The Flip Mino continues the evolution of Pure Digital’s straight to web video cameras. The Mino can record up to 60 minutes of VGA quality video which can now be easily reviewed on the 1.46” LCD display. The new version features pause, rewind and fast forward buttons for in camera review. The redesigned, more pocket friendly Mino weighs a mere 3.3 ounces, so you’ll hardly notice it when you aren’t shooting any video.

The Mino features a flip out USB plug for easy connection to your computer. The same USB plug is used to recharge the built in battery, which lasts up to 4 hours. Combined with the built in 2Gb of flash memory, everything you need comes built into this camera. No cords, no cards and no fuss.

Standout Features

• Slim but functional design
• High quality video and audio for its class
• Easy uploading to the internet
• Everything comes on board

Features

This ultra slim camcorder features a ¼” CMOS sensor at its heart for better power management. This camera is very minimal by design. It measures a mere 2 inches wide, 3.9 inches long and 0.6 inches deep. There are only a few buttons and menu options to confuse the user. Simply start this camera up and go. The camera only offers automatic white balance and exposure. With a modest 2x zoom lens that opens up to f2.4, this camera is best suited for close settings. But don’t get too close, the minimum focus distance is 3.3 feet. Though it only has a .31 MP still image capability, that small count is helped a tiny bit by the progressive scan (versus interlaced) recording of the video.

Reviews From Across the Internet

Experts have hailed the easy to use controls, a simple layout of four buttons positioned around a record button. These touch sensitive buttons do have a downside though. Sometimes they are a little too sensitive. Accidental deletion of clips can be cured by locking the delete button, but you could still end up with a lot of footage of the inside of your pocket. In a side by side comparison with the main competition, the Creative Vado, the Mino produced obviously better quality video, but at twice the price ($180). Reviewers have had difficulty uploading their clips on a Windows platform. When it does work, it is significantly slower because it encodes the video before uploading. Despite this glitch, the Mino is very universal as the video software is embedded in the camera and can work on a Mac or a PC.

Summary

Most users have enjoyed this easy to use camera, especially as something simple to carry along to a party. Others have appreciated the fast start up time and the quality of the audio and video. While most users have echoed the obvious pluses of this camera, they have noticed the absence of an even minimal video light for those poorly lit environments. Several users would also like to have the option of adding additional memory as the camera will last for four hours but can only record for one hour.

Also, if you like the Flip Video Mino, take a look at the Flip Video Ultra on TopTenREVIEWS.

Or take a look at other inclredible top rated Flash Drive Camcorders at TopTenREVIEWS.