In this head-to-head video camera shootout, the heavily hyped Flip Mino HD goes against the top rated Canon Vixia HV30. Well OK, it’s not exactly a fair competition as the Flip is priced at $200 and the Canon at $600. But is it really worth it to spend all that extra money on the Canon? Watch this video to see side-by-side footage from each of them…then decide for yourself.
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Obviously the Canon surpassed the other in color. The Flip washed out the colors. But I was surprised that the Flip showed a better reflection from the window on your microwave glass than the Cannon. With the Canon, I though at the beginning that you had your professional lights on until you mentioned it was only ambient light. Go figure! Great podcast, by the way.
Terrific video, Dave.
I’m glad I already have my Canon HV20 but I was wondering whether it was worth also getting a Flip. It seems to have that advantage of being very portable and would be great for those quick, on-the-spur-of-the-moment videos.
But how often does that happen?
Rainer
@Rainer: from my experience, those spur-of-the-moment video opportunities happen quite often. I keep my flip on my kitchen counter and use it frequently to grab a clip of something cute the cats are doing, or the deer in the yard, or a quick shot of visitors having a cup of tea. I also have a Sony TRV-900 and because it’s bigger and more complicated to use, I just don’t get around to taking impromptu shots with it.
Dave- excellent comparison. I was just debating whether to buy the Flip as a quick and dirty camera to shoot daytime video. I use a Sony VXR 2100 now and love the quality.
Your comparison clearly showed that unless you’re shooting in bright daylight and standing right in front of the camera using the Flip, your sound will be pretty poor in comparison to an camera with an external lavalier microphone.
Very interesting. Thanks for that, Dave. The only thing you could have added was a shot from the camera you use.
@Jowillie – All of the footage of me speaking and explaining (at my desk at the beginning and end of the video) was show with the Canon Vixia HV30.
@Barbra: Actually I usually have my Canon available around the house (since I have EIGHT cats) and one of them is always doing something stupid!
I was actually thinking more in the car, or doing something that I can use for my online business. Really don’t want to be carrying the HV20 around with me. I guess it’s a little like carrying a pocket-size Sony camera around versus a Nikon D40.
I definitely see a big difference in quality between the Flip and Canon.
It doesn’t matter if you are watching it on an HD monitor? Dumb question?
Hi Dave,
I have an HV-30 and can never achieve the clarity that you are achieving. What is the secret. Your videos are very crisp and clear.
Thanks,
Mike
As usual Dave, some awesome info. You have taught me alot because I thought from the very beginning audio was going to be a problem, learned that from WebVideoUniversity.
BTW, when are you going to reply to my email? Did you get it?
Dave how did you know I was just about to invest in the video camera. Your superb information presentation is just fantastic. Always a pleasure Dave.
kind regards
Michael Podgoetsky.
Hi Dave,
Excellent comparison video.
What kind of mic are you using with the Canon Vixia?
Thanks.
@Kim – If you’re watching on a television, you’ll want an HD one. For most computer monitors (web video) it doesn’t matter.
@Mike – I teach the techniques to get crystal-clear video in my courses
@ Brian – See my video here:
http://webvideouniversity.com/podcast/video/2009/01/09/wvu-20-the-equipment-i-use/
Dave,
This is awesome information! I realize how much time you spent doing this comparison, and it’s a great benefit to your viewers.
Thanks much!
Ed Oakley
http://www.leadershipmadesimple.com/journal
If it is quality you want, the Canon wins hands down! The added value of having a external mic jack for a lav mic and audio/video outputs is definitely a plus. I have just a coupple of questions that you or some other subscribers can answer.
In what format are the videos produced with each camera?
Are they easy to edit & upload? What is the best format to use for internet video?
Thanks in advance for anyhelp you an provide
Web Video goobernewbie
Gerard
@ Gerard – The Flip does 1280×720 I believe…and the Canon can go up to 1920×1080. I did both at 1280×720 in the video.
I cover the answers to the other questions in the training courses I provide.
Thanks Dave.
I recently purchased (2 mo ago) a JVC Everio. While it is a good little camera, I see now about the proprietary stuff. It is a pain to render the videos in a fomat that is of good enough quality and compact enough for the web etc. I wish I had the time & money to take your full course!
Keep up the great work! Your site is awesome!
Wow Dave – this is great. I’m so glad I signed up for WebVideoUniversity training even though I could get this quality info right here for “free”. It’s really obvious how much you over deliver and I appreciate that so much!
And, this video did convince me – it’s worth the extra money.
Terrie
Guess I should have gone shopping first before I posted. I cannot find the HV 30 available anywhere – it seems to have been replaced (?) already by the HV 40?
Any comments since it’s alot more expensive than the HV 30 is/was…
Your input would be appreciated…
Terrie
@Terrie – You can still find the HV30 at various online retailers or on Ebay. But from the retail perspective, it’s been replaced by the HV40.
Just be aware that the HV30 was a coveted camera, so it still demands a premium price, even in the used market.
If you can find one for $600-$700, get it.
Thanks Dave – I will check out eBay.
No mic jack – forget it!
Hi Dave:
This was most informative. I recently won a Flip Mino HD and was excited to get it and start using it. I do training and informational videos that I put up on YouTube. I had been using the built in webcam on my Laptop. I could find one location in my house where the lighting etc. seemed just right. However, all my videos had the same background which wasn’t ideal for me.
I got the Flip and made a few videos and uploaded them to YouTube, only to find out that the audio, even when turned up to maximum, was pathetic.
I am so disappointed, because this was the main reason for wanting the camera. I realize that if I am actually taking video of something myself and I am holding the camera close to my face, then the audio is O.K. but I need the camera to be a number of feet away from me as I am the subject matter.
The Flip company said I can send it back and they will look at it and fix it or replace it if there is anything wrong with it. However, I am beginning to think that this is just the way the camera is. I think it’s crazy that they don’t have the ability to plug in a mike.
I just don’t know what camera to get now.
Good audio is crucial for my kind of videos.
The new Kodak Xi8, Kodak’s response to the Flip, has an external mic input. Some early tests imply better video quality. It will be tough to beat the HV20/30/40.
I’m really confused (or dense, not sure anymore). How many models of the Flip are there? Is there a Flip Mino AND a Flip Mino HD, or is the camera HD no matter what? Is the Flip Ultra HD just a larger version with 8 Gb?
Rainer
@Rainer – All of the Flip products are listed on their web site:
http://www.theflip.com
Hi Dave,
First thing I like to say is your web site is real cool, with real valid information. I just signed up a week ago. I have been hearing alot of great reviews on the Sanyo HD Xacti 10 mega, and looking to buy one. Just wanted to know what you think of this camera. Thank you for your time.
@Chris – I’ve never seen/used that camera. I recommend sticking with the big manufacturers of cameras though (Canon, Sony, etc.). They are the most widely supported by video editing apps.