Before all you 5-star reviewers go ballistic on me, hear my reasoning. I am VERY picky!
There are a few problems I've encountered so far. The case that comes with it can't protect the camera from anything except dirt and scratches. If you drop it while it's in the case, don't automatically expect it to come out alive. Hopefully, they design a tougher, more durable case like the ones they have on iPod Nanos - something that allows the viewfinder to peek out, and keep all the buttons open.
The black color makes fingerprints show up on it very easily. This isn't that big of a problem, but it really bothers me to have my fingerprints dirty it - no matter HOW clean your fingers are. However, the case IS a pretty handy cleaning cloth, so it might not be that big of a problem.
For some reason, when I plugged it in and shut down my computer, the battery was completely dead when I tried to turn it on again. I thought it was broken after the first day. I'm not sure why, but the thing was USING power while trying to RECEIVE power, and failing. This may be just a fluke and might not necessarily happen to everyone, but it happened to me, so I'm just letting you know.
The software that came with the camera is next to worthless. It's only good for the bare essentials of editing videos. Even Windows Movie Maker - which comes on PCs for FREE - is better than the software on this thing. I'd much rather use WMM than its software.
The microphone can't pick up sound worth a crap at a distance. If you're more than 15 feet away from it, you'll probably find yourself watching a silent movie afterwards (or maybe just whispers). People will have to speak loudly in order to be heard. Also, when someone is really close to it and talking, they might as well be yelling at it. It's not very balanced at all.
The touch-sensitive buttons are too sensitive sometimes. And if your fingers aren't COMPLETELY clean, they're not sensitive enough.
It also feels pretty cheap. The plastic power button feels like it could get stuck inside it at anytime for some reason, and is unresponsive sometimes. Also, the USB connector that pops out of it isn't too sturdy... I'm nervous leaving it suspended in midair with all that weight on the connector. It makes me think it'll suddenly break off, leaving it powerless (ha... bad joke).
However, it's not all bad.
The camera is, as already established, really small and lightweight; which is very important for me. I, personally, carry a lot of things - cell phone, iPod, gum, keys, Nintendo DS, wallet - in my pockets, so I can use all the space I can get.
It's extremely easy to use. As a matter of fact, if you have to look at the quick start manual at all, you probably shouldn't even be holding a $180 camera to begin with. Even a monkey could use it. No joke.
It DOES make it really easy to share your videos (that is, if you want to). However, if you don't plan on putting your videos on the Internet, this feature is negligible.
The video quality is actually pretty decent, considering how small the thing is.
It only takes about 2 seconds to turn on and focus, and less than 1 to turn off. So, I guess if you ever find yourself witnessing a UFO, you could whip this thing out without having to worry about it powering up and focusing.
All and all, I'm not sure whether this thing is worth the money. I suppose its good for those who are technologically retarded, but that's about it; unless the form factor is your thing. If you're good with more complicated devices, you might want to consider an investment in a video camera with more features and higher quality.
I'd give it a 3.5, but since there is no half-star, it rounds down to a 3.
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Yuzeal Trade
We are living abroad for several years and thought friends and family would enjoy seeing life in Japan and this is the perfect way to do it. It's so easy to put in our pocket and take it with us everywhere. I don't stand out recording every day life in Japan with the Mino, most people just think it's a small camera or even a cell phone. The only thing I don't like so far is that it doesn't focus very well when I zoom in onto my kids. It's even fallen out of my pocket into a puddle of water and still works fine! I'm shocked. I'm having fun putting videos together and making movies for my blog. The flip mino is perfect for this family.
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Chris D
Great value product - Tempted to buy the latest version
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2020Color: BlackStyle: w/out AdapterVerified Purchase
