Comments on: Review: Flip UltraHD camcorder

By: Technology blog » Vivitar invades the pocketcam market

Technology blog » Vivitar invades the pocketcam market — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:06:21 +0000

[...] invades the pocketcam market Flip definitely created a market that no one knew existed, when the came out with their now famous line of portable camcorders (or [...]

By: Flip UltraHD Video - Tech Talon

Flip UltraHD Video - Tech Talon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:42:19 +0000

[...] Crunchgear.com writes “The Flip UltraHD is a decent portable camcorder that features a big red record button, a four-way rocker, and play, delete, and power buttons. Put it in the hands of someone who rarely, if ever, shoots video, show them where the power button is located, and watch them go. It honestly couldn’t be easier to use.” [...]

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:46:30 +0000

I see cheaper HDMI cables than the $24 Flip sells theirs for. Are these cheaper cables likely not as good or the wrong ones, etc? Since I’m not very technical, I’m inclined to just pay the money and get one that I know will work.

By: Michael Pruett

Michael Pruett — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:07:55 +0000

Compared to all the Kodak pocket cams, the Sony MHS-PM1, the Mino HD and the Samsung R10 this is the one I settled with after trying everything out (and returning everything). What sold me on this was the AA batteries. I already knew the flip would be good because of my experience with the flip mino and minoHD. The Kodaks drop frames like crazy, and the video is way too close. Also this cam uses a PC friendly format for its videos which Kodak fails to do for some reason. The SAMSUNG R10 which is well above this in terms of price has GREAT quality video but the BLURRING on motion is REALLY BAD. Also, the electronic image stabilization does not HELP at ALL. I prefer the smaller, lower quality cam because theres less blurring with movement so I can still use this thing good with Virtual Dub and DeShaker… And again, the double A battery thing… big.

By: Rocky

Rocky — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:41:35 +0000

Doug, when your creating a sample video can you please try not moving the camera around so much? I want to get an idea of how the camera is when I’m going to use it and I don’t think I’m ever going to record myself spinning around in circles and then zooming into the ground and spinning some more; else than that great write up.

By: Raven

Raven — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:48:42 +0000

Just curious where the reviewer thinks he can get a camera with the same specifications for 1/2 the price. This basically means $100. And that means: 720p / user replaceable batteries (AA’s) / STEREO sound / Excellent low light video response all in one package?

The Vado uses Lithium batteries which is useless when you’re out camping or something, the Zi6 /Zx1 are fine and all, but suffer from low light response and mono sound (and bad mon sound at that), and anyways they are all priced in and around $200.

There ARE a few pocket cams aroud $100, but they are all SD.

So if you have any magical competitors, I’d like you to list them.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:21:34 +0000

OK, just bought the new UltraHD, and love the portability and easy to use computer interface. What I don’t like is it doesn’t play on my HDTV, despite its claims to (and yes, I bought the correct cable and it’s plugged correctly into the HDMI port, and the input is set to the correct HDMI port, etc.).

I get an “invalid format” error on the TV. I can view the contents of the camera if I plug it in to my TV’s USB port, but the HD playback functionality is a no-go.

By: Recently reviewed on CrunchGear.com

Recently reviewed on CrunchGear.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:41:43 +0000

[...] Review: Flip UltraHD camcorder [...]

By: Jason Klug

Jason Klug — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:24:30 +0000

For what it’s worth, I just purchased the Ultra HD as a quick-turnaround videocasting tool. In this capacity, the fact that it’s under-featured is it’s best selling point, as video quality is less important than ease/speed of use. (Though I should note that, assuming the right lighting, the video quality is better than the $400 Mini-DV cam I bought about 3 years ago)

I can record a 5-minute video, slap the Ultra HD into my USB port and have the video up on the web inside of 15 minutes (depending on your internet connection, of course).

The Ultra HD’s value is less about video quality or camera features and more about how and where you intend to shoot/use the video…. so keep that in mind. And the fact that it’s portable means I can carry it right in my laptop bag everywhere I go.

A great buy for the right user/purpose.

By: jeggen

jeggen — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:37:20 +0000

Has anyone tried using the videos generated with the zx1 on Adobe Premier Elements? I have always struggled with this on my Flip Ultra (the original Ultra) and wondered if this is any better? I am considering either the zx1 or the Flip UltraHD and this is one of my deciding points since the bundled software for both is rather limited.

By: Ries

Ries — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:47:32 +0000

So what type of camera do you recommend then? I want something cheap, easy to carry around and get videos of my 3 yr old.

By: Yosef Solomon

Yosef Solomon — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:43:30 +0000

The HD Creative Vado is the best easy-to use camcorder on the market! No point in looking at the flip…

By: Doug Aamoth

Doug Aamoth — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:28:31 +0000

Hey Robert, here are the main differences:

- MinoHD has 4GB storage, UltraHD has 8GB
- MinoHD has 1.5-inch 528×132 screen, UltraHD has 2-inch 960×240
- Video compression, codec, etc. is exactly the same between the two: 1280×720 resolution, 1/4.5″ CMOS sensor, 9.0Mbps bitrate, H.264 codec, etc.
- Lens type is the same
- MinoHD has non-replaceable, rechargeable battery that lasts two hours and charges in three, UltraHD has rechargeable battery pack and can also use regular AA batteries, batteries last 2.5 hours and take six hours to charge
- MinoHD measures 3.94″ x 1.97″ x 0.63″ and weighs 3.3 ounces, UltraHD measures 4.25″ x 2.19″ x 1.17″ and weighs six ounces
- MinoHD uses composite cable output, UltraHD uses HDMI output to connect to TVs
- MinoHD shell can be customized with tattoo-like designs, UltraHD just comes in black or white shell colors

That’s about it. All things considered, I’d go with the UltraHD over the MinoHD if size isn’t an issue for you. They’re both pretty small anyway. For $30 less you get double the storage, HDMI, a bigger LCD, longer battery life, and the ability to use AA batteries in a pinch.

Here’s a picture of the two of them next to each other for a size comparison:

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:23:18 +0000

Could somebody please write a review that compares this Flip HD product and compares it to their previous HD product – the Flip MinoHD.
What does this guy do better/worse compared to the older one? This one is $30 cheaper, why?