Flip MinoHD 8GB Review

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Review posted 11/17/2010
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Quick Take
Pros
  • Captures clean 720p HD video
  • Performs well outdoors and in, thanks to fast f/2.4 lens
  • Easy to operate once you get use to touch-sensitive controls
  • Records up to 2 hours of HD video with no need for external memory
  • HDMI output
  • Handy Software bundle pre-loaded on the camera
  • Battery lasts for up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording
Cons
  • Mic picks up a good amount of background noise
  • No optical zoom
  • HDMI cable sold separately
  • Does not feature a card slot for memory expansion
  • No still image capture mode (only taking still frames from stored videos)
  • Battery life has dropped a bit since last model (1.5 hours compared to 2.5 hours)
  • Coating on rear of the body is very reflective and easy to scratch
  • Poor USB arm placement
Bottom Line
The ultra-compact MinoHD is easy to use, but still lacks features in mainstream point and shoots. Read more in our Full Conclusion.


Cisco's new Flip Video MinoHD is an ultra-compact High Definition video camera that was designed for those seeking a sleek and stylish solution for capturing 720p HD video of their friends and family. Nearly identical to the UltraHD when looking at the specs, the Mino is a much more compact unit measuring just 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 inches.

This unit allows you to easily capture 720p HD video at 60fps, which is stored on the unit's 8GB of internal memory. With 8GB of memory, there's not much need for external memory cards, as you can capture a total of 2 hours of HD video on the included media. For those who would like to expand, there is Not a card slot.


MinoHD (8GB) Key Features:
  • 1/4.inch, 1.6-megapixel HD CMOS sensor
  • Records 720p HD video at 60fps
  • Bit rate of approx. 8.8Mbps
  • 8GB of internal memory for up to 2 hours of recording
  • Fixed 1.5mm wide view lens
  • Built-in Image Stabilization
  • Ultra low-light sensitivity (>1.4 lux-sec)
  • 2.0-inch TFT LCD screen (320x240 resolution)
  • H.264 video compression
  • MP4 video file format
  • Internal Li-Ion Battery pack (lasts up to 1.5 hours)
  • Built-in USB arm
  • HDMI Mini audio/video output
The Flip MinoHD is available now with a suggested retail price of $229 US for the 8GB model as tested, or $179 US for the 4GB model.

Included in the Box:
  • Flip MinoHD video camera
  • Flip Video Rechargeable Battery Pack (internal)
  • Wrist strap
  • User guide
  • Pre-loaded Software in the camera
Next: Specifications

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