Flip Video Ultra HD

Today we are going to take a look at one of the coolest gadgets around the Flip Video HD, or as it is also known the Flip Ultra HD Camcorder. First of all a little bit of background on what the Flip video is. It's really nothing more than a small handheld camcorder that is extremely simple to use. They have come a long way since their introduction a year or two ago, and now you can get a Flip that records in High Definition and up to 120 minutes of recording time. So let go ahead start our review of this cool high-tech toy.

First thing you'll notice about this Flip is that like the other models it is small, pocket-size to be exact. IT allows you to capture video in HD with a simple one-touch recording button. To make it even more enticing it has one button digital zoom.

A easy to use and dummy-proof interface let's you record up to 120 minutes of HD video on it's 8 GB of built-in internal memory. Look Ma' no tapes.

The Flip also comes with pre-installed software call FlipShare that allows you to quickly and easily edit your videos. You can edit individual clips, and create custom movies with ease. The flip-out USB plug lets you connect to your PC or Mac easily and automatically launches the FlipShare application.

You have two choices when powering your Flip. You can use the rechargeable AA pack that comes with the camcorder, or if that runs out you can insert two standard double A batteries.

You will find a 2-inch color LCD with anti-glare that let's you play back and also delete your videos. Another cool feature is the HDMI connector that let you connect to an HDTV. Very cool indeed. Video is 16:9 wide screen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files.

Pretty impressive so far.

So how does the Flip Ultra HD perform. Well in my opinion it does exactly what it is supposed to do very well. Overall the quality of the videos it captures is excellent although the sound is not of great quality but that is expected in a compact and fairly inexpensive camcorder.

Using the Flip is real easy and should you need to delete any individual clips you will get enough warnings that it should be easy not to screw things up. On the physical side, the Flip HD is bit bigger than some of the other models but that's alright since you are also getting a lot more. We were particularly impressed with the battery life and the 120 minutes of recording time. The LCD screen is a bit difficult to use and see in bright sunlight but that is common with just about any LCD screen.

The FlipShare software is simple to use and loads up fairly quickly on our Dell computer. The software is intuitive and walks you through the process of uploading, editing, and sharing videos.

One word of cautio is to be carful with the flip out USB connector. Though it is built well and solid you still need to use caution when you use it as a bump or accidental hit on the camcorder can twist or damage the usb connector.

The Ultra HD also allows you to connect the camcorder to your TV via HDMI cables. This is something that we totally enjoyed using because the videos look very good on our 56 inch DLP HDTV.

Overall a fairly inexpensive easy to use camcorder. For the price it's provides very good videos, and in HD to boot. Simple user interface let's any non-techie shoot videos, and the Flip Ultra HD software is just as easy to use. We say go get one and have fun.