Excellent value overall but understand its limitations

Knowing this isn't a full featured camcorder costing hundreds of dollars, the Flip has (pros) stunning picture quality and incredible ease of use plus the handy FlipShare software, but (cons) sound/audio has no range, no zoom, and limited battery. It is somewhere between the limited video capabilities of smart phones and full-fledged camcorders. The video is true HD, amazing for such a small, inexpensive camera. The pop-out USB for charging and working from your PC couldn't be easier. Mine has an HDMI port unlike the Flip in the picture; no cable. It also has a screw hole on the bottom for connecting to a tripod. One button operation basically; once it's on, push the big red button to record. That's it. The audio works fine at close range and directly in front of the speaker. I taped something that was to the side of a speaker and about 20-25 feet away, and the audio came out very, very soft, even though the speaker's voice was amplified by a sound system in the room. Also, for some reason, it shut off after an hour of recording; it was re-started and then continued another 15 minutes. I don't know why it shut off; the battery was low. You may have 2 hours of recording time, but you may not have 2 hours of battery life to continue recording for a full 2 hour stint. The FlipShare software makes working with your videos a snap. Again nothing fancy, but basic titling/credits, editing/cutting, stitching/ transitions between clips. Actually producing a single movie from several clips is a few minutes for you to set-up, but it can take an HOUR or more for FlipShare to complete producing a 25 minute movie from a couple of clips. Same with emailing an embedded video or exporting a video to your PC - an HOUR. If you're not in a rush, it's fine; it operates in the background without tying up your PC or its memory. But for faster results, you'll want more powerful video editing software. FlipShare will also pull out a still/frame shot from your video. It bought it because it's so compact - about the size of a pack of cigarettes - and easy to use while also producing high quality video that's easily shared. I'm disappointed in the audio, but for well under $100, no complaints really. Being able to share the video easily mattered; I remember working with someone's higher priced camcorder that used a proprietary file format - it was insane to convert to a use-able MPEG4 format. No problem with FlipShare, but your results won't always be quick using FlipShare. Hey, I can wait. I'd highly recommend it for family and personal use videos. Taping a lecture or a speech from a distance is unlikely to work well. Excellent value overall and very happy with it.

PURE DIGITAL Flip Ultra HD vs. Mino HD

I was quite happy with my 2009 version of the Flip Mino HD for my intended purpose of capturing quick casual videos. I carried it everywhere, like my cell phone, so it was available when no other camcorder was. The best camcorder is the one you have with you.

One day, I planned a trip to a great snorkling spot in the Bahamas. I needed an underwater housing for my Mino, and was disappointed to discover the housing was only available for the new Flip Ultra HD. I was forced to part with my Mino and buy a new Ultra.

The Ultra is larger than the Mino, but offers several advantages to offset it's larger size. Like the Mino, it also shoots in high definition video mode at 720 lines. And it's just as easy to operate. With similar specs, I figured the image would be about the same. Much to my surprise, it was quite a bit better. It has truer more vibrant color, better contrast and is just a little sharper around the edges than the Mino. Low light sensitivity is better, too. Probably due to the newer version rendering engine, because the imaging sensor is the same.

Here are some other truly notable advantages of the Ultra over last year's Mino. It has two hours of shooting time instead of one hour (although this year's Mino does, too). The included battery pack runs 2.5 hours, but it can be removed and replaced with two off-the-shelf AA batteries. If you use lithium AA batteries, you can shoot six hours. Nice for a vacation. The mike is stereo, unlike the mono on the Mino. It also has some real bottom end to it, eliminating the thin sound of the Mino. The viewfinder is larger with more pixels, making it much more useful. Since the Ultra is thicker than the Mino, the lens sits farther back into the body. As a result, the sun shading is much better with less lens flare when shooting into the light. There is an HDMI connector to view HD video directly on an HD TV. You'll need to purchase an HDMI cable. It doesn't come with the Ultra.

If there's a weak link of this camcorder, it's keeping the image steady. There is no image stabilizer. The camera shoots 30 frames per second in progressive mode. The nature of progressive mode tends to make any image look jittery during pans or fast motion. Even though it's bigger than the Mino, you still need to learn to hold this camera rock steady with both hands when you shoot, and must pan very slowly. Careful steady shooting with a progressive camera rewards the user with a film-like effect.

The Ultra also lacks an optical zoom like all the Flips. The digital zoom is nearly useless as it just magnifies the pixel size, losing sharpness as you zoom. Better to shoot wide angle, and zoom in during the editing process. Same effect, but you have more latitude in framing your shot after the fact. The built in USB plug lets you charge the camcorder on any computer as well as transfer the files to the hard drive. Because the USB connector comes out of the side of the body and not from the top like the Mino, it puts less strain on the computer's USB jack.

For it's intended purpose of shooting casual video, it's an excellent camcorder that goes beyond most people's expectations for it's size and price. By learning it's strong and weak points, and with a little practice, a capable user can create some great videos with a Flip Ultra HD. With the underwater housing and a steady hand, the results are documentary worthy.

FLIP UltraHD makes it all so simple!

I loved my first edition FLIP video camera so it was a no-brainer to move up to HD with the digital FLIP UltraHD, 120 minutes. These digital movie cameras are compact enough to fit in a pocket, purse, or day pack without a problem. It is camera that can go almost anywhere to shoot parts of graduation, your kid's birthday party, swimming at the dock, capturing exciting moments at a baseball game, or making a memory of your latest vacation.

The drawbacks are its durability. This camera is not water-proof and I would not take a chance to go mountain climbing with it. The zoom is limited and the small screen makes this product a move down from "excellent" to "good".

I still decided to purchase this camera for ease of filming and just as importantly how it downloads in its digital format. The USB-like arm springs out when a button is pushed. You simply insert this to your storage device and the filming segments are transferred. Did I forget to mention that automatic software is incorporated within the camera? The features of the software are easy to use to organize, edit, and share with friends or family. I believe this type of format with its relatively economic price tag will continue to make FLIP cameras outstanding!

Great Little Camera.

I wanted to get into video-blogging, but didn't want to use my mom's video camera for it so, I asked for this one for Christmas.

Pros:
-Shoots good quality videos with amazing audio too.
-Very easy to use, a completely tech newbie could figure this out.
-Simple design, nothing flashy or complicated.
-Great customer service, answered my question within 24 hours.
-Easy to hold, exterior is soft and "grippy" feeling. Also light weight, not bulky.

Cons:
-Lens is exposed; I keep it in the pouch at all times when I'm not using it to keep the lens from getting damaged.
-Power button is too easily pushed; Sometimes I go to pick it up or put it in my bag, it turns itself on. Thankfully, it powers itself off after a minute.
-Battery won't last for the full 120 minutes, must charge after a few uses.
-Mine wouldn't turn on after I disconnected it from the computer, I had to take the battery out and put it back in to make it work. Just hit a button to light up the screen before disconnecting and it's fine.
-The FlipShare editing software isn't very good. It might be if you only wanted to cut some off the beginning or end of the video, but if there's something in the middle of the clip you want to cut, too bad. Windows Movie Maker decreases the video quality considerably, invest in better editing software like Sony Vegas.

All in all, I really love this camera, it's light weight and easy to use. The few cons are easy to overlook (or fix) with all the great things the Flip Ultra HD has to offer.

PURE Digital Flip UltraHD Review

The Flip UltraHD is part of the PURE Digital Flip line of easy portable camcorders. The Flip lines prides itself in its ease of use, without all the hustle and bustle of extra buttons. It's very simple for every day use, whether you're recording a summer getaway or your crazy, mischievous calico cat.

The Goods
1. Great HD quality camcorder
2. Bigger buttons && video screen compared to the original Flip Ultras
3. HMDI outlet for viewing in a HD television
4. Flip's signature USB (for easy file transfer to your computer)
5. Small size, perfect for pockets or purses.
6. Ability to replace included rechargeable batteries with two regular AA batteries in case of emergency
7. 8 gb built-in flash memory for up to 2 hours worth of video

The Bads
1. No HDMI cable bundle
2. The only way to charge the Flip batteries is inside the camcorder
3. You can't add more memory (you can only use the 8gb of built-in memory)

I'd definitely recommend this camcorder (even with its minor faults), as it is very transportable. And if you ever decide to make a video in a public place, people won't think you're too crazy video taping yourself because it won't be as noticeable with a Flip camera than if you were recording yourself with a full on camcorder.