 Ultra Flip Review and walkthrough |
| Review Date: September 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Gina Miller, Seattle, WA USA |
I'm a computer artist and animator and I haven't been happy with a lot of cameras. I was drawn to the Ultra Flip because of the lack of wires, I like the idea of the USB stick. They include a set of batteries with the package so you can start recording right away (as well as a little velvet drawstring bag). It was very easy to use, it's just as promised, click the red button to record (and to stop) then flip (ha-ha) the USB stick out and put it in your computer's USB slot.
I read a reviewer of another model of the Flip saying he needed an extra part to hook up his USB, I don't know what he was using but you don't need any middleman if you have a current USB port. Of course it might have been that he didn't feel comfortable with the camera sort of weighing itself down a bit when you have the USB attached to a tower. I'm using mine with a laptop which is on a table so the camera can rest comfortably on it. He might have gotten a USB extension so that he could set his down if he was using a desktop computer. I did try the flip out in my desktop and I did have to make sure that the dog didn't jump around it as it does feel sort of vulnerable, but I will mainly use it in my laptop.
After you have it in your USB port, you will then go to "my computer" and see a new blue icon (unless you're Mac, you'll see a folder for you instead), click it and it installs the program - which seems to run on the stick alone, not taking up any space on your system, although it does put a small encoder on your system.
(Side note: - I did try to click "explore" before I installed the program to see if I could just drag the videos directly to my desktop by passing the program, and while you can save them, you can't see the videos). You have to go through the program to save them to your computer and be viewed properly.
So after you have installed the program, click "flipvideo" from your "my computer", then click "Flip Video for PC.exe" to open the program. It's very simple, you will see your videos and on the left you'll see a "save video" tab, here you can select what video(s) you want to move to your hard drive and then click the save button - they call it saving to your library, they will ask you to name a library, which will end up being a folder that holds your videos, which you will find in your documents as "My Flip Video Library".
After you have done this, you can then open them normally (outside of the program using just a player). They will be saved as AVIs.
They also have a "share video" section where you can upload your movies straight to Youtube, AOL or any video sharing website. Sounds good, but I haven't tried it yet. Now you can make a "movie mix" which is basically adding an effect to your video (slowed down in black and white or cartoon fish floating about etc. - no editing). It's very (very) simple, but it's cute.
They include a little plug that connects your Flip straight to your TV. Use your remote to find your 'line', 'input' or 'source' button to find it, click a few times, you'll see the first still of your video when you've got it right. Then hit play, now it wasn't clear in the instructions, but you want to hit play on your Flip (not the TV), to watch your video on your television and it looks great!
They also have an option to 'save for email' - if you do this it will save the videos into a folder "Flip videos for emailing" on your desktop that you can then send as attachments. When I did this it sped up the sound (think Mickey and Minnie) while the footage remained at normal speed (now don't worry, this doesn't happen when you save the videos to your computer as discussed above). This is probably a compression problem, but we can't fix it in their program, so I won't be using that option again - I'll stick to the 'save to library' option. It also does this for the ecard videos. There is an option to send the video as an ecard with cute little borders around them, recipients are sent a link to see the card, but again when played the sound is sped up.
In spite of that (cuz it's worth it), I have found my video camera, it's so small and light, there are no plugs or cords, it takes great videos, no tracers, no little pixel smudges and the lighting is great. I took one outside at dusk and it looks nice. This thing records twice as long as my bulky handycam and I don't have to format any disks or plug in a bunch of stuff. The picture quality of the Ultra Flip videos is really amazing, my other cameras (handycam, Creative labs, the onboard Vaio and VIJE) do not hold a candle to the Flips quality. I'll be using it for video projects. I am very happy with the Ultra Flip and will be bringing it along with me for a family visit. I recommend it! Yes, I flipped for it!
NEW UPDATE ADDITION (11/15/07): Just an update for you here, after I wrote this review I did run the flip on some other systems and it did not have the problem. I only had the problem on my custom Hypersonic PC laptop which runs windows XP. The computers that had no problems were: A Boxx desktop running Windows XP pro, and a Sony Vaio laptop running Vista, and just today I tested the flip on a Dell desktop running XP home which also had no problems.
-And, a big AND here, after I ran the flip on the first two working machines (the Sony and the Boxx) a few times (using the export and email functions), suddenly it worked on the "bad" Hypersonic laptop. It seemed to have jolted it to work? I don't know why. Since that time I have had continued success on the Hypersonic.
-An engineer from Pure Digital (the makers of the Flip) emailed me after reading my review and we had an extensive exchange working on trying to figure out why this happened and he was very serious about resolving the issue. Another thing that flip does is create updates, so with these two things in mind I feel confident that they have or are taking care of any problems. But again, right now I do not have any problems.
-Also, someone asked if you can take stills. This camera is only a video camera, you can't snap pictures with it, however you can pull stills from your movies inside of their program. |
Small Device With Big Memory! (UPDATE!)
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| Review Date: October 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Martin A Hogan, San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MUWSN1RBPZY5 UPDATE: The new model of FLIP Video is better designed and does not have a problem with the record button being insensitive as shown in this video. Also, the HD version is already a classic!
A video camera the size of a box of cigarettes records up to 1 hour of your favorite 'instant' moments with an easy on/off button, minor zoom and shuttling between videos. Simply plug it into your PC, download the SETUP and you are on your way to editing your own home movies. This is a cool invention! And YES, the Record button does take a firm click - its not sensitive as you'll see (Press, press, press....)
Since you don't want to risk snapping the FLIP Camera USB port off on your computer, I recommend you buy the CABLES TO GO 26686 (male and female ends). It is six feet long and very convenient.
Also, I highly recommend buying a waterproof encasement for rainy or even very humid days. I fried my FLIP recently without any water (just humidity) getting into the flash drive.
Have fun!
ANOTHER UPDATE - 9/14/2009:
This version of the FLIP does not download to YOUTUBE anymore. You need to save it in "Windows Movie Maker" and THEN transfer that version into YOUTUBE. Software is always changing. I understand that the NEW HD version of FLIP has the upgraded software. |
Incredible product; Super easy to use!!
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| Review Date: November 5, 2007 |
| Reviewer: C. Stephans, |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RQHBMN8C8V7WQ The attached video was my first with this Flip Video. I feel sorry for my Sony Digital Video Handheld that may never be used again. This little Flip Video is the product of the year, a perfect Christmas present for anyone, children to grandparents. It is so easy to use; I still cannot believe it. Connects to the computer or TV. Easy to record, save or delete.
Comes with a quick start guide that gets you going in seconds. Enjoy!!
*Update 11/30/07 Since using this, I agree with the above review. It is super easy to upload the video, save it and then upload it to youtube or a personal website. The camera software has features that should make it a one step process to share it via email or a link to a website. I have not gotten this to work. Each time the processing stalls. I have emailed to the customer service dept and have received prompt replies but no solution. **See 5-28-09 update below. I have downloaded one software update and that seems to have fixed this problem.
3-24-09 Still working well. I have not retried emailing a video directly from the software. Uploading it to youtube and sharing the link is easier. Making dvd's from the software is easy, too. The battery life of the camera is impressive for 2 AA batteries. This continues to be a great camera for a very reasonable price.
5-28-09 Update...I continue to be impressed with the battery life. I took a 1 min. video today and downloaded it and emailed it directly from the flip video software in under 2 mins. It worked great and sent me a confirmation email with the video attached. When emailed the email body has a link to click on to watch the video easily. This was very easy and further recommends this product. |
Small, Fun and Simple Personal Camcorder
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| Review Date: November 6, 2007 |
| Reviewer: J. A Carty, Charlotte, NC United States |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Q0D5R9PBKW2O This is a great little camera. It is perfect for quick little movies of your kids etc and would be a nice compact item to take on a vacation. The camera is ridiculously easy to use and the built is software loads straight from the camera.
I only have two issues w/ the camera: One is that it doesn't take stills as well. That would have been a nice feature but hey for $149 and having a camcorder to fit in your pocket w/ decent video? I'll take. The second is that w/ out any external light source it would not take good video in low light. It is essentially a really nice cell phone camera that allows you a much easier way to get your videos onto your computer and uploaded to other people.
For convienence, size and ease of use I'll still give it a 5.
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Great Video for Dummies
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| Review Date: November 26, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Shawn Collins, Berkeley Heights, NJ |
| Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1XDNM03C1X5OW I am an avid Internet video creator, and I typically use more elaborate video cameras, but I loved the Flip Ultra for the quality, ease of use and very light weight.Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black) |
Even Oprah has one ...
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| Review Date: November 8, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Tim Warneka, Cleveland, OH USA |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1G3EM041KG3ST Hi all! I was one of those lucky people who received a complimentary Flip Video camera from Amazon ... just for posting reviews! (... and friends said I was wasting my time for all those years ... ;-).
I really like this flip video camera. I think I even saw Oprah holding one on her YouTube show.
Here's my first video. Hope you find it helpful! |
Great toy and it's idiot-proof!
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| Review Date: November 27, 2007 |
| Reviewer: indiestar, Houston, TX USA |
I am a reluctant gadget lover. I enjoy technology that makes my life simpler and gadgets that look cool, are highly portable and deliver on the "simplify my life" philosophy. And I am reasonably tech-savvy. I was quick to embrace digital cameras and digital photography. I take hundreds of pictures a month and catalog them carefully. However, I have never gotten into video - camcorders are too bulky and complicated for me. My husband has some cool Sony camcorder that supposedly does great things but I have never been tempted to use it once. But I love the idea of video. So, after reading all of the reviews of the Flip Video Ultra here and elsewhere, I decided that this company may have accomplished what I have been looking for in a video recorder. I just got my Flip yesterday and it is EVERYTHING I had hoped for and more!
I bought the Orange Flip - it's compact, light and pretty! I took a few test videos and I thought the quality was impressive for the price of the device. It couldn't have been easier to download the videos to my laptop and e-mailing the clips was a snap. I hate reading manuals and generally require a little hand-holding when it comes to learning the ins-and-outs on operating a new gadget but this is idiot-proof! No instructions necessary! A minute spent with the Quick Start Guide included with the recorder was all I needed. They even include 2 AA batteries in the package so you are good to go in less than 5 minutes. Less than 10 minutes after I opened the package, I had already e-mailed a wonderful 30 second clip of my daughter singing a nursery rhyme to her grandparents. Yay!
The only downside to the Flip is the lack of SD card expansion but I can't imagine shooting more than 60-80 minutes of video with it at a time. I am so thrilled with this purchase and I think I'm going to buy a couple more as Christmas gifts. |
Easy to use and excellent quality!
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| Review Date: September 24, 2007 |
| Reviewer: J. Segil, Los Angeles |
I've have been using both this version of the Flip Video Camcorder and the older version and find both cameras to be easy to use, high quality and tremendous value for sub $200.
With a single push of a button the camera is powered up and ready to go. I can take short videos and long videos. It's especially good for taking shots of my little 5 month old son and easily uploading them online for friends and family to see. Plus it's virtually indestructible - I've dropped it many times and it works just fine.
The software is easy to use and I love that it doesn't need to install on my computer. I hate having to insert a disk and deal with having another lame application taking up space on my computer. Everything runs off of the camera and runs fast!
I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a simple, reliable, sturdy camcorder. Especially if you plan on uploading videos to the web.
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LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT
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| Review Date: December 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: E. Patton, Maryland |
| Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R463XV857BLTY This short video was done with the Flip and the software provided. The star of the video is Paige, my adopted greyhound. It's been a lot of fun. I bought 10 Flips for Christmas gifts. |
Flip over the Flip
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| Review Date: November 10, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Bennet Pomerantz, Seabrook, Maryland |
I would have video taped this review on this new digital cam, but I had no one else to hold the cam!
I am so happy with the Flip video cam I needed to say this as soon as I could.This is the easiest, smallest , one touch video cam in the world. My seven year old niece can do this and i can not thank Amazon enough!
Look I am not a technical person, but this is a simple one touch recording system....I can even do it!
No buying a million different tapes/disks for the unit that will go out of style next week. It works on two AA batteries, not a large battery the size of a brick or a nickle battery that is so small, but you have to charge for six hours.
The Flip is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. The instruction for using this cam is so easy a five year old can do this. It has an hour long recording time..and It downloads with its own connection of the USB port on the cam itself (no extra wires), right to your computer or flash drive for blogs, You Tube and Emails.
OK, I am raving!!!! I know this! and Under #200, most any family can afford this for Christmas...and will rave too!
CMON think of all the old bulky movie cam recorders you have around the house with weird and odd shapes film sizes> This cam saves your movies to your computer system so simply its a snap
YES, it is worth it to shoot a Christmas morning gift openning and send to Grandma across the country that afternoon in her email. What a way to send a memory..what a nice way to share the holidays with sight and sound. You can send it and keep it on your hard or flash drivers. you can relive XMAS in July!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR NOW? Christmas?..Get it for Thanksgiving ,all those holiday parties, Birthdays, Aniversaries and concerts . Lets make memories that will last a lifetime and share it with those loved ones not near you.
Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD
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Fantastic!
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| Review Date: November 6, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jem, MD, USA |
I've been resisting getting a camcorder for years. I didn't want to mess with disks, tapes or any of that jazz. I'm not a professional photographer either, so I don't want to worry about zooming or lighting and I don't need a thousands buttons and settings. The Flip is perfect for people like me. Just turn it on and hit the record button. That's it. No fuss, no cords, and if it turns out bad - delete it on the spot. I was able to plug directly into my laptop USB port and access the video I made. And sixty minutes gives me plenty of time to catch my cat doing something cute, or opening presents at Christmas. The design is sleek, small and pretty durable. I won't use the tripod option, but having it is good for those that have trouble holding the Flip steady.
This is a wonderful product for those who aren't tech savvy. Even those that are will find it convenient and easy - and there are plenty of software programs out there (like Roxio Media Suite 10) that offer more advanced video manipulation for what you capture with the Flip. Overall, I can't recommend this enough. It's so easy, I actually plan to do a video review for Amazon! |
Why can't all electronics be this simple and easy!!!
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| Review Date: November 20, 2007 |
| Reviewer: S. Reagan, Maryland |
After only having this camcorder for a week, I can honestly say I will never go back to a regular camcorder again. I bought the first issue of Sony's DVD Camcorder years ago and still don't fully understand it. It cost me $900 back then and I still have to buy 30-60min DVD's that are expensive. I did it because I didn't want to transfer video but it was still cumbersome. In the past year or so, it barely comes out at all and when I want to tape something, I never have it on me. Plus, you need to carry the bulky battery charger and hope things are recharges and ready.
The Flip however is the same size as my comcact Canon camera and actually weighs less. When I opened the box, I was surprised to find 2 AA Duracell batteries already in there as well as a velvet draw string pouch to put the camera in. It has a AV cord to hook up to your TV to playback your videos and a very simple 6 page book for directions. No HUGE manual in 10 languages and more importantly, no software. I did use two NIHM batteries from an old Olympia camera I had. This will save in buying batteries but I still love the fact that I can go almost anywhere to buy AA batteries if I am in a crunch. Now here is what I love the most about the Flip...
Simple 3 steps:
RECORD:
All you need to do is put the batteries in, turn the on/off button on and press the red button. Your recording. Start up time from turn on to recording is 3-4 seconds - no joke. Press the up and down toggles and you zoom in and out. Press the red button again, you stop recording. Press the left and right toggles after you record a few videos and it takes you thru each video taken. Turn the off/on button again and it powers off. The VERY first time you do turn it on, it does make you set the date and time. Eech video will now automatically have the date as the initial name. This is a nice feature and will be appreciated years ahead.
PLAY BACK ON TV (optional)
Plug the cord given into your Flip and then into the TV. Turn on your FLIP and toggle to whatever video you want and hit play. It plays it on your TV perfectly! Turn it off, unplug. Simple.
WATCH/DOWNLOAD ONTO COMPUTER:
Take your flip, hit the side button to "flip" out the USB and push it right into an open USB port on your desktop or laptop. The software will download in 5 minutes tops. You can they see all your videos. You can play them, edit them, rename them, download them into your computer or upload them onto YouTube or AOL - all so easily you don't need a manual. Once you download into your computers hard drive (which is optional) you can burn them onto DVD-R's to avoid a massive amount of video stored on your computer.
This camera is perfect for teens, families with little ones on the go, anyone who still doesn't fully understand their complex and massive camcorder and barely uses it because of it. This little Flip is in my purse all the time. My daughter uses it for "plays and shows" and then plugs it into our TV to watch herself perform.
Now obviously I haven't used it long term but I will update as needed. The one thing I have noticed is that it records closer then what you are seeing on your screen. It is minimal but once I realized that, I now make sure I am not too close to the subject I am taking. I have also read complaints of the red button being hard to press. I have had none but being a girl and having a little bit of nail, this isn't an issue. I guess I can see a man possibly having trouble with it but I can't imagine it being a huge concern. I also initially thought 60min recording time would not be enough but it really is. Unless you are taping a whole play, show, parade, graduation etc... 60min is more then plenty. Plus, it gives the incentive to start downloading and keeping things up to date. For a procrastinator like me, this is very important.
For now, I highly recommend this item. You will not regret it! |
Flip Video Ultra...I love it!
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| Review Date: November 1, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Love to Shop, Fremont, CA |
| I just got the Pink Flip video camcorder today and I have to say it is so easy to use. The features on it are basic which is perfect if you just want a simple camcorder. It's pretty much all in one no USB cables to use and it has the software pre-installed into the device so all you have to do is hook it up and the it installs automatically. Updated software is available which is a plus. I love to vlog on Youtube and this is perfect! It's so small you can carry it anywhere. I think what would make this product better is having a lithium ion battery vs AA batteries but otherwise it's great! |
Problems are History- The Flip is a Must Have!
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| Review Date: December 22, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Alison Ginter, CT United States |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3H0YNSA3I2LRR Flip owners and potential owners rejoice- the negative reviews about errors and bad software you see are a thing of the past! PureDigital has been working dillegently on fixing the problem and just released a software update on 12/21 to resolve these issues. So, I wouldn't let this deter you from getting this handy, easy to use, affordable camcorder!
The Flip Ultra 60 minutes (I had to get the Pink) has been so much fun and as a busy mom with already too much stuff in my purse I've been able to squeeze this slim item right in purse with no problem! It's ready to go where ever I am and I can catch whatever is going on without missing a beat. And, the included bag to house the camcorder is perfect to prevent any dirt or scratches on the lense or lcd screen.
I own a Kodak Z612 which takes great still shots, but it certainly lacks in the video department leaving the sound of every focus adjustment ingrained on the video, not to mention the camera is rather large, so it's not convenient to carry on ones person all the time. This is where the Flip fills in beautifully! The digital zoom is wonderful and I was quite amazed at how well the lighting adjusts without a flash/light onboard! Yup- it's love!
A great accessory to get your hands on is the Joby tripod (of course, had to get the matching pink!). It flexes and wraps around anything- you can prop it on railings, poles, anywhere! An inexpensive, fun little thing to have!
Here's a video I made with the onboard software using my own mp3. A little tour of our living room Christmas decorations. Enjoy! |
Perfect Portable Video Camera - MUST HAVE
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| Review Date: November 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: John Schinter, Chicago, IL |
Never realized a video camera could be so easy, portable, and durable! With a built in USB Plug, and a playback screen - this camera is the ULTIMATE in easy to use. The software is stored on the camera, and automatically runs on any computer it is plugged into. 60+ Minutes of recording time! The picture quality is GREAT - and even records well in dimly lit conditions. SAME CAMERA THAT OPRAH WINFREY uses for her YouTube website!
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Really Easy to Use and Handy, a 6 year old can use it
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| Review Date: November 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: C. Chu, |
I have other camcorders that I barely use. You gotta buy the tapes which are expensive, and then lug the thing around. They have gadzillion features and menus, and at the end, you never get around to transferring anything to the computer or editing it.
This flip recorder is really easy. You push a button and there you go. A six year old (I have a 6 year old son) can use it. Then you connect to a computer (windows PC in my case), and select to use the program that comes it with. You can then view, edit (crop beginning and end), save, and publish your video in .avi format.
To make a movie with music, you do have to install the muvee plugin but that is an easy process. Anyway, lots of fun and instant gratification. |
does what it promises
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| Review Date: November 24, 2007 |
| Reviewer: baidarkas, Washington, USA |
Open box - take out Flip - insert batteries - start shooting. It really is that simple. I made my first videos within 5 minutes of opening the box. My significant other had a problem (large thumb - he'd hit two functions at once) but once he was aware of it, he worked the controls fine.
It's all super easy and intuitive: filming, editing, and posting. |
cute and convenient
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| Review Date: November 6, 2007 |
| Reviewer: auntnancy, CHERRY HILL, NJ USA |
| I like the ultra version of the flip video for the ability to use a tripod. |
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Compare Prices on Flip Video Orange
US $8.44
(4.00 out of 5)
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