If you are looking for a video camera and may not be sure what exactly you want or what you might be getting, this will help to explain all the features the Flip HD camera offers. You have probably seen or heard about it from friends or family because it has become the "hot" new little gadget that everybody seems to be buying. Does this make it awesome and a "gotta have it" type of item? Not necessarily. I will give you the pros and cons and you can make the decision.

The Flip HD Camera is one of those "might be perfect for some and not so perfect for other" items. I have the newest 3rdgeneration one and I will give you my outlook.

The Pros

• The Size and Mobility- This little guy just has that "feels just right" in your hand feeling. Kinda like a cell phone or thicker Iphone is a better example. It will also fit easily in your pants or shirt pocket for easy accessibility like a phone.

• It is HD- It being little does not mean it does not pack a punch. The camera records at an amazing 60 fps compared to most digital cameras at 30 fps, but 60fps and editing with HD (720p quality) can be bad depending on what you use it for which is described below.

• User Friendly (Simplicity)- A five year old can learn to use this thing. It has one big, red button to record with and 2 buttons to zoom in and zoom out with. That's it!!! Also has a USB arm to hook it up to your pc which means you don't have to buy or keep up with an extra USB cable.

• Image Stabilization improved- You know how some videos recorded with phones look shaky when you watch them? Well the older Flip models had a big problem with this also, but now is has improved big time. You don't have to worry as much about keeping the camera super steady.

• The Cons

• The Focus/Zoom- If you are not close to what you are recording expect to be disappointed with the zoom. It seems like it zooms in about 4-5 clicks and you're like "that's all?!" It reminds me of the typical zoom on a cell phone.

• HD editing/uploading- HD files are huge. So, if you are into putting the videos on your computer and editing and uploading them to share on youtube etc. this can prove to be very time consuming.

• Light situations- This is where the 60 fps feature can prove to be a fault since you can't change it to 30 fps in low light situations. 30 fps is normally better in low light and there is no option to change it. You are stuck with 60 fps which is awesome if you have plenty of light.

In summary, the Flip HD camera is probably for you if you are looking for the mobility, simplicity, and power in the palm of your hand. But not so much if you are the hobbyist looking for a camera with a lot of features, which this one definitely lacks for the price you have to pay. I like mine, but you make the decision.