Pure Digital Flip Mino Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jun 25, 2008 5:47 PM

Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings  


Audio (3.0)
On a low budget camcorder this compact, don't expect any audio features ... at all. The Flip Mino (Specs, Recent News, $152.58), like the Flip Ultra (Specs, Recent News, $149.99), has a built-in microphone located to the right of the lens that is effective within a 12-foot range. There is no Wind Cut, Zoom, Levels, Mic input, Headphone input, or accessory shoe within the expanse of the Flip Mino's real estate. The Sony NSC-GC1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $199.00) is also short-staffed in the audio department as well.  

Playback (4.75)
Playing back video clips on the Flip Mino is nearly identical to the Flip Ultra. In this generation, all action is governed by the Mino's touch-sensitive buttons instead of a four-way d-pad. In order to play back video clips, press the Play/Pause button. Video clips will begin playing within the LCD screen. The Zoom buttons raise and lower the playback volume, Left and Right shuffle between video clips, and Delete erases a clip entirely. You can play back Flip Mino video clips on a TV by connecting the included AV cable, but there is no preview on the LCD screen, only the TV. 

Connectivity (3.5)
On a camcorder this small, don't expect a bounty of ports. You get a spring-loaded USB arm and a naked AV jack. The USB arm functions by shifting a small tab on the right side of the camcorder. Snap! Up springs the USB arm and you're ready to throw it into a USB port for uploading. Since the body of the camcorder is connected to the USB arm, be careful when it's connected to your computer—one inadvertent karate chop will shear the arm right off. You can purchase a USB cable to prevent this.

The AV jack is located on the bottom of the left side of the Mino, and should be shrouded with at least a small rubberized plug. Dirt and debris will nest inside the AV jack if you don't keep the Mino's environment tidy.

 
The AV jack
  The USB arm
                                                                                                    



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