Flip UltraHD 2010 2 hour user reviews (black)

Pros - 60 frames per second make for very smooth video
- Ability to add backup batteries for emergency power
- Image stabilization (huge improvement over previous Flips)
- Overall feel and ergonomics
- Excellent high-quality lens for low light

Cons - Not as sexy as Flip Mino
- Not waterproof to 10' (without casing, with costs extra)

Summary First, let me explain the 5 stars. This is on a curve. This is not the best camera ever made, and won't compete the quality space with at $500 Canon hand-held or $1500 Nikon SLR w/video. But for highly portable and easy to use cameras of this size, format and sub-$300 price range, it is the overall winner.

I'm not sure what prompted some of the poor user reviews, but the CNET editors got it right on this one: this is a great camera.

My Experience:
I purchased mine as a package deal at a large wholesale warehouse, so it came with a HDMI cable and (cheap) tripod stand. Being a digital video enthusiast, this is one of many video camera I own.

In this format, I like my Kodak's for their focus on additional features, removable media and keeping the cost down. You'll pay more for Flip, but their focus on quality components is the clear distinction, and very evident in the Flip Ultra HD.

The feel and handling is excellent for one-hand operation (something you really appreciate when hiking with gear or escorting kids around Disney World). This controls on the ultra are better than the Flip Mino, and definitely simpler to use than any other brand. The included FlipShare software is great for simple and easy video import/editing (my pre-teen kids use navigate it as well as the XBOX). If using disposable batteries, buy high quality ones, or they will die quickly.

Even though this is a low priced camera, I really enjoyed the quality of the video. I commonly pull Flip footage into sequences mixed with footage from my high-end cameras, and it is hard to tell the difference once edited into and cohesive video presentation.

Lastly, IMO the greatest unsung feature of Flip is the ability to customize with personal screen printing on the camera when you order it off their website. Having an image of your pets, kids, etc. on the camera makes it an unbeatable gift or favorite gadget in addition to its great technical functionality.

Pros This is my third ''Budget camera''and is the best one yet. CNET is correct in its review very good video quality in most lighting conditions,its simple to use good video quality,small compact ok immage stabilisation

Cons usb plug in not level with computer

Summary since I have A camcorder for evey occasion I wanted one that i can keep in my computer case with my computer or in my pocket for quick access. the size is great and the video quality is very good. thier isnt any user functions to mess with is all auto and thats fine with me,I dont need it to take still images I have a camera for that ,and if i see something i want, ill get the still frame off the video. other reviews here blast the product and im not sure why, its a good little camera for the money. U cant have it ALL for 175.00 dollars if u want a hi def cable buy one their anly a few dollars,personally i dont think theirs enough video to fill my 48 in hi def tv so why bother ,its great for my higef lap top,editing softwhere was easy to use and indoor video look good.

Pros unbelievably easy to use, excellent transfer capability. Fast sharing, importing. Never miss a moment type of camera.

Cons no lens cover, no ext. mic jack, AWFUL, AWFUL indoor recording..simply disgusting..I couldn't believe it, I still can't.
The indoor (low light) issue is really my only complaint..anything else is understandable considering the low price of a unit

Summary The Flip Ultra HD is a good camera for well lit areas (extremely well lit).
The user friendliness is top shelf and much appreciated.
I can get past the fact that this unit does not offer a mic jack, headphone jack, hot shoe, etc..that's fine.
What I cannot dismiss is that it's written that the Flip camera records in 60fps, 720 resolution.
Really? Well, I believe that statement when I shoot inside a banquet hall with 7 windows on each side, on a sunny day with an open field in the back yard. I believe it when I'm at the resevoir with a waterfall on a nice autumn day.
But when I shoot footage inside my apartment, at a friends house, at a rock and roll club...FOR-GET-IT!
You might as well hackeysack this camera into the urinal because that's what the footage looks like.
I could not believe how noisy it was. Light diffused after about a foot and a half reads as pixelated white block CHUNKS of TV static across blacks, browns, reds, just about any color the lens sees.
And when I say an RCA camera from 1989 outperforms this Flip Ultra HD times twenty..I am not exaggerating one bit. Old VHS cameras put the Flip to SHAME. Remember Recoton blank video tapes? Well, their recorded content looks like DVD compared to a Flip shooting indoors. I could spend all night making fun of the Flip Ultra HD for it's terrible low light recording but...it's not just poor in low light. In fact, using common sense, I always include light in a shot I take. It just doesn't matter. fLIP BLOWS IT EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Why would I complain, though? What would I expect from a 180 dollar camera?
Well, what would I expect from a 20 dollar used vhs camera on a classified site?
Exactly. It's worse than that.
I will say..if you stand outside or in a ridiculously well lit room, the Flip Ultra HD will knock your socks off, it really will.
It has a decent microphone built in, too.
So there. 3 stars for outstanding outdoor shooting and functionality/interface.
A turkey pot PIE for ANYTHING besides that.
Choose your weapons carefully for what you shoot.

Updated on Feb 18, 2012

I also have to add that even if an indoor location has a thousand and one colored lights, like, at a wedding, do NOT use a Flip Ultra HD. It still sees these colored lights as insignificant and pixelates the living crap out of them. Strictly for sun temp lights aplenty, close, abundant and outdoor shooting ONLY.
Man, how I wish I had read a review like this before I bought the camera. It's actually a little puzzling that no one has mentioned this glaring shortcoming.
Anyway, yeah. Outdoor shooting only or prepare to suck wind with bad footage. Good luck!

Pros i got this cuz wanted verrrry easy. it is very easy to use, and good pictures

Cons I realize now I'm using my phone more than this to make movies, so maybe I didn't need it. but I'll give it to my kids so they can make movies easy!!