The Small and Ultra Simple Digital Camcorder Really Delivers

The Flip Ultra, the second and better version of the original Flip digital camcorder from Pure Digital hit the market by storm. The Flip Ultra can definitely be dubbed as the "simply perfect" digital camcorder.

Non-Existent Features of the Flip Ultra

Unlike, most digital camcorders, the screen is tiny (1.5 inches) and doesn't swing out for self-portraits. No still shots. There are no settings, menu buttons, no light, no lens cap and no memory card. No optical zoom, only a 2 x digital zoom. The entire unit is pocket size, has three buttons, play, stop and trash. Works with AA batteries (alkalines last about 2 hours and re-chargeables about 5 hours).

No tapes or disks, all footage is downloaded via attached USB plug, which pops out at 90 degrees to the camera body, plug that into the computer and download the footage. The Flip's icon appears on your screen as though it's a disk. When you open it, you find a folder full of video clips, which you can play, copy to your hard drive and burn to DVD and edit in most standard editing programs. You can also use a special cable to plug it into the TV and watch footage.

The Flip Ultra Digital Camcorder Filming Process

Press the red button once to record and once to stop. Press play to review the video and then trash to delete scene. That's it! It is the most simple of digital camcorders that fits anywhere and everywhere, and is light enough for a baby to hold.

Size Does Matter

It's size allows it to go anywhere, and everywhere where a traditional camcorder may not, like a purse, beach bag, or pocket. It's rugged so you can take it skiing, to the playground, while playing a sport and virtually anywhere where you might need to shoot some clips. There is even a acrylic accessory case that allows you to take it underwater!

Digital Video Quality

With all this simplicity and a low retail price of under $150, the Flip Ultra digital camcorder delivers an amazingly good picture quality. It has TV resolution (640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second).

The most amazing feature of  the Flip Ultra is the low-light ability, which trumps even the most expensive of digital camcorders. Not only is the video grain-free, but recorded dim scenes actually look brighter than they looked to the naked eye.