Flip Video's UltraHD: Does it Live Up to Their Own Expectations?

It's not often I get to review such a device, let me tell you. I happen to own a Flip, but not this one. The one I own, while a bit old, is a great camcorder, really. And it really is pocket sized. This one is, well, different, to say the least. I got my first one about two years ago-before it had any bells and whistles. And before they decided to un-include things necessary to use it. So, with that said.

Let's Get Started

Welcome to the Flip Video UltraHD high definition mini camcorder. It comes in black or white, kind of like the old model T ford. Well no, that's not entirely true; that only came in one color. But the trim colors are pretty, and the accessories match! More on that in a minute. And like the old Model T Ford, its intended to be a "Peoples Camera," cheap and available. While its definitely available, but the price is a little to steep to qualify as cheap, per se. The Kodak Zi8 lists for the same price but comes with bundled cables, USB and HDMI and has an SD card slot (more on that later). It comes with Electronic Image Stabilization built in (yeah, more on that again) which is a good idea for a "Pocket Camera." Oh, and the Kodak Zi8 comes with an external microphone plug and shoots in 1080i. The Flip Video UltraHD high definition mini camcorder shoots video in 720p. The video quality is good, crisp and clear; with rich colors even when shooting video outside. Which, of course, is the point of an HD video camera, right?

Point N' Go

This is a "point-n-shoot" camera, so there's little to speak of regarding features. What you see is pretty much what you get, so to speak. However, in all fairness, it is intended to be an ultraportable "Pocket" video camera, so bells and whistles weren't supposed to be part of the overall package anyway, right? And, indeed it is a pocket camera. Well, if you have slightly larger pockets that is.

Or Don't Go
As for a price on the unit, well, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is 199.00 and you can pick one up at their official website. (See references) On the "street" the retail price runs from $159.00 to $199.00, but usually tends toward the lower end because, well, check this out and see for yourself. On Google Products the Flip UltraHD, the camera comes with 8Gb internal storage, enough for about 2 hours of High Definition video, Yeah! However, there's no slot for a external card, Awww... One really nice point is that it comes with a rechargeable AA battery pack, Yippee! But wait! No wall charger, Drats!

That's Not All It's Missing

Nevertheless, all these things and more are available from the Flip Video web site as accessories (?!?!). Flip sells the HDMI cables you'll need to output your video to watch it on an HDTV. (See, I told you I'd get to it) As an accessory for just $24.95, it's not too bad a price. However, the USB extender cable that you will need is also $24.95; that's too bad. There's also a unique little tripod available-as an accessory of course-for $14.95. Uh, OK... I expected this to be $24.95 too, you'll see why in a minute. Since there is no image stabilization build in-for a hand-held camera that's gonna be a problem- you'll kind of need the tripod. You can also get the wall charger power adaptor, which is, wait for it... $24.95. And that is because it's... Not included!?!? Gee, is this their theme? (Sounds like another company I know of) And, just in case you might need it-the one accessory that you really don't need-they have a spare rechargeable AA battery pack for, yup! You guessed it-$24.95! Ahww, come on guys! But, that's not all, unfortunately.

What? You Mean There's More?

I mean, you just have to get the HDMI Cable, right? And the USB Extender, so that the camera doesn't dangle off the USB port when it's charging or downloading your video, which you may have to do frequently if you have kids. Of course, you need the USB cable; you certainly do not want to let the thing dangle around in mid air from the cable, do you? I mean, the one thing we are all taught is never to let something-especially electronics such as this-dangle by its cord, lest you want to replace it constantly that is. You see, the Trademark "Flip" out USB adaptor means that this camera will hang off of the USB port when connected and, well, they just don't feel it's necessary to give you one (the other guys do). I suppose they think it's perfectly OK to allow your Flip to break-then you will have to buy another one! Oh, and I almost forgot; the wall charger, too! This way, you have an option to recharge it without it hanging off the computer. And, I know that with my trembling hands, no tripod, no video.

Let's Get Down to Business

So then, let's do some math, shall we? That's $24.95 x 3 + $14.95 = $89.80... Then take the price of the Flip and add it to that... at $199.00 + $89.80 = $288.80. Once you're done buying the "accessories" -that you need to buy whether you want to or not-you'll end up paying about $289.00. Wow! OK, so it wasn't a bad deal overall, but now its not such a good deal. For the money you spend on the device itself plus the accessories they really should have included (that's who they remind me of-I remember now! They are starting to sound like Apple iPhone and iPad!), it seems to me that you could just add a few bucks and get a much nicer unit. Or, you could look into other units for the same price that actually come with stuff the device needs to run properly.

So, I guess in the end, for those who really don't mind paying the price of looking good in front of your friends, the total cost of the Flip Video UltraHD high definition mini camcorder isn't so bad. Besides, who doesn't pay the price of popularity these days? I mean, when it comes to looking good, nothing is too expensive. And the Flip, well, let's just say it's just about number one on the top of everyone's popularity list these days. Plus, it has the added benefit of being a "pocket" video recorder-anything pocket sized is just sooo Paris Hilton and worth the price, right?

Anyway, Overall, the Flip Video UltraHD high definition mini camcorder, for just the device without the accessories is decent. However, considering the fact that you need to "accessorize" to work it in any decent way, you might just want to think twice before making a final decision. This may be a good choice for a starter unit, but not for keeps.

References & Resources

Engadget: Flip Video UltraHD Video Review
Flip Video: Ultra & Ultra HD
Google Products Search: Flip Video UltraHD