I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder for review from Amazon, who offered the product to frequent reviewers to promote their new Video Review feature. Since receiving the Flip Video a week ago, our family has had a blast playing with this diminutive little camera. Like most other families, we own a regular sized video camera that gets pulled out for the occasional school play, Christmas, or major trip. So I wasn't convinced that we would actually use the Flip Video very much.
Wrong! Since owning the camera, we've shot over thirty video clips in a variety of lighting and sound situations. The biggest fans of the camera, of course, are my teenage sons who are a part of the You Tube generation. They love the immediate gratification of being able to shoot a video, flip the USB arm from the side of the camera, plug it into the computer, and use the camera's on board software to upload directly to You Tube in one step.
Here's the blueprint for the Flip Video: the dimensions are 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches and the camera weighs 7.2 ounces, less than my cell phone. I have a small camera bag, and this little guy fits neatly into it with my still camera, making it easy and accessible - which means that you will actually carry it along on outings. It would easily fit into a pocket. The camera comes with a hand strap and small drawstring bag (not too useful). With 2 GB of memory, the camera can hold up to sixty minutes of footage. All the software you need is loaded onto the camera, which enables you to do some minor editing, file organization, upload clips to the web, or email, and string clips together to make a longer movie. The Flip Video also comes with a cord to connect to the television and watch videos there, but we have not as yet tested that feature.
On the down side, the Flip Video is not the perfect camera for taking far away videos, since it only has a 2x zoom level. I found that it is great for shooting at close range, but when I tried to shoot video from a great distance (as you might do at a school play or sporting event), the results were not great.
I'm looking forward to using the Flip Video to capture those "spur of the moment" situations with my kids that seem to come up in day to day life. Since the camera is so small and light, it easily fits into my small purse and is ready at a moment's notice. We've had a great time playing with the Flip Video and would highly recommend it for families on the go like ours, looking to capture memories without a lot of hassle. Have fun!
Flip Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (White) B000V1MLBE
Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Flip Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (White)
Camera & Photo
Fun and Simple Video Camera with Great Sound
See video on Amazon.com I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder for review from Amazon, who offered the product to frequent reviewers to promote their new Video Review feature. Since receiving the Flip Video a week ago, our family has had a blast playing with this diminutive little camera. Like most other families, we own a regular sized video camera that gets pulled out for the occasional school play, Christmas, or major trip. So I wasn't convinced that we would actually use the Flip Video very much.
Wrong! Since owning the camera, we've shot over thirty video clips in a variety of lighting and sound situations. The biggest fans of the camera, of course, are my teenage sons who are a part of the You Tube generation. They love the immediate gratification of being able to shoot a video, flip the USB arm from the side of the camera, plug it into the computer, and use the camera's on board software to upload directly to You Tube in one step.
Here's the blueprint for the Flip Video: the dimensions are 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches and the camera weighs 7.2 ounces, less than my cell phone. I have a small camera bag, and this little guy fits neatly into it with my still camera, making it easy and accessible - which means that you will actually carry it along on outings. It would easily fit into a pocket. The camera comes with a hand strap and small drawstring bag (not too useful). With 2 GB of memory, the camera can hold up to sixty minutes of footage. All the software you need is loaded onto the camera, which enables you to do some minor editing, file organization, upload clips to the web, or email, and string clips together to make a longer movie. The Flip Video also comes with a cord to connect to the television and watch videos there, but we have not as yet tested that feature.
On the down side, the Flip Video is not the perfect camera for taking far away videos, since it only has a 2x zoom level. I found that it is great for shooting at close range, but when I tried to shoot video from a great distance (as you might do at a school play or sporting event), the results were not great.
I'm looking forward to using the Flip Video to capture those "spur of the moment" situations with my kids that seem to come up in day to day life. Since the camera is so small and light, it easily fits into my small purse and is ready at a moment's notice. We've had a great time playing with the Flip Video and would highly recommend it for families on the go like ours, looking to capture memories without a lot of hassle. Have fun!
Lisa M. Hendey "Lisa, CatholicMom.com Webmaster"
November 10, 2007
Not being too computer literate...I was just wondering how you could store the videos on a DVD?? Or do you just have to leave them on your hard drive? Sorry for being simple, here. Hope someone will answer that question for me.
Constance, I keep the video files on my computer in a file until I am finished working with them, and then I back them up on DVD. I have a Mac, which makes backup very easy. I am still learning to use the iMovie program with my new flip videos.
The distant clip was total soft mush! Even closer up was not that sharp. I wonder if the lens is set for focus for "people" between 5 and 10 feet. If that is the case, then then this device is extremely limited in quality of image.
I greatly appreciate your sample video and comments regarding this camera. After watching your video once, I thought this item would be marked off my list. However, because your rated the product well and you are a parent (a mom, like me) I decided to read your comments which made me watch the video again with a different perspective. Then I thought about my original intention behind this purchase which wasn't to have another "perfect at everything" camcorder (close-ups, distance shots, HD quality, etc.) that we use for those circumstances where quality is critical or most important to us. My purpose was to have a small, light-weight camcorder that allows us, anyone in the family, big or small, to pick up anytime and capture those moments that only we might understand, recognize and laugh about over and over again. I can't wait 'til mine arrives!!! Many thanks.
Terri, as I said in my review, I don't think the Flip is great for those big type events where you may find yourself shooting from the back of an auditorium or from across a football field. But we've continued to have a blast with our Flip Ultra for close up shots and fun family moments. I've loved watching my kids use and create with the Flip and my favorite aspect is its size - I typically have it with me so I catch those "spur of the moment" memories. Have fun!
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