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: Easy to set-up, Easy to use, and Expectations met
Summary: 5 Stars
Just opened the box 30 minutes ago...it was a breeze to setup and use. I had read all the reviews regarding the difficulty some had setting up the device and braced myself for a difficult time, but encountered none. Here are a few noteworthy points:
(1)Flip Video seems to have already updated the firmware on the device because when I attempted to load the upgrade, a message appeared saying it was already at that level.
(2) I had no problem using the "red" video record button as reported by other reviewers. Frankly, compared to the keys on my Blackberry 8800, it was a breeze to operate.
(3) I had no problem taking the video and using it in Muvee Auto Producer 6 as some other reviewers noted. The only trick is that I first had to save the video as a "movie mix" using the Flip Video software (which is actually a stripped down version of Muvee editing software anyway). Once I did this, I was able input the video in Muvee Auto Producer 6, edit out parts of the video, and do everything else I wanted to do.
(4) The video quality, is not as good as a more expensive DV Video recorder, but decent enough quality for "family videos" that look just fine on my 52" LCD TV.
In summary, I highly recommend this device. It's small, is inexpensive, and produces decent general purpose videos. You can bet it will be in my pocket for upcoming child sporting events, on family vacations, etc.
Customer Review: Not bad for cheap video, but one more gizmo to log around
Summary: 4 Stars
A lot of cell phones and digital still cameras have the capability do do what the flip ultra does, but not mine. In addition, my carrier prohibits me from downloading videos directly from my phone. So the Flip Ultra, which I won in a raffle, is somewhat useful.
Unfortunately, the videos are all out of focus because of the cheap fixed focus optics. But no worse than many cheap cell phones, and the actual quality of the video is fairly good, so you get faily high quality out of focus videos.
Fortunately, for me, the AVI videos it writes are directly compatible with Linux and the open source "mplayer" application - Hooray! So I don't need to load anything and I can even play and upload videos directly off the camera.
It only works as a video cam, although you can use it as a USB memory stick. Avoid reformatting the flash drive - it has the software distributed with the camera on it. So it is one more gizmo you need to schlep around. Doesn't weigh much, though, only a few ounces plus two AA batteries. It comes with a velvet bag to protect it.
The USB connector "flips" out of the side of the camera. The full weight of the camera will thus hang off the USB connection. I would hope that engineers at Flip designed the connector to be strong enough to do this, but your luck with your PC may vary, so you might want to purchase a short "Type A to Type A" USB extender cable or some kind of hub.
Customer Review: Great device for the amateur
Summary: 5 Stars
The whole concept of Flip Video is simplicity. Open the box, drop in the included (regular) batteries, shoot, review, download, done! The camera works great!! If you're looking to become the next Spielberg, or you want to film an 8-hour epic that you plan on boring your family and friends with, this camera is NOT for you. But if you want a fun and easy to use device that fits in your pocket, you'll love this. The video quality is very good and makes great videos in a normally lit room, with no need for one of those spotlights that blind the subject. You also have the option of saving still pictures from your videos, and picture quality is good. Emailing your videos is also easy. There is no software disk or manual needed. Cables are even included so you can watch them on your TV. Even the product registration is simple. All you do is send an email to the company with your particulars and it's done. No surveys and boxes to click and unclick.
I use a MacBook, and I did experience some downloading issues initially. But Flip technical support is superb! I received a response and solution to my problem within hours of sending an email.
I rated this highly because of the simplicity, quality, fun factor and excellent technical support. If this is what you want, get a Flip. If you plan on filming the next Hollywood blockbuster, spend big bucks on another, expensive alternative.
Customer Review: Cool camera, horrible software
Summary: 2 Stars
Fun little video camera. Horrible software.
The "flashplayer" lock-up error with Vista? The one the FAQ tells you nothing useful to fix? I barely got that far. This cute camera totally locked up three (3) Vista PC's. Total lock-up, no three-finger salute, hard reboot. Ouch. I hate having to do that.
Product support non-existent. Wrote snotty email, got automated reply. FAQ utterly devoid of useful info.
Finally downloaded the "new" flipshare app from the product website AND loaded new onboard firmware. All told, between dowloads/uploads/firmware and basic on-my-own troubleshooting (no product support, right?): about three hours. Not cool.
Yeah, it works now. But my initial "Wow, very simple, I like this thing" reaction I got from shooting quick videos with the kids has now soured to evil. Pure evil.
You'd think the hardware would be the challenge with designing this thing, but the hardware works pretty darned well. It shoots decent video with minimal fiddling, even in low light. But the software is like a bad joke written by talented eighth graders (no offense to the eighth graders out there reading this).
The real pity is that this camera is marketed toward people who want SIMPLE. But you might have to pull off some pretty serious geek skills to get it to work. Shooting video? Simple. Doing anything with it? Wicked complicated.
Beware, ya'll.
Customer Review: Put The Flip on Your Christmas List!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a perfect gift for almost anyone on your holiday list. Whether that special someone is young or not so young, the functionality, convenience, simplicity, and quality of this product make it a wonderful consumer innovation. What the heck, why don't you put it on your list, and hope that special someone gets it for you?
This camera is small enough to fit into any of your pockets. It runs on 2 AA batteries, which are included. It also includes a carrying pouch and wrist strap. The operation couldn't be more simple. Just point, hit the red button to begin recording, and hit it again to stop. The camera has a zoom feature. You can play back your video on the 1.5 inch LCD screen. The camera also comes with A/V cable, so you can play back on your television then and there.
The Flip has a built-in USB connector. Simply plug it in to your computer, and you can easily save your videos to your hard drive. You can also upload Flip videos directly to YouTube or AOL, or you can email your videos. The unit can record up to 60 minutes of video. When you are ready to delete some videos to make room for more memories, that is simple as well. The video and sound quality are excellent.
This is a perfect gift for capturing special holiday moments with ease. Highly recommended.