Flip Ultra Video Camera - White, 1 GB, 30 Minutes (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
by Flip Video
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List Price: Our Price: $124.99 You Save: $25.00 (17%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $35.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flip Ultra Video Camera - White, 1 GB, 30 Minutes (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Super portable; best use is with outdoor lighting
Summary: 5 Stars
The Flip camcorder has its drawbacks, but at its best, it is an ultra-portable, lightweight and braindead camcorder. I can drop it in my purse next to my digital camera and my cell phone (it's not much larger than either) and be sure that I capture any special moments as I'm about on a day-to-day basis with my daughter. No more missing first baby steps or first words.
This camera is perfect for the non techno saavy, like myself. Its USB port connects directly from the camera, so there's no wires to lose. I wish that its batteries charged on an AC adapter, rather than using regular AA's.
The photo quality is decent, but it's grainy in low light. The sound quality is excellent, much better than you'll find on the camcorder function of any digital camera -- which is the reason we got this in the first place.
The absolute biggest con is that the film can be pretty shaky as there appears to be no motion stabilization. So best use is standing still or on a tripod. Still, it functions fine for the price and its portability makes up for its shortcomings.
Customer Review: Don't buy if you want to playback on TV
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought with the idea of showing the videos on my TV. Little did I know how wrong I was.
As most are probably aware, you can use the connector cable for a composite video connection. This usage is limited to the 30 minutes of video currently stored on the Flip.
If you want to look at something you shot last week, all I can say is good luck. Flip uses an unusual avi codec that only your computer will be able to decipher (after installation of the codec).
So if you were thinking of connecting a usb drive full of videos to your TV, it won't work. Same for an SD card. Your TV will not recognize the codec. Neither will a Playstation 3.
Supposedly, you can use Windows Media Encoder to convert the files, but I haven't found a setting yet that works or googled up any advice on how to do it. Either the sound won't play or I get a corrupted file message.
Flip support will not help, I tried. Regardless, you're looking at 20 minutes of processing to convert a 3-1/2 minute video. Try that on folder full of videos and you'll say no thanks.
Customer Review: You're out of luck after 90 days
Summary: 1 Stars
My daughter's Flip Ultra started to freeze in the "Flip" splash screen when turned on. I contacted Flip Video Support at Pure Digital Technologies. Here was their response:
"Thank you for your continued patience as we work to resolve your issue. Pure Digital warrants Flip Video camcorders for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. As you are beyond the warranty period and our troubleshooting efforts have not allowed us to regain power on your camcorder, nor is your camcorder recognized by any computers, we are unable to further offer or suggest any means by which we can repair the camcorder or retrieve the videos; and our warranty policy does not allow for replacement of the camcorder after the 90 day warranty period. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."
Wow! I knew it was out of warranty...But I expected that there was SOME way to have it repaired. Now we've got a nice little paperweight!
These things were once pretty unique, but now there are many alternatives. Beware of Flip!
Customer Review: Flip Ultra 30 Min. White Camcorder
Summary: 4 Stars
I was looking for an inexpensive camcorder to take ATV and dirt bike riding video with. Something that I wouldn't be too concerned if it got totaled in a crash. This unit was a good deal at $70 but Amazon sent me a $10 off coupon and that sealed the deal. It takes sharp, clear video as long as the camera is relatively steady. Colors are sharp and true. The camera shape and light weight are not the best for a solid hand hold. Mounted solidly on a bike, there is quite a bit of bouncing around. It needs to be helmet mounted to steady it down but I haven't got that figured out yet. Pure Digital Technologies Customer Service confirmed that the camera does have a build in stabilizer but it isn't enough to overcome the bouncing of a vehicle on a rough trail. Pure Digital Customer Service response to emails is excellent. Expect a response in a couple of hours. They will stick with you until your problem is solved. I'm not sure I would purchase the new 60 minute model at $150 but I can recommend this unit for an inexpensive, easy to carry, knock around camcorder.Customer Review: Very Impressed with this Flip Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I am Very Impressed with this Flip Camera! I bought it based on the other reviews and I could not be any more pleased. The Color LCD viewer is bright and clear and the One-Click record button is very simple to use. My computer recognized the Flip right away and downloaded the necessary software to download so I could transfer the films. Each time you click on the record button you are making a single, seperate video but the software allows you to link them all together to make a smooth and seemless video.
I have also burned my first DVD from the film I took and this could not have been easier. It coached me through how to make a chapters page, colors to import, images to import, music to import, credits to create and then click to burn. Very simple and the disk played on my DVD machine. The 30 min capacity is more than adequate. The AOL Video Share option is no longer valid but the software will point you to a very friendly replacement video store and share site.
I highly recommend this product in the strongest of terms. You will not be disappointed.