Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black) Review

I am now the proud owner of both the original Flip MinoHD...and now the new Flip UltraHD! I originally received the Flip MinoHD as a holiday gift back in December 2008 and loved it from the moment I opened the box. As like all Flip Video devices, it was ready to go out-of-the-box at the touch of a button.

I absolutely love the new Flip UltraHD as it is the perfect complement to the way I use the smaller Flip MinoHD, which I use mainly during the weekdays while I'm on the go. While the Flip UltraHD is indeed bigger and bulkier, it comes with 4 very important upgrades that I cannot live without as a weekend warrior when it comes to shooting video effortlessly and at a moment's notice:

1) Larger Screen - the new 2" viewing screen is a big time upgrade to the 1.5" that marked the previous Ultra series and the MinoHD. It captures a much wider and taller scene shot so you can get the right perspective standing up close to whatever your shooting (in my case my toddler son).

2) HDMI Out - unlike the MinoHD and previous Ultra versions, the new UltraHD now comes with the capability to connect the device directly to the HDMI port on your HDTV. In the past, I was critical of the Flip Video devices like the MinoHD, which only has standard definition out to the TV. Simply put, if you are shooting 720p video on the device you should be able to watch 720p video output on your HD family room TV set. Now I can with the UltraHD. The HDMI cable is an accessory sold separately for around $15, but it is well worth it to view your videos the way they were meant to be seen on an HD screen.

3) AA Battery Option - this is a very necesssary and key new feature for those of us who go out on an extended weekend getaway or shoot video throughout the day and can't get back to a laptop quickly to recharge the device. Of course, the Flip UltraHD comes with a rechargeable NiMH AA size battery pack, which I generally just keep in there. But if that runs out on a long weekend, which it has before, I now have the option of simply changing out the rechargeable battery pack for two regular AA batteries to extend my battery life on the spot without the need to find a PC to recharge the device.

4) 2 Hours of Recording Time - while all of the other previous Flip Video devices only have 1 hour of recording time, now the Flip UltraHD comes with 2 hours of 720p recording time on an internal 8GB memory card. This is particularly useful when you are shooting longer video clips like at a soccer game or wedding or if you are on the go over an entire weekend and don't have the time to upload the clips to your PC or to the Internet.

All in all - a fantastic device at a great price and a perfect complement even if you already have the MinoHD!Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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The Flip is a pint-sized camcorder with a surprising feature set given its compactness. Though is it not a full-featured camcorder and I would not recommend it for serious recording (special events or production material), it is excellent for on-the-go shots and for spontaneous recording when opportunities present themselves.

The Flip is small - a little smaller than an ice cream sandwich. It may be little, but there's tremendous convenience in being able to drop your camcorder in your shirt pocket or your purse and have it at the ready. This compact size holds everything you need to start recording - batteries, flash RAM and all. Without tapes or DVD media on which to record, there's little reason for this device to be any bigger.

It is a solid little thing and feels durable. That doesn't mean it would do well if dropped or stepped on, but it likely will be ok if jostled a little.

Recording is simple. No, I should be more clear - recording with the Flip is trivial. There is no real science to using it: turn it on, point and press record. Press the record button again to stop recording. Even technological novices, or people afraid of electronics will have no trouble using the Flip to record. Playing back is equally simple - once the recording is finished, press the Play button.

There are + and - buttons, used for Zoom. The Flip doesn't have a particularly capable zoom, so shooting from a distance will not yield especially great results.

I tested this camcorder in my basement on a bright, sunny day, and I wandered about recording and chattering to myself. When I played back what I had recorded, I made a pleasant discovery - it does some light balancing and deals with changes in light levels so that the video is still clear. The sound is also good, better than I expected. When I walked down a dark hallway and into an unlit room, it had tried very hard to accommodate for the lack of light but it was unable to completely overcome the darkness. As there is no light on the camcorder to come on when it is dark, this is understandable, but it did surprisingly well in spite of that.

I attached the Flip to my computer to pull the video to my hard drive. FlipShare installed itself and started up, seeing the video I had made. It allowed me to pull it over and even gave me the option to delete it from the camera. Once finished, I was able to play the video through FlipShare. Instead, I decided to hunt it down and use a different application to play it.

I found the file and tried to open it with Windows Media Player. I got audio, but not video. When I switched to QuickTime, my video came up and filled my screen. This is the point at which I made an unfortunate discovery. Every minute move I had made while recording was now plainly obvious, as there is no anti-jitter built into the device.

The video, on a 1440x900 resolution screen, looked clear. It records at 1280x720, which is not that much smaller, so I was a little surprised. I would have expected a little pixelation, but this actually was not an issue.

There are few settings that can be adjusted on the Flip - language, date, time and recording light.

The Flip is a nice camcorder that provides tremendous convenience and fun. It is very easy to use and very compact. It is important to remember that it has some limitations which make it a less-than-ideal choice for more serious application, but if those limitations are not an issue for you then the Flip is a fun and affordable way to capture things on video.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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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. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I have owned/own the Kodak Zi6, Vado HD, Flip Mino HD, Flip Ultra SD version, and the newest Aiptek HD camcorder.
Im supprised to say my new Ultra HD is becoming the favorite out of all of them,,,,with the Vado HD being a very close second.

The Vado HD does take slightly better video but the deal breaker for me is the Ultra HD has much better audio than the Vado HD.

If your looking for the camera with the BEST video quality out of all the ones I mentioned then get the Vado HD, if you want the BEST audio quality then get the Ultra HD which also has great video quality, just not as great as the Vado HD.

Cheers
Davyo

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I don't know what I was expecting but this little Gift has already exceeded my expectations. Hands down Flip has changed the video world with this little baby.....Good Job Guys.
I timed it and no lie...... within 5 minutes of opening the box I had created a short HD Movie, uploaded it and sent both an email enclosure and the coolest Video Greeting Card .......Now that is what I call easy, and slick. I am not a novice with either digital or video cameras but this is so easy even my elderly relatives could be shooting Good video within minutes. The quality of the picture is very,very nice. I viewed it on my 1080P Samsung HDTV and it was sweet.
The camera came with a soft pouch to protect the lens and the LCD screen. This little thing will fit most any pocket or purse. It also has a non-slip , matte finish ( I have a Black one)).... I was pleased that the batteries come at least partially charged After doing my little video test run I plugged it into the USB of my laptop and away we go. Uploaded the software and VIOLA.. we are all set
Now this can't be any easier and to get this quality of video is just amazing.. If you don't have a HDMI connection between your computer and a TV invest in the HDMI adapter.. what a picture improvement you will see.Well worth the extra $25.
Can you tell I LIKE this little thing ?? YES .. your right. This will provide a lot of fun for all members of a family. Everyone will want to get their hand on it..
****** Update:
Well I have had the opportunity to try out one of the competitors sm video cameras.......well Hands down the FLIP is soooo much better. I was surprised at how hard they made their camera to use vs the simplicity of the FLIP.....Their buttons didn't response easily, the ports on the sides of the camera were so small that you need a COIN to access them and I have small hands. The sound quality was so poor.. Nothing like the great stuff I get on this little Flip. and the software was very difficult to use........ OK can I give this FLIP something higher than a 5 STARS....if so I would easily....Oh and my technophobic friend even wants one now..
What else can you say but that it is that easy to use !!!!!Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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After 6 hours of charging, I was able to take three minutes of video and then it shut down. I missed recording the event I specifically purchased this product to shoot. That battery life is not worth $200.00. I am sending it back and not recommending this product to anyone. You get what you pay for. Step up and buy a real HD camcorder from JVC or Sony. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Bit the bullet and bought this fairly impulsively after reading a few reviews and one endorsement from a colleague. What a great decision! Am amazed by the quality of the picture and the ease of function. Back to simplicity - Flip learned the Apple lesson. I always want to shoot movies of my two toddlers, but it's too much hassle to get the regular DVC camera, make sure it has a tape in, make sure it's charged, etc. etc. Then, it's so big relatively speaking, that it's too obvious to the kids, so they start focusing on the camera and stop doing whatever they're doing. So I end up not filming very much because by the time I get it set up, they're not doing whatever was so cute.

Enter Flip. This machine fits in your pocket and is easy to charge on a laptop (I have not bought the AC charger, but may do that soon) and you can just point and shoot immediately for beautiful HD quality film. I haven't downloaded anything yet, but I have no doubt it's a piece of cake. It also tells you how much time you have left, also very useful.
Only drawback is the near-absence of zoom (only x2, practically imperceptible). All in all, a fantastic product and only half the price, with twice the recording capacity (in HD!) of a regular DVC camera.

It's portable, it's cheap, it's good looking, it's incredibly light, it takes beautiful film, extremely easy to operate (truly idiot-proof), easy to download and charge - What's not to like??

I'm sure it will evolve and subsequent generations will only get better.
One slight downside: the USB plug forces you to dangle it from a USB connector on a computer - sometimes it can be supported, sometimes not - I worry about the weight of the camera (such as it is) all on the usb plug. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Really nice recorder: Easy simple - No brainer - I own Sanyo Xactis and they are good cameras and simple, but also take pic's...this Ultra HD Flip really rocks for simplicity...the only thing the FlipUltra lacks is a great holster and it can be found at: [...]Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Yes, image stabilization, expandable memory, a thinner profile, and snapshot ability would be nice. That being said, I live overseas and in the past year have found myself in a couple different incidents where it would have been VERY helpful to have been able to record someone vandalizing my property and threatening me. Being a foreigner, the police then totally dismissed my side of the story.

Finding something with the ability to record high-quality audio and video without fumbling around a microscopic control interface, has since been a mission of mine and I finally found it with the UltraHD. For my purposes, the UltraHD is vastly superior to any other video recording device on the market because the design of it makes it easy to either a) disguise the fact that you're recording video (Easy to turn off the record light in the set-up menu and use the camera inconspicuously-harder with a traditionally designed video camera), or b) Make it obvious you're recording (by the way you hold it, plus using the record light).

Depending on the situation, either one could be useful and combined with the remarkably simple operation of the camera and quick start-up, this is clearly the camera I've been looking for and I won't ever leave the house without it.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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My next review will be a video review. For now I will just share my preliminary thoughts on this little work of art.

Just received it recently, used it just once, realized my laptop's processor was not powerful enough so bought a matching laptop. What I mean by matching - the leanest laptop on Earth for the leanest cam on Earth.

Of course, the Mac.

Why lean? Buy one and see.

Ps. I mean the cam :pGet more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I have hesitated to buy a video camera, since I thought they were all too bulky and too technologically complex for me. I wanted to be able to film the grandkids and this fits the bill perfectly!It is easy to understand and use, and the accompanying software is intuitive and worked fine for me. I am not filming for Hollywood, so the quality of this is fine for the uses I intend. Good value for the buck. I recommend it!Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I was a huge Flip fan. I used the original for quite some time. I patiently waited for the new era of HD capable pocket cams to grow and progress. I waited for Flip to release theirs and then it finally happened. Sadly though, by then, the other vendors had not only caught up, but surpassed the FLIP.

I owned the Flip HD Ultra for about a week before I returned it. And here's why.

You can now get full point-and-shoot cameras from vendors like Canon that are smaller than the flip and yet also shoot HD video! So you get the joys of having high quality photos plus HD video!

The other Flip defeating feature of these new Canons...OPTICAL STABILIZER. Gone is the "shaky" jello vision you get with Flips recordings. Plus the better optics and DIGIC4 in the Canon produced a much richer looking video.

The final nail in the coffin...the Canons have ZOOM. While you can't use the optical zoom in the Canons while shooting video you can use the digital. And the Canons digital zoom is far cleaner. Also, if you know you are going to be shooting video from a far then you CAN use the optical zoom to zoom in all the way FIRST, then switch to video mode and start recording! So you take advantage of the 3x optical zoom and either use the digital to get even closer or just ignore it and go for max picture quality. Brilliant. (the Flip does have digital zoom too, but only dZoom)

The Canon does all this while being smaller, as easy to use, and only $50 more than the Flip. That $50 gets you a MUCH better media experience.

Trust me, watching your videos with the optical stabilizer is a MUCH better than the shaker/jittery look the Flip achieves. That single feature itself makes it worth the extra money. But of course you get a great photo camera too!

Flip needs to go back to it's engineers and make some serious improvements if they wish to retain customers.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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The Flip UltraHD does exactly what it says on the box, but absolutely nothing more. The video quality is fantastic for such a little camera, but it really suffers from the lack of image stabilization. Try as you might, human hands are simply not very steady, and all that tiny, tiny movement really becomes apparent in 720p. For on-the-fly recording, it's better than most alternatives. It's very bulky when compared to the Flip MinoHD, but benefits from having real buttons (as opposed to the Mino's touchscreen buttons). And of course it has twice the recording time and an HDMI output, so it requires a bigger form factor (about the same size as my HTC Touch Pro [or HTC Vuze, if you're on AT&T] phone, but about 2mm thicker). The audio was surprisingly good for such a tiny onboard microphone. I haven't filmed outdoors yet, so I don't yet know how good it does at filtering out ambient noise/wind. The built-in controls are limited to the basics: Record, stop, play, delete, zoom. When plugged into a PC the UltraHD shows up as a storage device, and the videos are accessible from the file explorer. The Flip software installer is on the UlraHD drive, and no discs are included in the packaging.

PLEASE READ: the UltraHD charges from a USB 2.0 connector, and is very picky about USB extension cables. No extension cable is included, nor is any kind of power adapter. I tried 3 USB 2.0 extension cables (all under 6ft), and it would only get a charge from 1 of them. I've read that this is a common problem with the UltraHD.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I really liked my Flip UltraHD until I changed the batteries and it completely died on me. It would no longer turn on. Tech support was no help. They sent me to the typical documentation, to no avail, nothing worked. Great concept, deceptively cheap manufacturing.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Love the versatile and lots of fun to use. I got this for capturing my two kids that are always moving and the camcorder allow for quick capture of the moments. The best part is the kids don't get in front of the camcorder like my old one. They think it's an old cell phone or something so they don't bother me as I video them. This alone with the price.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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This review is for the non-techies out there. So sick of gizmos with the illusion of a thousand choices. I love that Flip is brave enough -- can you believe it requires courage to be elegantly simple? -- to be straightforward. I love this thing. I admit I almost liked the non-HD one a little better because it was just so small and could be slipped into a pocket. I appreciate the quality of the HD but wish it was thinner. That said, I can't believe no one thought of something like this sooner. LOVE IT. There will actually be videos of my kids now.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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A few changes would certainly earn this a 5 star rating from me. Quality of recording and ease of use are high positive plusses. Also being able to use regular AA batteries is a great touch.
If I were to design this camera, I would have had removable flash media instead of the installed memory to remove the recording time limit, you could use as many flash cards as you wanted instead of being limited to a 2 hour session before having to unload or transfer to a computer, nice on a vacation.
I do not care for the fancy USB arm that swings out, seems to put stress on the USB port on the computer, would be happy with just a simple USB port and hooking up to the computer with a USB cable.
Would also like a battery status monitor to give you a rough idea how much battery power is used or left.
Would also like a lens that had threads on it to mount various filters, magification, polarizing, etc.
A/V Out jacks would also be nice.
These additions or changes to the camera would have very little, if any, impact on the price. Without these changes the camera is still a good value, with these changes it would be absolutely perfect. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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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.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Don't plan on letting this camera leave your tripod, because it videos are shaky to the point that they are useless. The HD is very clear though which is why I gave this 3 stars. My suggestion, get a gorillapod or portable tripod if you plan on picking this up/Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Like many reviewers here I had the MinoHD and ordered the UltraHD because I really wanted the swappable battery feature and the extra 4GB of memory on the UltraHD. The MinoHD is thinner and overall sexier, but I was surprised when I found myself fancying the Ultra much better than the Mino.

* The larger screen does make a difference and it was much easier to shoot with than the Mino. Although bulkier, the Ultra felt sturdier and more solid, but it doesn't fit really well in the packaged micofiber case. Since the Ultra also has a rubberized body it makes it that much harder to the device in and out of the pouch. I'm looking into a separate case.

* Actual buttons more clearly define your actions when using the Ultra, whereas I found myself accidentally pressing the touch buttons on the Mino. The presence of real buttons was actually better.

* I also found the on/off button much easier to use than the Mino. The Ultra button was easy to push while the Mino required a more firm push to turn it on. While it doesn't sound like much, it did impact my ability to quickly turn on each device.

* Lastly, the color on the Ultra is better. I was able to take many side-by-side clips and the Ultra exhibited better colors than the Mino. It also performed mildly better in low light; that's not saying a lot. I wish these things would come with a WB option like what they offer with DSLRs.

* Definitely look into a USB extension since the bulkiness of the Ultra raises the unit from sliding into the USB port in a flush manner. The Mino was no problem.

For me, the UltraHD is my preferred choice over the MinoHD. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I recently purchased the Flip MinoHD and found it to be an exceptionally useful and powerful device, so when I received my Flip UltraHD I was very excited to give it a whirl. As it turns out, it is both excellent and mediocre.

While functionally superior, the Flip UltraHD it has lost lots of "sexy". Each aspect of the functional capability is superb but the overall design and presentation is subpar when measured against the bar they set with the previous device. These are main points and observations:

Presentation:
- The UltraHD feels large and clunky especially when compared to its counterpart. It's over twice the size and it feels like it!
- The sleeve that comes with it is the same size as the one that comes with the MinoHD. It barely fits and I can't imagine this case lasting very long considering how the UltraHD is constantly straining its extremities.
- The UltraHD has its USB port on the side instead of the top which is not very laptop-friendly. I solved the problem by just using a USB extension cable, but it's virtually impossible to plug it into my MacBook Pro, especially with anything else connected, e.g., eSATA, external monitor, etc.

Function:
- The UltraHD has HDMI out, so I can play video directly to my HDTV in HD or put the video up on my computer monitor using HDMI->DVI. woot
- The video quality is awesome: after all, it's HD.
- It has removable rechargeable batteries. I'm guessing that if needed I could throw a pair of AA batteries in there when for some reason I can't charge it otherwise.
- Twice the video time, a full two hours, is twice as good.

Overall, the UltraHD is very impressive but I would think it was much more impressive if I hadn't seen the MinoHD first. Aesthetically it has a few issues, but it is a great and very powerful machine!Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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So far I love this video camera. So much easier then having to set up my regular camcorder. Very easy to use and has great video quality.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I previously owned the Flip MinoHD so this review is based on a comparison between the Flip MinoHD and the new Flip UltraHD.

After reading about the Flip UltraHD's addition of an HDMI output, larger screen, and longer battery life I decided to sell my 4 month old Flip MinoHD and purchase the Flip UltraHD. Since the MinoHD is very sleek and diminutive in size, my first reaction to the UltraHD was that it was quite a bit larger and bulkier to hold, and has taken some time to get used to. However, unless you've used a MinoHD the larger size of the UlraHD will probably be less noticeable. I found the camera controls on the UltraHD to be slightly easier to operate vs. the touch sensitive buttons on the MinoHD. As far as video quality between the two, I compared two different videos and both are about the same, however, the colors appear to be slightly more vibrant with the UltraHD.

If you are trying to decide which one to purchase, if maximum portability is important to you than the MinoHD is the better choice. Otherwise, if you're looking compact camcorder with more features (HDMI output, replaceable batteries, longer record time) then you can't go wrong with the UltraHD.

My ultimate wish is for Pure Digital/Cisco to introduce a MinoHD with all of same functionality as the UltraHD. Until then, the UltraHD is the all-around better choice.
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I originally was going to get the Flip MinoHD but while it was shipping I got an email telling about the new Flip UltraHD with 120 minutes. So I canceled my MinoHD and ordered the UltraHD. What I like about the UltraHD is that it is HD of course but you have to buy a HDMI cable to see HD. The UltraHD has a bigger screen than the Mino version. It holds 120 minutes of movies - you won't know how nice it is untill you get it. The Flipshare software is nice if you have a newer computer. We have a Windows XP Laptop which we are having problems with with the Flipshare. THIS CAMCORDER IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I think people that rate the Flip negatively need to realize its target audience. I mean, if you want lots of features and professional quality, you shouldn't even be looking at the Flip. Spend your $1000 and buy a nice Canon HD camcorder. Then lug the thing around.

But, if you want a simple to use, good quality HD camcorder(and yes 720p is HD...just ask ABC TV), with very easy to use software, then buy this.

I did, for my wife, and she loves it. Where as our nice Sony camcorder just sits in the closet, she will actually carry this Flip around with her. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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I've always secretly wanted a camcorder but have never bought one because I usually associate most with the idea of my dad shooting family vacation videos. Camcorders seemed large, cumbersome, and difficult to use; overall more hassle than they were worth. The Flip was perfect -- easy to use, lightweight, great video product and most importantly easy to fit in my bag. I was able to start using it as soon as I took it out of the box and could easily download the videos. I now take it everywhere I go. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Convenience, ease-of-use, and HD video for under 2 bills. I can't believe other reviewers returned this item. If I want pro results I grab the Canon GL1 or XL-H1. If I want point-and-shoot results I grab the Flip UltraHD and press the big red button. The only problem is my wife keeps taking it.

PROS:
*2" screen is big and clear
*Great HD video in normal to bright light
*Better sound than a personal voice recorder
*Long battery life and can use AA batteries in a pinch
*One thumb video shooting.
*Easy uploads and edits - no format worries
*Lickable packaging
*Storage pouch doubles as lens cleaner

CONS:
*Low light shots are grainy (easily solved at price points $1,000 higher)
*Rechargeable battery pack is proprietary instead of a pair of AA NiMH
*Had to manually uninstall previous software on my MacBook ProGet more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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So when I was 17 (and convinced that I would someday be famous) I really wanted a video camcorder to try my hand at making movies, or to film myself to see whether I had what it took to be a TV reporter, but never could justifying spending $500+ on one. Over the years I moved onto other tech cravings and ambitions. Then last year a friend showed me the Flip Mino - and I had to have one. It was super easy to use and fun, and I started getting great videos of my own kids - and captured moments that otherwise would have been fleeting, including my youngest child's first steps. I wish this had been around when I was a kid. Anyway, the Mino is great, but it's tiny tiny tiny. That's convenient when it comes to having a camcorder on you at all times, or when trying to get into events that prohibit cameras, and the screen is really small. So I just picked up this new Flip - the Ultra HD. The screen is wonderfully large. It comes with a rechargeable AA battery back, which works through the USB, but it looks like you can throw in regular AA batteries in a pinch. Sound quality is great, video seems even better than the Mino. Only drawback with both the Mino and Ultra is you have to keep your hand steady when filming - but I find that easier to do with the Ultra than the Mino. Also, it's not ideal for filming kids' concerts, because the zoom is only 2x. But for capturing otherwise fleeting moments in great quality, the Ultra HD is now my standby. The software that comes with it makes it easy to email videos to family and friends, or to upload a video to Flickr or wherever. Bottom line is I've been carrying this thing around nonstop since I got it. Hasn't made me famous yet, but I love my Ultra.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Originally I went in to Best Buy to pick up a Mino HD so I could record studio and location "behind the scenes" photography shoots for my business. The employee I spoke to handed this to me saying "it doesn't come out for another week, but its cheaper than the Mino that is on sale". It was a no-brainer for me to pick up.

Its a nice little unit; compact, fits in my back pocket if needed, and the controls are very basic - click da big red button to record. Click da big red button again to stop. Simplicity at its finest.

I love that the unit has a USB built right in, but I still use a USB extension because I'm using an iMac, and since it ends up hanging upside down, I don't want to add stress to the USB prong.

I haven't used the built-in editing software, as I'm importing my files into iMovie and editing from that.

Quality wise, I'd say is pretty darn good considering its about the size of a box of Necco valentine sweet-hearts candy. However, I must insist that it is to be used as a stationary "fixed" lens, and not to use the digital zoom. Once that digital zoom is used, the quality, like *any* digital zoom, suffers greatly. To circumvent this, I've super-glued a step-down ring to the front of my Ultra HD so I can screw on a wide angle and a telephoto lens. If you don't mind Frankenstein-ing your Ultra HD, then go for it.

I haven't done much low-light shooting with it, but I have a feeling that it could get somewhat noisy and grainy. I'll see more results soon when I start using this inside the studio.

I'll be mainly using my Ultra HD on a tripod to record behind-the-scenes footage of my photography sessions, so I'll have a way of keeping the camcorder static and not moving around a lot.

Overall, I feel this is greatly worth the $199 I paid. You have to remember that this is a dinky little device with a tiny sensor in it, so the quality won't be as good as a larger dedicated video camera, or one of the newer DSLR's with the built in high-def. Apples to Oranges.

With a little extra cash and some super-glue, you can get more reach and wide angle out of the unit.

[...]

Great little unit. Don't come in to this expecting a goose that lays golden eggs. For what it is, it does well.

Recommended.


:: edit - people have been asking about the wide-angle mod you can do. I picked up a Sunpak 37mm .5x video camera lens that comes with a set of step-up/step-down rings. I glued one of the rings around the lens on the Ultra, let it dry, and it allows me to screw the wide angle lens over the existing lens. I picked the wide angle lens up at Best Buy. Can't find a link here for the item.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Let me start by saying, unlike the other reviewers, I am so far quite happy with my recent purchase. This is handy device at a low price with great video quality. Yes, it's not terrific in low light and you need a steady hand when recording, but for the price you're not going to match the quality and convenience (you have to keep your expectations realistic). You can charge it and take it anywhere, keep a couple AA's as a backup and not miss a thing - everything I hoped it would do.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1F0YJYXWGHCRJ This camera only shoots in 1280 x 720 which ends up being 720p. It does not do very well in dim lit situations and in bright situations it has a hard time with lens flare. Also I found video to be impressive for such a small device. But I ended up taking it back to the store. I am instead getting a digital still camera that also does video in "HD".Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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This camera only shoots in 1280 x 720 which ends up being 720p. It does not do very well in dim lit situations and in bright situations it has a hard time with lens flare. Also I found video to be impressive for such a small device. But I ended up taking it back to the store. I am instead getting a digital still camera that also does video in "HD".Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).

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After all the hype and reviews of the UltraHD I though this would be a no-brainer. I picked one up from Best Buy on Tuesday. (They weren't even on display yet) My intentions were to give this to my wife so she could take 'good' (not great) videos of our baby on-the-go. We were both disappointed with the video quality with any level of zoom and the image stabilization was non-existent. It was like watching a video taken from the old camcorder. I've since returned the device and will be wading thru the market once again.

Edit:
Thanks to all who left comments. They are right on the money. I think the Flip does have a place in the market. As one poster put it "it is what it is". I simply feel the product was over hyped. It may be HD but the video quality is still poor by most standards. I'll be checking out your suggestions. Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).