Flip Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black) OLD MODEL
by Flip Video
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List Price: Our Price: $79.99 You Save: $70.00 (47%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $53.88 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flip Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Better than a camcorder...
Summary: 5 Stars
I back up the claim I made in the title by saying that when our first child was born, we rushed out and bought a very fancy video camera that has resided in its fancy case for many years. It has always been too complicated to make sure it was charged, make sure the tape was qeued, make sure there was enough tape, turn it on, wait, and then hope the event wasn't over. We basically assigned it to major events like Christmas where it could rest it on a tripod and record from there. Then we discovered the Flip Video Ultra.
When I first saw it, I was sckeptical. I figured it would have crappy video, poor sound, and just basically stink due to its size and price tag. Boy, was I wrong. The next day, while at work, I called home and my wife informed me that our oldest was dancing and singing for our baby and they were laughing together. I longed to see it and knew that she could never get the camera out in time to capture it properly. I knew at that moment that we had a need for this camera. We ordered it, and I was shooting video within 5 minutes of grasping the box. Wow!
Since then, we have been shooting video. Nothing complex, but video that is anywhere from 5 seconds to 5 minutes long. We have been uploading it to our blog...and we are not tech savy! Our blog has gone from a picture blog to a video-only blog overnight. It is amazing. The video is amazingly clear on your PC and not too shabby on your TV either (we have a 27").
I don't use the included software to edit, I instead explore the memory stick and then import that video into Windows Movie Maker. I then save it to my desktop to upload it to my blog. I am sure the software is great, I am just used to the other.
Buy this, get this as a gift, whatever...just own this device. It is truly a gift to the family.
Customer Review: LOVE THIS - put up my camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this camera after reading a review that it could take decent indoor shots. I was just hoping to get some improved indoor video of my 20 month old daughter - WITHOUT plunking down for a full blown camcorder. I need something fast, reliable, and that can take something decent in low light conditions (aka: anything indoors) - I have missed many great moments with what I have already - my Fuji camera (bad in low-light) and the Handycam (takes too long to get "ready").
Let me just tell you how impressed - I not only have AWESOME indoor movies of my 20 month old (just try to get one to "stop/pose/smile" on demand) - but I got SNAPSHOTS too!!! I now have a picture of the real blue of my daughter's eyes. I am amazed how easy too this all is to use.
No longer do I have to blind her with flashes and "fix" all the redeye shots I have (yes, I have tried all the settings to no avail). I was able to "snap" shots of my daughter's dimples for the FIRST TIME EVER.
I'm a big shopper - but I don't post reviews much. I felt compelled to in this case - I cannot say enough how pleased I am and this is a great buy. The value for the money is excellent. I only wish I had this sooner....
You should buy this camera if:
*You want something reliable indoors for quick videos
*You want to pull snapshots from the above reliably
*You want the "real light" shot you actually see instead of a white flash shot or shadowed subjects
*You want to see your subjects without red eye or spend time fixing them
*You don't want wires and memory sticks to buy or worry about
*You want software that can travel with you (lives on the device)
*The batteries (2 AA) appear to be the weight of the device
Customer Review: Fun at first, then it failed, and customer support was useless...
Summary: 1 Stars
I had such high hopes for this camera! I purchased the Flip Video Ultra (60 minutes) right before Christmas 2007. I used it a few times and was extremely happy with it until about February, when suddenly the software stopped working on my Windows XP system. I tried to re-install but got a constant "Installation aborted" error message. Multiple phone calls were unhelpful. More than once the customer support person simply hung up on me. Other times, I was given an email address of a second-tier support level, but many of my emails went unanswered. Occasionally I'd get a reply but it was clear that the support staff were not really understanding (or reading?) what I'd written. Nearly every reply from Tech Support instructed me to install their updated software from the website, but I got the same error message every time and had already tried that option on my own. They seemed to disregard this fact when reading my emails, suggesting the same thing over and over. Every single email I wrote took at least 24 hours to receive a reply, drawing out what might have been a simple issue into a several-day-long nuisance. Communication was so difficult with the support techs that in the end, I gave up and sadly put the Flip Video away for good. If they'd had a phone number I could call for real support (rather than their existing system of people to refer me to an email address), I think things might have gone differently. As it is, I'm unbelievably frustrated after spending more than I should have on what is now completely useless. I'd been planning to purchase two more of these little cameras for my kids for Christmas this year, but there's no way I'd buy another one after this debacle.Customer Review: The coolest thing I've ever purchased
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted to get my husband a birthday gift that he would really enjoy and use often. I chose this after reading many reviews on Amazon and I couldn't be happier. He's using it for video podcasting, home recording of our family, to record clients progress (he's a fitness expert) and also for video's to have on his website. He loves it, and frankly I'm sort of jealous and now want one of my own!
This is absolutely the easiest camcorder you'll ever use. Both for shooting and also for uploading to your computer. And the video quality is amazing considering how durable and inexpensive it is. The fact that it takes AA batteries means it's convenient to always have some ready or purchase at a drug store, as opposed to having to plug in and charge a typical camcorder. And unlike a typical camcorder this one fits in any pocket, purse, bag or briefcase and is easy to always have on you.
Definitely get the "ultra" version - according to the reviews I read it's a better made machine. Plus, it works great with the optional tripod (tripod isn't compatable unless it's the "ultra") And you'll certainly want the most recording time available which right now is 60 minutes. I think eventually they'll make a model that will be compatable with "cards" which is the only improvement this thing could use. Otherwise, it's perfect. Great gift for adults and even youngsters/teens since it's so tough yet easy to use. And it'd be awesome for a new parent. So easy to throw in diaper bag and always have it handy to capture those adorable spur-of-the-moment things your baby does. You can even get an optional strap and attach it to the handlebars of a bike. Awesome!
Customer Review: The perfect camcorder for family functions
Summary: 5 Stars
i will not get into too many technical details, as it is has been explained in such depth by some of the reviewers here. From a usability stand-point, it caters to even the most tech-allergic.
It runs on 2 AA batteries, has a simple (James Bond villain:) type) red button to start recording that toggles to pause. The buttons on the left and right are for delete and replay and for file management.
The zoom features are good (but compromise video quality), the only point of negativity is the non-expandable memory (its 2GB / 60 minute video static and can't be upgraded) and the fact that you cannot take photos.
It comes with a nice pouch and a good manual.
I see a lot of reviews saying that the button is "hard" to press, but please note that its more of a poka-yoke feature to prevent accidental recording or pause.
One other point is be careful when using it in harsh / industrial environments, especially manufacturing areas, i used mine in a forging industry once to video shoot the process (from a distance of 10-15 feet), but because of the heat, the CCD was damaged and now for some reason the screen does not work, but ofcourse this would happen to most camcorders,its just that this was a bit weak. No worries, got me a new one and its back to work! :) This is an example of quite rugged use though.
I would recommend this device with full confidence and is a great gadget to have at home for those "urgent" video shoots that one does at home or on the go. It is very simple and the quality of video is very very good. makes for an awesome gift as well.