Cisco Flip MinoHD

A camcorder that makes you want to chopping all occasions

Flip Mino HD Cisco is not flawless but the quality of his videos and original way of sharing attractive.

This pocket camcorder offers a storage capacity of 4GB and shoots in 720p. It can easily share videos via email or the Internet.

The expectations before test

Enabling everyone to share their videos instantly on the Internet or by e – mail, the Flip is , according to Cisco , the precursor of a new class of pocket camcorders , combining simplicity and low cost. The finest of them , called MinoHD , filmed as its name indicates high definition ( 720p ) and is available in Europe, from November 2009 , at a price of 199 euros. What this little device actually offers more to consumers? Its price is justified ? Our responses after testing.

The reality

Designed by Pure Digital Technologies , a company recently acquired by Cisco, the Flip is available in France in three models, the Ultra, and the UltraHD MinoHD . It is the latter, the finest and most Flip design , we tested a preview . At first glance, the camera leaves a bit skeptical . Seen from the front the MinoHD , with its tiny screen ( less than 4 inches diagonally ) and his big red button , almost look like a cell phone for senior, highly simplified , with his emergency call button . From the back, this is better : the goal is to understand that we are facing a camera or a camcorder. Two backs are available , in hard glossy black or chrome versions , both very successful.
extractable USB connector

The connection of the device is limited , but the key is to go . It is thus not a standard screw under the unit to attach a tripod , an outlet for the TV out to connect to a TV ( the Composite cable is included) and a USB connector , which is extracted from the camcorder with a push a button .
Plug this connector into the USB port of a computer (knowing that the Flip , along with a few inches is inseparable ) in some cases require the use of an extension. With a laptop or a netbookFor example, the target , slightly prominent, may interfere when you connect the Flip. In this case, it can be returned ( target toward the ceiling) , but it is no longer possible to watch the screen to check the load .

A simplified use with limited functions

The use of the Flip is a childlike simplicity. No complicated menus : On the screen, the red button to start or stop capturing plus six touch sensitive with the ability to zoom in , watch his video or delete it . The initiation and termination of MinoHD done from a dedicated button on the side , and the camera is held vertically like most entry-level phones .
The capture registers in MP4 format ( H.264) HD , with a resolution of 1,280,720 pixels ( 720p ). It is not possible to change the resolution , or take pictures. In playback mode , thanks to the small screen and built-in speaker , not powerful , you can quickly check the quality of his shot. More annoying is equivalent 24×36 , it has a focal length of 40 mm, much better . The field of vision is reduced – it is far from a wide angle – and shooting indoors (or in a place where you’re going to miss back ) can quickly become complicated.

Videos that support full-screen playback

Once transferred to the computer, the videos made with MinoHD appear, reading , good quality, even in full screen, provided they have filmed in correct lighting conditions (the Flip incorporates no torch). In addition , this little device offers a storage capacity of 4GB – hundreds of megabytes are dedicated to embedded software – or the possibility of filming one hour before a full memory, self- giving , for its part, the opportunity to achieve approximately 1 hour 30 without having to reload the device to the USB connector .
Note, however, that the quality of video playback equipment is connected to the computer . Cisco recommends the subject , a Pentium 4 3 GHz at least for a PC or Core Duo 1.66 GHz for a Mac. Below this configuration, the user may experience problems fluidity.

Embedded Software FlipShare

To access the environment FlipShare, simply plug the Flip into the USB port for embedded software installs. Users of the new operating system Windows 7, faced with the absence of any invitation to connect to FlipShare , will run themselves the setup file located in the device memory . Friendly and intuitive FlipShare offers a lot of functions in traditional menus or large icons.
Whatever their level, then the user will find easy way to save his masterpieces (if necessary) to cut the beginning or end of a two, a sequence set to music , insert the latter in a greeting card , extract pictures , send e- mail to his contacts and share on the internet with his friends, all his work. We have successfully tested these functions with the English version of FlipShare , but to launch November 3, Cisco promises an Anglicized version .

A simplified sharing but not instantaneous

Videos can be sent by e- mail through FlipShare . Recipients do not receive a file but a simple link to click , the videos uploaded are actually stored on servers made available by Cisco. The instant sharing of videos with friends and family put forward by the manufacturer is not a reality. First, you need a computer connected to the Internet at your fingertips to achieve this sharing , the Flip or not supporting the 3.5G mobile network or Wi-Fi
Then, sending a video e- mail takes time, proportional to the weight and therefore the length of the video file. Remember that 5 minutes of video at a minimum correspond to a file of 300 MB Better to have a broadband connection and a bit of spare time.
The constraint is also user side. For him, the video playback will be more fluid than its Internet connection provides a good flow. Finally, sharing is not limited to sending e -mail, the user can also create a string from which it may transfer your videos to Facebook , Twitter or MySpace .

The test and review conclusions

Flip MinoHD distinguished by its ease of use, the satisfactory quality of its videos and its original capacity sharing . Some disadvantages , however, are taken into account, as his field of vision or reduced the need for a broadband connection to enjoy fully and effectively all functions. All for a hefty price tag ( 199 euros ), compared to competitive products .