Pure Digital Flip Mino Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The Pure Digital Flip Mino (Specs, Recent News, $152.58) ($179 MSRP) will get the job done - so long as that job is forgiving of poor video quality. This is a product in a categeory almost all its own, defying traditional camcorder manufacturers to compete in the under-$300 market. The Flip boasts little, but makes good on what it does promise:

1) The Flip Mino is cheap. This is certainly true. 
2) The Flip Mino records video. Yes, it's hard to argue with this.
3) The Flip Mino is easy to use. Regardless of experience level with any piece of consumer electronics, we feel pretty confident stating almost anyone can use this camcorder.
4) The Flip Mino makes it easy to upload to YouTube. The boldest of the claims, we found this to be fairly bulletproof as well. If your Internet is connected and your computer runs bug-free, even the greenest of users should be able to make it through the upload process.

Other benefits we didn't anticipate include a surprisingly great low light performance. The sensor in the Flip Mino is large, but the pixel density (a.k.a. resolution) is low. Therefore, each pixel is quite large and can take in a lot of light. Considering the price and expectations of this camcorder, a great low light performance is nothing short of amazing. Because it's great in low light, you can shoot with confidence in almost any environment and know your subjects will be - if not very detailed - at least recognizable and well-exposed.

The downside to all this simplicity is that the camcorder lacks so many of the basic elements that come to mind when we consider the word "camcorder." First, the video resolution is so low that this really compares better with webcams than traditional camcorders. The MPEG-4 compression plays havoc with colors, as well, converting subtle gradations down to jaggy blocks of flat color.

There are virtually no manual controls to speak of, except for a 2x digital zoom. This is great news for some, and a clear warning sign for others to stay away. Don't expect an improvement in this area on future generations of Flips, either. The simplicity is clearly part of its appeal, and Pure Digital has stated that it intends to keep it that way.

Pure Digital is certainly not the only manufacturer trying to convince you theirs is the perfect match for YouTube, but it is the closest to the truth. Sony had a decent showing last year with the NSC-GC1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $199.00) Net Sharing camcorder, though the software was PC-only and not quite as simple. JVC recently released the Everio GZ-MS100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $257.00), which even had the YouTube logo on the side of the camcorder. The GZ-MS100 is certainly a better standalone camcorder than either the Flip or the Sony, but missed the target on the essential simplicity that is the hallmark of this new category.

Overall, this is strong showing once again for Pure Digital. The Flip Mino is incredibly compact, inexpensive, and easy to use. This could be the perfect gift for someone who has commented that they'd love to share video with family and friends but can't figure out how to work "that camcorder in the closet." It's also a great item for little hands that might not be trusted with a $500+ investment item just yet. Always wish you had a camcorder on hand, but can't afford to lug a big device around in your bag? Again, the Flip Mino could be a good choice. We recommend playing with one at your local camera shop or megastore. The reason for its success is simple: the thing just works.

 Comparisons
Pure Digital Flip Ultra (Specs, Recent News, $149.99)
The three major differences between last year's Flip Ultra ($149.99 MSRP) and the flashy new Mino are as follows: size, battery, and control interface. The Mino is about the size of a typical cell phone and weighs less than the Ultra - this thing is a just slightly thicker than a Blackberry Pearl. The Mino also utilizes an internal battery, much like an iPod. The only problem is that this hinders portability. The Flip Ultra let you swap out AA batteries on the fly, and offered a great battery life. With the Mino you'll have to find an outlet stat if you want an extended shooting block. Last but not least, the Mino's touch-sensitive interface is like lightning on crack - buttons are highly responsive and rapid. The Mino also has a slightly revamped video processor (Pure Digital Video Engine 2.5) and a more conveniently located USB arm. The Mino is definitely where it's at, but if battery life is a main concern, give the Flip Ultra a shot.

JVC GZ-MS100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $257.00)
JVC's GZ-MS100 ($349 MSRP) set out to be the top dog in the Internet video world, but it's more of a Yorkie than a pit bull. JVC's first attempt is a valiant one - full manual contols, 1/6-inch imager with vastly improved low light, and a highly compact size. The GZ-MS100 has a much bigger zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, and video light. You can also capture stills. In short, it's a real camcorder, in the traditional sense of the word. Right now the GZ-MS100 is looking quite nice, but its touch-sensitive controls are not nearly as effective as the Flip's. Also, uploading to YouTube is not as simple compared to the gloriously easy method offered by the Flip. Also, the JVC software is PC-only, and has to be installed with a disc, making it less convenient than the built-in software on the Flip Mino. Power shooters will want to stick with the GZ-MS100, but the masses will gush over the cute little Mino.

Sony NSC-GC1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $199.00)
Sony's first attempt in the Internet cam world yielded the NSC-GC1 Net Sharing Cam ($199.99 MSRP). Now, you can only find the NSC-GC1 on Sony's website listed as refurbished. Sony will likely have a replacement out soon. The NSC-GC1 offers a small cluster of manual controls, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, all black style, and the ability to upload to YouTube. The NSC-GC1 features a menu system governed by a small Joystick and the ability to capture stills. This is a toss-up, but the Mino will most likely win out due to its stellar ease of use factor, tiny size, and cheaper price.

Panasonic SDR-SW20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00)
Unlike the Panasonic SDR-SW20 ($399 MSRP), this Mino can't swim underwater. The flash-based SDR-SW20 is waterproof up to 5 feet, shock-proof up to 4 feet, and dust-proof. The SDR-SW20 captures video up to 640 x 480 in resolution and features a basic 1/6-inch imager with 680,000-pixel resolution. Of course, the video quality is better, but it'll be a little more of a climb to put your clips on YouTube, as Panasonic does not include any uploading software. Snorkeling fanny-pack toters will go for the SDR-SW20, while every other form of consumer will opt for the Flip Mino.  

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Flip Mino is the peanut butter to the Point-and-Shooter's jelly. The two were made for each other - it was written in the stars.

Budget Consumers
This is budget at its prime. The Flip Mino will delight beginners around the globe for $180. Of course, simplicity is part of what you pay for.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The Flip Mino can't take stills, so photographers - this is not your day.

Gadget Freaks
The Flip Mino serves up a hearty plate of gadgety goodness. It's basic video at its best, just in an ultra compact, sexy body with instant upload capability.

Manual Control Freaks
Manual Controls do not exist on the Flip Mino, so power shooters are out of luck.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Maybe as a joke...