Flip Video Ultra Series Camera Review

Here’s the perfect solution for those techno-phobic individuals (ahem…like me) who want to easily record and share videos. It also comes in handy if you’re a little clumsy (this is a sturdy gadget) or if little hands will be using the camera as well. On a budget? Even better…it retails for around $130-$180.

The Flip Video Ultra Series Camera is a pocket-size camera (it fits in any handbag and most jacket pockets) that allows you to record with the click of a button. It comes in a 30 minute or 60 minute recording option – but get the 60 as it’s only a bit more.

There is no software needed to share your videos on YouTube, AOL or via email. Simply release the USB arm, plug into your computer and the built-in software walks you through the process.

Specs & Features:

• Dimensions: 4.17 x 2.16 x 1.25 inches
• 1.5 inch diagonal screen size
• Holds 60 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
• One-touch recording and digital zoom
• USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy viewing and sharing.
• Built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, upload to YouTube and AOL, and capture still photos from video
• Use provided plug to watch videos directly on your TV.
• Transflective TFT screen (for bright daylight)
• Resolution: 640 x 480
• Video compression: Pure Digital Video Engine 2.0
• Frame rate: 30 frames per second (constant)
• Video format: Advanced Profile MPEG4 AVI
• Auto turn-off for saving power.
• Operates on 2 AA batteries (Lithium is recommended for longer life, but regular batteries work pretty good too)
• Built-in speaker and wide-range microphone
• Pure Digital DVD processing
• Editing capabilities: Video truncation (set start/end points); compose a new Movie Mix (including 6 movie styles)

System Requirements:

• Supported operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OSX
• Minimum system requirements (Windows): Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz computer with at least 512MB of RAM, Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista, SVGA display monitor (1024 x 768) and video card, Windows Media Player 9.0, Microsoft DirectX 9.0
• Minimum system requirements (Mac OSX): PowerPC G4 1.0 GHz, Intel Core with at least 512 MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.3.9, SVGA display (1024 x 768) monitor and video card, QuickTime 7 or later

Final Thoughts:

This really is a fun camera that can go anywhere. My 5 year old is constantly asking if he can make movies and I feel comfortable allowing him mess around with a bit as it’s durable and the simple features are easy for him to handle.

Learn More: Read more reviews and where to buy

A Video Sample:

Without reading any instructions, here’s a quick video we put together and loaded to YouTube. I hate instructions.