The Flip Video camcorders (now part of Cisco) have been relentless in their focus on simplicity. Pull it out of your pocket, turn it on, and in under 4 seconds its ready to shoot -- just press the big red button in the middle of the back (see earlier post).
Other competing products have lots of useful additional features and options -- photo mode, macro close-up, multiple resolutions, removable storage. But with the Flips there's no extra controls that you can set up wrong, no menu options you can mess up. So just start shooting, with no hassles and no worries.
The new Flip Video line continues the emphasis on ease of use. They've stepped up the frame rate from 30 to 60 fps for fast motion, and added image stabilization, which is helpful with small hand-held devices. And keeping with the Flip philosophy, these are not options, they're just built in.
The Flip line has two basic models, in addition to the SlideHD with slide-out widescreen display (see earlier post). The line is fully HD (1280 x 720) -- The MinoHD models are particularly compact (6/10 inch thin, 4 ounces), and the slightly larger UltraHD models (4 1/2 ounces) offer removable batteries.
The MinoHD models add the 60 fps and stabilization, and are priced at $179 for 1 hour of recording and $229 for two hours.
The UltraHD 1 hour is now only $149, and the 2 hour model is $199, with 60 fps and stabilization.
In lieu of cramming in features to a small device, Flip is expanding the possibilities of third-party accessories with a new Designed for Flip program, and a new FlipPort accessory interface available on the new Ultra 2 hour (as an expansion of the HDMI port).
These start with the Bower Wide Angle Lens and Ikelite Underwater Housing, both for all Flip models. New FlipPort compatible products coming soon include the Blue Microphones Mikey for Flip external mic, a Scosche wireless microphone, iGo Overtime Battery extender and Charge Anywhere power adapter, and a Seagate storage solution.
Flip also has extended its Design Your Own program, so you can customize your Flip for free when ordering from the Flip Video website. You can choose from the artwork in the Design Gallery, use the Pattern Generator for your own creation, or upload your own image.
Check the Flip site to compare the MinoHD and UltraHD models
See my Digital Camcorders Gallery for more on the Flip line and other digital camcorders.
Find the Flip MinoHD and UltraHD on Amazon.com