Flip UltraHD high definition pocket camcorder
Flip has introduced the UltraHD camcorder which brings high definition video to their pocket video camcorder line in a form factor that is slightly larger than their very compact MinoHD, but with additional features.
First the UltraHD specs:
Product Features
- Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom with a simple user interface
- Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory. No tapes or additional memory cards are required.
- Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software which allows import of videos as well letting you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace.
Technical Details
Internal Memory: 8GB (120 minutes)
Screen Size: 2.0" (transflective TFT)
Screen Resolution: 960 x 240 pixels
Video Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
Video Bitrate: 8.8Mbps (average – auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format: H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type: Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface: 8 Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
Dimensions: 4.25" x 2.19" x 1.17" (H x W x D)
PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to USB 2.0 speed)
TV Out: HDMI™ Mini Connector (Standard HDMI™ Cable not included)
Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours (with 2x AA Alkaline batteries)
Up to 6.5 hours (with 2 x AA Energizer® e2® batteries)
Tripod Mount:
Yes
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista
Mac OSX
The pros of the Flip UltraHD are exactly what you would expect – it’s a compact HD camcorder that’s it incredibly easy to use for the average consumer and takes great HD video, which is only what you would expect from a Flip.
The cons mostly come by size comparison to the MinoHD which at 3.94” x 1.97” x 0.63” (H x W x D) is smaller and sleeker and equally easy to use. However, the UltraHD still fits in a large pocket and the size brings some advantages over the MinoHD:
- 8 GB of storage instead of 4GB
- 2-inch screen instead of 1.5-inch
- Real buttons instead of touch sensitive (i.e. capacitive) "buttons"
- Replaceable batteries. The unit comes with a rechargeable battery pack, but you don’t have to recharge it to keep on shooting. You can use AA batteries or buy a separate battery pack and recharger.
- HDMI output
One real con I have seen is that the built-in flip-out USB arm can be a pain depending on your PC set-up so you may need an extension cable. Here’s how it is supposed to work:
All in all, the Flip UltraHD is a fun, quality pocket HD camcorder. The MSRP is US$199.00, but Amazon seems to be currently selling the UltraHD for US$162.00 and you may find an even better deal if you shop around.
