Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation) OLD MODEL
by Flip Video
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: USE REGULAR BATTERIES AND AVOID THE FUSS
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading all the reviews on Amazon, the first thing I did when I unpacked my Flip was put the rechargeable batteries in a drawer and closed it. You know what, the device works perfectly with standard AA's, and the standard Rayovac batt. recharger I had allowed me to charge older batteries while recording during the day. I highly recommend this practice as you don't have to worry about cooking the CPU, dealing with bad customer service, etc.
Also, in terms of battery length. If you marathon minute after minute on this machine, you'll suck your batteries dry within 20 mins (after a fresh charge). But, if you record in bursts of 1-3 minutes at a time, with pauses in-between, you can record for days.
Keep with cloth bag that it comes with as it's a nice way to clean the screen and lens and DON'T UPDATE THE FIRMWARE. The Flipshare version that comes with it could be more stable, but it exports without corruption 100% of the time (I've exported about 230 movies having it for about 2 months now). Once I updated the firmware, I noticed that nearly 1 of every 5 movies I exported had some fatal corruption in it that could no longer be recognized by Movie Maker. I was annoyed, uninstalled the program and re-installed the original Flipshare programming directly from the cam again with the older firmware to once again return to hassle-free exporting.
Let me mention two other things, Zoom and Image Stabilization. First of all, there isn't really a zoom on this camera. 2x zoom really just amounts to the difference of stretching out your arm a foot more forward--and if the object is directly in the face of the camera, it'll be blurry regardless due to auto-focus. That said, the quality of the shots at 720p are so nice that third-party software can easily zooming without too much in the fidelity of the image. Plus--flip doesn't make any promises about higher levels of zooms from the get go so you know what your getting from the start. Therefore, I don't recommend this camera for up close shots of nature or babies--works fine for everything else. There's also no image stabilization so pics can get really jittery especially when filming and walking at the same time. Once again, free third-party software like vReveal offers stabilization effects that perfectly reduce the jitters of any of your vids.
That's about it, it couldn't be simpler to use and pulling it out and filming is quick and a breeze--the inboard mic is supremely sensitive and plays back wonderfully in full stereo. Nice vibrant colors during playback on a brutally honest HD LCD screen. Love this camera.
Customer Review: Better than a phone with movie mode
Summary: 4 Stars
First impressions:
Ok, i know this is an inexpensive "camcorder" with "hd" capability. But there are a couple of things that would really make this camcorder shine. First of all, let's address the "HD" claim. I'm not sure where it is that 720p is considered to be HD. In my world, 720p is "near HD" and 1080i or p is true HD. Nikon made the same claim with their digital slr. The frame rate is set at 30 fps, according to the literature which is acceptable to me, however it'd be nice if you could select frame rates.
So far my results have been as i would expect. nice clear, crisp image. Probably very acceptable by most users. There are a few items i'd like to address, though.
The claimed minimum focus distance is 1.5 meters. For those who don't know and don't want to look it up, i did: 1.5 meters = 4.92125984 feet. I'm of the opinion that the minimum focus distance is less than that. something in the range of about 2 feet. Even still, what that means is that if your into macro-videography, forget it.
I can imagine a whole slew of after-market lens attachments to address that issue as well as provide for more customizable options. 2x teliconverter, fisheye attachments, close up lenses, specialty filters, etc. BUT!! I don't know how you'd attach anything like that because of the shape of the lens mount. There is no way to attach anything with threads. Which leads me to my next "gripe". no lens cap. gawd i hope i don't scratch that thing!!
Other shotcoming have been discussed, such as the lack of a battery life indicator, etc. I'd like to add to that. One thing i'd like to see on a future generation flip is a headphone jack and an audio level meter. It would be nice to actually be able to hear what you are reviewing in the field as well as a larger, such as kodak's 2.5", lcd.
I'm a mac user and have been able to import files without a hitch using either iphoto or the included flipshare software. No complaints there. But, i will note that i'm currently using an 04 power pc g4 mac with 1 gb of memory and experience pretty sever stuttering in playback mode. On my newer macbook pro with 4 gb of memory, that's not a problem. Also, I'm glad that flip decided to include the mini hdmi output jack. Makes unedited review of footage a snap.
So far, i'm satisfied with the fit, feel, and finish of this product and will add more later as i've put this baby through it's paces. I will also add a focus chart video that demonstrates min focus, zoom feature, and a color chart later.
For now, "Flip Out, Brudda!"
Customer Review: Flip camera support - terrible!
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this camera with the idea of emailing short videos to friends and family, as the literature suggests it's designed to do.
Well, upon engaging the "Email" function, I find that little works. I cannot send a video (it just sits there dumb) and cannot access or add email addresses to it.
OK, I sign up with customer service and after filling out all the forms I receive an email back that contains no answer but suggests that I call them, which I do.
Upon reaching a customer service rep, which went quite quickly, it turns out that not only do they not have my correct name connected with my case number (it was someone else's name entirely) but they have my phone number with numbers transposed and none of the information I had originally filled out and sent. Huh?
The bottom line is that my problem is caused by a single letter domain; in my case [...]. Their system cannot account for a single letter domain. So it was originally suggested that I find a new domain...like I'll find a new ISP just to allow this camera's software to function correctly, right?
I responded as calmly as I could (while blood was boiling out my ears) and after a few minutes pause the customer service rep came back with the statement from a supervisor that they are working on this problem. I don't know how many people before me complained, but q.com is a pretty common domain in Arizona and I can't believe I'm the first one to complain. So how long have they been working on it? I couldn't get an answer to that question.
Another problem with this software is that it buries the videos somewhere and, I guess, changes the file name, as I can't find them anywhere. I don't like not having control over files on my computer, but the lame excuse goven by "Flip" is that they don't want the customer to inadvertently delete or corrupt the videos. Please spare me.
The screen is very difficult to see in bright daylight, but I suppose that's just something to get used to when one purchases a cheap camera. Another real problem is plugging this into a USB port on my computer...it hangs and connection is intermittent. The company is clever enough to sell a three-pack of USB extensions, however. Like one would need three, right? It should've come with the camera to begin with. I'm going to Frys to find *one* at a reasonable price.
Bottom line...I'm sorry I wasted my money on this thing and the optional "goodies" I purchased separately. Once again, done in by advertising and cheap Asian crap.
Customer Review: A Web Video Tool That Covers The Basics
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The new Flip Ultra HD Camcorder comes in with a few new upgrades over the original Ultra. Notably the internal memory jumps up to 8GB. Image quality is much improved via the new installed software package. Like earlier models, it accommodates both Mac and Windows operating sytems.
The non-glare LCD screen is re-sized from 1.5" to 2". Also the control buttons are slightly larger. The sliding power button has gone away in favor of the push button. This unit is also slightly larger then the original Ultra. The UltraHD comes in a rubberized matted black or white finish with a plastic, chrome trim.
Simplicity at its best, the UltraHD shoots 720p (1280x720) high-definition video at 30fps, H.264 compressed, and encoded as MPEG4. As with all Flip gear, shooting and transferring videos to a computer or even uploading them to file sharing sites is simple. Buyers should not get all caught up on the on board 2x digital zoom. It is a limited add on at best. Newbies be warned, manual, advanced or still capture settings are no go. However, the preloaded software package easily allows stills to be pulled from video.
Overall, the Ultra HD produces above average video with good results as long as one views it via the programmed format on a monitor or TV. Enlarging to full screen will not only distort the image, it will also bring on the noise demons. That said, colors were well saturated, sound was good and low light performance was average at best. Buyers should keep in mind that a steady hand is paramount to good video. Think tripod.
Powered by (2) AA NiMH rechargeable batteries that are re-energized by simply connecting the camcorder via the flip out USB connector to the USB port on the computer. In a pinch, the rechargeable batteries can be switched out with standard AA alkaline batteries. There is an HDMI output on the side for HDTV connections, but no bundled cable included.
Without a doubt, the Flip UltraHD Camcorder ranks at the top of its class in convenience and simplicity. For those not wishing to drop the bucks on a top of the line mini camcorder, this system will more than cover the basics for web based video. Like all equipment, knowing its capabilities and limitations is paramount to getting the most bang for your buck. This model is a keeper.
Customer Review: Mostly awesome with a few disappointments
Summary: 4 Stars
I never had a Mino model, so the UltraHD is my first exposure to the Flip. My previous camera was a Canon PowerShot SD 630, which somehow managed to go through the washing machine leaving me in a position to look for a new device. Before that, I had a standard-def camcorder with 60 minute cassettes.
First, the AWESOMENESS:
* Instead of being the size of a camcorder, this thing easily fits in my hand.
* 720p resolution video at a reasonably high framerate!
* Great picture in daylight; Good picture in indoor lighting.
* HDMI output (HDMI supports both audio and video).
* Replaceable batteries, and a re-chargeable one is included.
* Good video tracking (i.e. moves well from left to right without losing a bunch of frames)
* The device software and physical controls are easy to learn and easy to use.
Then the SO-SO:
* My MacBook Pro is thin and the UltraHD is too tall for it. I need to use a USB extension cord to connect it reliably.
* The software is OK, but I'd've rather seen them write plugins for iPhoto and iMovie instead (for the Mac version of the software).
* Uploading directly to YouTube is cool, but there are better video services out there (e.g. Vimeo, Viddler).
* Only a little thicker than my 160GB iPod classic.
Lastly, the DISAPPOINTMENTS:
* It doesn't take photographs; Only video. This is a big missing feature for me.
* The vertical orientation feels odd to me. Sure, it makes it easier to reach up over people's heads with one hand to record a conference or a concert, but I don't do that kind of stuff. I prefer the horizontal orientation and a larger screen (the Canon PowerShot SD 630 had a huge 3-inch screen on the back). I'd rather hold it horizontally with both hands to track my kids running around than to hold it up over my head and look at a small screen. I can't believe the old model had a screen that was even smaller.
And to CONCLUDE:
All-in-all, I'm very happy with the device. If you're looking for an inexpensive, consumer-grade, hand-held video camera with HD resolution, this is a fantastic device. If you're still hanging onto camcorders from 5+ years ago, you can now give them away as the size-to-quality ratio of the UltraHD is fantastic.
However, if you're looking for a digital camera that also does video (or a video camera that also does photos), this isn't it. The Canon PowerShot is a great camera that also does SD-quality video if you're willing to trade HD video for photos.