Flip Video Ultra Camcorder (Orange)

Perfect for carrying at all times to record those moments you don't want to forget.

We bought our first Flip Ultra last March and filmed a 13 minute documentary. Moving forward we decided to add another to our camera package to help us when editing. The Flip Ultra is great for interviewing people and getting great angles because its so small. It shoots beautiful pictures and is really great in low light situations. If you want a grainy look, use the zoom. For the best picture quality, use a tripod.
The on/off button is infuriating! Could have a better response when pressed.

PROS: Easy to use. Simple record, delete, forward, back, volume up and down buttons.

Software included for both Mac and PC.

The quality of the video is great! Crisp and nice. The zoom is smooth.

The sound is really impressive. It picks up well from a distance. Nice and even with the sound closer to the camera.

Uses AA batteries versus lithium batteries. If you are out and your battery is running low, you can simply pop in some new batteries, rather then find a place to charge.


CONS:
The record button is becoming tricky to use. Doesn't always start and stop when pressed.

The cables for viewing on TV aren't working. When I hook the cables into the Flip, the camera shuts off. Not a big deal for me, since I wasn't really planning to use that feature.

The upload to Youtube feature in the software takes too long. I would recommend using other editing software to convert and compress. Mac users download Prism, convert file to MOV and edit in iMovie.

OVERALL:
Overall, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's very impressive, especially for the low price! A step above recording from a digital camera in ease and quality. I would highly recommend this for capturing life's moments instantly. Great for travel. No tapes, bags, cards, cords, etc. to have to deal with. No bulky camcorder to lug around.

I almost always have this with me. I'm a college student and my only digital camera is a Rebel, so it's not very functional for just going out. This camcorder is the perfect size for just slipping into my purse or pocket.
I love how it's so simple to use, and the fact that there's no cards or tapes to worry about. The software is already on the camcorder, meaning that if I'm at a friends, I can download the software onto her computer in a few minutes, and then put the videos on too. I can't do that with my Rebel unless I bring along the istallation disc. I also love the color, very superficial but it's true!
I was worried about the AA battery deal, but I've filmed and downloaded well over an hours worth of video, as well as played back some, and it's still going.
The picture quality, though nothing magnificent, was way better than I expected. I wouldn't say it's great, but don't expect too much for a camcorder with a 640x480 resolution and you won't be let down.
My only real complaints are 1. no apparent way to tell battery life and 2. doesn't take still photos

All in all, I love it.

Not what you'd want for your independent movie, but excellent for videos of the family and friends, or for internet. Very easy to use.

I have 2 camcorders which I do not use a lot. The Flip fits in my purse just like the cell. I have 24/7 use it much more frequently then the camcorder. This is great for the "oh my gosh, wish I had a video" shots. Most of the videos I have taken are between 6-20 seconds. Quick transfer to laptop. I highly recommend this for parents of young children. Ease of use, readily available. The only con would be trying to tape a wedding or function that is 20+minutes. For that I recommend a regular camcorder.

It's not only me that loves my new little video recorder...it's my 4 kids too! It's so simple to use, it takes great video, and it's so tiny it is absolutely no trouble to carry with you wherever you go. The only thing I wish it did more of is zoom a little farther. Let's be honest; it's not a $500 camcorder, so don't expect $500 results. BUT, it is well worth the money spent. I got exactly what I wanted; something simple, inexpensive, well-made, and handy to cart around and video my kids' football games and swim meets while their dad is deployed for hurricane relief in the South. Now, he will get to see part of his 8 year old's very first football game ever! Thanks FLIP!!!

When I'm travelling, people are in awe when I take out this little machine -- for small video clips it can't be beat. And what is packed in to this little device makes it perfect for travelling..

-Used for taping workplace environments- portable and user-friendly. Simple controls can be used with gloves on. I am involved in recording maritime industrial workplace environments. Simple hand-held operation- clear screen, doesnt have to connect to a dedicated computer to download, uses a readily available power source (Other models have internal batteries that if they die on the job you have to wait to charge- the AA cell use makes it quick with low down times).
-The biggest benifit is the cost- at under 150 USd this unit is actually considered an expendable commodity compared to other sophisticated monitoring equipment.
-The only downfall is the door/spring activated USB- On my work unit it has failed but is still useable. Cover the USB plug with a cap and it will prevent debris from getting into the unit's plug.
-It can be combined with tripod/mounting brackets currently on the market as well as its auto white balance (a little slow- but what do you expect for 127.00?) make this unit a good purchase for any jobsite or inspection/compliance documentation use.
-FOR KIDS ALSO!!! I have one at my house as well and it has proven child-friendly and has withstood a 7-year olds skateboard tricks. It is easily used by children and it has been an excellent teaching tool on field trips where the sheer size of other recording equipment would be out of the question.
-I know of 2 public school systems that use these models of Flip as well. The only complaint is the LCD can become scratched as well as the lens. Do yourself a favor and buy the palm pilot screen protectors- cut them to fit the LCD and Lens and they are disposable!
-I would highly reccomend them for industrial monitoring and compliance documentation for portability and ease of use- adult and child friendly and easily downloadable to any USB slot. Children will have a blast experimenting and recording, and the cost wont fray your nerves if the thing is dropped. Low cost- Ease of use add up.

I love it, never used a video recorder before the flip. Bought it because it is simple and easy to use and small enough to put into my handbag day or night. I used it while traveling in Europe, like on a riverboat while floating by the castles along the Rhine. I also used it to record arias of young singers during rehearsals so they can see and hear themselves afterwards.
Great also to video young grandchildren when they show off cartwheels and handstands. Bought two more to give as gifts to other grandmothers.

I've been using all sorts of cameras with various formats, and now that I have a kid, my wife always got sick of looking for a blank tape. No need to worry about that anymore. We can grab the Flip, turn it on and in seconds record those great moments. Has good video and audio quality. Connect to a computer through USB and edit with its own software or import the .avi file into your own editing software. Price is good and it's simple to operate.

Great camera for filming basic stuff, such as family events, short interviews, video pod casts, consumer point and shoot video, etc. I ordered one for testing and I am now recommending it as must have for online instructors and trainers. When filming is done, movies are compressed and ready to upload to YouTube, or other streaming video sites. Very easy to use, even in low light conditions, shaky shots, etc.

The zoom is marginal and slow. Additionally, there is no battery indicator, so always carry spear double AA batteries. Other than that, this thing makes video shooting a breeze. I recommend this one over the mino, because buttons are better designed and it runs on 2 AA batteries.

I am getting one for my son's 5th birthday.

A robust product which is very useful in our school. Enables students to quickly complete a piece of video footage for inclusion into digital work requirements.

This camera is great and is a lot of fun to use. It is totally ready every time you pick it up. The video quality is very good. It also does a really nice job at nighttime.

this is a great toy, shoot stills and video for the web with this little camera. Easy operation, great value for the price

The Flip Ultra 60 minute camcorder is a great little device which is easy to use and even easier to download videos to your PC or Mac with.
There is a little timer on the viewing screen that shows how many minutes you have left to record. We are impressed with the quality of the video as well. Important reminder: Make sure to use the "eject hardware" option on your PC or Mac before you disconnect the camcorder from the USB slot otherwise the camcorder gets 'hung up' and you could potentially corrupt the video file. Other than that, the product is extremely straight forward to use.