The Flip Video mini camcorder - It is "all that!"

When I saw the Flip Video mini digital recorder, I couldn’t resist. My old camcorder is just a hassle. It’s bulky. There are so many buttons. There are cords needed to hook it up. I rarely get the dinosaur camcorder out. The Flip sounded like a lot more fun, and it is.

Flip is a tiny video making machine about the size of a cell phone. The Flip Video is high tech but has a retro look – white with various colors on the sides. I could just imagine this tucked in Marilyn Monroe’s purse. It’s a classy looking little digital recorder.

The Flip is unbelievably easy to use. I had the little camcorder out of the box and working in less than five minutes. It’s really that easy.

Slip in two double A batteries. Turn on the Flip. Press the red button to shoot video. Press the red button again to stop taking video.

There’s no viewfinder to worry with on the Flip. Hold it out and look at the LCD screen. The display screen is not huge, but it’s big enough to see what you’re shooting. The image looks good, and it’s easy to center the action.

You can press the arrow button to back up and immediately view the video. Playback also includes the sound. If you don’t like the recording, delete it on the spot and try again.

There’s also a zoom. It’s not a powerful zoom (2X). But it will get you a little closer to the action if needed. Distortion isn’t bad on a zoom in, but as I mentioned there’s not a lot of zoom.

Once you’ve recorded, press the button on the side of the Flip. Out pops a little USB connecter. You plug that in. Software loads. You can watch, save or upload your video clips. You can also send them by email just like digital photos.

There are also some editing features. You can, for example, take a series of mini clips and put them together and set them to music to make a music video.

If you want to watch the video immediately and don’t want to watch on the computer, the Flip connects right to the TV. The Flip company includes RCA cables. Just cable right into the television and see your creations on the spot.

Another nice feature on the Flip is the option to make a still photo at any point in the video footage. The quality isn’t as high as a digital still camera, but it’s fine for online fun.

The Flip is all inclusive. Other than the two standard double AA batteries, there’s nothing else needed. The little camcorder does not need media cards. Images are held right on the Flip. It’s a 2 gig size and will shoot around an hour of video. This is good and bad. Very simple. No extra purchases. On the other hand, when you reach the one hour limit, you’re done. You need to save the video on the computer and clear the Flip to take more video.

There are some accessories for the Flip camcorder. One that I’m thinking about getting is a little tripod. It’s hard to keep any digital recorder completely steady. A tripod is always a good investment if you’re making videos. There are custom cases as well. The Flip comes with a little black drawstring bag which I like fine. If you want to jazz yours up, then you have that option.

We’re having a great time with our Flip. It’s just as convenient as carrying a digital camera. Tuck it in your pocketbook or slip the carrying strap around your wrist. You’re ready to capture moments on the spot. This is really one of the coolest little inventions I’ve seen – ever. It’s a solid purchase and would make a great gift too. The price is easy to swallow as well – around $120. I say, thumbs up on the Flip.