Video is captured in MP4 format using the H.264 codec at 30f/s and with a bit-rate of 9.0Mb/s. The camcorder shows up as an ordinary USB storage device when you connect it to a computer, so it’s easy to transfer your video files on to a Mac or PC and then onto H.264-compatible devices such as an iPod or Sony Playstation Portable.
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However, you’ll probably need to scale your HD clips down to lower resolution to use on an iPod and, at the risk of labouring the point, the Zi6 allows you to switch between HD and VGA resolutions to save you time. It also has a ‘snapshot’ option for taking still photos, which the Flip Mino HD could do with as well.
There’s a program called FlipShare pre-installed on the camcorder’s internal memory, which can quickly be copied onto your computer. This runs on both Macs and PCs and provides very basic editing features for trimming video clips and uploading them to sites such as YouTube. It’s no replacement for a proper editing program, but it does the trick as far as YouTube is concerned.
Verdict
We’ve always admired the simplicity of the Flip range, and the compact design and improved image quality of the Flip Mino HD do make it a very attractive option for anyone that wants a high-quality camcorder that they can just slip into their pocket when they leave home. However, with the price now rising to £170, it’s disappointing that the Flip Mino HD still has such a limited range of features.
Options such as a close-up mode, snap-shot feature or a memory card slot would make it more versatile without compromising its ease of use. The Flip Mino HD is definitely a welcome addition to the Flip range, but its rivals are catching up now and there are other pocket-sized camcorders that can give it a good run for its money. ®
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COMMENTS
Flip versus Toshiba
We are aware that Toshiba is about to update its Camileo range. However, none of the new Camileo models were available when we reviewed the Flip so it seemed unfair to compare it to products that hadn't launched yet.
We are, however, planning to review the new Camileo shortly.
How come its only officially launched now?
I bought the HD one for my wife for Christmas. Its April now. How come its been informally available for ages, but only officially launched now? Ps- she loves it.
"YOUR_CAPTION_HERE"
Is it a caption contest?
(should there be an edit to the article, the title of this post was placed under one of the images in this review)
Why not just use a mobile phone?
Why is it that companies produce these things when most modern phones (such as the new Samsung & LG models) can record video at 720 x 480? Not quite HD, but with the addition of stereo sound and a slight increase in resolution, that would mean one less gadget to carry around.
