Flip MinoHD

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

Easy to use
Flip-out USB connector

Cons

Can't replace battery
Can't expand memory with cards
Can't shoot still photos

Where to Buy

See All Stores

Our Analysis

If you want the smallest, sleekest pocket high-definition camcorder, reviews point to the iPod-sized Flip MinoHD -- but experts caution that you'll be making some trade-offs. The MinoHD is equipped like the UltraHD (Discontinued), with a 2-inch LCD screen, either one hour of video storage (*Est. $180) or two hours (*Est. $230) and an HDMI port so you can watch footage in HD on a TV. However, the UltraHD does all of this for less. Like an iPod, the MinoHD's rechargeable battery is built-in; you cannot replace it when it dies, and that's a major downside. None of these Flip camcorders can shoot still photos or accept a memory card like the top-rated Kodak Playsport (*Est. $125) can. Like most pocket camcorders, critics say both Flip models are prone to visible hand jitter, there's no optical zoom, and the digital zoom sorely degrades the image. Still, the simplicity of the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD sets it apart from most similar camcorders.

CamcorderInfo.com runs a few pocket camcorders -- including the Flip MinoHD -- through the same battery of tests as the more expensive camcorders it reviews, and editors pick their favorites. CNET and CreativeMac.com also test several camcorders and compare them, although the write-ups there are briefer. Videomaker.com's quick review turns up some flaws with the MinoHD. One negative with all of these reviews is that they've become quite old and don't account for the improved performance and extra features found in new HD camcorders. User reviews at Amazon.com and Walmart.com include lots of recent reports, however, and those can tell you if owners are still happy with the Flip MinoHD.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation)

from Amazon.com

New: $129.00

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Purple)

from Amazon.com

New: $149.00

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Flip Video MinoHD 4GBB 1hr Camcorder Black
Buy new: $77.45 2 Used & new from $79.99

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1,231 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.	$209.49	See It
1,231 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.	$209.49	See It
466 store reviews	In Stock.	$93.99	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. CamcorderInfo.com

Reviewer David Kender tests the Flip MinoHD and finds its footage better than the standard-def Flip Mino's. CamcorderInfo.com has not reviewed the current-generation MinoHD; its favorite pocket camcorder is the Kodak Playsport.

Review: Pure Digital Flip MinoHD Camcorder Review, David Kender, Nov. 14, 2008

2. CNET

This review gives an older-generation Flip MinoHD an "excellent" rating of 4 stars (out of 5). The MinoHD is still on CNET's list of the top budget camcorders.

Review: Flip Video MinoHD (Black), David Carnoy, Nov. 14, 2008

3. Creative Mac

As its name suggests, CreativeMac.com caters to creative professionals who use Mac computers. Tester Lou Wallace shoots the same snowy scene with four different devices, including a smartphone, a digital camera with video capability, a Canon DV camcorder and the Flip MinoHD. He includes still images to show that the MinoHD shoots the best images, although he does find a few flaws with the camcorder.

Review: The Flip MinoHD, Lou Wallace, Jan. 1, 2009

4. Videomaker.com

Several flaws turn up in Randy Hansen's test of the Flip MinoHD: Its TV output doesn't support HD and doesn't always work, and Hansen can never get his footage to look as good as the demo video. Still, he says it's pretty good for the cheap price.

Review: High Definition Camcorder Review: Pure Digital Flip MinoHD, Randy Hansen, June 2009

5. Amazon.com

Nearly 20 owners had posted reviews for the latest Flip MinoHD when we checked, giving it an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. No owner is completely displeased. One says he was hoping for even more of an upgrade over the previous version. Another carps that the price is cheaper at another retailer, but adds that the MinoHD he tried had some features that impressed him.

Review: Flip MinoHD Video Camera -- Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) Newest Model, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. Walmart.com

The newest Flip MinoHD has accumulated about 20 reviews from customers at Walmart.com. Most of them are positive, although some owners are not quite as pleased.

Review: Flip MinoHD, Contributors to Walmart.com

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