Check out the Dell Store on CNETFlip Video Mino (black)
Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. Part number: F360B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Despite some minor flaws, Pure Digital's Flip Video Mino is the best mini camcorder for straight-to-Web video currently available--but it also costs more, and it can't match the features of a video-savvy point-and-shoot camera.
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CNET editors' review
Flip Video Mino (black) price range: $99.99 - $205.00
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 06/09/2008
- Released on: 06/06/2008
The good: Ultraslim yet functional design; easy to use; relatively high-quality sound and video for its class; one-touch video uploading to YouTube and AOL.
The bad: A bit expensive; no SD/MMC card expansion slot; rechargeable battery isn't removable or replaceable.
The bottom line: Despite some minor flaws, Pure Digital's Flip Video Mino is the best mini camcorder for straight-to-Web video currently available--but it also costs more, and it can't match the features of a video-savvy point-and-shoot camera.
The Flip Video Mino is the fourth generation of Pure Digital's popular straight-to-Web mini camcorder, designed to make shooting and sharing low-resolution videos very easy. Thinner, smaller, and lighter than its older and less expensive sibling, the Flip Video Ultra, the Mino crams similar technology into a more compact, more attractive package that integrates a rechargeable lithium ion battery. (For a comparison of the various models, the company provides a comparison chart.)
Most of the 3.3-ounce Mino is about redesign. The USB connector now flips straight up, rather than to the side, for an overall more compact footprint that should fit better in a crowded USB environment. It has a slightly smaller transflective LCD display--1.46 inches compared with 1.5 inches--that enables you to still see what's on the screen in bright daylight. The back navigation controls are snazzier than before, with touch-sensitive buttons embedded into a shiny, flush surface. The port for the AV output has been shifted down slightly and is smaller (it's smaller than the standard 2.5mm jack--a cable is included). And finally, the threaded tripod mount has been moved from the left side of the bottom of the camera to the center.
Like the 60-minute version of the Ultra, the Mino comes equipped with 2GB of memory, capable of storing 60 minutes of its VGA-resolution video (the rechargeable battery gives you about 4 hours of shooting time). And finally, you can now pause and rewind/fast-forward your videos in camera (previous models didn't have this feature).
Overall, we like the new design and appreciate it mostly for being even more pocketfriendly. We also like the new touch-sensitive buttons, which are responsive--but not too responsive. Along with the aforementioned AV cable for viewing videos on your TV, you also get a chamois-style carrying pouch that doubles as a cloth to wipe down your Mino. While the white model doesn't show fingerprints and grime like the black version does, the white Mino does show dust and fibers, so the carry pouch comes in handy for cleaning duties for both models.
For the Ultra, the company moved to what it calls the "Pure Digital Video engine 2.0." The Mino has a new 2.5 engine, which features a next-generation video chip. The incremental gain may be slight, but it helps keep the Mino--in terms of video quality--ahead of competitors from RCA and Creative. The Mino exhibits slightly sharper images with more vibrant colors--and it performs very well in low-light environments. The camcorder also has an updated--more sensitive--microphone with improved signal processing.
All that said, it's important to note that the Mino, like the cadre of other straight-to-Web camcorders, produces video that's on a par with what you'll see from relatively inexpensive still digital cameras that have improved video-capture modes. And some of those models, like the comparably priced Casio Exilim EX-Z80, even come with similar software that allows you to easily upload your videos to YouTube and other video-sharing services.
Speaking of bundled software, we didn't notice any truly significant changes to the Flip Video software that ships with the Mino, other than to note that along with YouTube and AOL, MySpace is a new partner for the company. In addition, the Mino now supports direct operation on a Mac, without requiring software installation.
Previously, you had limited manual-editing and clip-compiling capabilities. Now the company adds software from Muvee that takes the moviemaking process to a new level. You simply select the clips you like, click a button, and a few minutes later, the software spits out a movie "mix" complete with transitions and special effects and even some background music (you can also choose to add your own background music).
We'd seen demos of Muvee's full desktop application and have been impressed with its capabilities. It can take fairly boring video and make it seem pretty jazzy--or better yet, amusing. A handful of movie-mix styles are currently available, some more stylized than others. With its standalone PC software, Muvee offers you the option of buying additional "StyleLabs," but it's unclear at this point whether Pure Digital will include new ones with future software upgrades. Unfortunately, the Muvee software is still not available for Mac users. And the Xvid MPEG-4-encoded AVI clips still aren't directly importable into iMovie.
One of the key selling points of Flip Video cameras is how easy it is to get videos off the camera and distribute them. To get started, you flip out the USB connector and plug it into the USB port on your Windows (Windows 2000/XP or later) or Mac (OS X or later) machine and a link to the camcorder's integrated software quickly pops up. You can play back one clip, string several together to make the aforementioned movie mix, pull a single frame (still photo) out of the video, and share your clips with selected viewers via e-mail or the Web. When sharing via e-mail, instead of attaching a large file (even short 20-second clips can result in a 12MB to 13MB file), recipients are sent a link to your compressed video. It looks worse than your raw video footage, but it doesn't look bad.
Aside from the fact that it can take several minutes for your video file to be processed, sharing a file is very simple. Click on the "Share Video" button in the software interface and you're taken to a screen that asks you to select a video clip and choose to share it via e-mail, share a greeting (send a private video card), or share it online.
To publish directly to YouTube, AOL, or MySpace, you'll need to create an account for each service and log in. But once you do, you can automatically upload your videos to the Web for private or public viewing with a click of a button. If you're allied to some other video-sharing site, a click of a button allows you to prepare the video for uploading, but you'll have to manually upload the processed file from a folder on your desktop.
Pure Digital has also announced a make-your-own-DVD service; you upload up to an hour's worth of video to a special Web site to have it burned to a DVD, which then gets distributed to your family and friends at $19.99 a pop. The company also claims you can "keep your videos archived forever," but remember that "forever" doesn't mean the same thing to companies as it does to people.
In the end, despite a couple of small gripes, we came away feeling good about the Mino. The more compact design makes the device even more pocket-friendly than the Ultra and the addition of the rechargeable battery will save you money in the long run (because you don't have to keep buying batteries). While 2GB of memory will be ample for most people, we would have appreciated an expansion slot for more memory and it's a bit irritating that the battery isn't removable and replaceable.
The big question, of course, is whether the Mino is worth $80 or $90 more than competing models from Creative and RCA, or $30 more than the company's own Flip Video Ultra, or if it has the same value as a similarly priced but more full-featured digital camera. They're all debatable--and ideally the Mino would cost less than $150--but when you're No. 1 in your category, you can frequently get away with charging a little more.
User reviews
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It is easy to use, I snap still photos and burn dvd's.
by patgold on October 6, 2008
Pros: I figured out how to burn dvd's saving my videos to my mac & burning them on the dvd burner. I use the ilife '08. I can also snap still photos from the movie clips--which is great-so I now just carry my mino around and use it as my digital camera.
Cons: I tried to e-mail a 30min film to a friend and that file was too large--one can only compress and send small files on e-mail--but luckily I am able to burn my own dvd's--and mail those off to my friends.
Summary: I find this product very easy to use. It works on my Mac. It is easily rechargeable. It is small and does not intimidate folks being filmed. I can create ...
Summary: I find this product very easy to use. It works on my Mac. It is easily rechargeable. It is small and does not intimidate folks being filmed. I can create still photos from my movies.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best in its class with excellent sound quality.
by samusgravity on September 13, 2008
Pros: Fast bootup (about 4-5 seconds), great video quality, excellent sound quality, touch interface was a pretty good idea. Software included is good.
Cons: I occasionally noticed that the touch buttons were a bit unresponsive (but it doesn't ruin the overall experience).
Summary: I just got this 2 days ago, and I am loving it! First off the Flip Mino is very sleek and is something that you would want to show off ...
Summary: I just got this 2 days ago, and I am loving it! First off the Flip Mino is very sleek and is something that you would want to show off to your friends! It boots up very quick and has great video quality. The touch interface was a great idea, but occasionally I noticed that it could be a bit unresponsive (this doesn't ruin the overall experience). The star of the show here is the sound quality. This little guy's microphone is great, and the tiny speakers produce great sound. All sounds come through clear.
If you are looking for a easy, excellent way to record videos, the Flip Mino is the way to go!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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ITS GREAT ! COULD BELEIVE HOW EASY AND QUICK YU CAN US E IT ...
by LATINLENZ on July 17, 2008
Pros: NO A/C POWER ADPTER AVALABLE ..
Cons: QUICK AND EASY DOWN LOAD
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Straight up convenience!
by jkpinpdx on June 21, 2008
Pros: Portability, size, quick to use, start up time, ease of use, sleek design, no video tape to pack around/buy, quality video and good mic/sound, rechargeable battery
Cons: Sometimes you hear the BEEP confirmations (when you hit the record button) in your video (however you can opt to turn OFF the beep confirmation sound ), no way for user to replace or buy spare battery
Summary: I find myself shooting more video, simply because of the convenience factor of this camera! Very small, easy to carry and shoots great video for its intended purposes. This is ...
Summary: I find myself shooting more video, simply because of the convenience factor of this camera! Very small, easy to carry and shoots great video for its intended purposes. This is not a video camera to make your next hollywood production on, but for quick fun family videos or the youtube crowd... its perfect.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Product - A; Customer Service D-
by Paul Kors on June 18, 2008
Pros: Great Device
Cons: Poor Customer Service
Summary: This is great device. But the customer service stinks. They simply have people that just do not have the product knowledge required to fix problems. They tend to cover up ...
Summary: This is great device. But the customer service stinks. They simply have people that just do not have the product knowledge required to fix problems. They tend to cover up their lack of know-how. Bot a new Mino, but finally gave up after being jerked around several times by customer service and returned it for refund.
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Horrible, faulty, lemon, poor company, STAY AWAY
by seabass1000 on September 17, 2009
Pros: It worked well 3 times
Cons: It stopped charging after the third time I used it.
Summary: The mino stopped charging after the third use! contacted tech support for mino and was directed to return the mino. They mailed it back and said "SORRY" avoid this company ...
Summary: The mino stopped charging after the third use! contacted tech support for mino and was directed to return the mino. They mailed it back and said "SORRY" avoid this company like the plague! It's worse than h1 n1 if you ask me! What a waste of money!
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Had to Return 1st one; Now 2nd One Will Not Turn On!
by waltverastegui on September 3, 2009
Pros: Point and shoot. Super-easy to use. Convenient (when it decides to work.)
Cons: Seems buggy; sometimes freezes when recording. Sometimes does not turn on at all.
Summary: I have had it with the Flip Mino! When I first started researching this product, it seemed to good to be true from what I had read. I purchased our ...
Summary: I have had it with the Flip Mino! When I first started researching this product, it seemed to good to be true from what I had read. I purchased our first Flip Mino when my wife was 8 months pregnant anticipating that I would be the Dad that would record everything about our new baby girl. Little did I know that we would be returning our first Flip before my wife even delivered our baby.
The first Flip failed on us when we were at a friends' wedding. We started recording the wedding events until...POOF, the Flip freezes up on us. I tried resetting it (according to the instructions), and nothing happened. To say the least we were not happy. Luckily we had only owned the Flip for 13 days (yup, you read that right; 13 DAYS), so we were able to return the Flip back to Amazon, and get another one.
So the second one comes in, and things were great. No problems, no glitches. Things seemed great until....you need it the most.
Recently, my family and I had taken a trip to NYC to meet family. This was a very special occasion & unique trip where (long story short), I had reunited with long lost family that I have had no contact with for 30 years. To say the least, this was an event we would have enjoyed cherishing watching on video.
We arrive at JFK airport where my wife and daughter are there with me where we see my father who I have not seen since I was 3 years old. (I'm 33 years old.) My wife reaches into her pocketbook to begin shooting footage with the Flip. Guess what little device decided not to turn on at all???? You guessed it. It seems whenever you need this thing to work, it has proven to always let me down.
Because of this last incident, I would throw caution to anyone considering purchasing this item. Yes, it's convenient, easy to use, yadda-yadda. But the fact that this thing has failed on me when it absolutely matters as turned me off completely from ever giving Flip any more of my money. -
Broke in no time
by swimlady on May 1, 2009
Pros: It was a great prioduct while it lasted. Took good videos and easy to transport.
Cons: USB charger broke within 4 months. Customer service tried to tell me what to do to fix it--still did not work. Response--too bad--we only have a 90 day warranty.
Summary: Would not buy product again. Too flimsy; broke easily and customer service did not even offer me a way to getit fixed. They just said, too bad; broken.
Summary: Would not buy product again. Too flimsy; broke easily and customer service did not even offer me a way to getit fixed. They just said, too bad; broken.
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Mino Rocks!
by STIRFRYSTUD on December 12, 2008
Pros: It's small, light, solid, fits in your pocket. I take it everywhere I go. Only if it took pics. Canon watch out!
Cons: No flash/light. Screen is a little small.
Summary: Buy it.
Summary: Buy it.
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Great product, sleek and convenient!
by jdadverb on July 17, 2008
Pros: Easy to use! Great quality for the price. Sleek design. Goes anywhere. Easy to download to computer.
Cons: No fancy bells and whistles.
Summary: I love the Mino because you can take it everywhere and it's so easy to use. It's also pretty slick looking. Kind of like an iPod video camcorder. ...
Summary: I love the Mino because you can take it everywhere and it's so easy to use. It's also pretty slick looking. Kind of like an iPod video camcorder. My wife loves it because she can just keep it in her purse and it's always there when she wants to take video clips of our 4-yr old.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
- Part number: F360B
- Description: Flip Mino is the smallest, sleekest camcorder. Mino combines remarkable video quality and pocket-sized design so you can tell your stories wherever you go. You've never had this much fun with video.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Black
- Digital Zoom 2 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/4"
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Digital Video Format AVI, MPEG-4
- White Balance Automatic
- Exposure Modes Automatic
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 0.31 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 0.31 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.31 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture MPEG-4 - 640 x 480 - 3600 sec
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 2 GB Flash - Integrated (soldered memory - 2 GB )
- Floppy Drive None
- Media Type Flash card
Lens System
- Type Lens - F/2.4
- Lens Aperture F/2.4
- Lens system type Lens
- Focus Adjustment Focus free
- Min Focus Range 3.3 ft
Additional Features
- Additional Features Auto power save, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, Progressive scanning, USB 2.0 compatibility, In-camera movie editing
- Software Drivers & Utilities
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 1.5 in - Color
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono, Omni-directional
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, Apple Mac OS X, MS Windows Vista
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case Pouch
- Cables Included 1, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Rechargeable Lithium ion
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 70,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2 in
- Depth 0.8 in
- Height 3.9 in
- Weight 3.3 oz
Product series
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Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, Flash card, 3.3 oz
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Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, Flash card, 3.3 oz
Manufacturer info
- Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.puredigitalinc.com/
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