Flip introduced the first popular mini handheld camcorder--its main advantage is its size. At only 1.2" x 2.2" x 4.2" inches and weighing just 6.1 ounces, the Flip camcorders are extremely portable. Flip users find that they end up taking their Flip cameras with them a lot more often than they otherwise would. This new Flip model also boasts HD video. Simply turn on the camcorder, and press record to start capturing HD video in seconds. The Flip UltraHD captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory--no tapes or additional memory cards are required.
Another signature of the Flip cameras (and hence the name) is the flip-out USB arm, which will allow you to connect the camera to any PC or Mac, without using a separate cord. The camera comes with built-in FlipShare editing and video-sharing software so you can email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace.
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Rating
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.
Rating
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
Rating
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.
Rating
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.
Rating
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
Rating
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!
Rating
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 1280×720 (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.
Rating
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
Rating
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: 4.3×2.2×1.2 4 oz
M: 3.9x2x0.6 3. 3 oz
CL: 3.9x3x0.6 3.5 oz
K: 5.5×2.5.0.9 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. 🙂
Rating
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.