Performance

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD has been upgraded in the few months since the release of the standard definition Flip Mino. While the original model featured a 1/4-inch VGA CMOS chip, with each pixel a reported 5.6µm in size. The new MinoHD actually has a smaller sensor, measuring only 1/4.5 inches. But the specs state that the pixel size has been reduced considerably more, to 2.2µm. Presumably, this means that the new sensor has far more pixels, producing the much improved resolution.

There's more to this, however, but we'll try to make it simple. Generally speaking, the smaller the individual pixel, the less sensitive it will be in low light. Looking at the numbers above, one might assume that the new MinoHD would produce worse low light performance than the original Mino. However, the specs state that the sensitivity has actually increased, from 2 lux to 1.4 lux. Granted, there are several factors beyond mere pixel size that account for sensitivity, most importantly processing – and the MinoHD does feature a new 'Pure Digital Video Engine 3.0,' a faster bitrate. and a different compression. Stranger still, however, is the fact that our lab tests showed that the sensitivity between the Mino and MinoHD is actually identical (more on this in the Low Light Performance section below). It just goes to show that specs sheets don't tell the whole story.

*The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD at 3000 lux
*

At 3000 lux under our standard lab testing conditions, the Flip MinoHD, our first reaction was that the auto white balance did not manage to correct for this tungsten lighting, although its standard definition counterpart, the Mino, did. We did not encounter the same problems out of the lab. Naturally, the sharpness and fine detail retention between the two is incomparable. The MinoHD captures far more by virtue of the fact that it is HD. Look at the comparisons below.

We've only tested one other HD ultra-compact 'YouTube' camcorder this year, the Kodak Zi6. In our lab test comparisons, the MinoHD was the winner, but not by a long shot. Both camcorders had a hard time with a proper white balance. Out of the lab, both showed a heavy-handed compression that tended to push bright areas over the edge, making them all completely white. The Kodak seemed to do a better job overall with sharpness and fine detail, but the motion looked smoother from the MinoHD. It's a draw. Both will look decent on your HDTV, but fail utterly when compared to a full-featured HD camcorder like the Panasonic HDC-SD9, Canon HF11, or any other.

The big logic whole in the Flip MinoHD is the intrinsic link between the Flip and YouTube, the dominant video hosting site. For the time being, YouTube does nor support HD video. So you can shoot all the video you want, but when it comes time to upload, YouTube will squash the hell out of it and shrink it even smaller than standard definition. Below are two videos shot side by side and both uploaded to YouTube.

Video Resolution* (9.38)*

The video resolution of the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD was tested by shooting a DSC Labs video resolution chart at an even, bright light. The playback footage was then examined on an HD monitor. At best, the MinoHD produced a horizontal resolution of 375 line widths. The vertical resolution measured 500 line widths. This is not quite as good as the Kodak Zi6, which matches what we saw with our eyes from outdoor shooting. This is not a large margin, however. They're fairly evenly matched. 

Low Light Performance* (0.0)*

The low light performance of the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD was tested in three stages: comparative analysis, sensitivity, and color accuracy/noise.

First, we shot a DSC Labs Chroma DuMonde chart at an even 60 lux and 15 lux, then compared it with the results of past camcorders. At 60 lux, the MinoHD retained nearly all of the fine detail it managed in bright light. You'll also notice that unlike our bright light testing, the MinoHD had no problem auto white balancing. The original Flip Mino performed very well in low light, and the MinoHD continues that tradition. There was obviously some noise, but noise is typically easier to swallow in HD, because it causes less loss of detail than in standard definition.

Under the same 60 lux conditions, the Kodak Zi6 produced a much more richly saturated image. However, when you put them side-by-side, the MinoHD is preferable, as it produces less visible noise and more accurate colors.

At 15 lux, the Flip MinoHD looked fantastic, compared to the average camcorder in the under-$800 range. The noise certainly increased compared to 60 lux, but the colors remained resilient. Though we can't fault the Kodak Zi6 for performing any less impressively. Both camcorders are outstanding camcorders in low light, and great choices for going out bars or other dimly lit settings where sensitivity is more important than the best possible resolution.

The second stage of the test measures sensitivity. We shot the same chart and slowly lower the light. Playback footage was then monitored on a waveform monitor to determine the camcorder's exposure levels (measured in IREs). Our sensitivity score is based on the light level necessary for the camcorder to produce a maximum of 50 IRE. Ultimately, the Flip MinoHD produced that level of exposure at 7 lux. This is exactly the same score as the standard definition Flip Mino.

For the final test, we shot an X-Rite color chart at an even 60 lux, then analyzed the frame grabs from that video with Imatest imaging software. At best, the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD produced a color error of 6.21. This is an excellent color accuracy score – better than Kodak Zi6 and much better than the standard definition Flip Mino.

The noise measured 0.935%, an impressively low score, but not quite as low as the Flip Mino.

All told, Pure Digital once again takes the lead in low light performance in the low-end spectrum of camcorders.

Stabilization* (0.0)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD does not offer a stabilization feature. 

Wide Angle* (7.8)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD has a wide angle of 39 degrees. This is statistically the same as the standard definition Flip Mino. 

Format

**

Compression*** (3.5)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD video is compressed with H.264 and outputted as MPEG-4 files. All the standard definition Flips compress using MPEG-4 and output AVI files. Both types of files are easily recognized by nearly all computers, so playing clips back or importing them into your editing software of choice should not be a problem. H.264 is typically considered more space efficient than other types of compression, which should come in hand for data-heavy HD video. On average, the file sizes were approximately three times larger than the standard def files from the original Flip Mino.

There are no quality settings on the Flip MinoHD. All video is recorded at 1280 x 720 at a bitrate of 9Mbs, up from 4Mbps on the older Flips.

Media* (3.0)*

Video on the Flip MinoHD is recorded directly to 4GB internal flash memory; think of it as a memory card soldered to the circuit board. The capacity has doubled since the standard definition Flips, although the recording times even out in the end. See the table below:

Editing* (7.0)*

Part of what makes all the Flips so popular, and so suited for beginners, is their included software, built right into the camcorder. The first time you connect the USB arm to a computer, you can open the camcorder as you would any other drive. Then select the software icon and you're off and running. Because the software is built in, you can use it on any computer, wherever you go.

Pure Digital has upped the hardware requirements for your computer in order to use the software, but most machines that were purchased in the last few years should suffice (more details here).

Let's walk through the software...

*All the clips on the camcorder appear as thumbnails.

You have a lot of options here, including sharing, emailing,

editing, and burning a DVD.*

*Double-clicking on any clip will open

it up in its own player.*

*You have very limited editing capabilities,

mostly just trimming clips.*

The interface for emailing is quite simple.

*This is the interface for creating a movie.

You simply put the clips in your preferred

order and add titles and credits.*

*Finally, you can upload your clips or finished movies

to these sites, or (without assistance), to any other

video hosting site.
*

 

Auto / Manual Controls

**

****Picture & Manual Control**
* Automatic Control (4.5)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD features a new sensor and processor, and the specs indicate that we should see some improved low light sensitivity and a difference in auto exposure and white balance (not explicitly stated as an improvement, but it's nice to hope).

We shot the Mino and the MinoHD side-by-side to see if we could spot the difference and did not. All the auto adjustments are quite good, and should suffice for most shooting conditions.

Overall Manual Control (0.25)

The manual controls on the Flip MinoHD are, well... they're absent. That's the charm, at least for technophobes and people who are simply tired of not understanding how to operate their electronic gizmos. There is no menu in which to get lost, and no manual controls except for a 2x digital zoom.

Zoom (2.0)

The new MinoHD has one strange and fairly significant downgrade. You can no longer use the 2x digital unless you are actively recording. Yes, for some reason, if the camcorder is in standby mode, you cannot zoom. Hit the record button, begin capturing, then zoom. We're hoping this is perhaps a faulty model that was shipped to us for review, but probably not.

Zoom Power Ratio (0.0)

The Flip MinoHD has a fixed lens, meaning there are no moving parts for auto focusing or for an optical zoom. It does include a 2x digital zoom, but be aware that digitally zooming is inherently destructive to your image quality, as it literally makes each pixel appear larger, thus reducing sharpness.

Focus (0.0)

There is no manual focus on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. All focus is automatic.

Exposure & Aperture (0.0)

There is no manual exposure or aperture control on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. This is automatic, as well.

Shutter Speed (0.0)

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD has no manual shutter control.

White Balance (0.0)

There is no manual white balance on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. 

Gain (0.0)

There is no manual gain control on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. Sorry. 

Other Manual Controls (0.0)

There are no other manual controls. For an explanation of its best features, go back a page and read up on its Editing tools.

 

Still Features

**

****Still Features*** (0.0)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD does not have the ability to record still photos. Rather coyly, Pure Digital states in the press release that camcorder can 'Capture still photos from any standard or high definition video.'Of course, what it (ahem) meant to clarify is that still photos can be grabbed from previously recorded clips with the editing software. It's easy to do, and eminently useful if you want one, but the quality doesn't come close to what a dedicated still camera can achieve. 1280 x 720 stills (the native size of the video) is only about 0.7 megapixels, while even low-end still cameras produce about ten times that resolution. 

Still Performance* (0.0)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD does not record stills. 

Still Resolution* (0.0)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD does not record stills. 

Handling and Use

**

****Ease of Use*** (10.0)*

They don't get much easier to use than the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. There is no menu to tangle with, and no manual controls outside of a 2x digital zoom. All the camcorder's operations are entirely automatic. You need only remember to point it in the right direction, hit the record button, and not stick you finger in the lens.

This simplicity is the through line for the entire Flip Series since its beginnings in the unremarkable CVS One-Time Use camcorder. The public has responded strongly, helped along by the Pure Digital marketing department's habit of putting its products in the hands of influential celebrities. Recently, other manufacturers have attempted their own knock-offs of the Flip, but Pure Digital has managed to stay ahead of the curve by designing ever-sleeker, ever-simpler camcorders. 

Handling* (4.75)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD is extremely slender, and will fit comfortably in the palm of anyone used to handling a cell phone. It eschews a traditional camcorder grip, and is instead grasped at the bottom in a fist, held along the sides, or gripped two-handed in a Game Boy fashion with fingers in the front and thumbs in the back. Because the body is so slender and the plastic is so smooth, we highly recommend attaching the wrist strap. It would be a shame to drop your new camcorder off the deck of your cruise ship or into the campfire.

All interface with the camcorder takes place on the back of the Flip MinoHD. The big, honking red button is clearly indicated as the record button – even neophytes will figure that one out. Circling the record button are a series of touch-sensitive areas that activate various functions. We really like this design, so thoroughly integrated into the Flip's entire ethos: Technophobes fear too many buttons, but touch areas... those aren't buttons, right? Of course, they function exactly the same way, but they seem to say 'I'm here, but I'm friendly and I'll stay out of your way unless you need me.'

Menu* (6.5)*

The Flip MinoHD has no menu. Instead, there are a few simple tasks that the camcorder performs. It records video (obviously), and two of the touch-sensitive 'buttons' can perform a 2x digital zoom. The camcorder can also switch to playback mode, and the left and right direction buttons are used to scroll through your clips. That's it.

Portability* (10.5)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD is damn small for a camcorder, smaller even than a lot of the ultra-portables trying to hone in on the market. Many camcorders may call themselves pocket-sized, but the Flip Mino and MinoHD are two of the rare exceptions where that is not an exaggeration. It's no larger than most candy bar-style cell phones.

The MinoHD weighs only 93.5 grams (3.3 ounces) and measures 100 x 50 x 16 mm (3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 inches), exactly the same dimensions as the standard definition Mino. The overall portability is mitigated only by the fact that the battery and memory are internal and non-removable. That means that if the battery dies or if you run out of recording space, you must have a computer nearby to recharge and dump footage onto.

LCD and Viewfinder* (2.0)*

The Flip MinoHD has a 1.5-inch LCD with a resolution of 69,696 pixels. That was small but acceptable for the standard definition Mino, which recorded in a 4:3 aspect ratio. But the MinoHD records in a widescreen (16x9) format, like all HD video. Rather than fitting the MinoHD with a larger screen, Pure Digital simply laid black letterbox bars across the top and bottom. So your already small screen loses an additional 20-25% to nothing more than black space. We don't expect people to be relying too much on LCD for critical shooting decisions (after all, if the shot is out of focus, you don't even have the means to fix it). But we hope future models address this. 

Battery Life* (9.3)*

The Flip MinoHD has a sealed internal battery. Like an iPod, it cannot be removed or replaced. All charging takes place through the USB connection. This certainly limits your options for charging on the road, so be forewarned.

We tested the battery for duration by shooting continuously until the battery died. Ultimately, we found it to last 93 minutes and 23 second (1hour, 33 minutes, and 23 seconds).

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

**

****Audio*** (0.0)*

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD is equipped with only the most basic audio options: a mono microphone located on the front of the body next to the lens and, ironically, two playback speakers on either side of the LCD screen on the back. Audio is compressed with AAC. In noisy, windy, or otherwise loud recording environments, the audio quality is very bad. When the source is distinct, the quality is still not great, but your audience will probably not complain that much. 

Playback* (4.75)*

To access your recorded clips on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD, you can either touch the Play/Pause button in the upper left, or tap the left and right directions buttons on either side of the Record button. Once you're in playback mode, use the directional buttons to move from one clip to the next. To begin playback, hit the Play/Pause button. Volume is controlled with the plus and minus buttons. 

Connectivity* (3.5)*

As with the standard definition Flip Mino, there are only two ports on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. The namesake feature is the USB arm extension, which flips out, spring-loaded, from the top. The release trigger is located on the left side. The arm feels only mildly sturdy. It's a way, it's a race to see what will kill your Flip Mino first. Will it be the dead, non-replaceable battery, the USB arm snapping off, or will you simply drop it in the lake? It's all makes for a very exciting experience.

There is also an AV-out jack located on the left side for connecting to TV. Unlike the standard def Mino, this high definition video could actually look decent on a full-sized TV, so you may get a little more use out of the AV port on this model.

Other Features

**

What’s in the Box?**

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD ships light, and includes only the following items:

-TV Cable

-Wrist Strap

-Plush Drawstring Case

-Quick Start Guide

The editing software is built right into the camcorder, so that's worth a mention here, as well. However, note the items that do not come in the box. There is no battery; the battery is internal and non-removable. There is also no charging cable, and not even a USB extension cable if the arm can't fit into your computer. You'll have to pay extra for that on the Pure Digital website.

Other Features* (0.0)*

There are no other features on the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. 

Conclusion & Comparisons

 

**

Conclusion**

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD ($229 MSRP) is a very good camcorder for its price range – we'll get that out of the way before we start listing reasons why you might not want to buy it. The sensor, the compression, and bitrate have all been modified since the previous, standard definition Flip Mino was released earlier this year. The internal capacity is also doubled from 2MB to 4MB, but because the HD files are larger, the 60 minutes of recording remains the same. 

The video performance is much improved over the standard def Flip Mino. Not only did we see the expected improvements in resolution, but the color compression and contrast were smoother. The Kodak Zi6, another pocket-sized HD camcorder, produced similar results, but overall the Flip is more enjoyable to use.

But the very feature that makes the MinoHD new and exciting is so haphazardly integrated that it might not make sense to buy. First of all, YouTube, AOL, and MySpace – the uploading options offered in the software – do not support HD video. No matter what you upload, your video will be shrunk and re-compressed within an inch of its life.

You'd think that the obvious option Pure Digital would offer is a proper connection for HDTVs. If you can't enjoy the full benefit on YouTube, surely you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, with the whole family gathered around, right? No, in fact. The MinoHD only has a standard definition AV-out. You can connect it to a TV, but you won't get the full benefit.

So how, you ask, can you actually watch the HD video? There are three options, all involving your computer. First and easiest, you can upload to a video hosting service that does support HD, like Vimeo. Secondly, you can gather the family around the computer monitor, which is probably not as big or as conveniently located as your TV, but it works. The third option is to import the footage, edit it, burn it to a high definition DVD with your Blu-Ray burner (about as commonly owned as a Gutenberg Bible), then play it back on your Blu-Ray player. Boy, that was easy!

Unless YouTube starts hosting HD video soon, you're probably better off with the standard definition Flip Mino. If you're eager for an HD camcorder, consider Kodak Zi6, which does have an HD-out connection, or a more expensive, full-featured HD camcorder from Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, or Sanyo.

Comparisons

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters

This is absolutely the camcorder to get for point-and-shooters who want to try out HD video.

Budget Consumers

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD is a great choice for those that want HD video, but are on a limited budget. 

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid

The Pure Digital Flip MinoHD does not record stills, thought the included software does make it easy to extract stills from video clips. 

Gadget Freaks

Yes, we think gadget freaks will enjoy this. HD in your pocket.

Manual Control Freaks

No. Moving on...

Pros / Serious Hobbyists

And no, again. Except perhaps as a gimmick, or one of those camcorders you don't mind putting in harm's way for a special shot (a la MythBusters).

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