, shot a video of my dogs romping around outside, and played it back on my TV. I was impressed with both sound and video quality. And so was my neighbor who looked a little disconcerted. I asked what was wrong and he said "That little thing is just about as good as my digital camcorder that I paid $850 for!" Trying to make him feel better, I said "Well, it doesn't have all the cool features that yours does, like color manipulation, saturation and so on." He said, "Yeah, things I never use."

This device proves that bigger and more expensive is not always better. It fits my recording needs just perfectly.
It does what it is supposed to do. 2008-08-27
The Flip Mino is small--very small and very light weight. It fits comfortably in my pocket and isn't a bother to tote around for hours at a time. The soft pouch that comes with it is very handy and can double as a cloth for wiping fingerprints and smudges off of the unit and screen.

The video quality is good--like a VHS tape that's been used over-and-over again, but with pixely artifacts, rather than a drifting image and fuzz. If you keep the camera still and if the subject of the shot isn't moving too much and if the lighting is decent, the image quality is really quite good--I would compare it to standard definition television. Overall, it's better than your average YouTube video. And though the image does become grainy in low light, it's still suitable for capturing candid moments.

The sound quality is also good and the microphone is suitably sensitive. It picks up quiet speech without too much background noise and there is never a hiss or buzz.

I put together a 30 minute video for SLG Publishing that was shot entirely with the Flip Mino at Comic-con International 2008. I used my MacBook Pro (the newest 15 inch version--purchased in May of 2008) and I edited the video with iMovie. I had to install the Flip video codec that came on the camera's flash drive and I updated iMovie to the latest version of the software, 7.1.4. After taking these steps, everything worked great. I found that the best way to manage the video was to import it using iPhoto (my MacBook Pro recognized the Flip as a camera and automatically opened iPhoto to import the video). iMovie will then add the video to its library for editing.

Overall, my experience with the Flip Mino has been very possitive. It works as it is supposed to and that's really what I want when I buy electronics.

Here's a link to the first part of the video that I made. It might help you to see what the video quality looks like. However, the video has been compressed a second time and is not indicative of the native video quality of the flip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTnhGmzr8V4 (If you click the link to watch the video in high quality, that pretty much looks like the original video).
Easy, convenient, works on my Mac - I love it 2008-08-27
So many times I've been out with my kids thinking, "I wish I had my video camera with me!" I hate lugging that thing in my purse. Got the Flip Mino 2 weeks ago off of Amazon - love it! I use it with a Mac. No problems. Easy to transfer the files and edit them in iMovie. Tip: If you use Mac, iPhoto may open when you plug in a Flip - it will ask if you want to import the files - DON'T. Use the Flip software that's included on the camera -- it allows you to see all the video clips and then decide which ones you want to transfer to your computer. If there's a lot of movement (I recorded my girls singing in the car) the image quality when you transfer to YouTube is terrible -- but overall, I love that this thing is small (with me at all times) and easy (a monkey could use it!) -- It did freeze on me last night -- Pure Digital's tech support kind of seems like 3 college kids in a cubicle -- but I believe this device has a soft reset -- pin hole in the same hole as the tripod connector. Don't press it too hard or you might lose all your video. (There tech support wasn't too sure on that. Hm?) But the soft reset worked for me. Best thing about Flip is you will capture more moments on video - don't expect HD results - but it's better than not having moments on video at all!
A camera you'll actually use 2008-08-26
I had intended to wait for the new Kodak "HD" flash recorder, but needed a camera fast for my daughter's play.
I picked this up and haven't looked back.
The picture quality (even on a large screen) is perfectly acceptable, even quite good. It'd be nice if it were wide format (which is really all 'HD' means for this kind of camera), but you have to remember... this is the 21st century equiv of the Brownie camera. Its for capturing memories, not making professional videos.

I've owned other cameras, and the thing they all have in common is that you never end up taking them along. Too big to throw in a pocket, and oh yeah... the batteries never seem to be charged.
That's the disadvantage of even the other Flips with the AA batteries. You're never sure you have a charge, and end up having to carry extras.

With the Mino, you just leave it plugged into a USB port and throw it in you pocket as you leave.

The one hour of recording time perfectly matches the 1 hour of battery life. I've yet to need more than an hour for the kind of shooting this camera is designed for.

Get this camera if you actually want to build up a collection of clips you'll enjoy years from now.

BTW, it works fine with iMovie on a Mac.

[...]
i love my flip mino 2008-08-26
i love it, its easy to take videos so quickly and upload them quickly. one thing i dont like is that when i had to edit my video with wmm it screwed up the quality alot so i would stick to the software provided.
The perfect camcorder 2008-08-26
The size makes this more convenient than any other camcorder I've owned. Along with the lowest price I've ever paid, ease of use, quick computer compatibility, and unbelievable picture quality this one is a no brainer. I do wish it had a still picture option but oh well. One of the best buys in my opinion!
You will quickly out grow it 2008-08-26
Let's be clear on something... you will quickly outgrow the Flip Mino. While it is easy to capture video, the second you want to edit the video in anything other than Flip's bundled in software you are going to run into issues. I won't dive too deep into the tech geek issues, but the core issue is that the Flip Mino uses a codec (video playback standard) that is built purely around watching video and not around editing. So, say you want to edit a bit of the birthday party using a standard program like Adobe Premiere - sorry can't do it. You will only get sound and no video.

So the Flip Mino is great for kids or people who don't really want to interact with their PC, just plug and play. It is definitely not for parents who want to begin capturing memories of their family only to discover that it will be very difficult to edit them in the future.

Purely for Novice users. (You get what you pay for.)
Great toy.. 2008-08-25
Handy and easy to use. I take short video's of my 6 month old and we have a blast , he loves to see himself on the t.v.. The only thing I miss is something to hold it in place so I can get footage of us both playing.
Have Camcorder, Will Travel 2008-08-25
Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

While it would never replace a larger, full-featured camcorder, this little Flip Mino is fantastic, and I never leave home without it. About the height of a pack of cigarettes, and less than half it's width and depth , this wonderful little piece of technology takes some beautiful video, and also surprisingly picks up all sounds and voices with clarity as well. Bottom line - the Flip Mino is for those that want/need something small, lightweight and simple, and don't want to fiddle with converting or encoding, as well as for those who love to upload videos to video websites or via email.
Flip Mino 2008-08-25
Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
It works great!!!!! Not only I have been able to use it for entertainment but also for work.

It is easy to use and to carry around. The image is perfect. If you have no experience with video cameras, I strongly recommend start with this one.
Wonderful 2008-08-25
This very small camcorder is easily carried in a shirt pocket and makes great videos. The pictures are clear and the sound is excellent. My husband took videos of my 93 year old Mom and I talking and we were not even aware he was taking them.
First timer 2008-08-24
This is my first video camera. It's great. It's compact. Easy to use. Can email video. I carry it in my pocket and use it whenever, I see something I would like to make a record of.
Flip Video - good entry-level video recorder 2008-08-23
This device is sleek, compact, functional and a good form factor. Obviously, it was not designed to video-record yourself--and for some video podcasters, this could be a drawback. But to capture either amateur or interview-style remote video clips and content, this device performs as advertised. The drawback of only 60 minutes of recording may be annoying, as many people are used to removable media. But the lighting support is great for its size and for its entry-level environment. Also, the microphone does have its drawbacks--but again, for an entry-level video recorder to use in a remote or travel-based environment (especially interviews), this does the job. And because you can import the files it has from its "switch-blade" USB connector directly into your PC, editing with some software packages like Camtasia is easy.
Great little Gadget 2008-08-22
an exceptional little gadget. does what it is supposed to do, fits in a shirt pocket. just took it to New Orleans...wish it had a waterproof case! barely ok performance in low light, which you would expect with this size ccd and file type, but easy to use and likely to be used.
A Complete Review: From a Lemon to a Perfect Mino 2008-08-20
This is a VERY HONEST review of my Mino and the Customer Service at PureDigital (the makers of the Flip Mino). Please keep in mind when dealing with electronics there are always lemons for whatever reason. I, unfortunately, was someone who had a lemon. I believe it is important to add a review of these broken products so that customers are well informed about potential problems and their frequency (for example, if 50% of the reviews are reports of problems it is typically a good idea to be wary of a product).
I wanted to title this... "Even an Idiot Can Use," however, my title would not be entirely true. When I first picked the Mino out of the minimalist box it was so easy there was no need to read the "QUICKSTART GUIDE." The Mino is THAT intuitive. Nevertheless, if you do need to read through the guide, you will be happy to know it is a tiny pocket-size foldout brochure... yes, you heard me right... no 500 page book... no instructions in 10 languages (which may not be a good thing if English is not your primary or strong language).
I immediately began recording videos both in and outdoors. In low light and bright light. The small screen made everything I recorded look beautiful and bright. However, on the small screen it looked as though it had a hard time focusing at anything closer than a 1 ½ feet. I found this to be true (much) later after loading the videos on my computer.
After recording several minutes of video throughout the day I came home in the evening, popped in the incorporated USB plug and nothing happened. All the videos and files on the Flip were corrupted. After trying several "fixes" nothing worked. I contacted Customer Service by email, which promises a response within 4 business hours. They were true to their word during this initial contact and were back to me fairly quickly. After several days of back-and-forth emails (no longer within the 4 hours the promised) they did acknowledge that I had a broken Flip and replaced it free of charge. They even emailed me a PDF that allowed me to ship the Mino back to them without paying UPS shipping. I was ecstatic with customer support. However, my cheery attitude took a change in direction when I did not receive a working Mino back until a MONTH LATER! The positive though, it contained all of the videos I recorded from the first day I got the Mino.. in WORKING condition. I really appreciated that extra touch.

Pros:
- Small
- Intuitive
- Super easy to use
- Easy to connect to a PC and retrieve videos off the Mino
- Free shipping back to Pure Digital on broken Mino
- Customer Service works hard to recover videos on broken Mino
- Fairly inexpensive (good for when you don't want to bust out the high dollar camera in conditions where it could become damaged)

Cons:
- Small sheet of directions in English only (not an issue for me but something to note. I did not subtract stars for this)
- I received a broken Mino and there are others out there. Not sure how pervasive these problems are yet but you should look over the reviews and see if this is becoming a trend or isolated incidents before purchasing.
- Customer Service took a month to get a working Mino back to me.

Finally, this does not belong in the pro or con section for me as I knew this before I received the product but I feel I should let everyone know what to expect before purchasing. This is not a camera to film your child's birth, first steps, or ailing family members last birthday. The quality is good enough to post on the internet, email videos to family members, let your children play around with, etc. Please be aware before purchasing the camera's limitations. It is amazing for what it is... a small, light, easy to use video camera, with fairly good picture quality that you don't mind knocking around. A great camera to take to a theme park, on a horseback riding trip, filming the kids playing dress up to email to grandparents, etc.
Pretty dang awesome 2008-08-18
Exactly what I needed. Compact and easy to carry. Records great sound and picture. Perfect for the parent looking to document their child growing up, without having to lug around a bigger model. Great to record in all different lighting. Only complaint would be the zoom...while it's pretty good for a camera it's size...it could be better. Otherwise, this thing is awesome.
My Best Purchase in a Long Time 2008-08-18
How many times do you lose the perfect video moment while you are trying to unzip the camcorder bag or check the battery or tape? Been there, done that!! Plus who wants to lug around a huge big deal for quick 30 - 90 sec shots? The days of making huge productions out of family moments are long gone with this thing. Pop the Flip out of your front pants pocket and 2 seconds later you are ready for action. I took the Mino with me on our trip to Yellowstone and never missed a shot. Old Faithful, was caught in all its glory. I took over 60 small 30 sec to 2 minutes family vids that the family will enjoy as long as YouTube keeps running. The enclosed USB cable is such a great idea. The built in flash drive holds 60 minutes of video and the rechargeable batteries never let me down. Plug the unit into a USB port and the on board software starts and I'm working on videos in seconds...all awhile the batteries are recharging and ready to rock and roll once I'm done. Needless to say I'm super pleased with this. Don't get this is you are looking to do far away shots as the zoom isn't really that great. BUT for what it does..it does well. Small, light, fast and ready when life happens.
does just what it claims 2008-08-17
This tiny handheld product takes better video than you would expect. It is super easy to transfer and use. I could not ask for more.
great product, good price 2008-08-17
Received the shipment in time.
- Its so easy to use that my 75 years old dad can use it without any guidance / manual
- the plug n play feature is great
- i recorded a cricket and a volleyball game - the sound and video clarity is amazingly good.

Worked well for a month and two days, then became inoperable 2008-08-17
Well, I think this is what you would call a dud. This little camcorder worked pretty well for about a month--quality of video shot was decent, ease of use was incredible. Today, with no warning and no provocation, the device stopped working. It is completely inoperable. It won't turn on, it won't charge, my computer doesn't recognize it when plugged in. My video--about 15 minutes of which is newly shot and hadn't been uploaded before the crash--is seemingly gone. I am extremely disappointed and s**t out of luck because I bought this a month and two days ago.
So easy my 13-year old can use it! 2008-08-16
This is my second Flip Video! The unit takes about an hour's worth of pictures so we got a second one because it's so easy, compact, lightweight, and just overall great! We take it to concerts and the audio is really clear and crisp. All of the software is in the unit and it just plugs into the USB port on your computer and off you go. You can upload video to YouTube or save it to your computer for e-mailing. Great product! If I could have one wish it would be to have more zoom capability. But 99% of the time I am totally satisfied.
I love this little thing! 2008-08-16
I bought this because I was sick of my digital camera's video. I don't like carrying my outdated DV camera... I just wanted something small and quick and easy to learn. I read reviews, read specs... compared every small cheap camera. I just had to have the Mino. I wanted to try the Aiptek HD camera but reviews say it breaks too easily. With 6 kids I can't afford to have something like that around! This camcorder is INEXPENSIVE, cute, easy!!! I love it so much. I love being able to just pop it into the USB hub I have. SO EASY! I would recommend it if you are looking for inexpensive and easy.
video cam 2008-08-14
I found this product reviewed in a magazine and did some further research. I found the best price on Amazon and purchased it. It has lived up to its billing. Very handy, versatile, easy to download, and takes good footage of all the activities I want to capture on film.
txlady 2008-08-13
This is a great little video camera for on the go and very compact. It is simple to use and to play on your PC.
Fab and Fun 2008-08-13
I have nothing bad to say about this product. I love it. It is very small and fits well in most pockets.I love being able to send movies to my elderly parents. It is perfect for just that. It has the program in the camera and you don't have to download anything onto your computer, it does it all for you. It's a great gift for first time students to send messages to family from school. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Mino Flip Video 2008-08-13
The Flip Video Mino is great for on the spot capture of events. I have used it in professional and personal settings. I use a Mac and the software downloads to the Mac instantly. Videos are easy to view and edit. It's like the Fisher-Price of video cams...even a kid can use it! If you're a techie you'll love to add to your gadget collection...even if you're tech-phobic, you won't mess up a shot.
fun pocket video 2008-08-12
I bought the flip mino for myself and love it so much that I bought another 6 for Christmas gifts. This little video fits easily into my pocket and when I use it, everyone is impressed. The quality of the videos is great. My previous video camera was so bulky that often I would just leave it at home and miss all those great memories. Now I slip this little camera into my pocket or purse and it is always on hand for some great shots. Also it is so easy to use and plugs right into your computer's USB port without wires or other attachments. Software is also built in to the unit so you can add music etc to your videos. Great product.
Amazing camera 2008-08-12
Small, light, simple to use. Hooked it up to my MacBook and could import the videos into iPhoto or just copy them to the hard drive in Finder. Encodes video as .avi at 640x480. Good video and audio quality. Great for standard home videos. Also a great alternative to reference pics for presentations and such... instead of taking pictures of a room, why not record a walk-thru?! Two of my friends bought one after seeing mine and they love it... in fact, they don't leave the house without it!

Note: video takes up lots of hard drive space, so make sure you have space to spare.
Not what I expected 2008-08-11
People were giving it great review for having pretty good video quality but in my eyes came up short in terms of that. I'm no video camera expert and this may very well be the best video quality your gonna get from something like this but not to my standards.
Quality Product 2008-08-11
Certainly worth the price, it's quality for size ratio must be the best out in the market right now!
Good laugh, perfect for those occassions to remember events with friends and just have a right laugh with it!
Not Made to Last 2008-08-11
Product came quickly & matched its description. However, the stripe is already coming off after less than a month of use. I'm concerned about the seams because you have to stretch it so far to get the camera in & out, but they are holding so far.
Well planned and made 2008-08-09
The Flip Mino camcorder is ideal for the person who wants to be able to record special events or scenes without having an apparatus strapped to the back of your hand. I'm not a photographer and have never liked having cameras strapped around my neck, on my shoulder or strapped to my hand. It truly fits in a pocket; appears to be reasonalbly durable and is easy to use. The software also provides the necessary support to edit, store and email videos or snapshots taken from the videos. I gave it four stars instead of five because the picture quality is not as good as the larger, more expensive camcorder.
Very nice and simple recorder - but... 2008-08-09
I am overall satisfied with the performance of this video camera.

Strengths:
1. Simplicity
2. Pocket Size and weight
3. Cost/Benefit


But... Here are the Weaknesses:
1. Memory (only 2 GB or 6o minutes worth of video). That's nothing for today's standards.
2. Lens. There's really no lens - only a pin-hole, typical in cellphones. Very cheap. I would love to see a nice piece of glass on this gadget to get better quality.
3. Resolution 480x640. Very small and too basic for current standards.
Terrible Piece of Hardware 2008-08-09
I am now on my 2nd flip mino and it just stopped working. I had the first one for two weeks with limited use, and it just didn't turn on one day. Amazon refunded quickly. Thinking it was a one time thing, I bought another one, and after a month of use (not very heavy) it up and froze while I was recording and got very hot. I just did the reset info found on the web, and now it won't turn on. I might be stuck with this because I am just past the 30 day warranty. On top of it all, I lost videos/memories both times! Argh.
Video Is /Very/ Variable 2008-08-09
This device can give decent video *if* it is not moved up and down. Because of the slow progressive scan rate (I suppose) objects are distorted in the vertical axis if the device is moved even slightly up and down. This eliminates using it for any sports activity, including just walking with it. There doesn't appear to be as much of a problem in the horizontal axis so if it were tripod mounted and panned it would be o.k. [Look at web examples of decent video from this device and note that it is held /very/ still or on a tripod.] But then you'd have to explain why you mounted a 3 ounce "camera" on a tripod.
If your intention is to take video of the kids while /you/ are motionless, this device can give decent standard video. It would be ideal for recording lectures except for its very low audio recording level.
I've yet to find a good use for it, except possibly while traveling light and shooting video "stills."
flip mino 2008-08-06
What do you get a 17 year old boy for his birthday ?????? Flip Mino he absolutley loved it, great picture quality and great to email videos o/s We do not have here in Australia so I had it shipped from afriend in New York FANTASTIC i want one.
Handy 2008-08-05
This is a very handy device. Extremely easy to carry and the quality is quite good, especially considering it's size.

Best l'il camcorder in town 2008-08-05
Gave this as a gift to my husband who is an electronics "junkie" for his birthday. It was a total success! Sooo handy to carry around as we spend time with the grandkids (kids?). Results are just great. A+++
Video Quality 2008-08-05
Product is very nice for what it is advertised for. This camcorder records good video and audio up close. Definitely would recommend for casual use. Family parties, get togethers, etc. Not good for use in a more professional setting.

This product is also extremely easy to use. Video is clear due to the light weight of the unit. Perfect for carrying around in your pocket for use on spur of the moment occasions.
Great product 2008-08-04
I purchased this video camera in order to capture my grandson's cutest moments. It is very easy to use and so compact that I can take it everywhere. Saving the video's to my computer is a no-brainer. I highly recommend this product.
FLIP 2008-08-04
IT IS A LOT OF FUN.
IT IS VERY EASY TO OPERATE.
YOU TAKE A VIDEO & SAVE IT OR E-MAIL IT ON THE COMPUTER.
THE TECH DEPARTMENT IS EASILY AVAILABLE.
SOME ISSUES WITH QUALITY OF THE CAMERA BECAUSE IT IS
SO SMALL, SIMPLE & FRAGILE.
VERY CONVENIENT TO CARRY.
THE CAMERA BAG IS 3RD RATE.
Buggy but the image quality is ok 2008-08-03
I like the portability and size. The video quality is pretty good for the price. You have to be very careful as every little shake of the camera is highly visible (no image stabilization whatsoever).
My main gripes are the buggy software functionality. The YouTube upload feature does not work. I emailed Flip and they are aware of the problem which is related to YouTube. More troublesome is the Movie Mix feature which I've never been able to get working. I'm using Windows XP. It hangs at 65% no matter what the video length is. Looks like it has good potential but a few bugs to work out. Until then, if you have the problems I described, you have to save and upload videos manually to YouTube and/or use an external video editor.
Flipping over Flip Mino 2008-08-03
I am thrilled with the Flip Mino. Unlike a normal video camera, I can carry this anywhere in a pocket (or my wife in her purse). Want to take a quick video? Comes on fast and its ready to go. The quality is more than adequate for a video camera of this type. I use a Mac and installing and using the software was a breeze. One thing people should know - the 2x zoom isn't very good. When zoomed in, the picture looks a bit grainy. But that doesn't hurt my recommendation as I expected that when buying the product. I recommend this to anyone who wants a convenient video camera handy to use on any occasion - and the price is REALLY right.
Love it 2008-08-02
This little gadget is perfect for any new parent who wants to catch those special moments. It's so much easier to carry around than a camcorder. But sharing it with family and friends is by far the best feature. So easy! Love it.
Perfect for YouTube videos. 2008-08-02
I bought this camera for the soul purpose of making videos for my YouTube account. The camera works like a charm in that aspect. The controls and features are very simple to operate and learn and within minutes you can be making movies and transferring them to your computer. There is a simple edit feature when connected to the computer that allows you to start or end the video whever you please, but other then that the only feature is this sort of movie mix which i still don't fully understand but it short it chops your movies down and phases scenes together with the choice of colortone and music.. I found it mcuh easier and more efficient to take the finished video and put it into Windows Movie Maker and play around with it there (note you may have to run the codec file located in the system folder while the camera is plugged in to your pc to get WMM to work with the videos properly). There are several accessories I also own (the tri-pod, the case and usb cables) which i do reccommend, especially the usb cable because it seems rather bad to let your Mino hang from the computer while connected.. It just looks like it may snap off eventually that way. If you're looking for a simple and cheap way to make youtube videos then The Flip Mino is probably the best choice on the market right now.
Amazing pocket sized video camera! 2008-07-31
we love this camera! it is perfect for on-the-go storytelling...our organization - Christopher Coppola's (nephew of Francis Ford, brother of Nicolas Cage) non-profit - PROJECT ACCESSIBLE HOLLYWOOD - is utilizing the flip for all of our new media film festivals - the camera is easy to use - super user friendly - and provides great quality! also a great tool for the on-the-go video blogger!

Jeff
Project Accessible Hollywood
http://www.pahnation.org
Flip MINO comcorder 2008-07-30
Good portable comcorder.I cary it in my shirt poket almost all time.Concidering image quality and eaze to use,it's probably the best product of the kind on market for this price.Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
Flip Mino 2008-07-29
Works very well for someone who wants to capture a general, non-detailed video record of a wide range of subjects/events. Easy to use, relatively tough, adaptable to a variety of environments and setups, and it records sound fairly well. Plus it's very easy to transfer video files and recharge via a desktop pc/mac.
Very Impressed. 2008-07-29
If your looking for a inexpensive pocket sized video camera this is it. I have tried others in this class but the Flip is by far the best. Video quality and sound are very good for a unit this small. Low light conditions are acceptable but over all its a winner.
Not good for Mac users 2008-07-29
Just like the review above says:
The software that comes with the Flip Video Mino does NOT allow you to stitch multiple clips together to make one movie. Only Windows users can do this. That makes the product not useful to me, had I known that before I bought it i would not have bought it at all.
Pocket Producer 2008-07-27
If you would like to have a small inconspicuous device that you can stow away on your person easily and have it ready at a moments notice to record spontaneously those never-to-be-repeated moments then..........this is the device for you. The 60 minutes of recording time, the longer-lived lithium battery, the nearly instant startup far exceeds that of video cell phones. Plus, the image is much clearer and the software (included in the device) is very user-friendly. Highly recommended for all ages.
Disappointed in the quality of this device. 2008-07-27
I'm on my 2nd Flip Mino and I still wonder if this was a good choice. First let me give you the positives: it's small, it fits in your pocket, the controls are not difficult to use, and it's whole concept is a good one. Now what I think needs improvement: my first one came without an owner's manual, I tried using it "by following my nose," and that did not work. After taking my first 60 minutes of video clips, I downloaded them to my computer, and although there was sound, there was no video. When I tried to delete the files on the Mino and try again, it said there were no files on the unit, and when I tried to record a new video, it said that the unit was full. So I sent it back to Amazon and it's never been delivered there by the USPS. I wrote to Amazon about it, and they never replied.

I did order another because I want to send videos to my wife and granddaughter who are living overseas. The new one came with an owners manual, and I now see that I had to download files from the Mino and then run a setup program. Wow, that was nothing that you'd know just by test driving. The setup program took quite a while to load, but I'm now hoping that the Flip Mino will be worth 5 stars instead of just 3.

Overall, if I have to return this one, I will insure the return package, and I will not order another; I'll get a conventional video and take short clips with my Fuji digital camera (also from Amazon.com.)
Perfect replacement for my old Canon Mini-DV 2008-07-26
I just got my Flip Mino and love it. It's perfect for my purse and no tapes to hassle with!!! I was a bit concerned when I saw the size of the playback, but then when I downloaded onto the computer, the quality is really good. Seems better than my clunky canon ZRMC-300.

I know I'll be taking more video because of the small form factor of this device.
A Must-Have for Families! 2008-07-26
Every parent should own one of these! I absolutely love mine! I have two small children, 5 and 2 yrs old, and it's so easy to whip out and record those oh so memorable moments. It's so compact that you can carry it in your purse/diaper bag/pocket and it' also looks just like my cell phone so you don't look so "touristy" when you are capturing those great times. I just used it today when a car rammed into a fire hydrant and water was gushing everywhere. I was able to capture my 2 year old getting so excited over all the "watta" and the "fire rucks"! It's very affordable that I already have another one in My Cart for my husband! Definitely, a must have!
Efficient, handy little gadget 2008-07-25
This product is serving the purpose it was meant for well, files are quite huge and can be viewed on a good sized screen.
Mixed reactions to new FLIP VIDEO 2008-07-25
The new FLIP is a wonderful little device, when you first start using it. However there's a down side that almost makes me want to return to the pre