The sheer simplicity of the Flip Mino products and the ease with which decent results can be achieved ensure it won't be long before the pocket video cameras take off.
The Flip Mino HD takes endearing simplicity and wraps it in a capable, good-looking package.
It's the most compact pocket video camera on the market. It measures a mere 20mm thick, has a profile that lets you slip it into the tightest of jeans pockets (or the daintiest handbag), and it weighs an inconsequential 92g. Its gloss black finish and gun-metal trim mean it's far from dull.
It's packed with practical features too. There's a pop-out USB connector, you get 4GB of memory, there's a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that charges over USB, and the software is stored onboard, ready to be installed when the camera is first plugged in.
We were a little concerned with the small size of the screen - it's only 1.5in across - but the fact that it's transflective means that, in practice, it's easier to see what you're doing while filming outside than with other, larger-screened cameras such as the Creative Vado HD.
Quality is excellent. Videos are recorded at 720/30p at an average bit rate of 9Mbits/sec using the H.264 codec, and although the compression is a touch over-aggressive, smearing some detail, it isn't enough to spoil the results.
Performance in our low-light test was particularly impressive, with footage looking detailed, colours balanced and bright, and only a touch of colour noise. It's an excellent camera for parties.
It's not just the hardware that's good, though. The onboard FlipShare software is the very model of simplicity and makes browsing, editing, uploading and emailing videos a doddle. The only mishap is the lack of HDMI output.
Some might baulk at the price - after all, $390 is a lot to spend on a video camera with no zoom or image stabilisation - but when it's as simple to use as this and produces footage as consistently high in quality, it's easy to overlook. The Flip Mino HD is a worthy recipient of the Labs Winner award.