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| Brand: Flip Video
Category: Photography
List Price: $149.99
Buy New: $119.00
You Save: $30.99 (21%)
New (22) Used (2) from $110.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  1081 reviews
Sales Rank: 6
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Display Size: 1.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 1.3 x 2.2 x 4.2
nv:Size: 1/4-inch
Movie Resolution: 640 x 480
Memory Included: 2GB Internal
Movie File Format: AVI (MPEG-4)
Digital Zoom: 2X
Focus Mode: Fixed
LCD Monitor: 1.5-inch
LCD Coverage: 100%
Maximum Aperture: f 2.4
Movie Mode: 30 fps
Movie Image Resolution: 640 x 480
Movie Audio: Yes
Computer Interface: USB 2.0 high-speed
Video Out: NTSC Standard
Battery Form Factor: AA
Batteries Included: No
Battery Charger Included: No
Height: 4.17 inches
Width: 2.25 inches
MPN: F260B
Model: F260B
UPC: 092684000438
EAN: 0092684000438
ASIN: B000V1PXMI
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 A Very Disappointing Xmas Gift December 26, 2007
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
I gave the Flip Ultra as a Christmas gift. Out of the box my son had no problem taking videos without instructions. That was a positive since it doesn't really come with much of a guide. Our problems started the day after when he tried to install the self contained software to edit his movies. "Installation Failure" is what he received so we rebooted and tried again, same error. Checked the website and found a firmware update which installed without problems. It didn't help and still received the same error. I tried it with the antivirus and firewall shut down, again same thing. Tried it on my laptop, same thing. Searched Flip's website but its support area is pretty lame and doesn't offer any real trouble shooting advice. Finally tried it on a third computer and It Worked (??) but its not the computer the software needs to be on...so back it goes. Not sure why it worked on one out three computers but the software was one of the selling points for getting it. Even without the installation working I could copy the movies off of it with windows explorer. All my systems run XP sp2 with DirectX 9 and Media Player 10 and more than meet hardware requirements. At the price of many real camcorders this buggy device was a big disappointment made worse by the fact that I gave it as a Xmas gift.
 At Last...the Portable Camcorder for the Impetuous Luddite...Like Me December 26, 2007
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
Long ago, I gave up on any aspiration to be the next groundbreaking underground filmmaker probably because I couldn't be bothered with the onerous weight of a video camera on my shoulder and the prospect of bursitis. The additional complication of converting the videotapes to a format that would work on my PC was almost as daunting for a near-techno-phobe like myself. Now finally comes a pocket-sized camcorder that would have been like manna from heaven all these years. At a reasonable price of about $150 and a size smaller and more portable than most cell phones, the Flip Ultra Series Digital Camcorder is impressive simply for its sheer convenience and ease-of-use.
One of the best aspects of this camera is the built-in software that truly makes it a one-stop recording tool. You don't have to worry about installation discs or memory sticks that I tend to forget with my regular digital camera. On the right side is a USB plug, which folds conveniently into the side of the camera. To release it, you just slide the release lever and the plug pops out ready to connect to your PC. The videos become .AVI files on your computer, which make it easy to view on any standard video-playing software. On the left side is the power switch. You simply flick it once to turn it on to record and then again to power it down.
On the face of the camera is the VGA screen, small at 1.5 inches but genuinely legible for its size. Underneath is the four-way control button. This is where you make all your adjustments when it comes to zooming, volume control and library management. It takes a few tries to get used to the full capabilities of the arrows, but it's impressive once you get the hang of it. What is clear from the outset is the function of the big red record button in the middle. You press it once to record and then press it again to stop. It's as straightforward as it could possibly be.
There is the playback button to the left and a delete (trash can) button to the right which you use once you're in library mode. I have the sixty-minute capacity version with 2GB of built-in memory, which is more than enough to meet my needs to record small-scale events and random moments you just want to have for posterity. For its miniature size, the image is pretty clear and while not state-of-the-art, the resolution is well beyond my expectations. When you see the same video on your PC screen, there is a certain level of graininess evident but not enough to compromise my viewing experience.
The auto-focus - which is a strong part of its appeal - works very well, although I am a bit disappointed that there is no flexibility for zooming beyond 2x. One worrisome aspect is the way the camcorder hangs by the USSB plug when connected to a PC. It just seems precariously mounted and ready to break suspended as it is like that, and the purchase of the Flip AUC1CP1 USB Cables for Flip Camcorders is necessary to minimize the risk. I just think the extension cords should have been part of the original package.
The makers, however, did make a smart decision to have the camcorder powered by two regular AA batteries (which they include in the package) instead of a power pack more intractably built into it. That way you don't have to worry about specific parts you could only get from a dealer. The package also includes a RCA video cable for TV viewing, a wrist strap, a soft carrying case, and of course, the instruction manual - which seems anticlimactic given how intuitive the camcorder is. This one is truly for which all of us luddites have been waiting all these years.
Watch out! You might get a defective one! (More common than you think) December 26, 2007
16 out of 20 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R14EJ6QXLF2QRD This is partially my fault. I read the reviews before I bought this and people have brought up how the program locks up and stuff like that, but the flip people said it was rare. So I figured, if it's rare then it'll be okay. Yeah, no... not really.
I'll start off with the bad... Because, this is how I'm feeling right now.
Yeah, I'm one of those people who got a defective one. I'm beginning to think it's a 50/50 chance. Well, the camcorder isn't defective, it's when you're trying to transfer it onto the computer. It locks up! I'm sure you've heard it already. Well hey, I UPDATED the firmware, and it STILL freezes at "reading videos". But wait, I figured, I didn't need the program and I just wanted the videos. I found the videos in DCIM, BUT THERES NO SOUND!
Well hey, I downloaded a couple sound codecs, and installed the codec that came with the computer (i forgot what it's called.. let's just say I did it all) I deleted all the videos and THEN it finished reading the videos this time with that program. yay! But wait, not fixed yet. Oh yeah, the videos have sound now, BUT ITS 3 MINUTES OFF!! I'm frustrated and really pissed off at this point, but I calmed down a bit and decided to EMAIL the tech support. I told them my situation and all the steps I've already taken.
So I deleted all the videos again and did some new one, and I'm at square one. Reading videos gets stuck at 0% and then freezes again.
Two days later...(well, i don't blame the wait, it was Christmas). Anyway, they emailed me back and all they said for me to do was update the firmware. At this point I'm pretty pissed off. I want this thing fixed! I figured, maybe it's a new firmware. Nope, my flip camera says it's up-to-date.
And so.... I read at the bottom of the email.... It says:
"If you encounter any difficulties, please contact us for assistance via email or by phone at 1-888-222-6689."
Hey! A PHONE NUMBER! If I NEED ASSISTANCE! Tell me if I'm right that it's a help phone number. I mean, when you read that quote, you think it's kind of like a tech support number, right? I thought so, and I'm standing by that.
Anyway, I called the number and waited a while till someone picked up. I briefly told her my situation, and she gave me the biggest attitude any person could give me. She tells me this is actually the customer service number and that I'd have to EMAIL instead to get it fixed. I'm thinking, I ALREADY EMAILED! So far, I've gone nowhere with this! I'm absolutely fuming piss about this thing.. especially with the person I had to deal with on the phone... *sigh* So anyway, I emailed the tech support again.. this time emphasizing in BOLD that I've already updated the firmware. My goodness, I think they don't really read it, and that the automated computer just looks for keywords. Anyway, I was about ready to return the item, but my boyfriend tells me that I should wait till tomorrow for a reply to see what they say. If nothing new, then... return it will go.
Oh, now for the good. Since I did give it one star, there's gotta be something good about it.
The quality is a lot better than expected. I was pretty amazed. I have another camera that works very poorly in unnatural light, but this flip camera can record in dimly lit rooms and make it look lighter than it really is. As for sound, sound is good too. lcd screen is awesome. :)but yeah... that's it.
But anyway, I'm most likely going to be getting the RCA small wonder instead. Expansion slot, cheaper, AND you can move the lcd screen. I hear it's the same quality, so as soon as I get a clear return on this stupid flip, I'll definitely buy that RCA one.
Anyway, here's a little sample video I've made.
Flip Video Camcorder December 26, 2007
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I purchased this camera as a gift for my nephew and he absolutely loves it. His main reason for wanting this particular model was because it is so easy to use. I personally liked that Amazon had the best price and their ordering process is so easy. They are also able to deliver more rapidly than most other companies I have purchased from.
multi age gift!! December 26, 2007
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I purchased four FLIPS, one for myself and 3 for my grandchildren. The kids (ages 6 and 8) loved them and enjoyed several hours of "making movies" on Christmas day. My older grandson (21) also loved it and will be using it to capture some DJ work he is doing. Some of the adults who are not comfortable with "technical gadgets" found it easy to use and cute. Great camera, thanks to Rosie O'Donnell who first let us know about the FLIP on her blog. This was a little advertised holiday gem!!!
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