Tech Blog

[#1]

The Flip has landed in Canada with it's full line up of contestants this week and it's an exciting time to grab one of the most user friendly video cameras on the market.

But ... there are choices to be made.

SD or HD?

First let's look at picture quality.  This is a first generation Flip Ultra and a Flip MinoHD held side by side shooting the same scenes.  Now you do have to recognize there's file deterioration in converting to flash for the web, but see if you can get an idea for the difference.

For me, framing an image in HD is difficult.  The Flip is an up close camera, you use it when you're at parties, hiking, playing with the family, on vacation.  It's a spontaneous device and I often found myself not getting the best framed shot when I was using the MinoHD.  Yes, the quality is better, but I appreciate the ability to be able to work with a taller canvas than the SD model provides.

You also have to consider the final product you're trying to create.  Is it just YouTube videos or are you working on a "real" film project?  For me, it's just archiving family vacations and memories, and toddler milestones.

Ultra or Mino?

The Flip MinoHD is great, I love how sleek and slim it is.  I love how you can customize the look of the Mino through the Flip Website (more on that on Sunday).  I love that it charges through USB.

BUT .. the Flip UltraHD, despite being a bit bigger, just offers that extra kick of flexibility with the ability to run on regular AA batteries or rechargeable ones through your USB.  So if you're on the road and the charged batteries die, you're not left high and dry.  Racing that battery monitor on devices is like playing chicken with the E light on your gas tank - sometimes you get caught.  With the ability to switch to plain old AA's from the rechargeable ones, it's like always having a jerry can in your trunk.  The Ultra can do that switch, the Mino can't.

My verdict:  The Flip Ultra 2nd Generation - with the rechargeable battery pack (it's not standard on the SD model).  If you really want the HD quality, then I would recommend the UltraHD over the MinoHD.

catch the buzz ... pass it on 

Message Edited by ElizabethS on 07-27-2009 11:36 PM

Message Edited by Laura on 08-21-2009 11:11 AM

[#2]

Buzz, that's exactly what I was thinking. Though for me it was the larger HD in The Ultra that I like.

[#3]

Now I didnt see the video (no audio while at work at the moment) but what is the SD version of the Flip?

Also why would someone get an HD video cam if they can't view the HD feed it produces? I'm not saying you can't see HD, but people who cannot view HD on a computer or TV.

[#4]

I'm a Big Fan of the Kodak Zi6 - I have had mine for a month now. I enjoy the replaceable battery option and the SD card slot.

[#5]

I'd recommend the Flip camera too if Flip gave me one for free like they did to a bunch of local bloggers. Don't mind my bitterness though.

[#6]

Buzz, thanks for the great review! I've had my eye on the Flip for a while now, waiting for it to be available in Canada. Now I know exactly which one I want

Perfect for capturing memories of a busy lifestyle. Affordable too!

I'll hopefully be getting my hands on a UltraHD this week end.

Apparently available at Future Shop, but I couldn't find any on fs.ca.

Anyone know if they are available yet in store?

[#7]

Still no UltraHD in stores - anybody have any deets on when it's coming?