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Based on the highly popular and portable Mino pocket camcorder, Flip Video has upped the ante once more with the MinoHD. As the name implies, it shoots 1280 x 720 video, but does it really do the job in all conditions? We've put it through the test, and our full review is after the break.

In terms of cosmetics, the Mino & MinoHD are nearly identical, save for the stainless steel plastic finish around the bezel. Inside, the capacity is doubled up to 4GB, but still shoots the same 60 minutes worth of video. Unlike the older Flip Ultra, the MinoHD only comes in one color, black.

On the back is the same 1.5-inch LCD screen, seen throughout the Flip Video product lineup, but it's fairly small to view HD content, which is letterboxed on the screen.

One other downside we found when unboxing the device, was the lack of an HD-quality output. The MinoHD, unfortunately, only supports composite video. What's an HD camcorder without an HDMI or component output?

In our tests, we were somewhat impressed with the video quality, except for the slightly washed out color reproduction. Other than that, the MinoHD is A-okay. The microphone isn't the best, but if you want better audio and video quality, it's probably best to step up to a real HD camcorder like the Canon VIXIA HV30.

For capturing those quick moments when you don't have the time to get a huge camcorder ready to shoot, the Flip MinoHD does it's job fairly well.

Flip Video also made it very easy to share videos you record with friends and family. The bundled FlipShare software provides a simple enough interface that anyone with basic computer experience can use it, and exports video to YouTube and other video services. It also offers a simplistic way at editing multiple videos together with a music soundtrack.

The MinoHD retails for $229, a hefty cost for such a simple device, but does it compare in quality to the Kodak Zi6 camcorder? We'll bring you that review next week.

Pros

• Video quality was fairly good, but washed out.
• Small, compact package.
• Simple to use software.

Cons

• Small LCD screen.
• No HD output.

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