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: The most versatile of the current Flip line.
Summary: 5 Stars
Of the three Flip HD models in the current line, this is my favorite.
It is the heaviest of all the Flip models, but this is because it uses regular AA batteries or a rechargeable Lithium AA pack. The 8GB internal memory will give a full 120 minutes of recording capacity in HD mode, but the Lithium battery may not last quite that long.
Creating two hours of video is difficult to do and I suspect most people will not come anywhere close to it. Even the kids' soccer game is interesting when the kid is playing. If the possibility that recording more than two hours of video exists, bring a netbook computer, offload your Flip video, throw in a spare rechargeable AA battery pack and go to it.
Overall, I like the heft of the Flip UltraHD. None of the instant camcorders in this class offer effective image stabilization, so the extra couple of ounces and larger size help in keeping the camera a little steadier. The 2x digital zoom is useless because of image degradation, again common in this class of device. The effective focal length of the lens is higher than I would like. I would prefer a wider angle of view and something less than the approximately 3 foot minimum focus. But things are what they are.
The HD image is simply gorgeous. Breathtaking, in fact, is not too strong a term to use. Audio is acceptable for its class.
The controls are responsive to a moderately firm touch and the 2" LCD screen is bright enough for most circumstances.
I am not a fan of letting the camera hang from the cleverly designed USB arm. I use a short male/female USB extension cable.
The supplied FlipShare software is fine for transferring video from the camera to computer an uploading it to places like Facebook and YouTube or e-mailing it. But the editing functions are primitive.
The Flip gets into action quickly, much faster I think than a smartphone or still camera video function. That's one of the beauties to it.
If you don't mind a somewhat larger and heavier instant camcorder than the others on the market and want the convenience of AA batteries which are found everywhere, the Flip UltraHD is a terrific companion - and, as I said, the HD image quality is awesome.
Jerry
Customer Review: Flip does it again but in HD!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I have the older Flip Mino and am very happy with it. I got the HD version because everything is HD these days and the video quality is much better. First, the size of the HD is just a bit thicker than the Mino, still fits in your pocket easily and is just as light in weight.
The finish on the HD is matte unlike the Mino that was glossy. It feels a little nicer and doesn't feel like it will slip out of your hands. The LCD screen is larger too on this model which is great. It comes with a battery pack that charges via USB but has the capability of using AA batteries if needed. I think that is a great option because if your main battery dies you can easily grab a pack of AA's just about anyplace and not have to wait to recharge to use it.
The sound / audio quality seemed better than the Mino, the sharpness of the video is definitely better too but I cannot say that its great, just good. For the size of it it definitely exceeds my expectations. The HD is good but not great but again for its size its good.
My biggest complaint on the Mino was no image stabilization and as far as I can tell again they didn't add the image stabilization. I know they could add it, i've seen digital cameras the same size and they have it. The other thing is that you cannot do close ups cause its a fixed focus lens.
The camera also comes with built in software so mac and pc users will be up and running in a snap. It also has an hdmi jack to connect right to your HD tv. (no cable included, only a small pouch case and a wrist strap. It records in mp4 format and says it can capture 120 minutes on its built in 8gb memory.
In my opinion its worth it to get this HD model rather than the Mino or regular Flip. The quality for both audio and video is way better, screen is larger and the addition to use AA batteries makes it the best choice. I just wish it had image stabilization.
Customer Review: Great Product - Here's how to charge it out of the box!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This product is great, especially considering the price that you can get it for on Amazon - I paid $149.99. You'll notice alot of folks having issues with charging it out of the box, I'll tell you how to fix that issue - information that I learned from another Amazon review from someone who was kind enough to post the solution - thanks a bunch to them!!
With the Flip cameras, you need to keep in mind what you get, and if you understand that, you'll enjoy using this product. With the Flip Ultra HD, you get a simple to use, well constructed, portable HD video camera - and most importantly - it's easy to share the video with your friends and family online with the Flipshare software. HD video files are large and having a software solution that helps you share online easily like Flipshare is key!!
I looked at the Kodak Zi8 and, although that is a nice camera with some additional features, I didn't think I would have used those features (macro switch, 1080p 30fps, 720p 60fps). Nice camera, but for me not worth the additional price - plus you have to buy an SD card which raises the price even more.
***HERE'S HOW TO FIX THE BATTERY CHARGING ISSUE THAT LOTS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT***
The Flip works fine! It's a small & ridiculous flaw that can be resolved in under a minute:
Quoting exactly from Flip Support:
1) Remove the battery pack from the camcorder,
2) Connect the camcorder to a POWERED USB port directly on your computer (NOT a mini hub!),
3) When the "Connected" indicator comes on, insert the battery pack into the camcorder,
4) SAFE eject your camcorder from your computer (DON'T rip it out!),
5) Reconnect your camcorder to your computer,
6) The battery pack should now begin to charge within the camcorder.
If it fails, try again keeping close attention to Steps 2 and 4. This should be a ONE TIME operation. I did it twice just for good measure!! I think it goes without saying the included battery pack should be used as a backup only so, go out and buy 2 or 4 Energizer or Duracell rechargeables.
Customer Review: Fantastic camera for home movies
Summary: 5 Stars
My husband and I love this camera. It holds plenty of videos (I was concerned when I initially got it that it only holds 120 minutes and can only be emptied by connecting to a PC), the video quality is great for simple home movie DVDs and YouTube, and the camera and software are both incredibly easy to use. The upload to YouTube was beyond simple - there is a dedicated option for it within the Flip software. Even my mom, who is not the most tech-savvy person, was able to use the camera to shoot videos with virtually no instruction from me. The little display is great, and the bag the camera came with works well to remove fingerprints on the lens and display. I also recommend this camera over the Flip Mino because you can use the camera's included rechargeable batteries, or if you forget to charge the camera, you can also use regular AA batteries - very convenient for travel!
The only things I don't like about the camera, and they are minor, are:
- The carrying bag is not very protective, just a little microfiber sack. I'd recommend purchasing a padded or hard case for travel, but still use the bag to keep the lens clean and free of scratches. That said, this camera is pretty durable. I've dropped it once or twice and it's totally fine.
- The software does not give you the option to directly unload the videos on your camcorder into "My Videos" or another folder of your choice (in Windows), it saves them to a Flip Video folder. You have to then take an extra step within the Flip software to export the videos to your computer. Not major, just a minor irritant.
- The file format of the videos when exported to my computer from the Flip software are not perfectly compatible with Windows 7/Vista's native video creation program - the audio and video are not synced properly (audio runs too fast - sounds like chipmunks). I searched online for a fix for this, and found that if I just change the file extension of the videos to ".mov" (Quicktime video) and then import them into the Windows program, the videos work perfectly.
Customer Review: Great little camcorder
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the Flip UltraHD to document the birth of our first grandchild. My wife and I are extremely pleased with the results. It's easy to use and easy to download the videos to my laptop. The results were amazing for such a small camcorder. True, there's no image stabilization, but for the most part, it didn't matter if you're standing still while recording. If, however, you video things while walking or in a moving car, you should look at a camera with image stabilization.
The Flip has a built-in USB connector. The only issue I had was I had to place a magazine under my laptop so the port and connector would line up, reducing stress on the connection. Download was easy. Each video file is displayed on the PC while still in the camera. You can download the videos to any specified folder on your PC and rename them as you desire. The included software lets you combine individual clips to a single movie. (Every time you press the "stop" button, it saves the file to the camera. Pressing "record" starts a new file.) The software also lets you add music (as background where volume is lowered while the video sounds play [not low enough, in my opinion], or music only - eliminating any recorded sound.) The software comes with some music, but you can add your own MP3's. [careful about copyright laws!]
I have not found any problems with battery charging as reported by a few other reviewers. One selling point for me was that, if the rechargeable battery ran low, I can use AA batteries as a substitute.
We took videos in the hospital and in my daughter's home with no problems with lighting.
Overall, the size and convenience of the Flip has exceeded our expectations and has allowed us to document our daughter's day as they left for the hospital, in the hospital with our granddaughter, and returning home. Videos we will cherish for life.
Next, my oldest daughter is due today. The Flip is all charged and will be there as well.