Buying Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

This camcorder follows the Apple formula: sleek design, very simple interface. Even the packaging rather blatantly borrows from Apple, with dividers and cute little "Enjoy!" like messages.

I previously owned a 30 minute non-hd flip camcorder. This model is almost identical in form and function. The difference in having 120 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes transforms the usefulness of the camcorder. No longer are you reluctant to record something for fear of burning through your time.

The recordings look great blown up onto a standard computer screen. Sound is clear, although wind is an issue. The zoom is practically worthless, I wouldn't mess with it.

The controls are as simple as can be. Instead of the previous switch on the side, the new flip ultra has a button. You turn on the camcorder and then simply press the red button to start and stop recording. Playback on the device is simple and intuitive.

To transfer video to your computer, you just pop out the built in USB connector and stick it into your computer.

The software, smartly built in to the device, is also simple but effective. There are several websites that upload is supported to, including Youtube. (Myspace is included as well, who uses Myspace these days? Maybe they should include support for Twiddeo next.) If you select upload to the web, non-specific, your videos are converted into .wmv format. This is very convenient even if you are not interested in uploading to the web, since it is a non-proprietary format.

There's been some discussion here about the technological downfalls of the Flip camera. Also that some digicams do the job just as well if not better.

This misses the point for me. The demographic of the Flip camcorder is anyone who finds technology more complicated than a remote control to be a challenge. Or, put another way, someone who would like to record things but doesn't want to worry about making the camera work while they are doing it.

The camcorder comes with a rechargeable battery pack, but it doesn't last two hours. You can use standard AA batteries in a pinch.

Recommended.

Update: Since my flip was just stolen, it's a good opportunity to consider whether I would buy it again. I think I probably would. I understand there are some credible alternatives out there, but the snazzy design, excellent end result, and easy to use software are winners for me. Just keep your eyes on it. The downside of having Apple like sexiness is that people do get covetous around it.Get more detail about Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black).