Hey! I have those FF and Conan Marvel Treasury Editions from back in the 70s! Wonder what they're going for nowadays...

Looking forward to the next episode and a discussion of the build quality, controls, etc.

I still like the how the flips image is a little flatter... but the focus length on the vado is nice.

that wide angle difference is pretty significant. i was close to getting a mino hd. looks like now i've got a new consideration to make. thanks for the demo andy!

I love how at the end of the joke when you took back the two cameras from the random passersby on the street the husband laughed and the wife goes... "I don't get it."

Anyway, another great comparison video! I'm really having a hard time choosing between the Flip Mino HD and the Vado HD now... although here are my thoughts: video quality is the most important feature for me, and the Mino HD wins in this category. There are features I like about the Vado HD which really has me considering it, such as twice the memory for 2 hours of video to the Mino HD's 1 hour. Although, the fact that the battery last an advertised two hours, who knows how long it will ACTUALLY last in one sitting, especially given the fact that you'll be using the camera to view the clips you just shot as well as setting up each shot, so my best guess is you'll probably only be able to shoot 1.5 hours of video on one charge. Secondly, the flip USB tab on the bottom prevents you from stacking the Vado HD on a bunch of phone books for self-portrait shots which is one of the main functions of a camera of this caliber. While this may be a trivial feature for most people it sure is a deal-breaker for me, but I'm still deciding.

Great comparison videos! I'm a huge fan. Keep up the great work.

I'm not quite sure how anyone can't see how much better the video quality is on the Vado in these examples -- it's MUCH sharper even in the low light shots (where the sensitivity of the Mino wins). Judged purely on video quality the Vado wins hands down.

I can't also see why folks whine so much about setting the camcorder on its bottom (a Very Bad idea in any case -- these form factor minis are going to blow over or otherwise fall and possibly damage themselves very easily. Carrying one of the tiny minipods just seems to make so much sense to me I don't get it).

The wide angle is both pro and con -- certainly in many situations you are going to want that wide angle, but photography is always about filling the screen with your subject. When your subject is a building or landscape by all means go wide, but in general closer is *always* better. Just look at the difference in the low-light joke situation -- the close up is definitely the way to go.

I almost hate to say it, but it's starting to look like carrying BOTH of these babies is the real way to go -- you can use the Mino for lowlight/closeup situations, and the Vado for everything else. But that's obviously not going to be possible (or realistic) for almost anyone.

I'm going to choose one of these in January (assuming no one gives me one at Christmas :>) and right now I think it's the Vado (based on picture quality). Perhaps the most telling? If I DO get a Mino at Christmas (a distinct possibility, given it was on my Amazon wish list and my wife always shops from there) I probably will go ahead and get the Vado myself anyway. That tells me how I'm leaning.

Nice review and I think you should really do another test where both cams are framed exactly the same.

Since the camcorders have auto everything (exposure, WB, etc) they have to be framed the same in order to get a idea of the low light capabilities.

Because the focal length of the lenses is different (with the Vado clearly being wider) I would say a tripod test is in order.

When you were outside under the neon sign it is possible that the Vado HD was darker (and your face was exposed as darker) because it had to deal with more elements in the frame.

On the Flip HD your face was a the main part of the frame thus the Flip exposed for that situation. I wonder how the Vado HD would've done if it was framed the same? (my guess is better).

The other aspect I wanted to see was the focus.
In these vids when you did the outdoor test it seems like you were too close to the cam. On the Flip HD the min focus is 1.5m (4.5ft) to infinity. I don't know what it is for the Vado HD. Both videos seem to have you as OOF (out of focus a bit) and the signs on the buildings across the street in sharp focus. Since the Flip HD has a fixed focus 1.5m to infinity I can only imagine that the subject was too close to the cam. I assume the the Flip HD has similar focusing properties.

In my case (and the case of most people that use the cam indoors) the wide angle is vital. Just think about all the times you want to use this and you are sitting closely with people at a table or bar. You want the wide angle of the Vado.

I really liked the review and if you can do a test where both cams are framed the same that would be great.

I want to get one but not sure which.


On paper the Vado HD should be the winner in lowlight (according to specs it is rated at 3.3 lux----yes I know that manufactures lie a lot when it comes to light).

In real world the Flip HD was tested at 7 lux by camcorderinfo.com. They have not tested the Vado HD yet but I'm sure they will soon.

Some Questions: I am trying to decide between the Mino HD or the Vado HD. I noticed that the Flip Mino has a tripod among the selection of accessories, but I don't seem to find an option for that for a Vado tripod. Does the Vado in fact have this option? I also noticed that one can buy a strap that wraps onto a bicycle, which I think is great. In Andy Ihnatko's film, I wonder if he has some special accessory that he used for the shots inside the car; like a clip on the dashboard type thing. I also wonder if there exists some type of contraption that can hold the camera from oneself about an arms length, in order, for example, to shot oneself walking down the street talking into the camera, without having to hold the camera up to oneself as one goes. How cool would something like that be?

Vado HD looks much better (and sounds it too). I think with the better specs, the Vado HD is the way to go.

The Vado HD seems to be MUCH less jerky than the Flip Mino HD.

Does anyone know if the Vado HD will mount as a generic drive?

"I'll be posting another video with my opinions and conclusions a bit later, when I've had time to scrutinize and fuss a little more."

Any idea when you'll post this other video, since "a bit later" passed a long time ago already :)
Seriously, I'm very interested in what you have to say about both cameras.

Agreed. Andy, "We want haz review plz."

Hey Andy just wanted to say thank you for this video!

I bought my Vado HD for about a month ago, and this certainly helped me make my decision.

I made a review of the Vado HD and posted it here on Vimeo, for those of you that are thinking about getting it go and watch it! I gotta admit that it is pretty long and dry as well but it is a review nonetheless.

vimeo.com/3132121

Thanks for this video, very helpful !

I have not tried the Vado but purchased a Flip Mino in Dec. I tried the Flip and had numerous problems, notably freezing and being unable to shut it off. It was so annoying that I put it away for 3 mos. I took it out again today and it froze again. I researched the internet and found many users experience the same problem. The most useful control on my Mini HD is the reset switch. Google Flip Mino problems and you will see what I mean.

iMovie users, I saw somebody suggest this on Amazon user comments...

"You will probably need to install Perian to view AVI files on a mac using quicktime. You can get the software free at perian.org "

Installing Perian will only allow you to view the videos from the Vado HD in QuickTime Player. iMovie '09, however, will not recognize the videos as valid clips unless you convert it. I did find that ffmpegX would convert from AVI to MOV or MP4 without loss of quality, which could then be imported into iMovie. If this step isn't a deal breaker for you, then the Vado HD may be right for you.

Personally, I think I would be willing to compromise on the MinoHD's flatter, less color saturated bright light performance in exchange for its more detailed low-light performance. Plus, you can import the files directly into iMovie and you can even use the software included on the unit if you so desire. Personally, I have issues with the way FlipShare handles files, but that's another long story altogether. PM me if you want details.

The Vado HD's wider angle is nice, but there are 3rd party solutions for wide angle lenses that may possibly work for the Mino HD. I saw it on some of the Zi6 discussions.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the Mino HD despite the non-replaceable battery and memory.

Nice video....even briefly flashed my work in Final Crisis :)

You are hilarious. I salute you.