debaets
California
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Joined: 02/12/2006
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Does anyone have any comments or experience with a Flip UltraHD Camcorder? I like the small size and the fact that it's HD.
Steve & Jeri De Baets
Manhattan Beach, CA.
2004 Dolphin 5342
79 VW Convertible, Triple Black
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kirkj55
Nor Cal
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Joined: 12/22/2005
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You can get reviews on the Amazon website of the flip and other inexpensive pocket cams. I'm leaning towards the Createive Labs Vado HD 8 GB pocket cam (2nd generation)
I'm not a camera guy but this looks good
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dry_fly
Northern Arkansas
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Joined: 03/20/2006
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Great sound, great for close ups to about 8 feet, poor for anything further than that, including landscapes.
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Gdetrailer
PA
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I would suggest skipping the kids toys, the Flip types normally have fixed lense and maybe at best 2x-4x digital zoom.
For just a little more than those flip toys you can buy a REAL HD camcorder that records directly to SD flash memory. HERE is just one example that has 36X OPTICAL zoom and has TWO SD card slots to boot!
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gemsworld
Sunny Southern California
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Joined: 03/08/2009
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Here's another camera similar to the Flip in size and price but much better, in my opinion.
KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
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kirkj55
Nor Cal
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Gdetrailer wrote:I would suggest skipping the kids toys, the Flip types normally have fixed lense and maybe at best 2x-4x digital zoom.
For just a little more than those flip toys you can buy a REAL HD camcorder that records directly to SD flash memory. HERE is just one example that has 36X OPTICAL zoom and has TWO SD card slots to boot!
That looks like a great camera for the money, I don't see anything that indicates it is HD.
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1492
Virginia, USA
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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I've looked at a few models from different manufacturers of low cost HD camcorders under $200., and actually tested one purchased from Walmart at this year's Sundance Film Festival. What I've noticed is that though it is possible to get decent quality HD video from them, they also come with many compromises. Some common deficiencies include a low quality lens, resulting in soft or even distorted image. Higher compression ratios which can produce visible artifacts in motion scenes. Lack of optical stabilization, which is sorely needed since these camcorders tend to be so light, and making it almost impossible not to introduce a shaky image in anything but static shots. Limited optical zoom capabilities, forget digital zoom! Lack of a wide "enough" angle lens. Poor low light capability, with noticeable noise and artifacts. Fixed or limited exposure capabilities, with some camcorders adjusting exposure by varying the shutter rate. Also, limited battery life so having spares is a necessity.
Best quality video could generally only be achieved in brightly lit environments, with soft overcast days being ideal. Sunny days with direct lighting tended to produce harsh, somewhat contrasty scenes, with details in highlights completely washed out. Colors also tended to be over saturated.
To the Flip's credit, it does appear to perform better in low light conditions than most camcorders in its' price category. It also has an ever so slightly higher average data rate at 9MB/S, but still far from the 25MB/S rate considered high quality video for the AVC(h.264) codec in more expensive consumer camcorders.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced portable camera with HD video capability, then you may want to consider a hybrid pocket digital camera instead. The advantage is that these cameras are primarily designed for still photography, so tend to have more features, including a better, sharper lens. The also tend to have better exposure programming, a lens with a wider minimum focal length, along with greater zoom capability.
One you may want to take a look at is the Samsung TL 720, which is a 12.2 MP pocket digital camera with 5X optical zoom. It also has a large 3" LCD display, and has dual image stabilization built in. It's basically the same as the Samsung TL 820, with a few less features, and sells for about the same price as the Flip UltraHD ~$169. Plus, you get the extra benefit of a camera capable of taking much better still photographs, than those generally from cameras primarily designed for video. May be worth a look!
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Gdetrailer wrote:I would suggest skipping the kids toys, the Flip types normally have fixed lense and maybe at best 2x-4x digital zoom.
For just a little more than those flip toys you can buy a REAL HD camcorder that records directly to SD flash memory. HERE is just one example that has 36X OPTICAL zoom and has TWO SD card slots to boot!
Very often, the best camera is the one you have at the time. Although not video, I think the following is analogous. We have both a Cannon Rebel XT, with sophisticated lens, and a Cannon SD1100 IS. We find that we take an equal number of pictures with the cameras. The SD1100 takes far more spontaneous pictures; the Rebel takes many more planned picture opportunities.
Tom
2002 Adventurer 32V - Workhorse chassis
1998 CRV toad - manual transmission
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tomman58
Southeast Michigan
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I have one and it is very good in low light, good with scenery and landscapes. I just love it to do short vids of our trips I normally just put my hand on the outside mirror of the truck and let'r rip. Did some neat pic driving real slow through one of the redwood parks and and other on the coastal roads in Cal and Oregon.
Neat little unit well worth the few bucks it costs.
2008 Silverado D/A,CC 4x4 ,3.73,IBC LTZ+
2008 322FKS Jayco
17.5 Nova Craft canoe (49 lbs.)
2 Trek 1500 mountain bikes
Honda EU2000i
It must be time to go, the suns out and I've got a full tank of diesel and an empty charge card!
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John Wayne
Long Beach, Ca
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Just got one for the daughter in law for Christmas, after advise from a friend who has one. I don't think it was designed to be used for taking wedding videos and travel shows. It's to throw in your purse or coat pocket take videos of kids at park ,or school outings, the hike in the mountains, etc. something quick and easy to use to share on line or via e-mail with friends and family. One button point and shoot no brainer....
We used it rafting the Rouge river and got great shots.
John & Carol
01 31'Sea View single slide, F53 V-10
96 Toyota 4-Runner auto 4x4 (Remco, M&G brake system)
KF6HCH
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