Over the last two decades a lot of video recorders came into the house. Hubby wanted the Panasonic VHS then the RCA VHS, but they were bulky and he left them home. He moved into a RCA VHSC, smaller and lighter; however, he did not want to carry it or its camera bag. Next came a small digital one that fit in one’s pocket BUT needed a tripod. Most recently hubby got a JVC hard disk drive HDD micro SD. It sits in the dresser drawer.
I have come to the conclusion that if there is going to be movies, I will be the one making them. So the offer to review a 2nd Generation Flip Ultra Video Camcorder by Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. was an offer to good to pass by.
Before I go any further, I must share this truth: Everyone in my family as well as everyone who knows me is well aware that technologically I am a failure. If it isn’t KISS then it is definitely not for me. I found the box at home when hubby and I returned from our trip across America. I opened it immediately only to find hubby laughing cynically. Doubting Thomas that he is, he thought I would never be able to use it successfully. Well, he was wrong, wrong, wrong.
The Flip Ultra operates on two AA batteries. It works with video applications like Windows Media Player, Quick Time Player, and iTunes. I even got to watch mine instantly on my TV once hubby connected the included cable connector. Its pre-loaded FlipShare software works on both Mac and PC computers. It enables users to save, organize, edit videos and even capture snapshots from videos. It uploads directly to MySpace and YouTube and works with e-mail.
I love this camcorder. Dimensions 4.25″ x 2.19″ X 1.17″–it weighs in at six ounces. It is small, compact, and convenient to carry – perfect for travel! 4GB built-in memory gives it two hours video time. Its 30fps scan full VGA so results are, take it from me, foolproof. I get no glare even when I am viewing in direct sunlight. I look into the Flip’s two inch screen and record exactly what I see. Filming is easy–just point and shoot. I playback instantly so I know what I have–a high quality video that was simple to make. The only suggestion I have for improvement is for it to have rechargeable batteries.
No doubt about it, the Flip delivers. Just look at the high-quality H.264 videos I produced first try out.
The Flip Ultra is priced at $149.99. It is truly affordable. It can be found along with the full Flip line of camcorders including the UltraHD on line at TheFlip.com. It is also sold in stores like Sam’s Club, Walmart, Best Buys, Sears, and Kmart, as well as online retailers such as Amazon.
on Aug 13th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Thanks for the review. My husband and I were just talking about needing a new camcorder.
on Aug 13th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
That little camcorder sounds perfect for me. Oh what a Christmas gift it would make. Well, not just for me. lol Easy to use is just what I need. And the price, all that technology for so little. Quite a bargain, I’d say.
on Aug 13th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Marj,
Truly portable and simple enough that I can actually do it myself.
Pat.
on Aug 13th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Tori,
Great buy for those who would use the recorder if they had it.
Pat.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Thank you I enjoyed your review!
I want to get one of these. I need something like this that is easy to use.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Janet,
It is easy but I like its size and weight best–can fit into a belly bag or a piece of clothing easily.
Pat.
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I have been fascinated with these. They are so small and do so much. I would love to get one!
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Nancy,
The compact part makes them easy to have around all the time.
Pat.