The Flip MinoHD is one of a new generation of mini-camcorders that combine portability; decent performance and functionality; and affordable pricing.

These devices don’t pretend to be the best-in-breed in terms of performance and features, but deliver “good enough” performance - with portability and an affordable price tag being the key selling points.

This latest iteration of the Flip Mino HD offers several upgrades over the 2009 model, including twice the memory (8GB, so you can now record up to 120 minutes of standard definition footage); a larger LCD screen (up by 0.5-inches to 2-inches); plus the ability to upload your videos directly to Facebook, YouTube and MySpace using the on-board FlipShare software.

Aside from these upgrades, not much has changed, but this is still a nifty little device. Basically, it’s an ultra portable mini-camcorder that can record in high-definition at 30 frames-per-second (though admittedly at 1280×720 it’s not Full HD, but once again - it’s “good enough”). The top of the Flip MinoHD has a flip-out USB connector, which allows you to plug it into your computer to upload the footage and share it as you wish.

Sounds simple, and that’s the beauty of it. The image quality isn’t what you’d expect from a full-sized HD camcorder, but this device isn’t intended to be used to film cinematic masterpieces. It’s for filming and sharing as simply as possible, and that’s good enough for many of us.

The new Flip MinoHD mini-camcorder is available now with a local price of $299.95.

Buy a cheap Flip camcorder on sale in Australia

By Caroline Warnes