Why I Love the Flip Video HD

As a mom of two toddlers and just as busy as the next person, I didn't have time to pull out a camera, find a tape, change the battery pack constantly, charge the battery constantly, find the cords to plug it into the wall...what kid is going to sit still that long! As a professional in media, my husband researched the Flip Video line and its' reviews and bought us the HD Mino online, off of Amazon.

The size won me over first; just in the fact that I didn't have another bag to carry - in addition to my diaper bag, purse, back pack, camera bag...

Second - it only took 5 seconds to pull out and turn on...with no dead battery awaiting me!

And it's as easy to upload as they say - just flip, plug it in, transfer and organize your files, and make your movie! For the month of December, I made a home movie every day - in under 45 minutes!

For a busy mom with no time to learn alot of new things, this camcorder and software provided everything I needed; ease of use with minimal and easy to use buttons, good performance in low light, ability to make quick videos, incredible quality in HD (if you have the HD Mino), and small enough to fit in your pocket...

One review quotes Jonathan Kaplan, Chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital Technologies "Flip's simplicity makes it easy for anyone to capture and share their stories and to participate in the explosion of video-sharing on the web, and that has been a winning approach with consumers. Our goal was to make video fun again and we transformed the camcorder market in the process."

ABC News' Gadget Guide believes this camera could "fundamentally change the way we view and interact with people and places around us."

And the Wall Street Journal comments that this "sleek, hip-looking gadget...changes the way people capture and share videos".

The Futurelooks website reviews the different Flip Videos and contributes alot of it's success to Oprah, who has fallen in love with the Flip as well, though this review is a little dated as Pure Video has since come out with an HD Flip Video.

The only things I don't like are it's limitation to 2x optical zoom - so it's ability from far away for performances and such would not give you the zoom you would need.

The camera can be a little difficult to zoom in and out without noticeable shakes.

The small screen could potentially be difficult to see if you wear bifocals or have similar difficulties.

The software included with the camera is very simple and easy to use for the novice movie editor, however I would prefer something where I can edit the transitions, add text elsewhere, as well as have a working file in which I can change things easier instead of having to redo the entire film. I have previously used Windows Movie Maker for editing, though my current version does not support the cameras' file format. I just got a new Mac and can use it's video program with no problem!

However, I find these "drawbacks" minimal in comparison to everything the Flip Video has to offer, as well as for such a reasonable price. No more missing those quickly passing moments in my familys' lives!