You’ll Flip for this new digital video camera
How many times do you wish you had a video camera when something unexpected happens that you’d like to capture for posterity?
One of the problems with video cameras, even the smaller ones, is that you have to make a conscious decision to take them with you — let’s face it, most don’t fit neatly in a pocket or handbag (except my handbag, of course, which could fit a TV camera in it!). And because you don’t carry them around routinely, you really do miss out on capturing some unique events.
Well, the new Flip Mino video camera will change all that. It’s so small (10 by 5cm) that you’ll be able to carry it around with you wherever you go, ever ready to film whatever comes along. And better still, it’s idiot-proof —even if you’ve never operated a video camera before, you’ll be up and running with the Flip Mino in seconds.
Also, there are no cables to worry about carrying around and losing. At the flick of a switch, a USB stick flips out of the body of the camera (hence the ‘flip’ name), which you plug into a USB port on your computer to charge the internal Lithium Ion battery and download your video. The camera also comes with a cable for playback directly through your TV and there is provision to connect a tripod.
The built-in FlipShare software lets you easily organise, edit and share your video. You can even isolate still frames from your video.
The Flip Mino is currently available in two versions in Australia: the Flip Mino ($229.95), which films for 60 minutes at 640 x 480 resolution, and the Flip Mino HD ($299.95), which records for 60 minutes in wide screen high definition (1280 x 720) resolution.
The Flip Mino will be available in stores in November. Stay posted for outlets.
Gail Lipscombe has worked for some of Australia's hottest tech magazines for over 10 years. In her blog, she focuses on demystifying technology, gadgets and the web for average consumers.