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The Flip Video Ultra is an inexpensive plug-and-play camcorder whose focus is on simplicity and ease of use. The Ultra is the new and improved version of the Flip Video from Pure Digital. The Flip Video Ultra has no tapes, discs or memory cards; all video is stored on its built-in flash memory. Transferring your videos to your PC is simplified as well: 1) there are no cables; simply plug in the flip-out USB adapter to your PC, 2) there isn't any software or drivers to install; once the Ultra is connected to your USB port, built-in software loaded in memory on the camera allows you to transfer your videos.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
8 people have already voted. Do you agree?

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No software to install - built-in software is loaded in memory on the camera itself
+6agreedisagree

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Easy to transfer videos to your PC and share on YouTube and email
+5agreedisagree

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Built-in USB arm, so you don't need other cables
+5agreedisagree

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So simple to use even a small child can use it.
+4agreedisagree

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Compact - fits in your pocket
+3agreedisagree

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Very light, weighs little more than a deck of cards.
+3agreedisagree

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Inexpensive - 1GB model retails for $150
+2agreedisagree

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Uses standard AA batteries
+2agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

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Video quality is decent but not great
+4agreedisagree

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No way to upgrade memory capacity
+3agreedisagree

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The record button is small and centered in between other buttons. Pressing the record button with your thumb often results in pressing other buttons.
+2agreedisagree

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No cap or cover to protect the lens when not in use.
+1agreedisagree

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buggy software that does not give even an easy option to save videos
+1agreedisagree

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"Playback failed" errors
+1agreedisagree

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No re-chargable batteries
+1agreedisagree

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Strange color availability exclusive to Walmart
0agreedisagree

Competing products

Flip Video Ultra is ranked 3rd.  See the top picks in Camcorders

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More information

Features

  • video: 640 x 480, 30 fps, 4:3 CMOS sensor, MPEG-2
  • colors:
    • 2GB - white, black, orange, pink
    • 1GB - white, black, lime green*, pink*
  • 1.5" LCD screen, speaker, microphone, tripod mount
  • swiveling USB arm to connect to computer
  • uses standard AA batteries
  • built-in software: organizer, mailer, publisher (to YouTube, AOL, etc.), editor
  • get your Flip Videos transferred to DVD at 9,400 photo/pharmacy locations in the US
  • 2X zoom
  • Dimensions: 4.125" x 2.25" 1.25"
  • Weight: 4.9 oz.

* only available at Walmart starting November 2007

The Ultra is available in 5 color options (black, white, orange, lime green, and pink) and two capacities (1 GB for $149, 2 GB for $179). The most notable improvements over the previous generation are the simplification of the publishing of video to video sites like YouTube and AOL, and increase video recording quality.

The Ultra was release in September 2007 and is available from many online retailers as well as in stores. Pure Digital has an exclusive deal with Walmart to provide exclusive color options beginning in November 2007. Consider the Aiptek GO-HD priced at under $300 for similar functionality but with HD recording (1280 x 720, 30 fps) with upgradeable SD memory.

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5 comments about Flip Video Ultra

1.  avatar bferman  Sep 24, 2007 9:48am

You can buy the Flip Ultra as Best Buy as well in both 1gb and 2gb varieties, but it only comes in White at that store.

This video camera is solid state and has no moving parts. My 4 year old even shoots video with it.
2.  avatar Erik  Nov 06, 2007 7:03pm

Oprah's getting in on the YouTube sensation. She had Steve Chen and Chad Hurley on her YouTube special episode today. Oprah used the Flip Video Ultra to make some videos.

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVssEHODO5M

She's got a new Oprah channel. It's kind of annoying that embedding is disabled and comments are heavily moderated, though. Baby steps, Oprah. Baby steps.
3.  avatar molawlor  Nov 24, 2007 11:20am

IF YOU HAVE A MAC!! Please be aware, the camera crashes my finder every time I connect it in whatever account I use. The updater hangs every time I attempt to run it. You can't access new or old software to reinstall at the website. Total POS. Don't waste your money. I'm taking mine back at first opportunity.

No I am not an idiot who can't handle plug-and-play. I have 2 Apple hardware certifications.
4.  avatar molawlor  Nov 24, 2007 11:22am

Oh, and I forgot to mention that after the updater failed one time, it popped up a window that advised me to do a manual update and provided a dead link. Nice.
5.  avatar bo3b  Jul 06, 2008 9:16am

Works fine on my Mac. I don't have an Apple hardware certification but I've been a Mac owner for many years.
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    Key Features:

    Manufacturer Pure Digital
    Price $149.00
    Product Line Flip Video
    Release Date Sep. 10, 2007

    Sponsors

    Product page stats

    3830 views and 96 edits (see all)
    Created: 09/21/2007 - 12:17
    Modified: 08/11/2008 - 12:15