A few months ago, I began to read twitters about a new video camera, the FLIP. I was really intrigued by the enthusiasm that people were expressing about the camera, especially from people that were used to using much more advanced and complicated video equipment.
When I investigated, I found a lot of things I liked about the FLIP camera:
- Compact
- Intuitive operation (really intuitive!)
- 30 or 60 minute recording time (depending upon the model you buy)
- Decent video and sound quality
- Ease of (limited) editing options
- Ease of upload to video web sites such as YouTube.
Initially, I purchased the FLIP Ultra (the Mino had not been released at the time). A friend who loves experimenting with new gadgets and technology as much as I do initially said (without having seen or used the FLIP) that he didn't think much of it. Then I demonstrated how easy and intuitive it was to use, the quality of the video and sound on the camera's screen and then the actual produced video on?my YouTube channel. He was abosolutely sold!
I took it to the NAFSA 2008 conference and shot a number of video interviews which I put on my YouTube channel. One of those videos led directly to my being hired for a client project involving creating videos for their new YouTube channel, which will debut soon.
By that time, the next version of the FLIP, the Mino (pictured below), had appeared and that is the camera that I used for the project.?
Sleek and even more compact than the Ultra, the Mino has features that make it even easier to use:
- Better placement of the USB plug
- Interior?rechargeable?lithium battery
- Improved video and sound quality
- Improved firmware
- Some retailers have Minos that include a small, portable tripod
And the project that I did? It took me to Europe — Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Florence — over the course of sixteen days. I shot short videos and "man on the street" interviews with students, faculty, staff and administrators. Almost all the videos are?less than 4 minutes in length and are therefore easy to take the time to view.
The videos aren't — and aren't meant to be — professional quality. Instead, they are authentic glimpses into the thoughts and opinions of those involved with my client's programs. Because the Mino's software does not allow cut and paste editing, it means that the videos are true to the conversations and experiences that occurred and not public relations items created by "creative editing."
I loved using the camera for this project. And my interview subjects quickly found that being taped was not an intimidating prospect. I was delighted at the conversational tone that I was able to have with my subjects and how their personalities were able to come through.
I'm looking forward to using the FLIP Mino for other projects that I'll be doing.
I would really recommend this camera for international education programs and offices who want to use it to easily and informally capture what may happening with their students at any given moment.?
For some other reviews of the FLIP Mino, I suggest looking at:
- Flipping Out Over the Flip Mino
- FLIP Mino Review
- Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes
By the way, FLIP currently offers discounts for educators when you buy three or more FLIP cameras, which makes these easy-to-use videos cameras even more affordable!
Yep, I've flipped for the FLIP!
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I got my FLIP Mino about a week ago. I LOVE it! It’s easy, fun and it’s the size of a cell phone.
I twittered for advice and someone also recommended the KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera which isn’t out until October. You can record hours of video as opposed to the Mino’s 60 mins or 30 mins. But the Kodak requires rechargeable batteries and I just can’t be bothered with that. The Kodak is also more expensive: http://is.gd/1gWK
On Amazon I’d read that MAC users might have problems, but since you use a MAC, I guess it’s okay?
There were some issues for Mac users with the earlier FLIP cameras. I experienced some with the Ultra. But I’ve had no issues with the Mino and I’ve used it with both Mac and Win computers and laptops almost daily now since late June.
I actually like the limited amount of recording time on the FLIP. If I need something longer, then I use a standard video camera (and tripod and tapes and wires and…)
Actually, studies have shown that YouTube videos of less than 5″ in length are more likely to be viewed. So the FLIP is perfect for short attention span video production.
The rechargable lithium battery on the Mino certainly simplifies things. While I was traveling, I would plug in the camera, download the videos to my laptop and be re-charging at the same time. (Recharging will take longer if you’ve shot more video.)
Important reminder, if you’re traveling and shooting video, you might want to consider having a portable drive to backup your videos. I did a backup every night. On the flight back to the States, I packed the portable drive in my checked luggage and carried my laptop on the plane, so that I would have copies of the video files in case something happened to one or the other.
I am doing the editing and uploading here in the States as my connections and equipment make it easier than trying to do it from my laptop on hotel wi-fi connections while abroad.
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