Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed

Brand

: Flip Video

Model

: M2120M

Lowest Price

: 207.95

Reviewer: A. Cazarescastillo| Date:2009-11-26

I bought one of these Flip MinoHD units on Amazon as soon as they came out and have been using it for well over a month.
BUT, I also bought an RCA SmallWonder (Model EZ201) from Amazon last year, and have been using it for a year, so I have a comparison:

I expected this Flip MinoHD to be at least a little more evolved and have some attributes that my RCA unit does not.
After all, it's FOUR times the price.

Well, sad to say, I prefer the $50 SmallWonder, with it's capacity to increase memory MUCH higher (and cheaper) than this Flip Mino.
- the Flip can't increase it's onboard memory: you're limited to the 2 hrs.
Also, if your battery runs out while you're shooting (and it WILL, trust me) there's nothing you can do about it. With the SmallWonder, you just pop in another two AA batteries and you're back in business within 30 seconds.

Their claim of 2-hour battery life is ridiculous: a little over an hour is the best I can achieve.
Then there's the software (or utilities, if you will). The RCA's user-friendliness when it comes to the included utilities is MUCH better than this Flip unit. Flip markets itself as a YouTube filmer, but you struggle with their included tools to get the right video up on YouTube. very poor editing tools.

Tech support? it takes 4 or 5 emailings back and forth for them to understand the simplest of questions. One they never did answer, because they just didn't understand my question. Get this: they asked me to SEND THEM a photo of the Flip Mino, so that they could understand what part of the unit I was describing! Apparently they have never actually handled one enough to remember what it looks like.
I don't know whether it's a language barrier or just that their tech support staff needs to get around to studying for their GED, but in the two cases I had it was pathetic.

So save yourself some $$ and look at RCA's unit; they've even likely improved it in the year since I bought mine.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: Gina M. Eaton| Date:2009-11-24

This is the first Flip camcorder I've bought, and I'm very pleased with it. The user interface is very simple, which I consider a big plus. It turns on and off quickly, so you don't have to wait for this to boot up while a memorable moment passes you by. The brush metal won't be a fingerprint magnet, for which I'm quite glad, being very picky about that kind of thing.

When filming in low lights, it gets a bit grainy, but for me it is tolerable considering its limits as a pocket camcorder. However, I find it more than capable in other kinds of lighting, and it suits my needs quite well.

I would definitely recommend this for those looking for a simple, yet well-functioning camera that also has aesthetic appeal for the style-conscious.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: Big Mike| Date:2009-11-22

If you are looking for an affordable video camera, the flips are a great place to start. I own two of them, I use them almost daily, and I really like them. ONE THING TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT -- if you buy a 720p camera, you will need a computer that will process the file sizes. Be sure to read the computer specs on the box. If you own an Apple computer with the twin Intel processors, you have no worries. But if you have to be very careful if you own a PC because the files will probably crash your computer. If you're just getting started and don't own a super computer, go with the cheapest flip. I shot and edited probably 40 to 50 short videos with the lowest def flip and edited them all on a really cheap laptop with no problems at all and wonderful success. The coolest thing about the flip is its size. It will fit in a shirt pocket. I have had some minor problems, like the display freezing, but that was solved by letting the battery run down, recharging and starting the camera again.

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: David Mcginley| Date:2009-11-18

I did a ton of research and at first and wasn't sure what to choose between the $200 - $600 market. I bought the Flip MinoHD for the simple reason that it was small and portable and able to capture the moments you'd miss with a larger more expensive camcorder getting it out of it's case and turning it on. The most important factor in me determining what to buy was ease of use and what kind of software comes with it. During my evaluations, so many reviews of camcorders said something about being a Mac user and/or downloading additional software and converting it from one format to another or not being able to produce a feature film with a $200 camcorder.

That is not at all what I wanted. My wife is pregnant with twins and due shortly so I wanted something I could carry in my pocket to capture those precious moments and quickly/easily upload to my computer, edit, email to in-laws/parents, burn to a dvd or share to Facebook with a few clicks of the mouse. I will say that I am not too software savvy but you literally plug this in to the computer and the software takes over. It is fantastic how easy and idiot proof it is (take my word on it). I took a three minute video of my wife ten minutes after getting it delivered to my house and had sent it out to my in-laws and relatives less than 20 minutes after UPS dropped it off at my house (it was already charged). That is honestly how easy it is to use.

If you want a portable HD (720p) camcorder that is smaller than my Blackberry, that records up to 120 minutes that you can easily (software included with the device) upload and edit and then send to anyone, looks and sounds good too for a little over $200, then this is the product for you. I bought many things off Amazon but this is my first product review. I've never been so impressed with anything I've bought from either here or Ebay and thought I should sing it's praises because it rocks.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with what you get. I can't wait for my babies to get here so I can post some top notch videos for our friends/family to see. I'd at least advise looking at the Flip Mino video online that shows the features and ease of use. That's what sold me. Good luck!

Review from Review from Amazon

Reviewer: M. Kneeland| Date:2009-11-17

I've been looking for a camcorder for a long time and finally settled on the Flip due to good reviews and decent price.

Two days after I received my brand new Flip Mino HD, I started having issues with it. During one recording the camera totally froze up on me and I couldn't shut it off. I held down the power button several times with no response. I finally plugged it into my computer and that appeared to reset it. The following day while recording, the camera completely powered off on me without warning and I lost the video.

After reading some of the reviews here it was apparent that this model had some problems. So I went straight to the source and called up Flip. First off, I was impressed that they were answering their phones on a Sunday afternoon. The person I spoke to was very friendly and helpful. She told me that the product had JUST come out and I had gotten an item from the first lot, which they seemed to be having some issues with. The problems I described were exactly what others had been having issues with too. She told me to return it and that she'd send me a new one (from a different lot) in its place. Within minutes of the call I received an e-mail with the instructions for the return and a pre-paid shipping label.

About a week after dropping the package off, I received a box in the mail with a new camcorder plus an unexpected freebie--an action mount that looks like it's about a $16 value. I thought that was a very nice addition for my trouble.

I haven't yet had a chance to use the new camcorder and I expect that the issue won't continue. If it does, I will expect the same quality service from Flip Video. Regarding the camera itself, I love it. It's very easy to use--completely intuitive and doesn't require a boatload of instructions. The software is simple too. I think this camera will fit my needs quite nicely.

Review from Review from Amazon