Short Version: Joining the ranks of the Flip family, the UltraHD is one of the easiest-to-use digital camcorders on the market. This version features 8GB of storage, high-definition video capture, the ability to use an included rechargeable battery pack or off-the-shelf AA batteries, and HDMI output.

At $200, though, it’s pretty expensive considering its feature set.

Long Version:

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Flip camcorders — no matter which model — aren’t for the budget-conscious shopper. They’re targeted at people who want to casually shoot video without fumbling around with a bunch of settings and memory cards and cables. And even though Flip camcorders are priced at almost double what you’d be able to pay for competing compact camcorders with similar features, they’re still selling like hotcakes. So, yes, they’re too expensive for people who know how to use camcorders and want a bunch of features at a decent price, but they’re apparently priced just right for everyone else. And so we dance.

Features:

• 1280×720 H.264 video recording, 9.0Mbps average bitrate
• 8GB of memory (not expandable), 120-minute recording time
• 1/4.5″ HD CMOS sensor
• Two-inch 960×240 LCD
• 2x digital zoom, no optical zoom
• Up to 2.5 hours battery life, 6 hour recharge time via USB
• HDMI output (cable not included)
• Built-in video editing software with YouTube upload
• MSRP of $199

The Good:

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.

The switchblade-style USB connector flips out for quick and easy connection to your computer and the included software (stored in the camera’s memory) makes simple edits and YouTube uploads a relatively painless process. Video quality is decent provided you have adequate light available. Audio quality is also acceptable assuming you’re not dealing with too much wind or ambient noise.

Again, the main focus for these cameras is ease of use and, in that respect, the UltraHD shines. You can do everything with one hand and the camera fits easily into an average pocket, purse, or small bag. The addition of user-replaceable batteries is a big plus; if the internal rechargeable battery pack runs dry, you can pop in a couple of store-bought AA batteries and you’re back in business.

The Bad:

While the ability to output video to your TV via HDMI is a nice, easy, and welcome addition, the UltraHD doesn’t come with an HDMI cable. And if you have an older HD television with RGB connections, you’re out of luck. Flip sells an HDMI cable for $25 on its website and considering the average person who buys a Flip camcorder probably isn’t all that technologically savvy, that’s going to be an unwelcome added expense. Even worse, I picture people buying this thing at Best Buy and getting talked into buying HDMI cables for $30 and up.

Also, aside from recording video, the UltraHD does little else. There’s no still photo feature (you can grab stills from video footage using the included software, though), the 2x digital zoom is an afterthought, there’s no optical image stabilization unless you mount the camera on a tripod, and taking videos of yourself is a no-go since the camera contains a fixed, non-swiveling LCD.

The Ugly:

Video quality, while decent, is certainly nothing to write home about. Your best bet for this camera is to shoot something outdoors with the camera mounted on a tripod, with as little side-to-side motion as possible. And while daylight and quality indoor lighting make this camcorder usable, low-light video is downright atrocious, producing a grainy mess.

Here are three sample clips. The first was taken outdoors on a somewhat overcast day with a bit of motion and some digital zooming, the second was taken indoors in my well-lit office with a fair amount of side to side motion, and the third was taken in a dark stairway, also with a fair amount of side to side motion. These are the actual clips from the camera, unedited and uncompressed.

Clip One: Outdoors, overcast

Clip Two: Indoors, well-lit

Clip Three: Indoors, low light

Conclusion:

The Flip UltraHD is an easy-to-use and very-portable camcorder that works well for casual video capturing by novice technology users. More experienced users, however, will likely find the camcorder’s high price tag, lack of features, and poor low-light performance to be a deal-breaker.

Flip UltraHD [TheFlip.com]

The new UltraHD is thicker than the MinoHD, but has twice the storage and a larger screen (2″ vs 1.5″). It also can take two AA’s or a rechargeable pack, and will recharge via the flip-out USB connector. Other than that and the slightly , things are pretty much business as usual. The UltraSD will record to standard definition, obviously, and the battery will last longer — but do you really need 5 hours versus 3 when it’s so easy to recharge? Anyway, the SD goes for $150 and the HD for $200.

If you’re in the market, remember that there are competitors, in the form of every digital camera sold since last year (they all shoot 720p now) and also with similar devices like Kodak’s Zx1 (weather resistant) and Sony’s Webbie. Personally I’d go with the Zx1 because its weather sealing makes it more hardy — but the built-in USB thing in the Flips is awful handy. Best to go somewhere and try them both for yourself. Video quality on either one will be passable.

Lots more images here, but unfortunately not a lot more information.

[via Engadget]

Did you miss last week’s Woot for the $80 Flip? Fear not, citizen, for Buy.com has the Flip Video Ultra F260 for $89.99. (Buy.com notes that it usually retails for $199.99.) It’s refurbished, meaning that if you give it as a gift it’s a sign that you really don’t love the person, so there’s that.

For clicking “read more,” I’ve rewarded you with a hilarious video clip of Louis CK, who’s a big proponent of the Flip. Naughty language alert, so if you’re at work or school, you know, don’t play it.

With Valentine’s Day approaching and the economy being the way it is, it doesn’t hurt to save where and when you can. Today’s Woot is far from stellar, but the Flip is a popular camcorder despite its shortcomings. Those shortcomings only apply to us nerds it seems, and the general consumer – think soccer mom – aren’t worried about the things we bitch about. So why not grab one for the lil lady or lad for $80? Sure, it’s refurbished, but they’ll never know.

The tiny-and-popular line of Flip Mino camcorders has a new addition with the MinoHD. It’s basically a Flip Mino that – you guessed it – records at 1280 x 720 resolution onto four gigabytes of onboard memory. The camera appears to be about the same as the regular Mino except for some updated software, the higher resolution, the 4GB of storage, and the $229.99 price tag versus the standard Mino at $179.99.

Like the standard Mino, you can personalize your MinoHD with your own graphics at TheFlip.com for free with purchase or you’ll be able to pick up a MinoHD in black at retailers like Amazon.com, Best Buy, Target, and Staples.

I’ll be very, very interested to see how the MinoHD sells versus the standard Mino since the whole idea of these camcorders is to not overload users bothersome stuff like “features”. Will the simple addition of “HD” be enough to persuade people to spend an extra $50 on a point-and-shoot camcorder? It’ll be a true testament to the power of the high-definition movement in general.

I’m guessing that the $229 price point might scare more than a few people off. It takes the cute, fun Mino into more serious territory. I think Flip would have an easier time selling the HD idea if the company had added a flip-and-swivel LCD and an optical zoom – two added features that wouldn’t complicate things for users at all, but would make a world of difference as far as utility is concerned.

I lent the standard Mino to a non-technical friend of mine so he could film some stuff at a wedding and he returned it to me saying how impressed he was at how easy the thing is to operate. I was curious to see how much he thought a camera like the Mino should cost. He replied, “I don’t know. Fifty bucks? Maybe eighty?” I told him it sold for $180 and his response was, “That’s ridiculous,  who would pay that much?” As it turns out, plenty of people are happy to pay for simplicity when it comes to video cameras (as Flip knows). But will those people pay almost $250 for simplicity plus HD?

Flip Video [TheFlip.com]

Full press release:

Pure Digital Introduces Flip Mino HD – The World’s Smallest HD Camcorder

Tiny camcorder and new FlipShare software make it simple to capture and share stunning HD video

San Francisco, CA – November 12, 2008 –  The maker of Flip Video™ – the best-selling family of affordable and simple-to-use digital camcorders – today introduced its latest breakthrough product:  the Flip Mino HD.   The world’s smallest HD camcorder at just over 3 oz., the remarkably slim Flip Mino HD makes capturing and sharing HD video easy and affordable for the first time. The stylish camcorder from Pure Digital Technologies, priced at $229.95 (MSRP), records up to 60 minutes of HD video and features Flip Video’s new FlipShare software. This breakthrough on-board software application allows consumers to plug the camcorder’s signature flip-out USB arm into any computer for easy organizing, editing and sharing on YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video or via email.

This latest innovation from Pure Digital Technologies builds on the success of its wildly popular Flip Video camcorder line. After just one full year in the marketplace, Flip Video has sold over 1.5 million camcorders and currently has the number one best-selling camcorder in the U.S., according to the latest rankings from leading market research firm NPD.

“Consumers have embraced Flip Video because it delivers on the promise of making video simple, affordable, and fun,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Pure Digital’s chairperson and CEO.  “Flip Mino HD, along with FlipShare software, now make it easy for anyone to capture and share their stories in stunning HD quality.”

Flip Mino HD comes equipped with FlipShare – Flip Video’s next-generation built-in software application.   FlipShare features a simple drag-and-drop interface to make it simple for Flip owners to organize, edit and share their HD videos.  FlipShare enables fast and simple video emailing and one-click uploading to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video.  Users can also create custom movies, complete with music and credits, and capture HD still photos from their videos.   FlipShare is fully compatible with Windows software as well as Apple’s Mac video applications including QuickTime, iMovie, and iDVD.  FlipShare is also available as an upgrade to anyone who already owns a Flip Video camcorder.

With its introduction, Mino HD also becomes the first and only “designable” HD camcorder. Using Flip Video’s next-generation personalization platform, launched last month on theflip.com, consumers can choose from thousands of professional designs or custom-design their own Flip Mino or Flip Mino HD at no extra cost. Additionally, consumers have the option to share their designs on theflip.com to earn commissions for themselves or non-profit causes.

Flip Mino HD Features and Availability:

· Weight: 3.3 oz.

· Resolution: HD 720p

· 4 GB of internal memory to record up to 60 minutes of HD video

· 1.5 inch anti-glare LCD display

· Internal, lithium ion battery recharges when USB arm is connected to computer

· One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom

· Touch-sensitive buttons for recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete

· TV connection for instant viewing (cable included)

· Tripod Mount

· Available in black at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Wal-Mart.com, theflip.com and leading retailers

· Completely “designable” at theflip.com

· Suggested retail price: $229.95

New FlipShare Software Features:

· On-board application installs directly when connected to PC or Mac

· Simple drag-and-drop interface for easy browsing, playback, organization and archiving

· Integrated online video publishing to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video

· Free, unlimited private emailing of videos and video greeting cards

· Custom editing of movies, with the option to use your own music and add titles/credits

· Capture HD still photos from video

· Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world

Pure Digital, the company behind the insanely popular series of easy to use “Flip” digital camcorders, is about to get even more insanely popular – especially with the customization crowd. Starting today, you’ll now be able to choose from hundreds of professional designs for the $179.99 Flip Mino camcorder.

If none of the available designs are to your liking, you can upload your own or use Flip Video’s “exclusive design engine – the Pattern Generator” to whip something up. What’s more, if you’re the creative type you’ll be able to add your own designs to the online marketplace and earn commissions each time one of your designs is chosen. You can opt for normal payment or have your proceeds go to non-profit causes.

The customization program was developed in cooperation with CafePress.com, so you’ll now be able to design and purchase custom Flip Mino camcorders from CafePress stores as well. Full release after the jump…

FLIP VIDEO FIRST TO BRING PERSONALIZATION TO CAMCORDER MARKET

Exclusive online marketplace lets anyone create, share, and sell designs for the super-sleek Flip Mino

SAN FRANCISCO, CA –October 14, 2008 — Pure Digital Technologies, makers of the best-selling Flip Video™ family of camcorders, today announced their latest innovation:  a new online service that gives consumers the power to design their own Flip Mino camcorder. Taking the popular personalization trend to a new level, the Flip Mino is the first electronics product to allow consumers to create their own eye-catching designs and then earn money from them. Users can either earn a commission each time their design sells on the exclusive Flip Video design marketplace or elect to have those design sales earn money for non-profit causes.

This latest Pure Digital innovation, which offers customers unlimited opportunities for self expression, builds on the success of the wildly popular Flip Video camcorder line and the stylish, super-sleek Flip Mino. After just one year in the marketplace, Flip Video has sold over 1 million camcorders and currently has the #1 and #3 best selling camcorders in the U.S., according to leading market research firm NPD.

Noting that personalization is now one of the biggest trends in technology, Pure Digital chairperson and CEO Jonathan Kaplan said, “We created the Flip Mino to be a simple, powerful way for the social networking generation to express themselves with video. And now they can express their creativity not only with the videos they make, but the camcorders they make them with.”

The Flip Video personalization platform, available at www.theflip.com, gives consumers unlimited options to customize the Flip Mino’s outer shell to fit their own individual personality — at no additional cost. They can choose from hundreds of designs created by leading design firms, including many from celebrated designers and iconic brands. They can also easily upload their own design, including images and graphics, to create a truly one-of-a-kind camcorder.  Adding to the fun, Flip Video provides an exclusive design engine — the Pattern Generator — that makes it easy for anyone to create a cool, stand-out design.  The custom camcorders are shipped within a few days of when a design is submitted. And, in a major twist on the personalization concept, consumers for the first time have the ability to add their creations to the marketplace with the option to profit from them. They can receive payment for each camcorder sold using their design or elect to have their designs raise money for non-profit causes.

The Flip Video personalization platform was developed in partnership with Café Press, a leading online marketplace.  Through this exclusive partnership, the millions of individual  Café Press can design Flip Mino camcorders to sell on www.cafepress.com or www.theflip.com.

Weighing in at just over three ounces, the remarkably slim yet powerful Flip Mino is the perfect combination of simplicity, quality and sleek design. It features an internal rechargeable battery and 2GB of on-board flash memory for 60 minutes of high-quality video.  The Flip Mino retails for $179.99.  All Flip camcorders are fully compatible with Windows software as well as Apple’s Mac video applications, including QuickTime, iMovie, and iDVD.

It seems as if the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 would never hit the market, but after leak after leak after leak after leak, the damn phone is finally available from T-Mobile for $149.99.

There are some sweet mobile phones coming out over the next few months and a BGR crony turned up release dates for Best Buy’s hotest upcoming phones. The info comes off of a PowerPoint slide and reveals quite a bit.

 

Coming October 26th:

• Sprint – Samsung M540 “Rant”, available in black, purple and red
• Sprint – HTC Touch Pro
• Verizon – Blitz
• AT&T – BlackBerry Bold 9000 (date obscured on image)
• T-Mobile – BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

Coming November 16th:

• Verizon – BlackBerry Storm

 

Granted, wireless carries and manufacturers alike tend to push release dates around a bit, but this should give you a general idea when you can use your Best Buy Reward Zone points on one of these new phones.