Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 121-125 of 129
 Handy Portable Camera May 27, 2009
M. Martinez-Vargas (San Mateo, CA)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
The video camera I have has been used a total of three times as it takes up too much space and I would rather not have to carry yet another bag! I also seem to let the recording sit on the camera because I am either too busy (or too lazy) to figure out how to convert it to a cd or to the tv. The Flip however has really been amazing! It is so small and I can just drop it in my purse and carry it everywhere with me. To watch what you have recorded you simply either watch it on the little screen or you can just flip out the usb and plug it directly into your computer and wallah!! So handy and easy to use (my 4 year old niece figured out how to use it after I explained it to her only twice)! It is also nice that you don't have to deal with charging the battery either since it takes AA batteries. Video camera I have had for 4 years (used three times), Flip I have had for two weeks and have used it already seven times)!!!
An Outstanding Web Video Tool May 27, 2009
James McGyver
39 out of 41 found this review helpful
The new Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation comes in with a few tweaks over the original Ultra. Most notably the internal memory jumps from 2GB to 4GB which equates to about 2 hours of video. Image quality is much improved via the new installed software package. Audio on this model is more enhanced then previous versions via the upgraded microphone. This model accommodates both Mac and Windows operating systems. The LCD screen is expanded from 1.5" to 2". The control buttons are larger. The sliding power button is no more. The tekkies at Flip opted for the industry standard push button. This unit is slightly larger then the original Ultra. The body is plastic and comes in black, pink, white, and yellow with a chrome finish.
Simplicity at its best, above average video is obtained with 640x480 resolution video at 30fps, compressing it using H.264, and encodes it as MPEG 4. As with all Flip gear, shooting and transferring videos to a computer or even uploading them to file sharing sites is simple. The on board 2x digital zoom is a gadget at best and is practically useless. First time mini camcorder buyers should be aware that manual, advanced or still capture settings are not an option. However, the preloaded software package easily allows stills to be pulled direct from video.
For a low resolution model, the Ultra produces above average video as long as one views it via the programmed format on the computer monitor or TV. Enlarging to full screen will not only distort the image, it will also bring on the noise demons. That said, colors were well saturated, sound was good and low light performance was average at best. Buyers should keep in mind that a steady hand is paramount to good video. A tripod will make all the difference in shooting quality video.
Powered up via (2) AA alkaline batteries, this unit opts for a simple video out port that displays low resolution video on TV. The basic composite AV cable (RED/WHITE/YELLOW PLUGS) ships with the device. The folks at Flip throw in batteries, wrist strap and a soft, zip string cover to protect the Ultra's plastic finish. The cover will not come close to protecting the mini cam from bumps and drops. It goes without saying that a memory card slot or even rechargeable batteries would have made this product an even sweeter investment.
By no means will the Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation be confused with any of the top dollar units. However, it is a system that can and will cover the basics for web based video. For those that do not wish to sink the extra bucks into a top of the line mini camcorder, this model will more than cover the bill.
 Excellent, Compact Camcorder May 27, 2009
Laura I (Fairchild AFB, WA)
549 out of 560 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R36XMSX3O7L286 I've made a video review, using the Flip Ultra Camcorder, so that you can see the audio/video quality (Keep in mind I had to compress the video a little bit for Amazon), and I also show how to use the camcorder.
In my opinion, this is an excellent camcorder for a novice, or someone who just wants an easy to use camcorder that is small and compact. I personally don't need more than 2 hours recording time and it's wonderful not having to purchase tapes.
The price is actually less than many digital cameras. I've wanted to own a camcorder for a long time, and the Flip Ultra has finally met my standards for: quality, value, and ease of use.
A very sweet little camcorder May 23, 2009
Federico (Fred) Moramarco (San Diego,, CA USA)
2 out of 7 found this review helpful
Here's a very handy little camcorder you can carry in your shirt pocket. It's about the size of king size package of cigarettes and takes surprisingly good video. The Ultra gives you two hours of recording time and is perfect for on the spot videos of breaking news wherever you see it happen. If this little gizmo catches on, police departments throughout the land better be careful of their nightstick activity. Of course it's also great for watching your kids or grandkids grow up and I'm sure it's already one of the primary creators of You Tube videos. Of course it doesn't have the versatility of a full featured camcorder. The zoom range is limited and a bit awkward to operate. It doesn't take still pics at all, but it looks more like a regular camera than a camcorder, so you can make a video and people will think you're just taking a picture. Hmm, lots of mischief possibilities there.Flip Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black)
Great Portable Video Camera May 18, 2009
cjw333 (San Jose, CA United States)
19 out of 23 found this review helpful
I've owned a few video cameras over the years but none of them have gotten much use mainly due to the size of the camera. In my opinion it's not always practical to haul those things around. When they do get used, the video that I take tends to sit on those little tapes never to be seen again. It's just too much of a hassle to move the content from tape to digital so I can edit and finally watch what I've recorded.
Enter the Flip - with a size that fits easily in the hand (about the size of an iPod but narrower and a bit thicker) this device is also easily stuffed in a bag so you have it everywhere you go. For me this accessibility makes it much more practical compared to a traditional video camera.
Another big selling point for me is the simplicity. It's easy enough to use that I think even my parents could operate it with little instruction. It starts up in a flash and is instantly ready to record (from off to record in about 5 sec). The big red button records and stops recording. That's all you really need to know. Of course there are zoom and playback options that take the Flip beyond simple recording.
Although the Flip works well in low light, it's best that you film in daylight or a well lit room. I did a test shot at night in a dimly lit room and the video was watchable but a bit grainy. Filming outside during the day resulted in crisp, clear video. If you're looking to do a lot of recording in low light the HD version might be a better choice for you.
I also like the fact that I can watch my recordings right on the device itself. The built in screen is good enough for a few people to gather around for a quick view of what was just recorded. It has built in audio as well. If you want to show off your video to a larger crowd you can use the audio/video out on the side of your Fip to plug directly into a TV with a composite input (HD version has and HDMI output).
Getting the video from your Flip to your computer couldn't be easier. You basically flip out the little USB arm and plug your camera directly into your computer. When plugged in the flip will show up as a hard drive so if for some reason you don't want to install the software you can just drag and drop video files just as you might do from a thumb drive or other external drive. The software, however, gives you a nice interface for managing your videos on your Flip as well as those that you've moved to your computer. In addition to simplified file management the software gives your an easy way to edit videos, take snapshots and make your own movies by joining together multiple files.
I'm very excited to use my Flip for an upcoming vacation. The small size will fit easily into my day bag and with 2 hours of recording time I should have plenty of room to store a day's worth of video. I also like the fact that the Flip takes AA batteries (regular or rechargeable) so if I run out of juice while I'm out I should be able to find replacements easily. Finally since it's so easy to transfer the video to my computer I might actually end up watching these videos for a change.
Showing reviews 121-125 of 129
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