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Don’t Buy The New Flip Mino!

By Tim_Jones On October 19, 2009 Under Blogging, Featured, Reviews, Technology, Video

Welcome back!

….or do buy it.  I don’t really care one way or the other what you decide to do — for myself, I can’t really decide. Flip released a new Mino HD, today that has a 2″ screen and 120 minutes of video.

I had someone ask me about my Flip Mino HD at BlogWorld Expo (can’t believe someone at a blogging conference and in the monetization track hadn’t heard of the Flip, but we’re always learning and growing) and I really didn’t have a decisive answer when he asked, “How do you like it?’  The summation of my answer: “meh.”  I don’t think I could bring myself to purchase a new Flip — given the options.

The Flip is a very cool device — it takes great video, is very easy to use — even if you’re not tech-savvy, and very portable.  There are a few things that make me wonder, though if it’s really worth it.

  • It doesn’t have a removable memory option.  I ran out of space at BlogWorld, several times.  Even though I had my MacBook with me, I still had to wait to upload and delete the video from the Flip.  If it had a removable memory option, I could have just swapped cards in a few seconds.
  • The video angle is a bit too narrow.  I have to be pretty far away from a subject to get a decent frame on the video — then I’m too far away for good detail.
  • Many standard digital cameras now come with either video or even HD video capabilities.  My friend, Jason at IWearYourShirt.com uses a Canon PowerShot SD780IS for all his photos and it has HD video capability, but he still uses the Flip Mino HD for all his video.  The Flip just has better video and audio output than the camera.  Now, though, you have an extra device you must carry around.

I really don’t know what the right answer is for the portable video situation.  Many bloggers are now moving to higher quality video cameras for all their video.  John Chow was using his Canon VIXIA HF200 for the whole BlogWorld event.  Many still use the Flip and many also just use the video on their digital cameras.

What’s your answer for portable video?

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  • smockonallama
    I am not a flip owner myself, but my opinion is that there are options out there and it is a give and take whatever way you go. The cameras now that do record 720P HD video are actually quite nice. My boss in DC owns a Canon PowerShot something or other that shoots 720P and it has pretty darn good quality. He records portions of concerts and gets quite nice quality. I would have to say that, for the price, the cameras that also shoot 720P are a better investment.
  • thejasonsadler
    I've been thinking a lot about buying the Ultra lately. It has a wider lens and better microphone.. Unfortunately it's a bit bulkier for my pocket, but I won't have to be so far away from the tripod and can do some handheld stuff now.

    Or maybe I can get one for free......
  • The flip wins out for portability.
    For web videos, the flip is perfect

    The other cameras are pretty handy, esp if you're doing premium videos or stuff you plan to sell (like training/tutorials) or plan to burn to DVD, but they're usually way bulkier.
  • Thanks for the comment, Andrew! What are your thoughts on the Flip alternatives, such as the Kodak and RCA Small Wonder? Not as portable?

    They both have external memory, something that appeals to me, but they are a bit bigger.
  • @Tim

    My personal preference is this:
    for mobile video shooting or when I'm out with the family, I use my flip.

    If I'm recording video for a product, I use my tape-based Sony camcorder (with all the "prosumer" attachments).

    I haven't look at other things closely. Guess the bulk of my disposable income goes into my computer?
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