Flip Video

Pure Digital has rebranded their Pure Digital PSV-351 as the Flip Video. It is a no-fuss, portable camcorder that uses a minimalist approach to recording video. Pure Digital claims that its so simple, even a child can use it. The Flip Video records video with a push of a button to its internal flash memory. The video can be transferred to your PC or Mac with its flip-out USB connector or connected to your TV (or other video equipment) with the included video cable. It is available in two capacities: a 512 MB version that records up to 30 min. of video for $119, and a 1 GB version recording up to 60 min. of video for $149.

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Flip Video
MSRP $119.00
Release date May, 2007
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Pros & Cons6
Reviews2
Details
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
2 reviews
67
negative
mixed
positive
2 positive
0 mixed
0 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Cheap video camera (512 MB: $119, 1GB: $149)
+2agreedisagree

•
Small, lightweight (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3", 4.8 oz.)
+2agreedisagree

•
Very simple to use. Minimalist design
+1agreedisagree

•
Seemlessly and simply upload videos to YouTube
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Poor video quality (mobile phone < Flip Video < MiniDv)
+2agreedisagree

•
USB may be awkward to connect to your computer
+1agreedisagree


2 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
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Details

The video quality of the Flip Video falls somewhere between a mobile phone video and a low-end MiniDV camcorder (~$250). It records video in a compressed AVI format at 30 fps, and includes a 2X digital zoom feature. However, when using the digital zoom, you should expect a serious drop in image quality. The Flip Video includes a 1.4" LCD screen thats used as a viewfinder and for reviewing recorded video. It also includes software making it easy to email, or upload your videos to the Internet (ie. YouTube).

dimensions: 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches; weight: 4.8 ounces

The Flip Video should be considered if you are looking for a very easy-to-use, very cheap, every day camcorder, and you don't place a high priority on video quality. If you do, you may want to consider higher-quality, more expensive alternatives.

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. is a San Francisco, CA based company specializing in one-time-use video and digital cameras. They have partnered with retailers like CVS pharmacy, having them support their Pure Digital imaging platform for in-store 1-hour photo and video processing services.

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This report was started May 4, 2007 at 11:11 am by Erik
with the last edit occurring May 5, 2009 at 3:57 pm by Special K
This page has been viewed 8007 times, with 30 edits by 9 contributors.
See the full report history »

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Competitors

Flip Video is ranked 2nd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Camcorders »
Flip Video Ultra

Flip Video Ultra

MSRP  $149.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • No software to install - built-in software is loaded in memory on the camera itself
  • Easy to transfer videos to your PC and share on YouTube and email
  • Built-in USB arm, so you don't need other cables
Cons
  • No cap or cover to protect the lens when not in use.
  • No way to upgrade memory capacity
  • Video quality is decent but not great
ProSCORE
11 reviews
60
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Flip Video 0% vs. vote Flip Video Ultra 100%

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

You can pick up the previous model (the PSV-351) on target.com for a sale price of $89.99 ($40 off). [link]
May 04, 2007 11:17am
2.  avatar Erik said:

I'm not really sure about this product. To me, I think you could either use the video capabilities of your digital camera, or pay a little more and get something good. However, the Flip Video perhaps has the same minimalist, affordable benefits of the Zen Stone.
May 04, 2007 11:23am
3.  avatar shanandsim said:

The real interesting thing about this product which has not been mentioned is the built-in software that lets you email and upload to YouTube seemlessly. It's not just a small, convenient camcorder, it's a video sharing tool. I love mine.
May 10, 2007 6:03pm
4.  avatar LaughtasticX said:

But just what is the video quality. I've got a videocamera installed as part of my laptop (Acer Orbicam) but I'd like something better. Will this do the trick or do I need to save my pennies for something better?
Aug 09, 2007 1:35pm
5.  avatar flip said:

Very disappointed. You can not drag and drop video from this camcorder to your PC, you must use thier software to convert it, which takes a very long time. I am disapponted, the simplicity is an illusion, this was almost a great product.
Jul 04, 2008 6:49pm
6.  avatar jblum315 said:

The video quality is OK. I love its portability. My problems are:
1. The red record button is so small that I can't activate it with my finger. I have to use a pen to push the button.
2. You cannot see the screen in daylight. Not at all. So you're basically shooting blind.
Sep 20, 2008 8:26am
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Reviews

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Erik

avatar
May 10, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
2 cons

Pros

  • Cheap video camera (512 MB: $119, 1GB: $149)
  • Small, lightweight (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3", 4.8 oz.)
  • Very simple to use. Minimalist design
  • Seemlessly and simply upload videos to YouTube

Cons

  • Poor video quality (mobile phone < Flip Video < MiniDv)
  • USB may be awkward to connect to your computer

Comments

"You can pick up the previous model (the PSV-351) on target.com for a sale price of $89.99 ($40 off). [link]"
"I'm not really sure about this product. To me, I think you could either use the video capabilities of your digital camera, or pay a little more and get something good. However, the Flip Video perhaps has the same minimalist, affordable benefits of the Zen Stone."

Competitors

Erik prefers Flip Video Ultra over Flip Video
Did you find this review helpful?
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 / 
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Amanie

avatar
May 4, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
1 con

Pros

  • Cheap video camera (512 MB: $119, 1GB: $149)
  • Small, lightweight (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3", 4.8 oz.)

Cons

  • Poor video quality (mobile phone < Flip Video < MiniDv)

Competitors

Amanie prefers Flip Video Ultra over Flip Video
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

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