Flip Video UltraHD FVU32120W 8 GB Camcorder - White (Latest Model)

I was quite happy with my 2009 version of the Flip Mino HD for my intended purpose of capturing quick casual videos. I carried it everywhere, like my cell phone, so it was available when no other camcorder was. The best camcorder is the one you have with you.

One day, I planned a trip to a great snorkling spot in the Bahamas. I needed an underwater housing for my Mino, and was disappointed to discover the housing was only available for the new Flip Ultra HD. I was forced to part with my Mino and buy a new Ultra.

The Ultra is larger than the Mino, but offers several advantages to offset it's larger size. Like the Mino, it also shoots in high definition video mode at 720 lines. And it's just as easy to operate. With similar specs, I figured the image would be about the same. Much to my surprise, it was quite a bit better. It has truer more vibrant color, better contrast and is just a little sharper around the edges than the Mino. Low light sensitivity is better, too. Probably due to the newer version rendering engine, because the imaging sensor is the same.

Here are some other truly notable advantages of the Ultra over last year's Mino. It has two hours of shooting time instead of one hour (although this year's Mino does, too). The included battery pack runs 2.5 hours, but it can be removed and replaced with two off-the-shelf AA batteries. If you use lithium AA batteries, you can shoot six hours. Nice for a vacation. The mike is stereo, unlike the mono on the Mino. It also has some real bottom end to it, eliminating the thin sound of the Mino. The viewfinder is larger with more pixels, making it much more useful. Since the Ultra is thicker than the Mino, the lens sits farther back into the body. As a result, the sun shading is much better with less lens flare when shooting into the light. There is an HDMI connector to view HD video directly on an HD TV. You'll need to purchase an HDMI cable. It doesn't come with the Ultra.

If there's a weak link of this camcorder, it's keeping the image steady. There is no image stabilizer. The camera shoots 30 frames per second in progressive mode. The nature of progressive mode tends to make any image look jittery during pans or fast motion. Even though it's bigger than the Mino, you still need to learn to hold this camera rock steady with both hands when you shoot, and must pan very slowly. Careful steady shooting with a progressive camera rewards the user with a film-like effect.

The Ultra also lacks an optical zoom like all the Flips. The digital zoom is nearly useless as it just magnifies the pixel size, losing sharpness as you zoom. Better to shoot wide angle, and zoom in during the editing process. Same effect, but you have more latitude in framing your shot after the fact. The built in USB plug lets you charge the camcorder on any computer as well as transfer the files to the hard drive. Because the USB connector comes out of the side of the body and not from the top like the Mino, it puts less strain on the computer's USB jack.

For it's intended purpose of shooting casual video, it's an excellent camcorder that goes beyond most people's expectations for it's size and price. By learning it's strong and weak points, and with a little practice, a capable user can create some great videos with a Flip Ultra HD. With the underwater housing and a steady hand, the results are documentary worthy.

I loved my first edition FLIP video camera so it was a no-brainer to move up to HD with the digital FLIP UltraHD, 120 minutes. These digital movie cameras are compact enough to fit in a pocket, purse, or day pack without a problem. It is camera that can go almost anywhere to shoot parts of graduation, your kid's birthday party, swimming at the dock, capturing exciting moments at a baseball game, or making a memory of your latest vacation.

The drawbacks are its durability. This camera is not water-proof and I would not take a chance to go mountain climbing with it. The zoom is limited and the small screen makes this product a move down from "excellent" to "good".

I still decided to purchase this camera for ease of filming and just as importantly how it downloads in its digital format. The USB-like arm springs out when a button is pushed. You simply insert this to your storage device and the filming segments are transferred. Did I forget to mention that automatic software is incorporated within the camera? The features of the software are easy to use to organize, edit, and share with friends or family. I believe this type of format with its relatively economic price tag will continue to make FLIP cameras outstanding!

The Ultra HD has always been my favorite because of its size. I think the bigger it is the better control you will have and the less shaky video you will produce. The new Ultra HD is smaller, but not that much. It feels good in your hands. The controls and the screen are in the same place. It is a nice fit in your hand.

I was very shocked at how well the image stabilization worked. If you have used a flip before this one you know that the slightest movement will create shaky video. You can tell that this one has image stabilization. It still can produce shaky video but it might take a big jolt to do it.

The 60 fps was great. It was much clearer video and with the image stabilization it made everything much smoother and clearer in the view finder, even in low light situations. I did check when I got home and the 60fps does import right into Final Cut Pro for editing without any compression. (Probably cause the videos are in MP4 format)

Overall I think this is the best Flip Camera out on the market. I like this one better than the Mino because of the touch screen controls. Sometimes pressing the touch screen controls on the Mino will cause the camera to shake.

I hope this review was helpful. Please feel free to leave comments or questions.

See my comparison of my Flip Cameras below.


Flip Mino HD - Good Microphone (2nd out of all of them), doesn't have as wide as a shooting angle as the Ultra's. Very small in the hand, at times hard to control.

Flip Ultra HD (2nd Gen) - Good Microphone (3rd out of all of them) Wide Angle for shooting, Feels good in the hand, sturdy, wont break if dropped. Double A batteries only last a few hours, rechargeable battery pack has short life span. Unit can get hot when charging - may even shut down.

Flip Slide HD - Poor Microphone (in loud situations) - its omni directional so it picks up all around the Flip not just in the front like the others. (4th out of all of them) Touch controls are better than the Flip Mino, however this has no hard buttons. The Slide does have the largest storage capacity and is second in video quality only to the new Flip Ultra HD.

Flip Ultra HD (3rd Gen Flip Port) - Widest Angle for shooting, feels the best in the hand, has the Best Microphone and currently I believe has the best video quality. This also is the only unit that has the new Flip Port.

I wanted to get into video-blogging, but didn't want to use my mom's video camera for it so, I asked for this one for Christmas.

Pros:
-Shoots good quality videos with amazing audio too.
-Very easy to use, a completely tech newbie could figure this out.
-Simple design, nothing flashy or complicated.
-Great customer service, answered my question within 24 hours.
-Easy to hold, exterior is soft and "grippy" feeling. Also light weight, not bulky.

Cons:
-Lens is exposed; I keep it in the pouch at all times when I'm not using it to keep the lens from getting damaged.
-Power button is too easily pushed; Sometimes I go to pick it up or put it in my bag, it turns itself on. Thankfully, it powers itself off after a minute.
-Battery won't last for the full 120 minutes, must charge after a few uses.
-Mine wouldn't turn on after I disconnected it from the computer, I had to take the battery out and put it back in to make it work. Just hit a button to light up the screen before disconnecting and it's fine.
-The FlipShare editing software isn't very good. It might be if you only wanted to cut some off the beginning or end of the video, but if there's something in the middle of the clip you want to cut, too bad. Windows Movie Maker decreases the video quality considerably, invest in better editing software like Sony Vegas.

All in all, I really love this camera, it's light weight and easy to use. The few cons are easy to overlook (or fix) with all the great things the Flip Ultra HD has to offer.

The Flip UltraHD is part of the PURE Digital Flip line of easy portable camcorders. The Flip lines prides itself in its ease of use, without all the hustle and bustle of extra buttons. It's very simple for every day use, whether you're recording a summer getaway or your crazy, mischievous calico cat.

The Goods
1. Great HD quality camcorder
2. Bigger buttons && video screen compared to the original Flip Ultras
3. HMDI outlet for viewing in a HD television
4. Flip's signature USB (for easy file transfer to your computer)
5. Small size, perfect for pockets or purses.
6. Ability to replace included rechargeable batteries with two regular AA batteries in case of emergency
7. 8 gb built-in flash memory for up to 2 hours worth of video

The Bads
1. No HDMI cable bundle
2. The only way to charge the Flip batteries is inside the camcorder
3. You can't add more memory (you can only use the 8gb of built-in memory)

I'd definitely recommend this camcorder (even with its minor faults), as it is very transportable. And if you ever decide to make a video in a public place, people won't think you're too crazy video taping yourself because it won't be as noticeable with a Flip camera than if you were recording yourself with a full on camcorder.