Philips SIC4714BB Video Camera [Uninspiring Flip Mino Wannabe]

Whilst, on the whole, we tend to get rather excited about new Philips gadgetry no matter how hard we try we just cannot conjure any excitement whatsoever concerning this new stills and video camera from Philips. And, judging by the catchy name – hail the Philips SIC4714BB/27 Video Camera – one can only assume that even Philips can barely contain their (lack of) excitement either.

Taking on what seems to be so very evidently the same format as the likes of Pure Digital’s range of Flip Youtube camcorders unfortunately means that the Philips SIC4714BB/27 will be compeating directly against Pure Digital’s latest offering, the Flip Mino, and, to put it bluntly, we really don’t fancy its chances because, well, and let’s not beat about the bush here, it just oozes nothing but unequivocal dullness.

And, what really doesn’t help is that Philip’s official product page doesn’t even try to hype up the Philips SIC4714BB/27 in offering a series of feature points that look as though they were hastily written by someone who really could care a less.

Here’s the low-down on the Philips SIC4714BB/27 Video Camera from the horse’s mouth (at which juncture we should advise that placing your hand in front of your month now is a good idea in preparation for the resulting yawn).

1.5″ color TFT LCD screen (aka tiny)

• This bright display screen makes it easy to compose pictures and offers access to the control menu.

1.3 Megapixel sensor (cutting edge resolution, less than a teenagers cell phone)

• The number of megapixels determines the clarity of the image.

Easy control menu (as opposed to a complicated one whereby more features would be required, you mean?)

• Get exactly the shot you want with convenient access over all aspects of your imaging: resolution, exposure, flash and magnification.

Easily transfer images to your PC (not much use if it didn’t really, being a digital camera and all)

• User-friendly software allows you to easily upload your pictures to your PC. You can then print them, edit them and share them with others.

Records video with audio (a major feature – we won’t mock it, after all silent movies are hardly a thing of the past are they?)

• Enjoy a live soundtrack that accompanies your video footage

SD expansion slot (is an SD card a picture storage disc card?)

• Expand the camera’s memory with picture storage disc cards.

Lithium ion rechargeable battery (as opposed to being hand-cranked)

• May be used over and over again to power the camera

Environmentally friendly lead-free construction (fair enough considering it’ll be destined for landfill quicker than….)

• Lead-free construction of environmentally friendly materials.

(Italics my own – in case you hadn’t gathered)

And, be honest, you probably though we were being overly harsh, didn’t you? That said, the fact that a rechargeable battery can be used ‘over and over again’ is somewhat of a revelation.

So, in essence, what we have here is a stills and video camera that offers you considerably less than even the most rudimentary of cell phones and that, whilst resembling the same format as Pure Digital’s Flip camcorders (and so, we assume, aimed at the very same market) offers no indication of even having any particular interest in YouTube at all.

Come, come Philips. We love you, we really do, and to that end you’ll forgive us for seeing this as being the joke is so patently is (and it is, right?) and we’ll all laugh together, then forget about SIC4714BB/27 completely over a cold beer.

No word on pricing, by the way – but do you care? (no, thought not).