John Stalden asked:


Time for a new camcorder? With technology advancing every day, it seems as though our newest toys become outdated as soon as we leave the store. Long gone are the large tapes and small tapes are difficult to find. Within the past several years, it became popular to record straight to DVD. While these are still popular, real popularity is coming in the form of a camcorder with a hard drive.

A camcorder with a hard drive seems like the easiest to use camcorder ever designed. There is no fussing with tapes or DVD’s. You never have to worry about whether you have an empty tape or worry about switching tapes when the first runs out. On the flip side, you do need to make sure that you regularly empty the hard drive. This is easily done. Most of these camcorders will plug directly into your computer. Others can be saved to a memory card or USB device. Overall, this really is more convenient and less expensive in the long run.

The biggest draw to the hard drive based camcorder is the ability to instantly save it to your computer. From there, you can edit your footage and create a more professional looking home movie. No longer will you have to suffer through those awkward moments when the camcorder was strategically placed staring at your left foot. Instead, you can cut that out and use a fancy fade into the next scene!

In addition to being able to cut and paste your own raw footage, you can share that footage and the completed video directly through your computer. Any of your friends, relatives, or perfect strangers on YouTube will be able to view your home video quickly thanks to the hard drive capability.

When you are on the lookout for the right hard drive based camcorder, it is important to look at recording time capability. Many of the more moderately priced camcorders can record six to eight hours. Some relatively inexpensive versions will only record half an hour to an hour. This may be perfectly sufficient for your home movies while others will need the longer recording time.

In addition to the hard drive, these camcorders come with a bevy of extras that will help you to create those more professional and finished looking home movies. Read the instructions carefully and soon you will be able to maneuver manual lighting, zoom, and special effects. You will feel like a real movie director!

As technology has advanced, it has also made devices such as these camcorders much smaller than their older counterparts. This is perfect for traveling and even carrying the camcorder around in your pocket. Now you will have no excuse to miss all of the adorable moves that your child makes throughout the day.

If you are serious about preserving your memories, then a hard drive recordable camcorder is the best option available.



Anjali

JR Lang asked:


The Flip Ultra, the second and better version of the original Flip digital camcorder from Pure Digital hit the market by storm. With it's simplicity of use, great video quality and tiny size, the Flip Ultra digital camcorder can be dubbed as the "simply perfect" digital camcorder.

Features Compared:

Unlike the Sony Handycam series the Flip Ultra's screen is tiny (1.5 inches) and doesn't swing out for self-portraits.

No still shots. Unlike, other traditional digital camcorders, such as the Canon DC series there are no settings, menu buttons, no light, no lens cap and no memory card.

Unlike the Canon GRD-250 that flaunts a big zoom optical range, the Flip has no optical zoom lens, only a 2 x digital zoom.

And while the Sony Handycam digital camcorders were created to be compact it looks like a tank compared to the pocket sized Flip Ultra.

Unlike the complicated menu of buttons on the Canon GRD-250, the Flip Ultra digital camcorder has three buttons, play, stop and trash. Not even a battery pack, it works with AA batteries.

While other digital camcorders, including Sony and Canon use different media for storage of recordings, such as DVD, flash drives or MiniDV tapes, the Flip Ultra has no tapes or disks, all footage is downloaded via attached USB plug, which pops out at 90 degrees to the camera body.

That USB plugs into a computer and footage is then downloaded to the PC, which can be played, copied to a hard drive and burned to DVD and, of course edited in most standard editing programs. There is also a special cable to plug it into a TV and watch footage directly.

The Filming Process:

Press the red button once to record and once to stop. Press play to review the video. Press trash to delete any scenes. That's it! With this ease of use the Flip Ultra digital camcorder is a perfect fit for even the most novice of users.

Size Does Matter:

Unlike the traditional digital camcorders and even the more compact models, such as the Sony Handycam, the Flip Ultra can go anywhere, and everywhere, like a purse, beach bag, or pocket. It's very rugged so you can take it skiing, to the playground, while playing a sport and virtually anywhere where you might need to shoot some clips. There is even a acrylic accessory case that allows you to take it underwater!

Video Quality:

With all this simplicity and a low retail price of under $150, the Flip Ultra digital camcorder delivers an amazingly good picture quality, comparable to that of it's more sophisticated counterparts, such as the Sony and Canon models. It has TV resolution (640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second).

The most amazing feature of the Flip Ultra, especially considering it's simplicity compared to the more traditional and sophisticated digital camcorder brands, is the low-light ability, which trumps even the most expensive of digital camcorders. Not only is the video grain-free, but recorded dim scenes actually look brighter than they looked to the naked eye.



Bradyn

Christine Gallagher asked:


Video is one of the hottest things right now on the web.  How hot?  In March 2009, web information provider comScore released their data regarding the consumption of online video. Their report showed that Internet users in the U.S. watched 14.5 billion online videos during the month--an increase of 11% over February's numbers.  Their report also indicated for March that 78% of the U.S. web audience viewed video online, averaging 97 videos per viewer during the month.

With these staggering numbers many more people are exploring how they can add online video to their marketing mix.  Why use video for marketing?  Because it's the next best thing to communicating face to face with potential clients and customers and building up trust.  It's also fantastic for driving traffic and can be done for virtually no cost.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Get a Flip camcorder. A Flip is a pocket-size digital video recorder that's both easy to use and very affordable.  You simply point, record and then upload the video right to your computer via USB.  If you are just looking to get going with video, this is a great way to do it.  They even have HD versions of their cameras and the ability to personalize them with colors and designs.

2. Check out free screencasting software. Not ready to put yourself in front of the camera yet?  You can still create videos starring your voice and your computer screen with these free services online.  Two I recommend and use are Screentoaster and Jing.  These are perfect for creating short tutorials for e-learning purposes that you can then upload to your blog or video sharing sites.  All you need is a microphone--I use the headset I have for Skype.

3. Get an account on YouTube, Viddler or Vimeo. These are video services where you can upload, enhance and share your videos for free.  YouTube is nice for creating your own channel on a page you design yourself.  Just grab the code they supply to embed video on your own webpage. Vimeo has a really attractive and streamlined player, and Viddler offers in-video tagging and commenting.  There are many other choices for video hosting, including Facebook.  Check out the different options and decide which one works best for you.

4. Direct viewers to your site. Don't forget to mention your website in the actual video at the beginning and end or add text displaying the URL.  You will also want to add your website in your profile as well as any place you are able to type in a description of the particular video.

Video can be a very extensive topic as well as intimidating for a lot of people.  I'm only recently beginning to experiment with it beyond the basics myself.  Start with these steps and don't think you need to create lengthy or fancy clips.  In fact, short, content-rich videos are your best bet.

To start out, aim for 90 seconds to two minutes in length where you offer a few tips or teach people how to do something.  Minimize any background noise and make sure you have sufficient lighting in the room and you'll be ready to go!



Abbey

madeline asked:


Canon has its own reputation for its innovative releases. Legria, the new name for canon’s HD and Flash (FS series) camcorders have released yet another series -- Canon LEGRIA FS22.

This Legria FS22 camcorder tops up in Canon's flash memory standard-definition camcorder line-up that features 45x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch flip-out LCD screen and 32GB of built-in storage that can actually store up almost 21 hours of movie footage on this internal memory. It looks stylish and convenient to carry out anywhere due to its lightweight since it uses flash memory.



With a Pre-recording function, the camcorder starts recording three seconds before pressing the Record button. Three seconds of footage are continuously stored and automatically added to the beginning of the clip for each recording. Power consumption is less due to the use of flash, so quick recharge is applicable even when it is dried out of charge.

Canon LEGRIA FS22 is loaded with PIXELA software that supports editing and sharing the movies. Also a Megapixel CCD allows us to capture superior video images and higher quality videos. Packed with a microphone and a headphone jack, FS22 offers a standard capture and monitor audio during recording thereby ensuring the best possible soundtrack. Lighter, more compact and user-friendly, the Canon FS22 delivers out stunning videos at an affordable price. Because it uses flash memory, the LEGRIA FS22 is light enough to be carried anywhere, weighing just 230g.

Canon FS22 is now on the boards of the latestchoice.com, comforting for an easy purchase.



Joslyn

Cads asked:


rial Reviews From the Manufacturer

UltraHD Overview

Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom Simple user interface lets you start capturing HD video just seconds after powering on Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace FlipShare’s advanced compression technology allows for quick and easy sharing of high-resolution HD video in compact-sized files (via email or publishing online)

Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos

HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV

Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews:

Originally I went in to Best Buy to pick up a Mino HD so I could record studio and location "behind the scenes" photography shoots for my business. The employee I spoke to handed this to me saying "it doesn't come out for another week, but its cheaper than the Mino that is on sale". It was a no-brainer for me to pick up.

Its a nice little unit; compact, fits in my back pocket if needed, and the controls are very basic - click da big red button to record. Click da big red button again to stop. Simplicity at its finest.

I love that the unit has a USB built right in, but I still use a USB extension because I'm using an iMac, and since it ends up hanging upside down, I don't want to add stress to the USB prong.

I haven't used the built-in editing software, as I'm importing my files into iMovie and editing from that.

Quality wise, I'd say is pretty darn good considering its about the size of a box of Necco valentine sweet-hearts candy. However, I must insist that it is to be used as a stationary "fixed" lens, and not to use the digital zoom. Once that digital zoom is used, the quality, like *any* digital zoom, suffers greatly. To circumvent this, I've super-glued a step-down ring to the front of my Ultra HD so I can screw on a wide angle and a telephoto lens. If you don't mind Frankenstein-ing your Ultra HD, then go for it.

I haven't done much low-light shooting with it, but I have a feeling that it could get somewhat noisy and grainy. I'll see more results soon when I start using this inside the studio.

I'll be mainly using my Ultra HD on a tripod to record behind-the-scenes footage of my photography sessions, so I'll have a way of keeping the camcorder static and not moving around a lot.

Overall, I feel this is greatly worth the $199 I paid. You have to remember that this is a dinky little device with a tiny sensor in it, so the quality won't be as good as a larger dedicated video camera, or one of the newer DSLR's with the built in high-def. Apples to Oranges.

With a little extra cash and some super-glue, you can get more reach and wide angle out of the unit.

[...] Great little unit. Don't come in to this expecting a goose that lays golden eggs. For what it is, it does well. Recommended.

By Albert H. Ceaser Jr."Sid Ceaser" (Nashua, NH USA)

Amazon.com

Click To see more...

Cads



Alden

Richard Adams asked:


Flip video camera is ultra simple to use, the software which comes built into the camera is still very useful indeed and in this article I'd like to take a look at the four current features you will find installed on your new camcorder.

It is important to underline before we start that the software comes preinstalled on the Flip video camera and when you plug your camera into your computer the software should fire up automatically. It includes a version for PCs and a version for Macs so whichever computer you are using you should have no problems with the Flip video software.

Once opened up, you can view the videos that are currently on your camera and play them from inside the software making it easier to work out which videos are worth saving and which ones are suitable for deleting.

Down the left-hand side of the software you will find the simple navigation menu too which contains links to the four main areas of the software.

They are, in turn:

Save Videos - The first option allows you to save videos by moving them from one place to another, for example saving videos from your camera onto your computer, or the reverse. The process is incredibly simple whereby you just select the location of the videos you wan to access, highlight the specific video clips and then choose the save button. The videos will then be moved as per your instructions.

Share Videos - This options allows you to upload videos you have made to any of the various social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. You simply select the specific videos you would like to upload, then select the website for upload. Finally uo enter in a few basic details about your account (username, password etc.) and your videos are then automatically uploaded for others to enjoy.

Make Movie - This is probably the weakest feature of all in my opinion and is as far as video editing currenrly stretches with the Flip video camera. Be aware of course that like with any other video clips you can use third party software applications to edit them (like Windows Movie Maker, for example) but looking purely at the softeare that comes preinstalled on the Flip Video Camera this "editing" element is basic at best.

What it basically allows you to do is to take a number of existing video clips, "stick" them together into one long clip, and then add music in the background if desired or a few nothing-special video effects.

The results are really just for fun - you are unlikely to use this software more than once in my opinion and it is unlikely to give you the sort of result that you might want to show off to family and friends.

For a professional look check out Sony Vegas Movie Studio which is generally accepted to be the best "amateur" video editing software available which most users swear by.

Delete Videos - Not surprisingly this function simply allows you to select which videos you would like to delete.



Edwin

Brooke Yan asked:


hose grainy, jumpy home movies of yesteryear are long gone--replaced by home movies shot on digital or analog camcorders. You can edit and embellish the footage with music using your computer, then play it back on your VCR; you can even send it via e-mail.

Digital camcorders, now the dominant type, generally offer very good to excellent picture quality, along with very good sound capability, compactness, and ease of handling. Making copies of a digital recording won't result in a loss of picture or sound quality. You can even take rudimentary still photos with some digital camcorders.

Analog camcorders, now a small part of the market, generally have good picture and sound quality and are less expensive. Some analog units are about as compact and easy to handle as digital models, while others are a bit bigger and bulkier.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Sony dominates the camcorder market, with multiple models in a number of formats. Other top brands include Canon, JVC, Panasonic, and Samsung.

Most digital models come in the MiniDV format. Formats such as the disc-based DVD-RAM and DVD-R have also appeared. Some digital models weigh as little as one pound.

MiniDV. Don't let their small size deceive you. Although some models can be slipped into a large pocket, MiniDV camcorders can record very high-quality images. They use a unique tape cassette, and the typical recording time is 60 minutes at standard play (SP) speed. Expect to pay $6.50 for a 60-minute tape. You'll need to use the camcorder for playback--it converts its recording to an analog signal, so it can be played directly into a TV or VCR. If the TV or VCR has an S-video input jack, use it to get a high-quality picture.

Price range: $350 to more than $2,000.

Digital 8. Also known as D8, this format gives you digital quality on Hi8 or 8mm cassettes, which cost $6.50 and $3.50, respectively. The Digital 8 format records with a faster tape speed, so a "120-minute" cassette lasts only 60 minutes at SP. Most models can also play your old analog Hi8 or 8mm tapes.

Price range: $350 to $800.

Disc-based. Capitalizing on the explosive growth and capabilities of DVD movie discs, these formats offer benefits tape can't provide: long-term durability, a compact medium, and random access to scenes as with a DVD. The 3 1/4-inch discs record standard MPEG-2 video, the same format used in commercial DVD videos. The amount of recording time varies according to the quality level you select: from 20 minutes per side at the highest-quality setting for DVD-RAM up to about 60 minutes per side at the lowest setting. DVD-RAM discs are not compatible with most DVD players, but the discs can be reused. DVD-R is supposed to be compatible with most DVD players and computer DVD drives, but the discs are write-once. We paid about $25 at a local retailer for a blank DVD-RW.

Price range: $700 to $1,000.

Most analog camcorders now use the Hi8 format; VHS-C and Super VHS-C are fading from the market. Blank tapes range in price from $3.50 to $6.50. Analog camcorders usually weigh around 2 pounds. Picture quality is generally good, though a notch below that of digital.

Price range: $225 to $500.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

A flip-out liquid-crystal-display (LCD) viewer is becoming commonplace on all but the lowest-priced camcorders. You'll find it useful for reviewing footage you've shot and easier to use than the eyepiece viewfinder for certain shooting poses. Some LCD viewers are hard to use in sunlight, a drawback on models that have only a viewer and no eyepiece.

Screens vary from 2 1/2 to 4 inches measured diagonally, with a larger screen offered as a step-up feature on higher-priced models. Since an LCD viewer uses batteries faster than an eyepiece viewfinder does, you don't have as much recording time when the LCD is in use.

An image stabilizer automatically reduces most of the shaking that occurs from holding the camcorder as you record a scene. Most stabilizers are electronic; a few are optical. Either type can be effective, though mounting the camcorder on a tripod is the surest way to get steady images. If you're not using a tripod, you can try holding the camcorder with both hands and propping both elbows against your chest.

Full auto switch essentially lets you point and shoot. The camcorder automatically adjusts the color balance, shutter speed, focus, and aperture (also called the "iris" or "f-stop" with camcorders).

Autofocus adjusts for maximum sharpness; manual focus override may be needed for problem situations, such as low light. (With some camcorders, you may have to tap buttons repeatedly to get the focus just right.) With many models, you can also control exposure, shutter speed, and white balance.

The zoom is typically a finger control--press one way to zoom in, the other way to widen the view. The rate at which the zoom changes will depend on how hard you press the switch. Typical optical zoom ratios range from 10:1 to 26:1. The zoom relies on optical lenses, just like a film camera (hence the term "optical zoom"). Many camcorders offer a digital zoom to extend the range to 400:1 or more, but at a lower picture quality.

For tape-based formats, analog or digital, every camcorder displays tape speeds the same way a VCR does. Every model, for example, includes an SP (standard play) speed. Digitals have a slower, LP (long play) speed that adds 50 percent to the recording time. A few 8mm and Hi8 models have an LP speed that doubles the recording time. All VHS-C and S-VHS-C camcorders have an even slower EP (extended play) speed that triples the recording time. With analog camcorders, slower speeds worsen picture quality. Slow speed usually doesn't reduce picture quality on digital camcorders. But using slow speed means sacrificing some seldom-used editing options and may restrict playback on other camcorders.

Disc-based formats have a variety of modes that trade off recording time for image quality.

Quick review lets you view the last few seconds of a scene without having to press a lot of buttons. For special lighting situations, preset auto-exposure settings can be helpful. A "snow & sand" setting, for example, adjusts shutter speed or aperture to accommodate high reflectivity.

A light provides some illumination for close shots when the image would otherwise be too dark. Backlight compensation increases the exposure slightly when your subject is lit from behind and silhouetted. An infrared-sensitive recording mode (also known as night vision, zero lux, or MagicVu) allows shooting in very dim or dark situations, using infrared emitters. You can use it for nighttime shots, although colors won't register accurately in this mode.

Audio/video inputs let you record material from another camcorder or from a VCR, useful for copying part of another video onto your own. (A digital camcorder must have such an input jack if you want to record analog material digitally.) Unlike a built-in microphone, an external microphone that is plugged into a microphone jack won't pick up noises from the camcorder itself, and it typically improves audio performance.

A camcorder with digital still capability lets you take snapshots, which can be downloaded to your computer. The photo quality is generally inferior to that of a still camera.

Features that may aid editing include a built-in title generator, a time-and-date stamp, and a time code, which is a frame reference of exactly where you are on a tape--the hour, minute, second, and frame. A remote control helps when you're using the camcorder as a playback device or when you're using a tripod. Programmed recording (a self-timer) starts the camcorder recording at a preset time.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Pick your price range and format. The least-expensive camcorders on the market are analog. All the rest are digital.

Once you've decided which part of the price spectrum to explore, you need to pick a specific recording format. That determines not only how much you'll be spending for tapes or discs, but also how much recording time you'll get. The tape-based formats are typically superior in picture quality.

With analog, you can get 120 to 300 minutes of recording on a Hi8 cassette; with the SVHS-C or VHS-C formats, you can get only 30 to 120 minutes.

With digital formats that use MiniDV, Digital 8, or MicroMV tapes, you can get at least 60 minutes of recording on a standard cassette. MiniDV and D8 cassettes are the least expensive and easiest to find.

Digital DVD camcorders from Panasonic and Hitachi can accommodate DVD-RAM discs, which can be reused but aren't compatible with all DVD players. All brands also use DVD-R, one-use discs that work in most DVD players. The standard setting yields 60 minutes of recording; the "fine" setting, 30 minutes.

If you're replacing an older camcorder, think about what you'll do with the tapes you've accumulated. If you don't stay with the same format you've been using, you will probably want to transfer the old tapes to an easily viewed medium, such as a DVD.

If you're buying your first camcorder, concentrate on finding the best one for your budget, regardless of format.

Check the size, weight, and controls. In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use. Some models can feel disconcertingly tiny. (You'll need to use a tripod if you want rock-steady video, no matter which camcorders you choose.) Most camcorders are designed so that the most frequently used controls--the switch to zoom in and out, and the record button--fall readily to hand. Make sure that the controls are convenient and that you can change the tape or DVD and remove the battery.

Check the flip-out LCD viewer. Most measure 2.5 inches on the diagonal, but some are larger, adding about $100 to the price. If the viewer seems small and difficult to use or suffers from too much glare, consider trading up to a similar model or a different brand to get a better screen.

Think about the lighting. A camcorders isn't always used outdoors or in a brightly lit room. You can shoot video in dim light, but don't expect miracles. In our tests, using the camcorders' default mode, most produced only fair or poor images in very low light. Many camcorders have settings that can improve performance but can be a challenge to use.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

Find More

Camcorders with Easy Deal at

ShopNdeal.com

.



Jovan

Dave Joa asked:


Pure Digital's new Flip Mino video camera is an ultraportable mini-camcorder and it is the latest addition to their successful and very popular Flip Video range of miniature pocket camcorders. The Mino camcorder the smallest they have released and it is also more compact and much thinner than the original Flip camcorders including the more recent Ultra range.

The major benefit that allows these new video cameras to be so small comes from their use of flash memory as the built-in storage for the video recordings. Prior to the Flip designs, camcorders had to use tapes or other types of disk to store the video output.

Memory cards are not required by the Mino camcorder as it can easily store up to a whole hour of recorded video on board in the internal memory chips, which have a capacity of 2 GB.

These mini-camcorders have been designed specifically for ease of use and portability. They are in fact totally simple. You do not need any technical knowledge to use them and to start recording video you just press the touch sensitive record button and then just press it again to stop. What could be easier?

And because this diminutive video camera has internal rechargeable batteries, just like an ipod, it is always ready to be picked up and put in your pocket just as you leave home. You can then carry it easily with you all day and shoot some video images whenever you feel the urge.

Many of us today have a digital camera and for anyone that enjoys the experience of seeing their digital images on their computer or television they can now do the same with moving images and video. This is a natural step to take and will increase the enjoyment of recording friends and family both on vacation and at home.

For mums and dads it is a great way to record their kids as they are growing up. The difference is that today you just need to store the digital video files on your computer or memory stick and they can be used any where and at any time in the future.

Any videos you record with the Mino are easily uploaded to popular web sites such as Facebook or MySpace for sharing with your friends. Using simple controls on the Mino and the built-in USB connector you can quickly transfer your videos to your own computer. Then you can also easily upload your recordings to YouTube or other video sites on the web.

This new camcorder boasts a 1.4 inch VGA anti-glare screen which has the ability to record at a resolution of 640x480 pixels and a speed of 30 frames per second. Support for Apple Mac computers is also provided and a special connector means you can play back your videos through your TV.

The best thing about the Flip Video Mino is it's pure simplicity and amazing portability. It is also very affordable and this means that almost everyone can get one and it really is so much fun! Every time you leave home you can quickly pick it up, put it in your pocket and make videos whenever and wherever you want.



Reese

Thomas Bartlett asked:


4 GB of built-in memory and the ability to record up to 60 minutes of high-quality video, the Flip Mino HD is the world\'s smallest HD camcorder.

It has built-in FlipShare software that allows you to save and organize your videos, create folders to organize your videos, provides the ability to publish your videos online with various video websites, allows you to email your videos to fiends and family, and provides the ability to create custom movies with your favorite music.

At a measly 3.3 ounces, the Flip Mino HD is the world\'s smallest HD camcorder. It\'s super-sleek, super-slim design, allows it to fit into a small spaces, including any pocket or purse. It is powered by an internal lithium ion rechargeable battery which recharges through the USB connection to your computer.

This incredible camera produces HD 720p resolution for video to enjoy on your HDTV. It also records high-quality MP4 files that can be easily dragged and dropped onto iTunes, iPhoto and iMovie. You have the ability to instantly watch videos on your TV with the included connector cable. Camera features include instant playback rewind, fast-forward, cause, zoom, and delete.

Technical Details

The Flip Mino HD holds 60 minutes of HD-quality video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen) on 4 GB of built-in memory

Weighs only 3.3 ounces

Features one-touch recording and digital zoom

Flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer to launch built-in FlipShare

Built-in FlipShare Software

Organize and Save: Watch your videos on your computer whenever you want, and create your own folders to organize your videos, or simply use the automatic date-stamp system.

Online Video Publishing: Upload your videos instantly to YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video and many other websites, all with the click of a button. It’s never been this easy to publish online!

Email Videos: Send your videos privately to family and/or friends. Select from an assortment of greeting cards to personalize your message.

Edit and Create Movies: Edit individual clips and create custom movies, including with adding your favorite music. FlipShare even allows you to capture snapshots from your videos.

What comes with purchase:

Flip MinoHD Camcorder, with built-in FlipShare software

TV connector cable

Wrist strap

Soft carrying case

Quick start guide

Warranty

Product registration

Yazmin

Hamid hameed asked:


e="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Current economic recession has changed the shoppers' behavior during the year (2008). Generally speaking, people prefer to buy inexpensive and simple products like the Wii and the Flip, over competing gadgets richer features

.

Going some places we found that Nintendo has sold more than 30 million Wii game consoles since they were introduced two years ago. Best Buy promoted the Wii in its efforts to get holiday shoppers into buying instead of big-screen high-definition TVs. Similarly the games of the Microsoft Xbox 360 are outselling the more expensive Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3 combined by almost 2 to 1. The Flip camcorder is also simple, and two to three times cheaper than camcorders made by Sony or JVC. Pure Digital Technologies says it has sold more than 1.5 million Flips since it unveiled the product line in 2007.

This visible shift in consumer preference to the cheaper electronic devices could well be a reaction to the recession. It is not just the economics of a shopping-fatigued nation at work here. Consumers found the simple devices, which don't need instruction manuals to set up and use, more appealing.

This shift in shoppers preferences could be mirrored anywhere. Remember, competition and the effects of price hick force sales down.

The one defense that seemed to work during the year was to offer a new product at the same price as the old one — but with more features. The laptops got better graphics, the hard drives spun faster, the cameras picked up more detail, the memory cards held more.

Current economic recession still going on, only time will tell how shoppers are going to fare in coming year.



Raina