When the first Flip Video cameras hit the market in 2007, they took the camcorder market by storm. By bringing together a highly portable, inexpensive device with video perfect for uploading to the web, the Flip has become a must-have gadget for the social media addict. Cisco purchased Flip in May for a cool US$590 million.

Coming to the market nearly a year after the first Flip MinoHD, Flip Video faces increased competition from other camera makers like Kodak (who recently released the Zi8 pocket camera) and new entrants like Apple — who released its newest iPod nano in September — complete with pocket video and easy upload-support.

Here are the specs for the new Flip MinoHD:
Internal Memory: 8GB (120 minutes)
Screen Size: 2.0″ (transflective TFT)
Screen Resolution: 960 x 240 pixels
Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
Video Bitrate: 8.8Mbps (average – auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format: H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type: Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface: 8 Touch-Sensitive Capacitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
Dimensions: 3.94″ x 1.97″ x 0.63″ (H x W x D)
PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed)
TV Out: HDMI™ Mini Connector (Standard HDMI™ Cable not included (buy now)
Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges on both USB and Flip Video power adapter (buy now).

The new Flip MinoHD is priced at US$229.99, which is only $30 more than the 4GB first generation FLip MinoHD. The new FlipShare software with Facebook support should be updated across the Flip Video line soon, so if you have an older Flip cam, you won’t be left out in the cold.

Christina Warren is a writer, speaker, podcaster and video host. Before joining Mashable, Christina was the assistant lead blogger at Download Squad and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. She has also written for USA Today and for AOL’s StyleList Blog. You can hear her dulcet tones on an assortment of podcasts at 5by5.tv.
 

Note from Ray Wood:  I use my Flip Camera all the time.  The HD reproduction is stunning and it is so versatile working really well in low light or brilliant sunshine.  Available in Australia nationally at Teds for AUD$299.95 at time of posting.