Flip Video MinoHD F460 4 GB Camcorder - Black

The second generation FLIP Ultra was a great camcorder. You could keep it in your pocket ready to record any spontaneous moment and forget it's there. But the standard definition 480 line resolution lacked the visual punch of today's high definition world. The Ultra is almost identical to the Flip Mino, but it's bigger. Why buy bigger? First, there's the recessed lens that blocks sun glare better than the Mino. A few extra features like an HDMI connector and replaceable battery pack make it more usable. Perhaps the biggest reason for the Ultra over the Mino is the underwater housing. It's made specifically for the Ultra, and it won't work with the Mino.

The new FLIP Ultra HD shoots in high definition video mode at 720 lines (vs 480 for the non HD Flip). Although 720 is not full 1080 HD, the image is very clean and sharp, especially outdoors. The video is widescreen mode only, and fills the screen on a high definition TV. As the light level becomes lower, the image still retains a good deal of quality and does not get grainy until light levels become very low.

There are no manual over rides on any of the camcorder's white balance, exposure, focus, scene mode or audio. This is the most basic point and shoot camcorder. From three feet to infinity, the image is always in focus. The color is accurate under almost any lighting so you really don't need manual control. Back lighting can be a problem, so you need to frame your shots to avoid back lighting whenever possible.

If there's a weak link of this camcorder, it's keeping the image steady. There is no image stabilizer. The camera shoots 30 frames per second in progressive mode. The nature of progressive mode tends to make any image look jittery during pans or fast motion. Because of it's tiny size, you need to learn to hold this camera rock steady with both hands when you shoot, and pan very slowly.

The Ultra lacks any optical zoom like all previous Ultras. The digital zoom is nearly useless as it just magnifies the pixel size, losing sharpness as you zoom. You are limited to one hour on the internal memory, and two hours on the internal battery. The memory and the battery are not user removable. However, the built in USB plug lets you charge the camcorder on any computer as well as transfer the files to the hard drive.

Audio is very crisp and clear. Loud sounds are automatically lowered to prevent distortion. There isn't much bottom end (bass frequencies) to the audio, but this is an advantage when recording voices in a noisy environment as it prevents rumble from wind, traffic, etc. There are no audio inputs or headphone outputs. The audio/video connector that connects the Flip to a TV is only standard definition.

In order to view the video in high definition, you'll need to view it on a computer or copy it to a Blu Ray disk. A standard DVD is only 480 lines and is not high definition. But standard DVD's made from the Flip Mino HD look as good as the DVD format can deliver.

Yes, the Ultra HD has limitations. But not many high def camcorders fit in a small pocket or purse so well. The best camcorder is the one you have with you, and the Mino can be with you all the time. For it's intended purpose, casual video, it's an excellent camcorder. By learning it's strong and weak points, and with a little practice, a capable user can create some pretty fantastic videos with a Flip Ultra HD. I used it to create a music video and a wedding video.

This little camera/recorder is very easy to use, and the software was amazingly simple. If I can do it, anyone can, as I am of a certain age where this stuff is not always so easy. You can put it in your pocket easily, pull it out when you are ready, and it is ready to go. Point and press the button. Very easy to unload to your PC also. There is nothing about this product that I don't like. It is better than I could have imagined. The seller, 14th St NY Photo I think, was also very good. My camera got here in 3 days from when I paid. From NY to Texas, that is good service. I believe anyone would like this camera/recorder.

The camcorder itself gives out very good quality at it's price range. Recording at 720p at 30 frames per second, things look pretty good. Well, until you get into low light situations (Indoors, dark outside, etc.) The picture quality starts to degrade at that point, but not horribly (Well, unless its REALLY dark out). You get some "noise" at that point, the picture starts to become fuzzy and it's just not that pretty to look at. Another thing that you might want to be aware of is that it has no image stabilization. So if you have shaky hands (like me!) the video can be quite...well, shaky! Luckily, if you have a video editing program that has an image stabilization effect you can apply to your videos, it won't really be a problem. Otherwise, it would probably be a good idea to buy a small tripod for it!

The software that comes INSIDE the camcorder (no CDs here!) is a very basic video editing software. It allows you to view, trim, snap a photo, email, create a DVD and upload your videos to the internet in a few clicks. It might be nice for people who want to quickly edit and upload their videos to youtube. The 2nd generation Mino HDs also have a mini-HDMI to HDMI port on the bottom. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with this cord, so you'll have to buy one on your own time. There are no cords that come with them either, you simply connect it from a USB connector from the top of the camcorder. It pops out like a switch-blade, I think it's pretty neat :)

The controls on the back of the camera are touch sensitive and seem to be very responsive. Also, I'm not sure if this option comes with other Flip video cameras but you can choose to turn the recording light off on the 2nd Generation Mino HDs. I've heard some people complain about the light, so I thought I should throw that in there. All in all, I'd say the camera is pretty darn good. You may not get Hollywood type movies but it'll be pretty close!

What I like best about the Flip Mino HD is that it is as simple and convenient as I can imagine to take excellent HD video. Carrying it around is easy. Turning it on, pointing, and clicking to start taking video is easy. Charging it is easy (just flip out the USB plug and stick it into the USB port on any PC - no cables to hassle or lose). Transferring the videos you take to your PC is easy (same as charging it). It even takes great video with great sound in most average or even dim light conditions. It even has a tripod mount on the bottom, and I'd recommend using it when possible, because with HD, high quality video, jitter is more noticeable.

The price of simplicity is, of course, that it lacks bells and whistles. No optical zoom. No fancy effects. No titling. No stereo sound. No big deal, if you ask me, unless you're doing professional shots.

So if you don't mind giving up advanced features in exchange for simple, great video from an inexpensive, convenient package you can keep in your pocket (just keep it in the nice protective velvet sleeve it comes with), I heartily recommend the Flip Mino HD. I use it more often than my more expensive camcorder, and I suspect you will too.

I like how small and easy to carry this item is. I decided to purchase one after a family member had one and I seen how good the picture quality was on the playback,which I seen on a notebook. This camera would be great to take places like car shows, bike runs and even parties just to catch all the stuff you would want to see again or just post on your blog or even youtube. If you purchase one hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Oh by the way only bad part no night vision but I don't use it in the dark anyways.