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Flip Mino HD vs. Old DV camcorder?

A

akm3

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Nov 15, 2007
2,252
279
I know this seems like a dumb comparison...I have an old Sony MiniDV camcorder. It was a low end consumer model at the time, having 'zoom' and some image adjustments on it's flip out touch screen.

Am I right thinking that the Flip Mino HD would actually produce a higher quality picture than this old Sony? I'm looking for an upgrade so my wife can catch more of the 'magic moments' of our toddler more quickly and easily. The camcorder is just NOT easy to quickly grab and record moments, and I understand the Flip is. But, I don't want something with junky quality.

Everything I've read says I'll be shocked at the quality at the expense of some flexibility - it should be a big improvement.

Am I wrong?
 
FCP.guru.guy said:
If it records in HD (high def) then it's obviously going to have a better quality than SD(standard def) which is the quality of a DV(digital video) tape.:D
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Quality? Not necessarily. Resolution? Yes.

Chances are good that the quality may be better, but you have to think about the other elements that determine quality, e.g. lens material, focus ability, low light performance, sensor size, etc.

My PD170 beats a lot of the low-end consumer HD cameras on the market, and that thing is OLD.

OP: Look up several reviews of the Flip and see if you can find some sample videos.
 
r.j.s said:
Quality? Not necessarily. Resolution? Yes.

Chances are good that the quality may be better, but you have to think about the other elements that determine quality, e.g. lens material, focus ability, low light performance, sensor size, etc.

My PD170 beats a lot of the low-end consumer HD cameras on the market, and that thing is OLD.

OP: Look up several reviews of the Flip and see if you can find some sample videos.
Click to expand...

Well your the Demi-God. :D
Getting real: Yes you are 100% correct, I guess I got some terms mixed up quality/resolution. I wasn't thinking, sorry. And by the way, that thing is OLD (no offense)But it's also about a $2600 camera compared to some new $100-$300 cameras. Lens material, focus ability, low light performance, sensor size, etc. all defiantly affect and determine the QUALITY of the video. A HDD recording camcorder like a flip camera is going to have no where near the quality of a Red One.:apple:;):apple:
 
r.j.s said:
Quality? Not necessarily. Resolution? Yes.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I picked up a PV-GS500 a while ago instead of going the HD route. Better lens and sensors then many HD consumer cams. Very good low light performance (something to think about if your shooting indoors alot).
 
Just because a camcorder says "HD" on it doesn't automatically mean it looks better. The Flip cams take really crappy quality video compared to even the cheapest DV camcorders. If you need a pocket sized camera for quick shots, then get the mino, but it will be in no way a good every day camcorder.

I have the regular mino, and I love it for what it does (small, fits in pocket, great for short clips on the fly).
 
budha said:
Just because a camcorder says "HD" on it doesn't automatically mean it looks better. The Flip cams take really crappy quality video compared to even the cheapest DV camcorders. If you need a pocket sized camera for quick shots, then get the mino, but it will be in no way a good every day camcorder.

I have the regular mino, and I love it for what it does (small, fits in pocket, great for short clips on the fly).
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Trust me, I'm not expecting it to be great just because it is 'HD' , I'm just wondering if it'll be better than my many year old low-end Sony MiniDV camcorder.
 
akm3 said:
Trust me, I'm not expecting it to be great just because it is 'HD' , I'm just wondering if it'll be better than my many year old low-end Sony MiniDV camcorder.
Click to expand...

Find some sample videos on the web and compare.
 
FCP.guru.guy said:
The Flip is nice because of it's size, but really doesn't have any other pros, mainly just cons. :(
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Also note the Flip and Kodak Zi6 don't have image stabilization -- optical or electronic. If your planning on shooting anything with motion, that's a big issue. I returned the Flip and got the Sony HDR-TG1 instead because of that. Also, as other commenters have said, there isn't any "truth in HD" law and HD is referring to the size v. the quality. That being said, I took some great shots with the Kodak, but those were entirely dependent on the good sunlight.
 
I have never owned a flip. Based on what I know about video being a semi professional videographer, and professional editor, I give advice on this type of stuff. The only part of this special interest section that I would trust myself and myself only on is anything to do with Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, iMovie, video formats, video editing, or video advice. Video cameras vary too much for anyone to know everything about. The I do about 2 min of research and will give advice. Image stabilization is a big this for a camcorder. Especially if you aren't going to use image stabilization on Motion, Shake, or Final Cut. I personally haven't used or looked at camcorders in years (2-3).
 
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