Flip MinoHD 2 Hour Camcorder

Is the Flip MinoHD 2 Hour Camcorder Really Worth the Hype?

At over $200, Cisco's Flip MinoHD 2 Hour Camcorder isn't the cheapest pocket camcorder around, but it does excel at one thing: Allowing people to easily capture high definition videos. While the video quality is definitely not comparable to full-fledged camcorders, it's an excellent go-to device for quick video capturing. Here is my review.

Pros

• Best video quality among all pocket camcorders thus far
• Thin and light
• Contains an output for watching videos on a high definition television

Cons

• Expensive device
• Does not contain image stabilization
• Lacks optical zoom

Design

Customers love two things: easy to use devices and high quality. Luckily, Cisco has combined the two with the Flip MinoHD 2 Hour Camcorder, a thinner version of the Flip UltraHD. Like the UltraHD, the MinoHD shoots videos in high definition, though it lacks the controls to improve focus, saturation levels, and image stabilization. It also lacks optical zoom, so it works best as a simple point-and-shoot camera.


In somewhat of an improvement, Cisco has improved the Flip hardware by making it less thick and long, shaving off around .25 of a depth difference. It also measures in at just under 4 inches long by 2 inches wide, making it one of the smallest pocket camcorders on the market. It's extremely light, and the small size makes it even easier to store in a pocket or handbag.


Although other pocket camcorders try to appeal to the teenage market by containing a variety of finishes or colors, the Flip doesn't here: You get your choice between black or white, but that's the extent of your selection. Both version contain a rubbery surface on the front and sides, making it a breeze to grip. Overall, this pocket camcorder is sufficiently designed, although lacking in the "pretty" department.


Hardware Features

Feature-wise, not much has changed from the UltraHD. The interface is simply designed--all of the buttons arranged neatly on the back panel--with a simple but clear LCD screen for easy video viewing. Unfortunately, the LCD panel cannot be flipped out, so if you choose to videotape yourself, you won't be able to see the video you are currently recording unless you flip it around. The LCD screen is probably kept stationary to keep the camcorder light, but it's still a feature I would like to see in future Flip models.


Recording here, as with all Flip models, remains very simple here. You have your choice from play, delete, zoom and scroll controls, along with a very visible record button. All of the commands are carried out with these buttons; there is no digital or physical menu.


Output Features

For HDTV users, the MinoHD also features a HDMI port--essential for connecting the camcorder to a HDTV for easy video viewing. If you prefer to view videos on your computer, the MinoHD also contains a USB arm that flips out, which you'll find on the top of the camcorder. This arm also allows you to recharge the camcorder's internal battery, which typically lasts for one and a half hours (there is no way to extend this time).


Quality

Luckily, image quality has stayed consistent with the MinoHD. Videos still remain crisp and vividly detailed during recording, especially in bright, natural light. Colors also stayed true to life, even in darker shooting situations. Video degradation was hardly noticeable, even in the dark, which isn't always the case for pocket camcorders. Overall, the video quality here is one of the best you'll find, at least among pocket camcorders.



Customer Reviews

"In conclusion, let me state that, as I said, this camcorder DOES produce excellent quality video with very good sound quality and it IS very easy to use. I think that some people will be completely satisfied with it." - Lawrence H. Bulk

"I absolutely love this flip video camera. It is simple to use and makes sharing videos super easy. I think the quality of the video is better than some regular cameras and definitely better than my cell phone." - P. Bergbauer

Verdict

Although it lacks good zoom and stabilization controls, video quality is still excellent with the MinoHD. My recommendation: If you want a thinner version of the UltraHD, go with this device.