I’ve been meaning to mention the Flip Mino HD video camera, and posting the video from the University of Washington students (shot on standard Flip Mino cameras) the other day kicked that memory back into living color.
To wit, Bobby Hutcherson performs on the vibes at the Crystal Ballroom during the 2009 Portland Jazz Festival:
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Now this is a tool that even the least tech savvy users can get up and running in no time. Really, all you have to do is press the big red button to record. A 1.5-inch LCD screen reveals all the action. The lens zooms with the + and – buttons, but even if one didn’t know that, she or he could use the “human zoom” (moving closer), which is the preferred way anyway. The unit has 4 GB of onboard memory, enough to shoot about an hour of HD video.
To extract the video, you flip out the USB connector, insert into your laptop or computer and the FlipShare Software is initiated. Upload to YouTube? Click. Email to your friends? Click.
The video (720p resolution, 1280×720, 16×9 aspect ratio) is impressive, especially considering it comes from a unit that is smaller than most cell phones and costs a bit over $200. That size does create some challenges. Holding the camera still is difficult, though not impossible, and the use of a mini-tripod is highly recommended.
As a multimedia tool, it’s really a no-brainer. It easily can be tossed into camera or laptop bag, or even pants pocket. I give it a whirl during the Portland Jazz Festival last month.
McCoy Tyner (piano) and Joe Lovano (sax) perform at the Schnitzer Concert Hall during the Portland Jazz Festival:
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Pretty amazing stuff.
The Buzz: Glenn Nelson 
I have an older model Flip camera and really enjoy it, but after seeing what your Flip Mino HD does, I may have to upgrade. That’s the problem with all this techno stuff, it’s outdated just about the time I figure it out! Hey, isn’t that a pic of Thomas Marriott on trumpet? He’s a good family friend and a great musician!
Hi Sue, that is indeed Thomas Marriott. If you look through the archives, you’ll see a post with more photos. This is the Glenn Nelson about whom you did the story for Seattle U.
Glenn, great video!
I’m about to buy one for my trip to Amman to cover the world cross country championships next week, and wondered how far were you from the musicians? Assuming you shot this without a tripod?
Also, have you shot any interviews with this?
Hi Paul! I was fairly close to the musicians, but the camera has a zoom that I’ve tried to avoid. Yes, I did not use a tripod. I’ve not done interviews yet, but will. I also shoot with a $5000 camera; this ain’t that but is ultra-portable and the pictures are very good.
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