 The camcorder SHOWDOWN: I've done the product comparisons for you |
| Review Date: November 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Chandler, Austin, TX |
If I'm going to spend more than a hundred bucks on an item or somewhere around there, I do extensive research first to know I got the best bang-for-the-buck and, consequently, dodge any potential future buyer's remorse.
I've realized that the time I spend doing my product comparisons is often time that others don't have so I may as well share what I can.
I'll start by saying that you'll see my "Verified Amazon Purchase" on the Flip HD Ultra Camcorder review because, obviously, that's the one I wound up buying and I'll share with you why. But what I like in a camcorder may not suit your own needs so I'll break it down and let you decide what's best for you via what I found out:
Here are the pocket camcorders I compared:
Flip UltraHD (will be referred to as "F")
Flip Mino HD 2nd generation (Will be referred to as "M")
Creative Labs Vado HD 8 GB 2nd generation (Will be referred to as "CL")
Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD (Will be referred to as "K")
Why HD cameras only? Brighter colors and better images, wider images
HD SHOOTING TIME:
F: 120 minutes.
M: 120 minutes
CL:120 minutes
K: 25 minutes with batteries they included, 120 minutes if you buy an SD card
MEMORY:
F: 8 GB
M:8 GB
CL: 8 GB
K: internally only 30 MB recording space but it has 32 GB expandable SD/SDHC card slot. Because it comes with such small recording space you really need to buy an SD or SDHC card to maximize its potential, but the potential is really good and this will increase your ability to shoot longer.
RESOLUTION:
All 720p which is excellent, just one step below the top 1080p format.
MICROPHONE:
F: Stereo
M: Mono **Update** They are now putting Stereo Mics in the Minos as of 2010.
CL: Mono
K: Mono
SOUND:
F:Premier AAC audio. Best stereo sound quality but still not great in winds
M:Good sound quality. Still not good in winds.
CL:Poor sound quality; had issues with sound and picture not being in sync.
K:Poor sound quality
ZOOM:
F: 2x
M:2x
CL:2x
K: poor quality zoom on the one I tried but I still think it's 2x. It has a great macro focus for very close-up objects if, for example, you see a bumble bee and want to shoot it on a leaf a few inches away! Kinda cool.
CAMERA SIZE AND WEIGHT:
F: 4.3x2.2x1.2 4 oz
M: 3.9x2x0.6 3. 3 oz
CL: 3.9x3x0.6 3.5 oz
K: 5.5x2.5.0.9 5.6 oz
SHIPPING SIZE AND WEIGHT:
F: 6.2 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches ; 11.2 ounces
M: 2 x 0.7 x 3.9 inches ; 1 pound
CL: 3.3 x 7.9 x 6.3 inches ; 11.2 ounces
K: 4x 5x 2.5" 2.4 lbs
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
F: USB cable pops out of the back so you don't need to keep up with a separate cable. Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries. Note: Some sets come with the HDMi mini included and others come with the rechargeable battery pack on Amazon. Looks like one or the other but of course if you need both you can buy the other.
M: USB cable pops out of the back on this one as well. Has child safe button to prevent accidental deletion of videos. Internal lithium ion battery recharges through built-in USB arm
CL: USB in camcorder. Included in box are HDMI cable (nice), USB extension cable,(nice)silicon skin (cool) & rechargeable battery.
K: Included in box are HD and AV cables and wrist strap and rechargeable batteries and battery charger. Has built in USB arm.
SPEED:
F: 30 frames per second.
M: 30 frames per second
CL: 30 frames per second
K: choice of 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second.
VIEWING SCREEN: All 2" except the Kodak was the largest at 2.4"
IMPORTANT NOTES:
F: Best low-light performance for the mini cameras (though not perfect at all) and least amount of blurring and dropped frames in my opinion. Best color. Only one with stereo sound. You can get an underwater case for this one! Though that may sound crazy for a Texan, we use the camera non-stop on vacations and even when we aren't IN the water, we are around the water...on boats, in the sand with sea mist, etc. Then we can dive in and record the fish. Comes preloaded with flipshare software...just plug in to computer and it pops up. Only one with stereo sound.
M: Colors don't appear as good on the Mino as the other cameras. Thinnest camera. Make sure you get the one that only comes in the color aluminum or brushed metal. If it comes in any other colors it is the 1st generation MinoHD and they improved upon that one in the newer models. Great audio. Better shooting in low light than most mini cameras. Camera comes preloaded with FlipShare software. Can get still images through flipshare software.
CL: Decent filming in low light but not nearly as good as the Ultra or Mino; Software is preloaded in camcorder.
K: This is the only camera that I compared without the built in image stabilizatin which corrects for shaky images. What appears to be metal in picture is actually a chrome colored plastic. That said, this had the largest viewing screen of all of them. 2.4" Very poor in low light and seemed to have far more shaking and blurring. It also takes still pictures but they are really really poor quality...same as a lesser-quality cell phone pictures but good in a pinch if you want a still shot and have no cell or camera I s'pose. Heaviest for a pocket camera. Software is not preloaded in camcorder but a cd comes with it.
HOW CNET'S EDITORS RATED THE CAMERAS:
F Excellent
M Excellent
CL Very Good
K Very Good
And, finally, the reviews of the Flip from experts swayed me quite a bit:
Fast Company: "Flip Ultra HD is Pure Digital's "Best Pocket Camcorder Yet." 6-09
USA Today: "New Flip Ultra Video Cameras Might Flip Your Switch" 4-09
Business Week: How do you Invigorate a Recession? Look to i-phone, Flip, Kindle, and Zip Car For Answers
There were lootttts more I came across when researching the Flip Ultra HD but those are some of my favorites.
CONCLUSION: Clearest picture and sound was important to me, expert reviews that pointed to the Flip UltraHD as well and I liked the built in software and the case I can get to shoot underwater. It is the number one selling camcorder as well. So that was my personal decision-making process. However, keep in mind that if you need reading glasses none of that will matter if the 2" screen is too small for your viewing the shots easily for playback in which case you may wish to get the Kodak if that's important to you..
Also: No matter which one you get, you will probably want a mini tripod if you ever want to be in the shot yourself do don't forget those.
Also note: It's confusing because when these manufacturers make changes in the camcorders, they do not change the names on the new versions, nor do they change the names if it's an HD version or a non-HD version so be sure you look for the "HD" after the brand name and look for "2nd generation" or "newer version" on the Mino and Vado if you like one of those better so you don't get the older models.
Hope my obsessive comparing and contrasting for my own purchasing assistance helped you as well even if what you wanted in a camera was different from me. :-)
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Larger, but better than Flip MinoHD
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| Review Date: October 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: VideoInFocus, Dunstable, MA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R21ECF3J5Q19F2 This video shows you what you get, and how it compares to the Flip MinoHD. Why should you buy one over the other, when they are similarly priced? Shows a side-by-side comparison of the video, and a feature comparison table.
Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (White)Flip Video Battery Pack for 2nd Generation Ultra & UltraHD |
17 Again
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| Review Date: May 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chamberlain, Palo Alto, CA |
| So when I was 17 (and convinced that I would someday be famous) I really wanted a video camcorder to try my hand at making movies, or to film myself to see whether I had what it took to be a TV reporter, but never could justifying spending $500+ on one. Over the years I moved onto other tech cravings and ambitions. Then last year a friend showed me the Flip Mino - and I had to have one. It was super easy to use and fun, and I started getting great videos of my own kids - and captured moments that otherwise would have been fleeting, including my youngest child's first steps. I wish this had been around when I was a kid. Anyway, the Mino is great, but it's tiny tiny tiny. That's convenient when it comes to having a camcorder on you at all times, or when trying to get into events that prohibit cameras, and the screen is really small. So I just picked up this new Flip - the Ultra HD. The screen is wonderfully large. It comes with a rechargeable AA battery back, which works through the USB, but it looks like you can throw in regular AA batteries in a pinch. Sound quality is great, video seems even better than the Mino. Only drawback with both the Mino and Ultra is you have to keep your hand steady when filming - but I find that easier to do with the Ultra than the Mino. Also, it's not ideal for filming kids' concerts, because the zoom is only 2x. But for capturing otherwise fleeting moments in great quality, the Ultra HD is now my standby. The software that comes with it makes it easy to email videos to family and friends, or to upload a video to Flickr or wherever. Bottom line is I've been carrying this thing around nonstop since I got it. Hasn't made me famous yet, but I love my Ultra. |
Easy to use and great software
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| Review Date: May 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Scott, |
I think people that rate the Flip negatively need to realize its target audience. I mean, if you want lots of features and professional quality, you shouldn't even be looking at the Flip. Spend your $1000 and buy a nice Canon HD camcorder. Then lug the thing around.
But, if you want a simple to use, good quality HD camcorder(and yes 720p is HD...just ask ABC TV), with very easy to use software, then buy this.
I did, for my wife, and she loves it. Where as our nice Sony camcorder just sits in the closet, she will actually carry this Flip around with her. |
Amazing HD videos in your pocket! Video editing and sharing is also a snap
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| Review Date: June 14, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Dieds, Pacifica, Calif. |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RCZSGRNYQ38TY The Flip UltraHD Camcorder is the perfect supplement to larger consumer camcorders. It's a point-and-shoot camcorder. I carry mine in my pocket and am finding opportunities to spontaneously capture fun moments, like the one in my video here in this review (I was walking my dog at the time).
The only reason that it can't serve as my primary camcorder is that the zoom is extremely limited as you'll see in the video. And footage can get wobbly as there is no auto stabilization (you'll notice that, too, in this video).
This camcorder is designed for upfront and personal footage: parties, family gatherings, etc. I use mine to shoot video interviews for my blog, for example.
The quality of the videos is impressive: true HD! PC users will especially appreciate the intuitive and rather elegant "FlipShare" video editing software. I have a PC and a MacBook Pro. I prefer the FlipShare editor vs. Apple's iMovie because it's a lot easier to use.
Editing your video clips is a snap with FlipShare: there is no learning curve. You can then save your videos/movies onto your computer or share them with friends and family -- or the world via FlipShare "icons" that give you the following sharing options:
* E-mail
* "Greeting cards" (cute e-mail themes like Christmas cards or post cards)
* Upload them to myspace, YouTube or other similar sites
* Burn them to DVDs
* You can also capture high-resolution "snapshots" or photos from videos with one click of the "Snapshot" icon.
To create a move, click the "flip" button on the side of the camera to extend the USB arm and plug it into your computer. Then open the FlipShare software and select the clips you want to include. Next click the "Movie" icon. That begins an easy, self-guiding process to:
1) Add an opening title and closing credits (you don't have to, but it's an option. You can even add a cute "Recorded by Flip Video" animation at the very end, which I opted to do in my video here).
2) You can leave the default sound, or you can add music from the included library of seven songs (or upload a song (mp3 format) from your computer. You can then opt to play the music as soft (or loud) background music and still hear conversations, etc; or you can play only the music, removing the default audio altogether.
3) Name your movie -- then click "Create Movie" and the software does its magic. Done! It's that simple.
I love this little camcorder and recommend it. Two thumbs up! |
Point-and-Shoot HD Video
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| Review Date: May 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: V. Dean, Silicon Valley, CA |
Convenience, ease-of-use, and HD video for under 2 bills. I can't believe other reviewers returned this item. If I want pro results I grab the Canon GL1 or XL-H1. If I want point-and-shoot results I grab the Flip UltraHD and press the big red button. The only problem is my wife keeps taking it.
PROS:
*2" screen is big and clear
*Great HD video in normal to bright light
*Better sound than a personal voice recorder
*Long battery life and can use AA batteries in a pinch
*One thumb video shooting.
*Easy uploads and edits - no format worries
*Lickable packaging
*Storage pouch doubles as lens cleaner
CONS:
*Low light shots are grainy (easily solved at price points $1,000 higher)
*Rechargeable battery pack is proprietary instead of a pair of AA NiMH
*Had to manually uninstall previous software on my MacBook Pro |
Five Stars For Quality, Convenience, and Usability at This Price
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| Review Date: May 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Bob Feeser, Springfield, PA USA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MC1WUXBJ5G4X This is a video demonstration that is designed to show you the quality of results you can get with this little screamer. I spoke quietly in the background, but did not intend for it to be my Hollywood production review. I wanted to type in my thoughts instead. I shot this on a tripod to create a more professional looking shot. I also shot it at dusk. Ansel Adams used to awake in the wee hours in order to get shots at dawn while the sun was still rising. This was done at dusk, while it was getting ready to set. Taking shots on any kind of camera in the full sunlight produces bleached out results unless you use a filter.
I see other reviewers trashing this HD Ultra because it does not have image stabilization and it doesn't. I looked up compact camcorders that do and noticed in HD they run approximately 4 times the price. If you notice on TV, less expensive commercials use fixed lense positions without panning, and more expensive ones use 5 and 6 figure devices to create sweeping shots. So I shot this on a tripod, and wanted you to see what kind of results you could get with that. Flip also offers a cool portable tripod Flip Tripod for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders which is a no brainer to get with this unit considering the price and the quality it produces. It compacts small enough to fit in your shirt pocket alongside the camera.
When viewed in a high def monitor straight from the camera, or copied in its full size and format into the computer, the picture is great. I wish I could provide you with the original format, full 94 meg file so you can see just what a superb picture this camera produces. In that format, your friends will be impressed and even somewhat shocked. If you see the video with the Flip Ultra HD plugged in, or the video file downloaded into your PC, you can fully appreciate the high def quality. (See the edit at the end of the review about the video I posted in the shrunk down format)
The overwhelming advantage of this unit is its, take it anywhere in your shirt pocket size and price. If you are walking along with it, expect a bumpy shot. It has a very nice full size 2" crystal clear LCD on the back for previewing and aiming. The included software is loaded with features, covering all of the most popular things you would want to do with a video. It's also well designed and intuitive, requiring little reading of the instructions. The mini HDMI plug is great for inputting into the devices in your High Def world.
The auto focus is quick, and does a good job of automatically setting light levels, so all you have to do is point and shoot. Mine came with a rechargeable NiMH battery, which is good but since you have to plug the unit into a computer to download videos etc. via USB, which is also the standard method to recharge it, then you are topping off a NiMH battery, which prefers to be run down to empty before recharging. As I understand it NiMH batteries have a memory, and if you top them off, then their charge cycle gets shorter. Lithium Ion would be the best match. Fortunately it accepts standard AA batteries as well.
The biggest advantage of this Flip Ultra HD is its size and price. It is the one that you are sure to have with you when the "event" happens. The best shots are the ones you missed. With the included carrying case, which is silky smooth, and fits the Ultra perfectly, you can conveniently store this in whatever is most likely to be with you.
With 120 minutes of record time, you can go out and shoot, shoot, shoot, and then come back and create your own movie with the included software. You can create snapshots of episodes, include background music, blend clips together, and feel like a Hollywood producer. I'm starting to dream up some scripts in order to create my own flicks. It's another creative outlet. I was super impressed with the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White) and now this HD version with 120 minutes of record time will give me a lot more flexibility, and refinement. It's a toy to enjoy and since it is a serious enough exercise into the movie video and audio world, it could become the precursor to bigger and better things to come; something I wouldn't have normally bought if I didn't have the Flip UlraHD to lead the way. You can also use the Windows Muvee app that comes pre-loaded with windows to build your movies as well. Get one and get hooked.
Edit: I wanted to come back and comment on the video now that it is published, and I get a chance to see it via the video window in the review. First off this is a 94 meg video in size right out of the camera and into the PC, which looks great, and then I process it with the included software to make it "web ready", which shrinks/compresses it down to 15.4 megs, making it a 640 x 360 image view, and then Amazon may or may not automatically shrink it further to accomodate a wide range of internet connection speeds. What does all of this add up to? Namely an end result that looks great in the small video window, but when blown up full screen it does not look as good as the shrunk once 15.4 meg file. If you wait until the end of the video and see it finally freeze, that is the quality it looks like on my screen the entire time the video is running. In plain words even when shrunk once by the included software application to 15.4 megs, it is a lot sharper in the focus category, even when blown up full screen the whole time it is EXACTLY like what you see at the end of the video on the last frame when it stops. If you run the video right from the camera, or after downloading it into your PC in the original format, it will more than please you, it will drive your friends to envy. You can even pump the end result directly from the camera from its HDMI jack into a high def TV. I went to a party with the Flip HD, parked it on a table in the kitchen with flourescent lights for illumination, and let it run. The end result once I got home and played it made me cherish owning one of these. The more I use it, the more I love it. |
Bulkier than the MinoHD - but great for Vacations
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| Review Date: June 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Charles Evans, North Carolina |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R12A5ZQYO9LY6L Flip is known for making greater highly portable camcorders. The UltraHD is another great option for highly portable cameras. In my video I compare the UltraHD to the Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black) and compare-and-contrast the options. I will say that both cameras are great options, but depending on how you plan to use it one is probably a better choice than the other.
Benefits of the UltraHD
- HDMI port for connecting to your HD TV
- 2 hours of storage (compared to 1 hour on the MinoHD)
- Roughly 50% bigger video screen
Benefits of the Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
- Smaller and lighter - will easily fit into your pocket.
- More sleek and stylish in looks.
Benefits of BOTH
- Great video capture - not quite the same seamless capture rate of a high quality camcorder but they are still very good.
- Great internal software (although it works much better with PCs than Macs)
- Easy to learn to use - very simple devices to learn
Improvements for both
- Would be nice if they offered the ability to video in standard definition... HD videos take much longer to load onto YouTube and other internet sights.
Final Verdict -
The UltraHD is a great camera for families going on vacation. While it is much larger than the MinoHD it does offer 2 hours of video storage. In addition, the HDMI output (cables are NOT included) is a much better option that the standard jack that is offered with the Mino. However, if your goal is to have a highly portable camera for spur of the moment videos you may want to choose the MinoHD since it is lighter and more portable.
4 1/2 stars |
Compact, fast and great videos! Perfect for videos on the fly
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| Review Date: November 14, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sanstefano, New York |
I have a number of sites (including a weekly news site) and recently decided to start video blogging the Italian products and services I offer. I needed a video cam that was above all, compact, fast and made great videos. That's where the Flip came in.
There are a couple of popular misconceptions about this video cam that have been making the rounds on the Net. One is about the battery charging problem. It's not a real "problem". It's a small & ridiculous flaw that can be resolved once and in under a minute:
Quoting exactly from Flip Support:
1) Remove the battery pack from the camcorder,
2) Connect the camcorder to a POWERED USB port directly on your computer (NOT a mini hub!),
3) When the "Connected" indicator comes on, insert the battery pack into the camcorder,
4) SAFE eject your camcorder from your computer (DON'T rip it out!),
5) Reconnect your camcorder to your computer,
The battery pack should now begin to charge within the camcorder. If it fails, try again keeping close attention to Steps 2 and 4. This should be a ONE TIME operation. It was for me. I think it goes without saying the included battery pack should be used as a backup only so, go out an buy 2 or 4 Energizer or Duracell rechargeables.
The second problem is that the Flip is not up to quality par with other popular HD video cams such as SONY. That's because it wasn't meant to. It's a $150 video cam with a sole purpose of taking FAST, FUN and GOOD videos. If your intentions are to get super high quality movie productions, then spend the extra $300 and buy a SONY...this video cam is not for you.
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The Flip camcorder just got better.
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| Review Date: July 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: R. Suarez Giacoman, Mc Allen, Texas United States |
IN THE BOX:
· Flip Ultra HD camcorder
o (note that the HDMI cable to connect this to a HDTV set is NOT included)
· Rechargeable battery pack
· Wrist strap
· A pouch to keep and carry the camcorder
· Quick start guide and warranty information
Prior to ordering this new camcorder I had am original Flip mino (the 60 minutes model), some differences I noticed when I opened the new Ultra HD are the following:
1. Rechargeable battery can now be removed, in case you run out of battery or you forgot to recharge it, you can use two AA batteries.
2. The control buttons that were sensitive to touch (that were so annoying sometimes) are gone. They have been replaced by regular buttons which is great.
3. Camera is bulkier than the Flip Mino, which makes sense as this new model records 2 hours in HD quality.
4. No need for a USB cable, there is a latch you slide on the left side and the USB connection pops up
I am quite happy I decided to replace my old Mino, functionality and advantages are mostly the same, the camcorder is compact and convenient to take everywhere (including concerts where cameras are not allowed) but the HD quality takes the product to a whole new level.
Picture quality is simply stunning when recording in exteriors, the colors are vibrant and the level of detail is quite impressive (considering I watched them on a 50" HDTV set) One thing I noted though is that lighting is very important when recording, I have made a several videos in interiors (without natural sun light, at home for example) and picture quality seems to suffer, it does not look bad, but it doesn't look as good as videos recorded on exteriors (with natural sun light for instance) I have uploaded a couple snapshots so you can see how the picture looks, note the vibrant colors I talked about. I made these snapshots with the included software, 'Flipshare', very quick to install and easy to use, the software allows you to edit videos, share, extract, create video postcards, create DVDs, get snapshots from a selected video among other nice features. Battery life is quite good too, I have recorded the complete 2 hours and battery will be left for you to re-watch the videos.
Video quality is 1280x720 (16:9) and the videos are recorded in .mp4 format, which for me is better than the .avi from prior models. As I mentioned earlier, the HDMI cable is not included but what I did is that I connected the camcorder directly into my PS3 (connected to my HDTV set via HDMI cable) and that did the trick. Since the file format is .mp4 the PS3 had no issues recognizing the videos.
A great camera that I would definitely recommend over the prior models, the price difference is well worth it after you watch what the Ultra HD can do. The Flip camcorder just got better.
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Insert "flipped for it" pun here!
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| Review Date: July 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Leslie Ann Lewis, San Antonio, Texas |
| I am no neo-luddite (knowing the term probably proves that), but I am no technogeek either. I like my technology to meet my needs and not provide me with an overwhelming amount of options that I do not need. That is why I LOVE the Flip! I pulled it out of the package, charged it up, and used it without the need for any manuals, tech support, or snarky comments from the technogeek I married. While many reviewers would demonstrate the simplicity by saying that a child could use it, that is hardly a comment that should be used in relation to technology where so many children surpass their elders with ease. My comment instead will be that my father-in-law's 65-year-old wife (who has difficultly understanding text messaging) picked this up and, without any coaching from me, used it with ease. The controls could not be more simple and there is no need for any extras - memory cards, memory card readers, extra wires, chargers, etc. Plus at this price, I would not be worried about dragging it along on various outings. Not to mention that it fits easily in my purse, or in the cargo pocket on my husband's khakis, so there is no argument over who has to lug the camera. Since the editing software will allow you to make "still" shots, you don't even have to worry about taking the "regular" camera - sometimes you get even cooler pictures this way. I recommend it not only as a buy for families on the go, but at this price, it is also good for the preteen and teen set. |
The Flip is the camcorder to travel with around the world!
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| Review Date: December 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Robert A. Caldwell, Charlotte, NC USA |
I am a video producer who purchased the Flip UltraHD camcorder a few months ago for a mission trip to Hamburg, Germany. I wanted a camcorder that would be easy to take out of the pocket (literally) and record great shots. Hands down, I would strongly recommend this to a beginner or pro in videography - hands down. Of course, you don't have the $5,000 prosumer perks that you would get with the top camcorders, but it got the job done. (Record, USB to dump video on my MacBook Pro, edit on Final Cut Pro and uploaded to your video blog of choice.[...].
This camcorder is great. I charged it every night and at gives me almost 2 hours of HD footage. Buy this baby! |
Fantastic camera for home movies
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| Review Date: May 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Mary Camelson, Lebanon, NH |
My husband and I love this camera. It holds plenty of videos (I was concerned when I initially got it that it only holds 120 minutes and can only be emptied by connecting to a PC), the video quality is great for simple home movie DVDs and YouTube, and the camera and software are both incredibly easy to use. The upload to YouTube was beyond simple - there is a dedicated option for it within the Flip software. Even my mom, who is not the most tech-savvy person, was able to use the camera to shoot videos with virtually no instruction from me. The little display is great, and the bag the camera came with works well to remove fingerprints on the lens and display. I also recommend this camera over the Flip Mino because you can use the camera's included rechargeable batteries, or if you forget to charge the camera, you can also use regular AA batteries - very convenient for travel!
The only things I don't like about the camera, and they are minor, are:
- The carrying bag is not very protective, just a little microfiber sack. I'd recommend purchasing a padded or hard case for travel, but still use the bag to keep the lens clean and free of scratches. That said, this camera is pretty durable. I've dropped it once or twice and it's totally fine.
- The software does not give you the option to directly unload the videos on your camcorder into "My Videos" or another folder of your choice (in Windows), it saves them to a Flip Video folder. You have to then take an extra step within the Flip software to export the videos to your computer. Not major, just a minor irritant.
- The file format of the videos when exported to my computer from the Flip software are not perfectly compatible with Windows 7/Vista's native video creation program - the audio and video are not synced properly (audio runs too fast - sounds like chipmunks). I searched online for a fix for this, and found that if I just change the file extension of the videos to ".mov" (Quicktime video) and then import them into the Windows program, the videos work perfectly. |
Best of the flips
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| Review Date: July 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Candace Mike N Elmo, New York United States |
The Flips are the best buy for your money. Often they excel the camcorder and are far more convenient.
I make wedding dVD's and these work great but the UltraHD 120 minute recorder is the best of them all.
We use this on the Mac so we don't have knowledge of it's use on a pC but I am certain it is just as easy.
1. The software--NO CD for the landfill!! ---you plug the flip into the computer and it asks you to install from the computer.
2. you can do basic editing and upload to You Tube from the app.
3.I chose to use the Iphoto/I movie on my Mac. The new ultraHD uses H.264 codec and you can move the video off from the flip and into Iphoto or Imovie without having to convert or needing special codecs.
4.You can use your own software or theirs( theirs is very good)
5. The ultraHD is a bit bigger than other flips but compensates WAY above and beyond the call of duty.
a.Replacables batteries as well as it's rechargeables battery.Great for when you run out at a party, you can pop in AA's and film on.
b.It has HDMI out. No More 4.3 on your HDTV.Plug the HDMI into TV and play straight from the flip, 16 by 9 for the whole widesceen viewing!!!
For people like me, this is easy to use , easy to view, easy to carry and more simple than a camcorder of the traditional vein. It is soo easily portable , you can carry in purse or a pocket.
LOVE IT !!!
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Amazing Video
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| Review Date: November 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Melissa Mcnab, Jonesville, LA USA |
| Suprisingly Amazing video from this little powerhouse. For quick on the go snip-its of video or all those times you said "Boy I wish I had a video camera right now" well this is the one for you. Great to catch all those unexpected life's memorable moments at the drop of a hat. The quality of the video is very good. The zoom feature is not as advanced as the bigger clunkier video cameras but really decent. The plug and play feature to transfer your videos to your computer couldn't be easier. The software that comes on the camera itself is so easy to edit and share anybody can do it. This is one great little video camera and well worth the money to have one at your finger tips to catch those special moments. |
I flip for Flip (Ultra HD)
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| Review Date: December 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. D. Hammon, Cary, NC |
Pros:
- Camera is small enough to carry in your pocket
- battery last a long time but in a bind you can always through in some AA's
- video quality is great
- easy enough to use that my 2 year old and make videos (of the floor and ceiling mostly)
- Can endure the wrath of my 3 boys
- water proof case is affordable and works well
- easy to share and remove the video's (especially on a MAC)
Cons:
- the only con is the image stabilization. But iMovie can help with that with software stabilization if it isn't to bad. And I have found that I am more careful now when making the video. The tripod mount also helps in a lot of scenarios.
- A feature request would be the ability to take still shots. You can capture stills from the video but that isn't the same.
Bottom Line:
I love this camera. I have had it for 6 months now and use it a lot. It is easy to use and quick to power up so I hardly miss a moment. I highly recommend any of the flip video products but the Ulra HD is my favorite.
Recommendation:
You may ask what do I do with all the footage. Well first the camera makes a separate file for each shot so I do a lot of my editing as I make the video, starting and stopping. This helps when putting together a movie to minimize the editing time and allows me to get rid of the clips my kids took of the floor. But mostly I upload the clips to the web and share them with family. You will need some disk space if you plan on archiving I recommend an external drive that will keep all the video.
The company:
I purchased directly from Flip and was impressed with their service. I ordered both the Ultra HD and the water proof case. The case was back ordered so my whole order was on hold. I sent them an email asking if I could get the camera sent even though the case was back ordered. They sent my camera to me over night so I had it the next day. I didn't pay for fast shipping. Cisco Systems Inc. owns PURE Digital which makes the Flip so I wouldn't expect anything less.
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Flip UltraHD Camcorder is portable video coolness
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| Review Date: December 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ruel, California, USA, Earth |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3G4TVNCTO54KS I got this Flip UltraHD Camcorder as an upgrade from the Flip Ultra 2nd Generation Camcorder. I've had the Flip UltraHD for a few weeks now. I gave the old Flip Ultra 2nd to one of my sisters. Both the UltraHD and the Ultra 2nd look almost exactly the same on the outside except the UltraHD has a shinier chrome on the sides and the bottom. Another almost obvious difference is the UltraHD has a HDMI port for connecting to a HDTV while the Ultra 2nd has a plug for connecting a dongle to a regular TV set.
When you view the video on the screen on the back of the UltraHD, you can see the the video picture is 16x9 HD widescreen (on the UltraHD's 2-inch 4x3 screen which is the same size screen as on the Ultra 2nd). The video itself is better on the UltraHD since it is 720p HD while the video on the Flip Ultra 2nd is just SD (Standard Definition). The video that it records are in .MP4 files which you can edit in iMovie on a Mac if that's the type of computer that you have. As with the older Flip Ultra 2nd, you can record up to two hours of video on the Flip UltraHD because the Flip UltraHD has eight gigabytes to store two hours of HD video. (The older Flip Ultra 2nd has four gigabytes to store SD video.)
I like the Flipshare software that came with the Flip UltraHD this time around since it has improved since the last time when I last tried the Flipshare software when I previously got my old Flip Ultra 2nd Camcorder. Now with the Flipshare software, I can specify in the settings where on what drive and which directory folder where you want Flipshare to save the .MP4 files that you are transferring from the Flip. I use Flipshare to transfer the video (.MP4) files from the Flip to my macbook and to also view those raw videos. And then I may use iMovie to edit the videos.
The video that I'm posting here is a test video that I took at the local neighborhood park. Since Amazon doesn't take .MP4 files, I had to put this in iMovie and save it as a .MOV file that Amazon can accept for reviews here. Then Amazon processes the video. I may post a better video later in the future. Anyways, I had the Flip UltraHD on a tripod and did a pan of what I was looking at and also did a 2X zoom to give you an idea as to the digital zoom on the Flip. Don't expect much from the 2X zoom because it is only digital zoom and not a real optical zoom like with a much more expensive camera. And if you don't know this already, there is no stabilization built into the Flip. When you handhold the Flip camcorder, you are bound to have shaky video. If you want less of a shaky picture, you'll either have to use a tripod or sit the Flip on a flat surface or you will have to somehow stabilize your hands and arms while holding the Flip. Some people say to hold the Flip with both hands in front of you while also holding your elbows inside against your body to try to have some sort of stabilization. If I don't use the tripod, I would use a neck strap (like those neck straps that are used to hold identification badges) connected to my Flip with the lanyard where the wrist strap goes and hold the Flip and the neck strap tight to try to get some stabilization. It takes some practice although it's not perfect. If any shakes that you have in the video are not too bad, then you can try using the stabilization in the iMovie '09 software on the Mac to make the video more steady. It's also a good idea to try to hold your breath if you are not talking or narrating when making your video because the built-in microphone on the front of the Flip may pick up your breathing while you are behind the camera.
I like this Flip UltraHD. The picture is simply better than on the Flip Ultra 2nd. The Flip UltraHD comes with rechargeable batteries that recharge via the USB. You can still use regular batteries with the Flip UltraHD, but I'll probably get an extra set of the Flip rechargeable batteries. FYI, from what I've read, only the official Flip rechargeable batteries will recharge via the USB.
As with my previous Flip Ultra 2nd, I got the Flip UltraHD that was white in color to match my white Macbook. I think of the Flip as an Apple device because the Flip is so simple and easy to use although the Flip is actually made by a different company.
FYI, here are some extras that I got for my Flip and that are available here on Amazon:
short 6-Inch USB Extension Cable (great if you have a laptop, notebook, netbook, macbook)
longer 3-Foot (1-Meter) USB Extension Cable (may or may not work depending on PC's USB)
Flexible Mini-Tripod (but you can always sit the Flip on any flat surface)
full standing 57" Tripod (always great to have a real tripod)
Clear Silicone Skin Case for Flip UltraHD Camcorder (you may like -OR- not like)
and
Neck Strap (similar to Neck Strap with Swivel Buckle) that I picked up at a 99-cent store
Thanks for reading and viewing this review.
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HD video as simple as it should be
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| Review Date: September 13, 2009 |
| Reviewer: David Hofmann, |
This is my 5th flip video camera. I bought two for myself and two for my kids, not I had to have the new HD version.
What makes the flip so successful and so much fun is the simple and easy use, it's small size and of course the built in USB connector.
Let's be honest, we don't want to shoot a Hollywood movie, we want a simple way to capture precious or funny moments without having to figure out a fully featured camera and we want decent quality. That's exactly what the flip does best. It's so small and compact that I keep it with me almost anywhere. It starts up instantly, it records instantly and 2 hours of recording time is more than enough. The quality is decent in low light and really good in any normal daylight. For such a small device the sound quality is surprisingly good. Sound issues is what most cheap/digital video cameras struggle with. At the end of the day I plug it in my PC and copy the movies over. It really couldn't be simpler. Once plugged in the battery recharges automatically.
Although the resolution is not full HD but only 1280 x 720, the quality you got from such a little device and such a low price is really really good. I have a much more expensive HD camera that hardly delivers a better quality.
I have been working for several TV stations and have used all sorts of professional cameras and to a degree still do. I know very well that there a many better cameras out there, but for the flip the 'less is better' concept is really true. Even my 6 and 7 year old kids figured out how to use them in no time. For me it's the simplicity and to know I will get a good video out of it without having to think much.
A few things about this model:
it comes with a rechargeable battery that recharges through a USB connection. This is very handy because you never have to open the cover and replace batteries. Charging takes a while though. But you can always use normal AA batteries.
Sometimes when the camera gets warm it refused to charge saying it's too hot. Letting the batteries cool down is a good idea (prolongs their life). Don't leave it plugged in, because it will never resume charging. You have to unplug it and cool it down, then start over.
This model has a neat feature to save battery life. Should you forget to stop recording and put the camera in the bag, it will recognize that there is "nothing to see" and turn itself off! Very cool! Downside is you can't use this camera to shoot a long static scene.
Overall battery life is about 2 hours which matches the storage capacity.
Overall this camera is more responsive and quicker than the previous models. I like it a lot.
Really you can't go wrong with this camera if you are looking for something simple to use and still want decent quality videos. |
Very impressed. Great picture and so easy to use
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| Review Date: October 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. Siepel, Cincinnati, OH United States |
I purchased this camera for mission teams from our church to take with them on their trips. The fact that this camera uses AA batteries was a plus for me, because in many cases our teams do not have the ability to recharge batteries.
It took me 15 minutes to take this camera out of the box, put in the batteries, shoot a little video and then upload video onto Facebook. The process was extremely easy. I shot both indoors and outdoors and have been pleased with the picture and sound quality. I would highly recommend this little camera. |
Great camera as long as you recognize the limitations.
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| Review Date: August 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mathew Meyerotto, St. Charles, Missouri United States |
| I film weddings professionally so I own several video cameras. All of my professional cameras still use tape and are too bulky for capturing quick home movies. Since the birth of my son I've been eyeing a small, solid state based camera. The Flip UltraHD seemed to be the closest fit for what I was looking for. The Flip series follow the Apple way of design. That is to eliminate things that may otherwise get in the way of a positive user experience. To make something that you just want to pick up and use without reading a manual. You won't find any controls for adjusting exposure or audio levels which can be somewhat annoying for someone such as myself. Therefore things like backlighting and clipping audio can be a problem. Camera shakiness is a problem especially outdoors since the UltraHD has a fixed 2.4 f-stop lens and no ND filter. The UltraHD compensates for this by boosting the shutter speed. Outdoor footage on a bright sunny day can easily take on a 'Saving Private Ryan' look if you're not careful. Also the lack of a wider angle lens makes it more difficult to use in tight locations. However I forgive the limitations of the UltraHD for it's sheer simplicity. I used it in conjunction with a Canon Powershot for a recent family vacation. I incorporated both video and stills and created a short home movie. It turned out great with the aid of iMovie 09. I don't use iMovie 09 for my business but just like the UltraHD it's easy and fun to use. Importing video can be a concern if you're using older (slower) hardware. For iMovie users I recommend downconverting the footage to 960x540. You lose little in quality and the footage is much easier to edit. To sum it up: If you can overlook the short comings of the UltraHD then you'll truly enjoy using it. The quality of the footage is great if you can work with the limitations. |
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Compare Prices on Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)
US $.99
(4.00 out of 5)
