Sounds like you're selling the flip

Yes - he is selling the Flip as much as you are selling the Panasonic TA-1.

Having had camcorders since 2000, starting with the Aiptek and currently owning three Flips HDs, two Kodaks (Zi6, Zi8), JVC and Sanyo I can comment that his comment should be taken with a grain of salt. His criticisms are all "impractical" (he says his is a practical viewpoint, it's not). Here's why:

1. No one uses the software that comes on these camcorders, especially the software that comes on the Flips. The software is dog slow, cumbersome to use, inefficient and bloated.

2. If anyone is using the camcorders software to transfer video, that's impractical because it takes too long to transfer files. The best camcorders have an SD slot that enables one to record video on SD chips. You then remove the chip and put it into a high speed thumb drive. Transfers then take less than a minute (especially if you use a Class 6 or Class 10 SD chip, which means you get super fast transfer rates.

3. Most all camcorders that have built-in USB plugs (male) are super delicate. It's super easy to break off the plug because it's a small plug compared to the size of the camcorder. If you plug in the USB plug to a computer's female USB port it's really easy to knock the camcorder and break the plug.

That's why the Flips are not as good as other camcorders, including this Panasonic. Flips don't have SD slots, the storage is built in. The only way to transfer files is connecting the Flip's USB plug into a computer. You break a Flip's USB plug your device is toast.

With camcorders that have an SD slot, you simply remove the chip and use a reader. You are then not at risk of breaking off the USB plug.

Moreover, a Class 6 SD chip transfers files way faster than Flip's built-in memory.

4. Batteries are not an issue with these camcorders that use removable batteries. You can get them for less than $5 on eBay. Flips are deficient in this manner because the batteries on most Flips are built-in. That means you are restricted to using the battery power on the Flip. When it runs out you are SOL until you charge it up.

With this Panasonic and other quality camcorders, the battery is removable. What I do is buy five batteries on eBay (and also three or four SD chips, Class 6) and when I use the camcorder I am never out of juice or memory.

You can't do that with a Flip. (Remember, I have Flip HD camcorders. I know about running out of memory (camcorder recorder time) and running out of battery power.)

5. Lastly, on his other criticism, uploading to YouTube and others, I never upload files directly from my camcorder (having YouTube accounts and about 500 uploaded YouTube videos, I know about transferring files).

The best way to upload files to YouTube, for example, is to transfer the video from the camcorder and on to your computer. You then log on to YouTube and tell YouTube to upload the file from your computer. That is a super fast way to do it and far easier than trying to do it on these camcorders..

Finally, for me the most important "feature" on these camcorders is... video quality. Most camcorders like this Panasonic or the Flips can be called "cheap plastic." Heck, even my $500 T-Mobile Vibrant cell phone is comprised of "cheap plastic" as reviewers have said.

And all camcorders operate the same way. Click one button to record, click it again to stop recording. From there all camcorders start to get complicated if you want to perform other functions and they get really complicated if you want to use the software that comes with the devices.

So assuming all camcorders are equal in terms of what he and I discuss, video quality is what matters. Since he admits picture (sic) quality is a "pro" (I assume he means video quality), like I said above, I would take his criticisms with a grain of salt.

Sounds like a review direct from a flip ultra manufacturer, doesn't it?

I agree with Michael M. software included with any cameras are junk watered down .there are many free software for converting videos for basic like youtube try XMedia Recode,super,,,, check videohelp.com for more tips

Can't speak for others, but I like the Flip software. It compresses and transfers fast. My wife and kids can use it. It allows for simple organization and consistent results. Your method is okay, but not automatic and subject to skill level and time you want to spend fooling with your video. Fewer clicks are needed with the Flip software, and to me, that makes it easier and better. Flip runs on AA batteries and the included rechargeable pack. The video quality on all of these pocket cameras is about the same. Good, but not Ken Burns. I'll base my purchase on warranty length, since my flip died (due to the elements) 1 month after the 90 day warranty expired. I'll go for the most durable and best warranty this time.

If he was so happy with the Flip, then why did he bother with buying the Panasonic in the first place?

He lost me when he said he was a semi-pro photographer but never used his "expensive gear" to shoot his newborn, but rather used his Flip instead. I don't understand why it was an either/or decision to photograph or use Flip - they aren't mutually exclusive. This reviewer doesn't seem credible to me and as many have mentioned, is just here to promote the Flip.

I agree, this doesn't sound like a very credible review, this guy, if indeed is a semi-pro, should stick to the flip, I don't know many semi-pros who depend on $100 video cams, come on, is this review for real????????????

[Deleted by the author on Jan 19, 2011 8:29:22 AM PST]