Macworld Forums: Flip UltraHD pocket camcorder - Macworld Forums

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Sounds quite interesting. As the digital zoom seems to be abysmal (like on any other device), it would be interesting to know what the only truly available focal length is (35mm equivalent) or simply: is it more at the wide end or more a "normal" field of view? A short sample video would be terrific.

Thanks for the review. I'm wonder, though, how well does the Flip play along with iMovie and Macs?

Bought my wife a Flip UltraHD to replace her older 2nd Gen Flip Video for her trip to Nepal. In my opinion, this is still the best handheld mini video camera or whatever this class is called. My work just bought 4 of the Kodak's... and those are not nearly as good. You need to buy memory, and the software if not as robust. Although, I use the word "robust" loosely, the Flips isn't great either, but will do for most people. Also the codec problems from earlier Flips seems to be resolved. You can drop about $10 to $20 off this price or add accessories by shopping around.
@Luckie_reubs... this Flips works a lot better with iMovie. In my wifes older one, I needed to download video, convert it, and then I could edit in iMovie or FCE. Much cleaner export now.

The batteries are mentioned, but not the battery life... How long does this thing work on the included rechargables and/or new AAs?

I can't see how a camcorder with no image stabilization and no optical zoom can get 4-1/2 mice.

If that is about the perfect camera in the price range (I hate the phrase "price point"), I'm going have to jump to the $400-$600 range, because I can't get no satisfaction from the Flips, the Kodak, the low-end Sanyo and not from the worst camera in this group, the Sony Webbie HD (I had that camera for two days and it was horrible!)

macFanDave said:

If we were talking about a full-sized HD camcorder then I'd agree. But we're not. Pocket camcorders are completely different beasts and ones you have different expectations of. You wouldn't include image stabilization or optical zoom among those expectations.

Chris,
Pocket camcorders may be "completely different beasts", but I still don't get how any product with such mediocre performance rates 4-1/2 mice. I've seen Flip video and it really sucks!

alansky said:

Out of which Flip camcorder? They don't all produce the same results.

The problem is, these things are too damned expensive for what they call for, they advertise basically as a replacement for cell phone cameras, but they are still just as expensive as point and shoot cameras, I'll stick with my phone cam until prices drop on these things. Or until phones start using HD video cameras- that too.

I've seen some very good footage from the Flip UltraHD. I want one but will wait till they include IS.
len

I'm tempted to buy one.. but since I have an iPhone 3GS, it's not really worth it for me until the price comes down a tad.

I'll just stick with my Canon SD 780 IS

For all the image stabilization grippers... hey ever look @ iMovie... there is your image stabilizer. This product does what it is supposed to do. The rating is based on the class, not all camcorders. Is it right for everyone? Definitely not.
The most relevant productivity uses I have seen - workplace when creating mini training videos or trying to quickly capture a process or something. In classrooms, so easy, even a teacher can use it. Have also seen a couple college sports teams and coaches use them to quickly and easily capture video of athletes, so they can debrief and improve the athletes performance.
My wife, carries one in her purse religiously in case she wants to capture video of something when we travel. When she decides to upgrade her iPhone, yup that one will likely be relegated to a classroom.