I ordered both the Mino HD and the Ultra HD to see which one would suit me best. I was looking for the one that would be best in low-light situations because I plan to record my sets on stage in dark clubs. I haven't yet tested it for that purpose yet but I just took some shots of the sunset and here are my results:
Bright-Light Pick: Ultra
The lens on the Ultra is set way back and that is to give the Ultra a much better advantage in bright light situations. And indeed, in my video of the sunset, the Ultra captured the image of the sun and preserved the mountain vistas whereas the Mino couldn't handle it and washed out the sun, the sky and the vistas. It also created sun spots in the frame the closer I got to the sun. If I had the time, I would have edited the videos to show you comparison shots with voiceovers and what-have-you but you'll just have to take my word for it.
Image Sharpness and Color Vividness: Ultra
The Ultra is noticeably better in picking up colors.
Low Light Pick: Ultra
If you just hit record and make no adjustments, the Mino will give you a lot more detail than the Ultra in a low light setting. A good video example of this is found on the [...] website.
BUT HERE'S THE TRICK: If you zoom in with the Ultra, the lens emerges from its little cave and you get BETTER quality images than the Mino. I posted this review specifically to explain this little trick because if someone else had said that, it would have saved me the trouble of researching for hours, then ordering both to do my own comparison and having to return one.
Mac Users:
I'm using a MacBook Pro and iPhoto reads both the mino and the ultra as cameras so it opened automatically when I plugged these units in (separately, of course!). I was able to import the video through iPhoto and then import into iMovie and work with it the same as any other video so if you're on a Mac, don't even bother with installing the Flip software. In future, I will open iMovie before plugging in to see if I can import directly into iMovie.
CORRECTION: I am now using Flipshare and I really like working with it. iPhoto still opens automatically but I just close it out and import the videos using Flipshare. The flipshare editing software keeps crashing my computer so you'll still have to use iMovie or quicktime pro for that.
SUMMARY:
Mino Pros: small, easy to hold and carry, comes with TV component cable.
Mino Cons: only 1 hour of recording, not able to capture detail in bright-light settings, proprietary battery is built in (like the iPod).
Ultra Pros: crisper better quality images, stereo audio (instead of the mono audio on the Mino), 2 hours of recording, direct hdmi connection for the TV, can use any NiMH AA batteries which means you can carry spares for longer usage, bigger screen, cheaper than the Mino.
Ultra Cons: bigger and bulkier than the Mino, doesn't come with HDMI cable.
I agree with the Fast Company reviewer: If you don't mind the bulk of the Ultra, and you want really good images in a small package with usage time that lasts for as long as your supply of spare NiMH batteries, go for the Ultra. Just remember to zoom in when you have low-light situations.
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Product description
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From the Manufacturer
Introducing Flip MinoHD
Flip MinoHD provides you the power of self-expression, enabling you to shoot and share your stories with the world.
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MinoHD Overview:
- Weighing only 3.3 ounces, MinoHD is the world’s smallest HD camcorder
- Super-slim, super-sleek design that fits into any pocket or purse
- Simple user interface features one-touch recording and digital zoom, making HD video easier and more fun than ever
- Holds 60 minutes of HD-quality video on 4 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
- Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer to launch built-in FlipShareTM software
- Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
- Internal Li-ion battery recharges through built-in USB arm while you're plugged into your computer
- Produces incredible HD 720p (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen) video you'll be able to enjoy on your HDTV
- Records high-quality H.264 videos that work with most video-playing applications, including Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and iTunes
- Watch videos instantly on TV with included connector cable
- Instant playback, pause, fast forward, rewind, zoom, and delete functions
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Flip MinoHD puts the power of HD video in your pocket. Flip MinoHD offers all the signature Flip Video features you love—sleek design, simple user interface, flip-out USB arm, rechargeable internal Li-ion battery, built-in editing and sharing software, instant uploads to YouTube and MySpace—plus stunningly crisp, clear HD-quality video. Weighing only 3.3 ounces and featuring a slim, sleek design that fits into any pocket or purse, super-small Flip MinoHD lets you capture life in HD anywhere you go.
Flip MinoHD Highlights
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Flip MinoHD is the world’s smallest HD camcorder. But, in this case, small in size translates to high in quality. Flip MinoHD produces vibrant HD 720p (1280 x 720, 16:9 widescreen) video that can be enjoyed on any HDTV. Flip camcorders have earned a reputation for high-quality video, and MinoHD combines that signature Flip quality with the latest in HD technology. Its 4 GB of built-in memory lets you capture an hour of brilliant HD video, even in low-light situations. Plus, premier AAC audio means your videos will sound clearer than ever.
The Power of HD in Your Pocket
Flip MinoHD offers the same features that have made Flip Mino a huge hit. Weighing only 3.3 ounces, Flip MinoHD features a super-sleek, super-portable design that truly puts the power of HD video in your pocket.
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This portability allows you to capture HD video almost anywhere you go: a morning hike, a lazy afternoon at the park, a late-night party, and everything in between. Like other Flip Video camcorders, MinoHD offers a simple user interface with one-touch recording, making it easier and more fun than ever to take HD-quality video. Simply power on and press record, and you’ll be capturing HD video in seconds. When it’s time to edit or share your videos, flip out the USB arm and connect to any Mac or PC to launch the built-in FlipShare software.
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Built-in FlipShare Software
MinoHD comes pre-loaded withFlipShare software, which makes it easy to organize, create and share your videos:
- Organize your videos. Drag and drop your videos into folders you've created, or use the automatic date-stamped folders.
- Create custom movies. Make movies featuring your favorite video clips, and add your own music to provide a more personal touch.
- Capture still-image snapshots. Use enhanced freeze-frame capabilities to grab a snapshot from any of the thirty frames that comprise each second of your video.
- Share privately. Send videos to your friends and family using attachment-free emails. Or create private Flip Channels to share your videos with specific groups of friends and family.
- Share with the world. Publish your videos directly to Facebook, YouTube and other sites, all with the click of a button.
 Recommended Companion Products and Accessories: | ||||
| This compact adapter's USB port connects to your Flip camcorder's USB arm. | FlipShare TV FlipShare TV offers the ultimate home movie experience by making it easy to watch your entire Flip Video library wirelessly on your TV or HDTV. |  |  | |
What's in the box:
- Flip MinoHD Camcorder, with built-in FlipShare software
- TV connector cable
- Wrist strap
- Soft carrying case
- Quick start guide
- Warranty
- Product registration
Customer Questions & Answers
