I bought this particularly to record band rehearsals and performances. I feel I may possibly take it back since it is missing a couple of essential features, despite the fact that it is fairly easy to use and has surprisingly good audio high quality.

When I began searching for a handheld camcorder to record music rehearsals and performances, I speedily narrowed down the field to the Sony Bloggie, the Zoom Q3 and the Zoom Q3 HD since of their listed attributes and the great critiques on these products. The Zoom Q3 was the front runner as far as audio good quality was concerned (according to reviewers) but was not 1080p. The Bloggie was 1080p, but did not have the audio rep of the Zoom. The Zoom Q3 HD had both. I lastly settled on the Sony Bloggie because the Zoom Q3 HD was a small out of my price tag assortment, and because I could uncover it locally and I required it ASAP.

So here’s the evaluation:

The Bloggie came in a slick little box which can also be utilised as a carrying situation for all the paraphernalia (USB cable, carrying cord, manuals.) The device is also really smooth and slick hunting, and feels substantial in your hand. The initial point you require to do ahead of making use of it is plug it in to your pc. Editing computer software will then be downloaded into your pc automatically. (The editor is extremely primitive, but does the work for standard applications.) The instruction manual does not genuinely inform you much— it is one particular thick card, and does not aid significantly at all! You type of have to figure out how the thing works on your personal. Fortunately, it is rather straightforward. Press the red button to record!

The battery came charged out of the box, which was good. It is recharged through the USB, so you do not ever need to have to buy batteries.

I attempted a speedy little vid in my bedroom and uploaded it to my harddrive with no issue. According to the specs, there is an internal flash drive (which can not be upgraded) which allows 2 hours of recording in 1080p. This seemed to me to be a small low for what I would need to have it for (band rehearsals,) but close sufficient. I erased the test vid from the memory, and went off to rehearsal.

Because I didn’t get the optional stand, I sort of balanced the thing in between two books and pressed record. It seemed to be operating fine (it has a constructed-in video screen), so we began rehearsal. About two hrs later on we quit, and I went property, all excited to download the vid and take a listen to what we had performed.

Right after plugging the camera into my laptop and opening the editing software, I picked “import.” A couple of minutes later, the file had finished, and (with great anticipation!) I pressed play to view it. Listening to the video with headphones, I was stunned at the sound top quality for such a tiny camera with no external mike! The video was fairly excellent, too, even though that wasn’t my main concern. The audio top quality was my priority, and the Bloggie seemed to pass that check.

Unfortunately, at that moment, I noticed that the video was only 29 minutes extended! In which the heck was the other hour and a half of rehearsal? I had no notion! Gone into the ether! I by no means touched the camera the moment I set it up, but for some explanation the thing quit recording at 29 minutes! Gah! What a waste!!!! I was sick. I read the (non)manual, but could find practically nothing about this concern.

I also realized that we had played for about 2 and half hours, so even if the camera had worked, I would have missed the last half hour because of the lack of memory.

Soon after I got property I went on line to do some study. At some camera web site with the Bloggie specs and assessment, in the really last footnote at the bottom of the page, it stated “movie recording is restricted to 29 minute segments.”

GAHHH!!!! Really, Sony? Genuinely??? Even though there is nevertheless an hour and half of memory left? Truly???!?!!

So, what that indicates essentially is that if I want to record one of our exhibits, I have to set up the camera, then a half hour later leave the stage to press “record” once more? Then a half hour later, leave the stage Yet again to press record Once again?

Epic fail.

The 2nd difficulty I have with the Bloggie is that there is no way to expand the memory capabilities. With the Zoom you can upgrade your memory to be in a position to record up to 16 hours of video! With the Bloggie, you are stuck with two hours, but in 29 minute segments.

So here is my final summary:

PROS:
Surprisingly excellent audio top quality for such a modest camera.
Good video good quality at 1080p.
Simple to use.

CONS:
Unfathomable 29 minute limit on movies.
Non-expandable memory.
Poor and useless tech manual.

For my requirements, the Bloggie doesn’t quite cut it. Even so, the audio top quality is quite great. Nevertheless, I feel I will be forced to return this gadget.

I am sad…

Read more

The day this arrived, I took it out of the box, charged it, and then learned to use it while documenting my 10 year old son’s fourth grade chorus concert. I ran into my very first snag when I plugged it back into my personal computer to retrieve the photos and movies: it wasn’t displaying up on my desktop. Turns out you have to turn it on, then plug it in, which is in fact sort of a handy way to go about it, because that way, you can plug it in to charge it with no obtaining the drive and linked computer software spring to daily life just on general principle.

I gave the ease of set up and ease of use attributes 5 stars each and every. This camera comes with a quickstart manual, and that is actually all you require. To set up the computer software, you just turn it on, plug it into your personal computer, and let the program walk you through it. The committed software runs a lot quicker – a LOT – than my flip camera’s software runs. I am still figuring out the interface for sharing content material, but I was capable to load to youtube and facebook without having any glitches or hitches. Using the camera is simple. Turn it on. Point, zoom if you want, shoot. Still camera button is on the edge. Video recording button is on the back in the middle of the wheel. You can shoot stills while shooting video (but it may possibly make your video shake a bit at that point ). To turn on the self timer, push the correct arrow button on the wheel.

I gave four stars to the features set. This is a robust, tiny video camera. As noted above, you can shoot stills and video at the identical time, which already can make it much more beneficial to me – a Mom who has fourth grade concerts to document – than my flip ultra hd (which I also like a lot) or my iphone. This is also thinner and lighter than my flip, which indicates I can carry it with me a lot more simply. It does not have a flash, but it’s just fine in indoor light. Good quality suffers in reduced light, but I do not know of any camera without having a flash that can tackle that situation. This a single does better in reduced light than my iPhone and does as nicely as or greater than my flip.

Three stars for sound top quality. It really is thoroughly satisfactory. On playback, I could hear the children singing and make out the words, but the sound was flat and muddy. On the other hand, it did not fuzz out or clip. This helps make the camera well-suited to documenting family members gatherings, video-blogging in spots where there may possibly be background noise but not an overwhelming amount of it, and so on. It is not substantial adequate top quality to use for concerts (it’s also mono, if that matters to you). However, the image quality is significantly greater than the Zoom video-recorder my husband employs to record his gigs. So, this plus a Zoom plus an straightforward movie-making plan to sync video with audio may well be an superb spending budget resolution to posting your band movies on youtube. Unless everybody in your band is ten. Then, just use this for now.

I purchased this exclusively to record band rehearsals and performances. I assume I may take it back simply because it is missing a couple of vital functions, even though it is quite simple to use and has surprisingly good audio high quality.

When I started out seeking for a handheld camcorder to record music rehearsals and performances, I speedily narrowed down the field to the Sony Bloggie, the Zoom Q3 and the Zoom Q3 HD due to the fact of their listed attributes and the wonderful testimonials on these products. The Zoom Q3 was the front runner as far as audio quality was concerned (according to reviewers) but was not 1080p. The Bloggie was 1080p, but didn’t have the audio rep of the Zoom. The Zoom Q3 HD had the two. I eventually settled on the Sony Bloggie simply because the Zoom Q3 HD was a tiny out of my value range, and because I could discover it locally and I necessary it ASAP.

So here’s the evaluation:

The Bloggie came in a slick small box which can also be utilized as a carrying case for all the paraphernalia (USB cable, carrying cord, manuals.) The device is also really smooth and slick seeking, and feels substantial in your hand. The very first point you require to do before employing it is plug it in to your pc. Editing software will then be downloaded into your personal computer immediately. (The editor is quite primitive, but does the task for simple applications.) The instruction manual does not genuinely inform you significantly— it is one thick card, and doesn’t support significantly at all! You type of have to figure out how the factor functions on your personal. Fortunately, it is fairly simple. Press the red button to record!

The battery came charged out of the box, which was nice. It is recharged via the USB, so you do not ever need to purchase batteries.

I attempted a quick small vid in my bedroom and uploaded it to my harddrive with no dilemma. According to the specs, there is an internal flash drive (which can not be upgraded) which makes it possible for two hours of recording in 1080p. This seemed to me to be a little reduced for what I would want it for (band rehearsals,) but close sufficient. I erased the check vid from the memory, and went off to rehearsal.

Considering that I didn’t purchase the optional stand, I sort of balanced the factor in between two books and pressed record. It seemed to be working fine (it has a constructed-in video screen), so we commenced rehearsal. About two hours later we quit, and I went property, all excited to download the vid and take a listen to what we had completed.

Following plugging the camera into my laptop and opening the editing software, I picked “import.” A couple of minutes later on, the file had finished, and (with great anticipation!) I pressed play to view it. Listening to the video with headphones, I was amazed at the sound good quality for this kind of a tiny camera with no external mike! The video was pretty excellent, too, although that wasn’t my principal concern. The audio top quality was my priority, and the Bloggie seemed to pass that check.

Unfortunately, at that moment, I noticed that the video was only 29 minutes lengthy! In which the heck was the other hour and a half of rehearsal? I had no concept! Gone into the ether! I never touched the camera when I set it up, but for some cause the issue quit recording at 29 minutes! Gah! What a waste!!!! I was sick. I study the (non)manual, but could locate practically nothing about this problem.

I also realized that we had played for about 2 and half hrs, so even if the camera had worked, I would have missed the last half hour due to the fact of the lack of memory.

Soon after I got home I went on line to do some investigation. At some camera internet site with the Bloggie specs and review, in the very final footnote at the bottom of the page, it mentioned “movie recording is restricted to 29 minute segments.”

GAHHH!!!! Actually, Sony? Really??? Even although there is still an hour and half of memory left? Actually???!?!!

So, what that indicates basically is that if I want to record one particular of our exhibits, I have to set up the camera, then a half hour later leave the stage to press “record” again? Then a half hour later on, leave the stage Again to press record Again?

Epic fail.

The 2nd problem I have with the Bloggie is that there is no way to broaden the memory capabilities. With the Zoom you can upgrade your memory to be in a position to record up to 16 hours of video! With the Bloggie, you are stuck with two hours, but in 29 minute segments.

So here is my last summary:

PROS:
Surprisingly excellent audio high quality for this kind of a tiny camera.
Very good video top quality at 1080p.
Simple to use.

CONS:
Unfathomable 29 minute limit on movies.
Non-expandable memory.
Poor and useless tech manual.

For my needs, the Bloggie does not really cut it. Even so, the audio good quality is really very good. Nevertheless, I believe I will be forced to return this device.

I’m sad…

Study far more

The day this arrived, I took it out of the box, charged it, and then discovered to use it although documenting my 10 year old son’s fourth grade chorus concert. I ran into my initial snag when I plugged it back into my laptop or computer to retrieve the images and videos: it wasn’t showing up on my desktop. Turns out you have to turn it on, then plug it in, which is in fact kind of a handy way to go about it, because that way, you can plug it in to charge it without obtaining the drive and linked software program spring to existence just on basic principle.

I gave the ease of set up and ease of use attributes 5 stars every. This camera comes with a quickstart guide, and that is really all you require. To set up the computer software, you just turn it on, plug it into your computer, and let the system stroll you through it. The committed software program runs a lot quicker – a LOT – than my flip camera’s software runs. I am still figuring out the interface for sharing subject material, but I was capable to load to youtube and facebook with out any glitches or hitches. Making use of the camera is simple. Turn it on. Point, zoom if you want, shoot. Nonetheless camera button is on the edge. Video recording button is on the back in the middle of the wheel. You can shoot stills although shooting video (but it may possibly make your video shake a bit at that point ). To turn on the self timer, push the appropriate arrow button on the wheel.

I gave four stars to the capabilities set. This is a sturdy, tiny video camera. As noted above, you can shoot stills and video at the exact same time, which already helps make it much more helpful to me – a Mom who has fourth grade concerts to document – than my flip ultra hd (which I also like a lot) or my iphone. This is also thinner and lighter than my flip, which means I can carry it with me a lot more very easily. It does not have a flash, but it’s just fine in indoor light. Good quality suffers in low light, but I don’t know of any camera without a flash that can tackle that problem. This 1 does much better in reduced light than my iPhone and does as properly as or far better than my flip.

3 stars for sound top quality. It is thoroughly sufficient. On playback, I could hear the kids singing and make out the words, but the sound was flat and muddy. On the other hand, it didn’t fuzz out or clip. This can make the camera nicely-suited to documenting family gatherings, video-blogging in spots where there may well be background noise but not an overwhelming amount of it, etc. It really is not higher enough top quality to use for concerts (it is also mono, if that matters to you). However, the image good quality is substantially better than the Zoom video-recorder my husband makes use of to record his gigs. So, this plus a Zoom plus an easy movie-generating system to sync video with audio may well be an superb spending budget solution to posting your band movies on youtube. Unless of course everyone in your band is ten. Then, just use this for now.

The actual “WATERPROOF” (10 feet for up to two hours), “DUST-PROOF” (Mud, Sand, and Dust are no match for the rugged design), and “DROP-PROOF” (can take a five foot fall, and manage the bumps and bruises of day). The PlayFull Waterproof is the go anyplace and everywhere lightweight video camera that fits in your pocket (a bit bigger than a credit card).
You will adore the 720p HD video. Developed in pop-out USB arm (connect to your pc and share video) and one-button ‘Share’, and HDMI port to connect to your HDTV to view your video.
Record up to ten hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card.
4GB Memory Card integrated (Around 20 minutes per 1 GB = one hr. 20 min.).

I love this camera! I just got it yesterday and it only took about an hour to master the set up and charging. I employed the online item manual for far more in depth instructions since what came in the box did not genuinely make clear items all that properly. Every issue about the camera is pretty idiot proof, which means that I could use it straight out of the box with out also much on-line assist. The on the internet guide is effortless to type via as properly and I know this can almost certainly do a lot a lot more than what I program on employing the camera for.

The camera has a good white finish and is easy to wipe off, it is rather light and will easily slip into a pocket. I like the carrying strap provided though it doesn’t make a big style statement in ugly industrial gray. The even now images are amazingly clear and when I figured out the flash element for lighting, I was equally impressed. I didn’t even want the directions to figure that out. It connects straight to your laptop or computer via a dongle or direct USB connection and loads to your preset Windows’ picture file. The USB port is actually cool considering that it just pops out following pushing a button. There are setting to allow you to load straight to You Tube or a selection or other sites, but I haven’t attempted that but but it appears straightforward.

Taking short movie clips is where this camera actually shines and it does truly well both in low light and vivid sunshine. I desired this to capture some canine film and some short interviews and the definition is actually incredible. The sound is in mono but extremely clear and records at the ideal level. I ran the camera and hour and half prior to the battery died. I also didn’t use the light function that a lot because I feel that really drains the battery. Overall, if you are searching to take short movies and a handful of nonetheless photographs, this is a fantastic camera to personal.

The Bloggie itself is a decent adequate little camera for the cost. Neither the video or picture high quality is out-of-this-globe very good, but I actually don’t expect it to be at this value-point. Video is definitely the stronger-suit of the Bloggie. At 720p (1280×720 30fps) the movies can seem really good, though they can also be really dark in reduced-light circumstances (and the constructed-in light does not assist a complete lot, unless you like shadows). The Bloggie also has image stabilization, which is an practically needed function for this type of camera. Movies undoubtedly appear better when they are not shaking all over the place.

As a nonetheless photo camera, the Bloggie isn’t quite as helpful. Still photos have been dark and grainy most of the instances that I’ve utilized it. Low-light makes it worse, I’ve by no means been in a position to get any specifically good images out of it. It is decent sufficient to take some snapshots here and there, but this will not be replacing your devoted nonetheless camera.

The hardware itself feels strong, even though a textured surface may have been a better choice than the smooth, shiny finish. The only portion I don’t feel cozy about is the pop-out USB connector. You will probably want to use a USB extension cable with this (a extremely brief 1 is incorporated with the Bloggie, although if you are plugging it straight into a laptop sitting on a surface, it works, although it requires a very good bit of pull to get it out of the USB port). It is hassle-free, but doesn’t really feel particularly durable.

As for the significantly touted software package that makes making use of your Bloggie simpler, I have to inquire why it really is even required. Was it really so challenging to copy and paste your photographs into folders or to upload them to whatever photo solutions you use? The Bloggie computer software is a bit bloated for what it is and doesn’t perform especially effectively (and wants to update itself as soon as you set up it). I’ve never been a fan of Sony’s software for its Computer peripherals, and the Bloggie software doesn’t adjust that. It does what it is supposed to do, but a lot of its touted functionality are in attributes I will by no means use. I may be an old fogey that does not “get” the new “social media,” but I still don’t want to leave the management and uploading of my photographs and videos up to an application, particularly with Sony’s penchant for modifying and removing features in their software packages.

Overall, I like the camera. It feels strong and takes decent video. The software program is a take-it-or-leave-it affair, and I guess I ought to be thankful that Sony at least left me the option to even now be capable to navigate to the photo and video folders and be able to copy, cut, paste and delete as I see match.

If I am going to commit more than a hundred bucks on an item or someplace all around there, I do in depth research 1st to know I got the ideal bang-for-the-buck and, consequently, dodge any possible future buyer’s remorse.

I’ve realized that the time I spend undertaking my merchandise comparisons is frequently time that other people do not have so I might as effectively share what I can.

I will start by saying that you will see my “Verified Amazon Buy” on the Flip HD Ultra Camcorder assessment since, naturally, that’s the 1 I wound up acquiring and I will share with you why. But what I like in a camcorder may possibly not suit your very own demands so I’ll break it down and let you make a decision what’s best for you by means of what I identified out:

Right here are the pocket camcorders I compared:

Flip UltraHD (will be referred to as “F”)
Flip Mino HD 2nd generation (Will be referred to as “M”)
Inventive Labs Vado HD eight GB 2nd generation (Will be referred to as “CL”)
Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD (Will be referred to as “K”)

Why HD cameras only? Brighter colors and much better pictures, wider images



HD SHOOTING TIME:
F: 120 minutes.
M: 120 minutes
CL:120 minutes
K: 25 minutes with batteries they included, 120 minutes if you purchase an SD card

MEMORY:
F: eight GB
M:eight GB
CL: eight GB
K: internally only 30 MB recording room but it has 32 GB expandable SD/SDHC card slot. Since it comes with this kind of little recording room you genuinely need to get an SD or SDHC card to maximize its likely, but the prospective is really excellent and this will enhance your ability to shoot longer.


RESOLUTION:
All 720p which is superb, just a single step below the best 1080p format.

MICROPHONE:
F: Stereo
M: Mono **Update** They are now placing Stereo Mics in the Minos as of 2010.
CL: Mono
K: Mono

SOUND:
F:Premier AAC audio. Very best stereo sound high quality but nevertheless not great in winds
M:Good sound top quality. Still not great in winds.
CL:Poor sound good quality had issues with sound and picture not staying in sync.
K:Poor sound high quality


ZOOM:
F: 2x
M:2x
CL:2x
K: poor high quality zoom on the a single I attempted but I nonetheless feel it’s 2x. It has a wonderful macro focus for extremely close-up objects if, for instance, you see a bumble bee and want to shoot it on a leaf a number of inches away! Kinda cool.

CAMERA Dimension AND Weight:
F: 4.3×2.2×1.2 4 oz
M: 3.9x2x0.six 3. three oz
CL: three.9x3x0.6 3.5 oz
K: five.5×2.5..9 5.6 oz

SHIPPING Dimension AND Weight:
F: 6.2 x 3.1 x three.1 inches 11.2 ounces
M: 2 x .7 x three.9 inches 1 pound
CL: three.three x 7.9 x six.three inches 11.2 ounces
K: 4x 5x 2.5″ two.four lbs


TECHNICAL Details:
F: USB cable pops out of the back so you never want to maintain up with a separate cable. Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when linked to USB) also supported by common AA batteries. Note: Some sets come with the HDMi mini integrated and other individuals come with the rechargeable battery pack on Amazon. Looks like a single or the other but of course if you require the two you can purchase the other.
M: USB cable pops out of the back on this a single as effectively. Has youngster protected button to avert accidental deletion of videos. Internal lithium ion battery recharges by way of constructed-in USB arm
CL: USB in camcorder. Included in box are HDMI cable (great), USB extension cable,(nice)silicon skin (cool) &amp rechargeable battery.
K: Integrated in box are HD and AV cables and wrist strap and rechargeable batteries and battery charger. Has developed in USB arm.

SPEED:
F: 30 frames per second.
M: 30 frames per 2nd
CL: 30 frames per second
K: alternative of 30 frames per 2nd or 60 frames per 2nd.

VIEWING Screen: All two” except the Kodak was the greatest at 2.4″


Critical NOTES:
F: Ideal reduced-light performance for the mini cameras (although not ideal at all) and least quantity of blurring and dropped frames in my opinion. Ideal color. Only one with stereo sound. You can get an underwater case for this 1! Even though that may possibly sound crazy for a Texan, we use the camera non-cease on vacations and even when we are not IN the water, we are around the water…on boats, in the sand with sea mist, etc. Then we can dive in and record the fish. Comes preloaded with flipshare software package…just plug in to personal computer and it pops up. Only one with stereo sound.
M: Colors never seem as good on the Mino as the other cameras. Thinnest camera. Make sure you get the one that only comes in the color aluminum or brushed metal. If it comes in any other colours it is the 1st generation MinoHD and they improved on that 1 in the newer designs. Excellent audio. Greater shooting in reduced light than most mini cameras…

Study far more

Consumer Video Review Length:: four:45 Mins

This video exhibits you what you get, and how it compares to the Flip MinoHD. Why really should you acquire a single above the other, when they are similarly priced? Exhibits a side-by-side comparison of the video, and a attribute comparison table.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (White)Flip Video Battery Pack for 2nd Generation Ultra &amp UltraHD

I previously owned the Flip MinoHD so this assessment is based mostly on a comparison amongst the Flip MinoHD and the new Flip UltraHD.

Right after reading about the Flip UltraHD’s addition of an HDMI output, greater display, and longer battery existence I made the decision to sell my four month old Flip MinoHD and purchase the Flip UltraHD. Given that the MinoHD is really sleek and diminutive in size, my 1st reaction to the UltraHD was that it was fairly a bit larger and bulkier to hold, and has taken some time to get utilised to. However, unless of course you have used a MinoHD the larger dimension of the UlraHD will probably be less noticeable. I identified the camera controls on the UltraHD to be slightly simpler to operate vs. the touch sensitive buttons on the MinoHD. As far as video quality between the two, I compared two various videos and each are about the identical, however, the colours appear to be slightly a lot more vibrant with the UltraHD.

If you are making an attempt to choose which a single to purchase, if maximum portability is important to you than the MinoHD is the greater selection. Otherwise, if you happen to be looking compact camcorder with more features (HDMI output, replaceable batteries, longer record time) then you can’t go wrong with the UltraHD.

My ultimate wish is for Pure Digital/Cisco to introduce a MinoHD with all of same functionality as the UltraHD. Till then, the UltraHD is the all-close to much better option.

Buyer Video Review Length:: 3:05 Mins

I’ve created a video assessment, employing the Flip Ultra Camcorder, so that you can see the audio/video good quality (Retain in thoughts I had to compress the video a small bit for Amazon), and I also show how to use the camcorder.

In my opinion, this is an outstanding camcorder for a novice, or an individual who just wants an easy to use camcorder that is tiny and compact. I personally don’t want much more than two hrs recording time and it’s amazing not possessing to obtain tapes.

The value is really much less than many digital cameras. I’ve wanted to own a camcorder for a extended time, and the Flip Ultra has lastly met my specifications for: quality, worth, and ease of use.

I have two Flip camcorders – the MinoHD, and the Flip Ultra (this item).

I take into account this a single to be the younger brother to the MinoHD, with decrease video good quality, but also some things I like far better than the HD model. As a result I am giving this 3.5 stars, and right here is why.

Here’s what I like Much better:
one. the bigger viewing screen on the camera – as compared to the HD version, this a single has a a lot much better viewing screen and a a lot better area of vision. the HD version has to be some distance away from what you happen to be filming in order to get a great view, but with the ultra you can be significantly closer to your subject and nevertheless see all around them
2. more room – 120 minutes signifies I can carry this point with me all day and take develop 640×480 video, up to 2 hours worth, and that’s essential if you happen to be out and about (although I want there was a way to put a memory card into it for much more space)
three. The product has a better surface for holding and gripping the camera. The HD version is glossy and slick, where as the Ultra version has a much more matte finish on the case so it’s less difficult to hold.

Here’s what I don’t specially care for:
one. It requires batteries. The HD model is rechargeable, so you just plug it into the USB on your computer and the battery recharges itself. The Flip Ultra requires AA batteries, and even though you surely can use rechargeable batteries, I contemplate this a step backward. (the batteries also add weight)
two. it really is only 640×480 – this is quite considerably bottom finish for video capture these days, especially when most digital cameras are now ready to record in HD dimensions if you are super concerned about presenting your finished video in HD, this item is NOT for you

What is the same?
one. The USB plug is a flip-out in each models, you just press on the release latch and the USB plug flips out – just plug it into your computer and the computer software begins up immediately (note that the ultra version does have the most recent version of the software program which has some additional picture capture and uploading possibilities – you can get this from the web site also)
2. From power on, to ready to go, the two cameras are Quickly. Push the power button, set the date/time (only first time you turn it on) and the camera is prepared to go. Push the record button and you happen to be off. Much faster than a lot of digital cams on the industry.
3. 1 button recording – very same on both, it is a huge red button that you can’t miss.
four. Great sound quality. The mic on the front of the device gets the sound really effectively, with no the need to have for external mic.
5. Tv output cable and plug. If you want to display your video on a Television without having a laptop or computer around, you can use the incorporated audio/video plug to watch your movies (just remember that your battery will run down more quickly)

General I feel this is a wonderful addition to the Flip video line – just contemplate it the far more customer version vs. prosumer (HD level). For the price tag, storage area, and ease of carrying it everywhere, I’m providing it 3.five stars. I eliminated one.5 stars due to the fact of lack of rechargeable characteristics, and it really is slightly heavier than the HD model.

Consumer Video Review Length:: 5:30 Mins

Exhibiting the 2nd generation Flip in action: employing the Flip and what is in the box, some video samples, and a fast movie editing illustration using the Windows version of the Flip software package.

Buyer Video Evaluation Length:: 7:52 Mins

I created a rig to mount a Flip SlideHD, a Flip UltraHD, and a Flip MinoHD (2nd gen) on the exact same tripod, and show the video synchronized, side by side.

This critique demonstrates the new capabilities of the SlideHD, and gets down to the nuts and bolts of specs, video, and price comparisons that may well cause you to pick a single above the other.

The Slide adds a amount of features that make viewing video on the camera itself simpler and a lot more pleasurable.

I have been a Flip camera user given that they released the 1st gen. Flip Mino HD (not the new metallic model). I loved the camera. For what I required it for it was every little thing I desired. However like ever item not everybody is going to really like it one particular hundred %. I did come across a few faults with the my Mino HD.

#1 – I believed the camera was a tiny to tiny and felt quite flimsy in my hand. My hand shaking seemed to be amplified by the really modest flimsy feeling camera in my hand.

#2 – The touch sensitive controls were not that delicate and pressing the controls brought on the camera to shake and jerk.

But for the most part loved the sound and thought the image was wonderful.

Quickly the Flip Ultra HD came out and I had to have it. Promoting points on this camera were more storage area, no touch sensitive controls, and it was bigger and felt considerably more long lasting in the hand. But just like the Mino I did have some complaints.

#1 – The rechargable batteries sucked and when I tried to recharge them my camera kept obtaining hot, triggering it to shut down or cease charging.

#two – The microphone on the camera I believed was not as good as the Mino. Me being a band director I come across that at times it distorts when filming my drumlines and band playing, but it was only on initial loud hits and pops.

Other than that I loved this camera and I use this one most of the time. This one has a wider shot then the Mino. It does not have touch delicate controls generating zooming significantly smoother. The camera is significantly greater and when my hand shakes the camera (video) tends not to.

Not too long ago Cisco came out with the Flip Slide HD and the moment once more I had to have it. I purchased it the day it came out and took it to WGI Planet Percussion Championships in Dayton Ohio for some testing.

At initial I was a little skeptical about the touch screen given that I was not a fan of the Mino HD’s touch sensitive controls. I was not to worried about the size considering that I feel the bigger the size the more manage you have and the much less shaky your footage will be.

I believe this shoots the very best footage of all Flip Cameras. It is crystal clear. I was actual surprised by the touch display. It is not as delicate as I thought it was going to be. Truly it is like if I was making use of my Flip Ultra HD. I really like the feel in the hand. I am not genuine picky about the Slide out screen. I think that it is a excellent notion/feature and employed it a couple of times this previous weekend. The slide bar is a small confusing at initial but you do get the hang of it. Its genuinely not that huge of a deal, but some men and women find this frustrating and give the camera a poor rating. I do not fully grasp that. I adore that they place a headphone jack on the camera. In the past two designs I felt that the video got quite pixelated when the camera was zoomed. I do not see that as significantly with the Flip Slide Hd. The video stays pretty clear when zooming.

I have only one particular matter with the camera. The Flip Slide HD has an omnidirectional microphone which is great (I am rather sure the other individuals use a unidirectional microphone), but it is really sensitive. Being close to my drumline at Planet Championships induced the camera to distort huge time (inaudible at instances). When I moved back away from them it got far better (moved back like 15 – 20 yards). I am hoping that this will get fixed maybe in a firmware update or some thing like this.

I do have to say that I am a small upset with Cisco. I believed the new Flip camera would at least have image stabilization and the so much talked about WiFi capabilities, but no this kind of luck. This even so will not turn me away from my beloved Flip Cameras.

I have used a amount of other HD Cameras this kind of as the Kodak Zi8, and I prefer the Flip.

In my opinion
Flip Mino HD – Ideal Microphone
Flip Ultra HD – Widest Angle for shooting, feels the best in the hand
Flip Slide HD – Best Video High quality

Thanks
Nick


****UPDATE**** (June 7th, 2010)

I have finally gotten close to to uploading some video to youtube that showcases the Flip SlideHD and the Flip Mino HD. (click the youtube video hyperlink at the bottom of this update) You will be in a position to see and hear the distinction in high quality. The initial 4 clips of the video have been shot with the Flip Slide HD. You can see that the microphone is extremely active and I am standing about 10 to 15 feet away when I am video taping. The 5th, 6th, and 7th clips in the video are shot making use of the Flip Mino HD. I switch simply because it began raining and the Mino is my older camera so I genuinely didnt care to considerably about acquiring it wet. The quite last clip of the video is with the Flip slide HD. It stopped raining so I got out the new one particular to do more tests, considering that I only had the camera for about two days. The video was created in Final Cut Studio so there has been…

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This is my first video camera of any kind, and I am totally in really like. I’m a bit technologically challenged, and so was pleasantly stunned to discover that the “set up” of this camera was less complicated than setting the time on my sports watch, and consisted only of scrolling via the date and time. Inside thirty seconds of turning on the camera, I was prepared to begin shooting my very first film clip. Not like the digital point-and-shoot cameras I have owned, the menu and functions on this camera are fully intuitive. In no time at all, I had figured out how to begin, cease, delete, replay, and scroll through my 1st couple of movie clips. I also needed no path to view and maneuver the clips in wide-screen playback mode, and could therefore offer you immediate gratification to my kids, who eagerly awaited the chance to see and hear themselves on film. Transferring the files to my computer was equally self-explanatory: inside of a minute or two of plugging the camera into a USB port, the software package was installed, and I had named, saved, and emailed myself my favored of the movie clips I’d just designed. The image high quality was excellent, even on the complete screen of my personal computer show.

If I had to identify any drawbacks to this camera, I would say that the somewhat limited zoom assortment tends to make close-up shots of moving images (like my children) a bit challenging at first, and that you want a somewhat constant hand to prevent producing bumpy pictures. Nevertheless, soon after only a few practice runs, I identified that I was able to reduce these problems to my satisfaction. General, the ease of use, crisp pictures, and user-friendliness of this camera make it an absolute asset for any number of various contexts. I couldn’t be far more pleased.