This is the first in a new series I’m planning for the blog. We’re going to kick off the Geek Gadget Series with a video presentation using my brand new Flip Video MinoHD camera.
This product can be purchased directly from amazon.com.
* image from amazon.com
Within 15 minutes of the camera arriving, I had it opened up, had taken a video, and created a video review for amazon. The camera was so easy to use that I think it took me less than 3 minutes to have it up and running and taking video.
For what it is, it gets 5 stars, however, I do want to say that after a full day of exploring the camera there are a few things to consider…
First, the viewing screen is very small, as you’ll see in the video review below. This isn’t a big deal, and again for the type of product, you go in knowing there will be limitations of some sort. In terms of taking video, that’s about the only limitation I’ve found so far because the camera is just that easy to use. From one touch recording to fast playback and delete functions, you really can’t get much simpler.
* image from amazon.com
After you’ve taken the video, getting it onto your computer is also a snap. Flip out the USB plug and shove it into your computer’s USB port. Make sure it’s a 2.0 port. The software automatically starts and runs and it allows you to save the original video file to your computer in mp4 format, save it in wmv movie format (with rudimentary title/credit slides and optional music track), and a few other basic functions like image stills. There isn’t a lot of fluff, and you really don’t need fluff for this.
If you want to use the native file format you’re going to need a video program like Pinnacle or Ulead that can read mp4, or a conversion program (you can use the one that’s included to convert to wmv if you want). Windows Movie Maker will not read native mp4, so to use that tool you’ll want to convert first.
The camera records in 1280×720 at 30fps. This isn’t 1080i/p but you’re really not going to notice that much of a difference – though I do wish it recorded at 60fps just for a cleaner and smoother video (just a personal preference – not a downside to the camera).
For the price, the size, the ease of use, and the ease of getting video off the camera, this is a crazy cool gadget that I’ll be using very frequently for some great video!
Here is a video review I made for the camera:
