Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

The Flip is a great camera, but keeping it steady is an issue. I strongly recommend a decent tripod or, better yet, a pocket-sized gizmo called a readysteady.

I have had the Flip MinoHD for a little over a year now and it has been a great little camera. Although it does not feature any "steady-cam" capabilities like most larger camcorders, the picture quality is still great. Also, while I often wished the camera would have a greater zoom, it still did the job of getting closer than I could have to many events. Based on my experiences until yesterday (like I said, over a year of use), I would give the product five stars all the way.

But... after I uploaded some video yesterday, I left the Flip plugged into the computer for charging, watched the white light blink for a few seconds and then started working on something else on the computer. About an hour later, my Mac shows me a window that says (basically), "Please don't unplug peripherals until you eject them first." It was referring to my Flip. I had not unplugged it, but it was no longer listed as a device. I unplugged it and tried to turn it on. Not a blink anywhere. Needless to say, after plugging it in various laptops and such, leaving it plugged in for hours at a time, checking the boards to see if anyone else had this problem (which many have) and trying every possible fix out there, I contacted their tech support via chat. The nice person confirmed that I had a dead Flip.

Seriously? A year-old camera? It was just out of the warranty period so... tough luck.

This is why I give the product two stars. I'm not alone in this. Look to see how many people have actually had to use their warranty to replace their Flips. Look to see how many people had these issues right after the warranty period. Yes, it's a great camera, but only while it lasts.

A $200 camera? Really?

I got this camera to film my kids who are always doing something cute. The best thing about this video camera is the size and easy of use. I can very quickly pull it out and start filming. The price was right at under $200.

The only issue is the battery life. If I take it on a trip and don't have a computer top charge it, it seems to die before I even fill the memory. This is will some replaying. There is not way to charge it without USB, so if you are on vacation and don't have your computer, it isn't ideal.

Besides that, I love this camera for how easy and affordable it is. It is in my pocket where ever I go when my kids are with me.

This is my second Flip Mino. It is the perfect mini-camcorder except for the fact that it cannot be serviced once the battery dies. Good thing I discovered the Square Trade warranty!

Bought this product for my wife as a birthday present. It died within three and half months. Sent it back to the company for a replacement - that went without a hitch. However...it has now died again - 12 months later. It won't turn on . I have tried resetting it per customer service - to no avail... Time to try a different company.