Description

The Flip UltraHD Camcorder combines Flip Video's signature shoot-and-share simplicity with the power of vivid, vibrant HD video. Power on and press record to start capturing incredible HD video in seconds. When its time to share your video, use the flip-out USB arm to connect to any PC or Mac and launch built-in FlipShare editing and video-sharing software. Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace

Customer Reviews

 A Toy - Sep 02, 2010

Good point and shoot toy
However I am having problems with the battery (not charging - red light blinking while charging). This seems like a common problem. Tried using the solutions offer by Cisco but to no avail
Will buy new batteries - Cisco needs to fix this common problem

 Not that satisfied - had to return. - Aug 31, 2010

I ordered the Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 mins in black for my husband's birthday. We tried it out at a wedding, and viewing the videos on the camcorder was fine, but the screen is a little small. However, once we put them on the computer and viewed them, the videos were really choppy. We could hear everything that was going on, but some of the screens would freeze and a minute later, the screen that it should be at would evenutually come up. So all in all, we really weren't able to watch the recordings except for on the small screen on the camcorder. We tried opening the videos in different programs on my computer as well, but they did the same thing. One other thing I didn't like about this was that you couldn't record in low-lit rooms, unless you just wanted the audio. A light/flash would be helpful. It was a pretty big disappointment. I bought it thinking this would be super easy to use, and to get HD video at this price. I don't know if I just got a bad one, because most of the reviews talk this camcorder up. But I won't be buying another one.

 Great gift for a young kid - Aug 30, 2010

My daughter always likes video cameras. When her 8th birthday came up, she wanted a video camera of her own. Under 150 dollars range for grandparents and pasrents to share the cost, this is the one to get. My daughter loves it. I even borrow it for shootings of the events she was in. Can't find anything easier than this one to use. It is for sure the open the box and start to enjoy kind of gift.

 Do not buy this camera if you want to edit your videos. - Aug 30, 2010

I had an old Flip and loved it. I had a Kodak ZI6 that I liked but it got stolen.
Then I got this thing and it is a nightmare. The battery doesn't want to work right most of the time (which I found out is a common problem)and the worst thing is you cannot edit the videos from this camera in an editing system. The only way is to convert the files which is time consuming and a real headache. It takes all the fun out of this camera.

The video quality in most indoor footage is extremely poor and the software that comes with the camera is useless.

Avoid this camera at all costs.

 Ultra Rugged! - Aug 30, 2010

I got this for fathers day and was unfamiliar with Flip Video Camera's. My first reaction was the lack of options. I really wanted something with image stabilization and higher HD resolution.

After playing with it for a bit I fell in love with the camera. I bought an HD to HDmini connector to view videos directly to my tv and found the quality, while not 1080p, was still very clear and the colors were vibrant. I still wish the device has image stabilization, but the lack of options is a big plus with a 4 year old. It's a snap to pull it out and start shooting on the fly. No worries of menu settings. Just point and shoot. Low light recording is not the best, unfortunately. There is a lot of graininess when shot indoors or when the sun is down outdoors.

Now for the big test!

While on vacation, I had accidentally dropped the Flip camera into a pool. The camera was completely submerged for about 5 seconds. As soon as I got it out of the water, I opened the back and removed the battery. I then took the device carefully apart and with a can of air blew out the water (which, surprisingly, there was very little inside). I then left the camera apart to sit overnight to dry. The next day, I put it back together and turned it on. It fired right up! This happened about 2 weeks ago and it still works great!! Thankfully I know the biggest mistake that someone can make when any electronic device is dropped in water: TURNING IT ON! I had also dropped a cell phone in the pool and was able to save that as well. But the fact that the Flip video barely took on any water internally is amazing!

 Worst Camcorder Ever - Aug 30, 2010

I bougth this camcorder because of the price, portability and the HD feature. The main purpose was to take it everywhere and record all my family's events, specially my daughter's.
I can't be more angry and dissapointed with this camera. From the first day, when I shot a couple of videos, one of them showed a 5 second green screen in the middle of the video. Then I thought it would never happen again, however it's still happening, and even worse, now all videos have a different kind of failure (the latest one is a screen that says "Unplayable Video", and you know what, it was my daughter's fathers day act at school!!!!). It's come to a point where I can't watch videos on the camera anymore, the screen freezes and the only way to restart it is to take the batteries out. I've lost so many family videos, and that lost is worth MUCH MORE than the low price the camera is being offered.

Please, don't waste your money on this item. You will regret it.

 Worst Video Camera!! - Aug 30, 2010

This is the worst video camera ever!! I don't know if its just me or what. I read so many good reviews on this camera and liked how you could video tape something and capture still pictures from it. Which was awesome because it was so hard to try to video tape and take pictures at the same time so this video camera I thought would be perfect. WRONG!! This camera has the worst quality. It always seems so blurry. My pictures never looked good they are all blurry, so much for HD. I tried a tripod and it still didn't fix the problem. So to me this camera sucks!! I haven't even used it 10 times on my computer and now I can't open the software. It says compatible with MAC but I don't think so. The only time the video looks good is when your viewing it on the camera itself, which to me i was hoping it would look good on a dvd and it doesn't.

All in all this video camera is a great idea but needs improving. If you like low quality pictures and video than go ahead and get this camera because it is very portable and fits in anything (especially in a diaper bag).

 The Good and The Bad - Aug 30, 2010

The Flip UltraHD is a decent portable camcorder that features a big red record button, a four-way rocker, and play, delete, and power buttons. Put it in the hands of someone who rarely, if ever, shoots video, show them where the power button is located, and watch them go. It honestly couldn't be easier to use. While the ability to output video to your TV via HDMI is a nice, easy, and welcome addition, the UltraHD doesn't come with an HDMI cable. And if you have an older HD television with RGB connections, you're out of luck. Flip sells an HDMI cable for $25 on its website and considering the average person who buys a Flip camcorder probably isn't all that technologically savvy, that's going to be an unwelcome added expense. Even worse, I picture people buying this thing at Best Buy and getting talked into buying HDMI cables for $30 and up

 Flip Ultra HD - Aug 29, 2010

Five months, hundreds of video, and hours of uploaded footage later, I'm coming back to 'Zon to state my opinions on the Flip UltraHD.

It's a great, casual-friendly camera. It's got all the bells and whistles for someone who wants to hold onto those little moments, those times where you can just reach into your pocket and save the memory. Convenience and reliability is key when it comes to the pocket camcorder market, and the Flip has that in spades. My only complaint with the Flip's portability is that it's relatively large. It's sometimes a tight fit in my pocket. But, I'd rather have the better video quality of the Ultra than the slimness of the Mino. And yes, the video quality is excellent.

Watching the Flip hooked up to an HDMI cable on a 720p TV is a sight to behold. The images are crystal clear, and often, the people I show it to are amazed that such a small camera can pack so much power. The software that comes built-in with the camera starts with a quick install, and it's very simple to use. The software stores your videos into folders separated by months, although of course, you can change that. From there, you can e-mail videos or upload to the internet. Very convenient, quick and easy. For an alternate camera to my prosumer cam, it really works.

Now, why did I give it four stars for such a glowing review? That's because the Flip is very brand-heavy. Sure, the camera itself is a bargain and the USB stick is built in, but a lot of essentials are sold separately. The HDMI cable, for example, is usually packed in with other pocket camcorders, such as the newer Kodak Playsport camera. The mini tripod, while five dollars, also could have been packaged in. The water-proof case is another 35 bucks, whereas the aforementioned Kodak is waterproof from the get-go. The Flip brand itself tries to sell you on all these additional accessories after purchasing the camera, when it all should have been included.

Other than that, the camcorder is great. Excellent software, video quality and portability. If you want a quick camcorder that you can take with you anywhere, definitely get one of these babies. They're great for casual use and also for tech geeks like myself.

 Flip UltraHD - Aug 28, 2010

The Flip UltraHD is a great camcorder. It has many pros, but also has some cons. Overall I would say that the UltraHD is the best flip camera you can get. The Slide is overpriced, the mino doesn't take good video, and the other Flips aren't HD. The UltraHD takes good video (720p, not 1080p), and is simple to use. Here is a List of Pros and Cons

Pros:
-720p video
-Simple, elegant design
-Easy to use
-Great microphone
-5x Digital Zoom
-Easy to transfer video to computer

Cons:
-No 1080p
-30 frames per second video
-Can't take pictures

I would recommend the Flip UltraHD camcorder to anyone. Despite some of its flaws, It's a solid device. I purchased it and have used it for a few months now, and I am very satisfied with it. For those with more needs in a camcorder, I would go with the Sony MHS-PM5 bloggie HD Video Camera (White) NEWEST MODEL. That camcorder doesn't have any of the flaws listed above, but It isn't nearly as easy to use as the Flip cameras. The UltraHD also has an optional underwater case, something exclusive to the Ultra line of Flips. Overall, the Flip Video UltraHD is a great pocket Camcorder. It would be my first choice for someone who frequently takes videos. It will not disappoint.

 The WORST Customer Support! Lousy product & software - Aug 28, 2010

If I could give this a zero or better yet negative stars rating, I would. The Flip is okay as long as you don't have any problems. Beginning about the 5th month, the product began having problems. I contacted customer support on several occasions. They are useless!! Beware and be sure to ask how long they have worked for The Flip and/or Cisco. The rep I had after deleting my channel and videos and who told me it would be okay was SOOOO WRONG!. I figured since he was their IT rep, he knew what he was doing and figured they had a back-up copy of my videos on their servers and he would use this to restore my channel. There was even a warning that what he was about to do would permanently delete all my videos, but he said it would be okay. After he deleted all my videos and found out that he could not restore and that Flip did not keep back-up copies on their server, I asked how long he had worked there. Turns out he had only been an employee for 2 months. Give me a break. So although I used to be a fan, I am no longer. The product is okay as long as you don't have any problems. Needless to say they turned me over to 'DEEP' support in the US which was even more of a nightmare. I again trusted the rep thinking she knew what she was doing, I should never have let her loose on my computer by giving her control. She proceeded to delete the videos from my hard drive. She thought she had made a back-up copy in another folder. She blew that too! Both reps tried to blame me, yet they are the ones who controlled my computer. WHAT A MISTAKE. To date, Cisco and Flip have not called me back or followed up. I have left numerous emails, voicemails, etc and no response. What a loser of a company! They deleted about 80 of my videos that I edited and added music etc. These were videos of my kids volleyball and basketball competition. It's apparent they do not care about the customer.

 Great Little Cam - Aug 28, 2010

I've only had this camera for a week and find it really easy to use and great for taking quick videos of the kids. Nice and portable and fits nicely in a short pocket. I don't use the software much but see how it would be easy to send quick videos to family and friends using the 'Channels' feature. However it doesn't look like they're in HD. I prefer to use windows movie maker for editing and then saving in HD - then upload to Youtube. The drawbacks with the camera are limited zoom (2X)and lack of stability feature. For best results in HD, you have to use a tripod - the little portable one that's sold as an accessory fits the bill nicely. Overall, quite happy with this gadget.

 Flip UltraHD Camcorder - Aug 27, 2010

This is a very easy camera to use, and takes great pictures. The software allows clips to be trimmed or stitched together to make a longer movie, very basic. The image stabilization removes the jitter from my hand-held shots, but is a little annoying with shots of moving objects or people. The zoom allows really nice effects and close-ups of people. I like the easy recharge feature, just leave it in the USB port of your computer after you download the pictures. The red pilot light goes out when the charging is complete. A fine value for the price. A small portable tripod is useful for holding the camera for group shots when you want to join the picture.

 God forbid you need software support - Aug 27, 2010

I have had this product for less than 6 months. It has taken some great pictures, and I have been very satisfied with the basic operation of the camcorder. However, a new version of the software and firmware is now available. My computer refuses to download the new software (error 2738), and I have tried every viable suggestion from Microsoft. The customer service from Flip has been of no help and many times they can't even write a good English sentence. This product has wasted too much of my time. I'd happily pay more to get a more solidly based camcorder.

 We love it! - Aug 26, 2010

We love everything about it. Just wish the lens had a cap. Thanks flip!

 Great little camcorder - Aug 24, 2010

Flip cameras are great for what they are. HD video, simple controls, very portable. I rate this product 9 out of a possible 10. The only con is that the rechargeable batteries take about 3 hours to charge on USB.

 Flop Ultra [when it works, it is fine] - Aug 23, 2010

I got this for Christmas of 2009. My bride bought me an extra battery pack to go with it. It got some use right away and some later in the spring. One day I decided to set it up and record my golf swing and began to experience the Flip battery design flaws. The battery I first used [less than 3 hours of use]wouldn't hold a charge [yeah, I've read all the troubleshooting for this issue] and fully charged AAs would last less than 4 minutes; when I removed the AAs and put a meter on them, they still showed as fully charged. The extra battery pack is faring no better.

For image and software, I give it around a 4, but if you can't use the unit because it has no power, what's the point?

I like having a camcorder with me, so I'll be shopping for a product that is not made by Flip.

 Great gadget, bad software - Aug 23, 2010

The gadget itself is great, the images are of very good quality, too bad there is no zoom and no stabilization but I can put up with that, what I really hate is the software, it is a mess, it is confuse, and it creates lots of folders every time and if we transfer the videos to another PC a big problem will start because it needs all it's folders and subfolders. A real complex thing to travel with, because we can visualise it nicely in the laptop while travelling but then at home it is chaos to see anything in the desktop.
The grip, well, it is not very ergonomic, people tend to put one finger in front of the lens the way it is made.

 Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black) by Flip Video - Aug 21, 2010

Of all things to forget to pack for vacation. I can't believe I forgot to pack a camera! WOW!!!

So, I took a quick trip to the electronics section of a local store and without checking reviews, I purchased a Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie HD Video Camera. The camera looked nice and it was made by Sony. It had to be good, right? Just so you know, I usually spend up to a week online, reviewing and researching items before I find the right one. I don't know about you, but I know that for every item that I purchase, there is one that was made just for me.

Back to the storyline. I took the Sony home and I used it that day and into the evening. When I downloaded the footage, the daytime video was great, but I was not happy with the video taken in the low light of the living room and outside. The video was dark and the camcorder had a hard time focusing on the subjects. I checked online and found the Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 8 GB/120 Minutes of HD footage (Black). I made some phone calls and found a store that had one Flip UltraHD in stock! So, I returned the Sony and purchased the Flip UltraHD Camcorder. I used it that day and that night, just like I did with the Sony. Later, I downloaded the footage to my computer and it looked great, even in the low light of the living room and outside! Granted, this was not designed to take the place of a DSLR, but it can be used to capture some special moments that will outlive the camcorder!

I made a little movie of my father and myself playing horseshoes. I linked all the clips together, picked a sound track from the selections provided in the menu and played it on my parents new 40" HD LCD television. My parents and I laughed as we watched the mini movie. We all commented on the clarity that the HD recording brought out and all were impressed with the UltraHD performance. I also went to the snapshot menu and selected a few frames from the movie footage that I could print as still pictures, just as if taken with my other camera I had left at home.

The thing that really sold me on the Flip UltraHD is the ability to use AA batteries instead of the internal rechargeable battery! That is why this unit is bigger than the rest of the current mini camcorders. For me, there is nothing worse than sitting around a picnic table or campfire with a camcorder in your pocket that has a dead battery and no way to charge it using it's USB connection. Not worries with the UltraHD. Just pop out the rechargeable battery and pop in 2 AA batteries! Depending on the AA batteries, they can be good for a 30 minute video clip. Not bad at all!!

If there were two(2) things I would like to come with the camcorder, it would be a 8" mini HDMI cable and a 3" LCD screen. I can guess the 120 minutes of HD video would drop to 100 minutes, due to the larger screen.

One weekend with the Flip UltraHD camcorder is all it took to convince me that this is one great little movie camera/still camera. I love it. I look forward to the next generation camcorders. Now, when my wife finds out I bought this, she use it and I know that she will love it. Then, I will have to ask her if I can use "her camcorder"! LOL!!!

~M

 Slick, has HD but it's hardly usable... - Aug 20, 2010

I might be expecting too much from this piece of hardware but this is the case when "expect" doesn't match "have". Essentially what you're buying is a device that can capture HD video. Period. It's not a digital camera by no means. Even zoom is not included... I don't count x1.5 as zoom... Not to mention something more advanced.

So if you know all that and still want to buy it - think twice. Video recording capabilities in modern phones are better than in this device.

Cons:
1. Small.
2. Has HD.

Pros:
1. No zoom.
2. Wall charger is not included. But even if you buy one - you won't be able to use wall outlet as it simply falls off.
3. Default USB charger is made the way that camera hangs in the air when you plug it into your laptop.
4. Software is ugly and it crashes from time to time on my Windows XP.
5. Quality of the video in low-lit conditions is wa-a-ay below average.

 Great camera but needs longer battery life - Aug 19, 2010

I love this camera, and I've had mine for over a year now. It takes great video of live music in low light and pretty much everything else that I film with it.

My main complaint is that the battery life is much less than the 2 hour recording limit. I'm talking about the included rechargeable battery pack. It probably lasts around an hour.

The other thing that irks me is that Flip uses their own implementation of the MP4 format. It's not a big deal if you use the included video editing software or just upload to YouTube, but if you use Adobe Premier you're in for a bit of a pain.

 Easy to use, budget friendly HD pocket camera for kids of all ages - Aug 18, 2010

I already knew I would love this camera because both of my children already own their own F130W Flip cameras.

This camera is easy to use, budget friendly, small enough to fit in your pocket with decent picture and sound quality to capture those impromptu family/friend moments without having to lug a camera bag and larger video camera around. This fits in your pocket or pocketbook quite comfortably.

I LOVE that you can use either the included rechargeable batteries or regular rechargeable AA batteries. No need to worry about losing power while filming your memories. I have tons of Energizer rechargeable batteries around so always an easy power source. The included rechargeable batteries are fine, I just like that I can use that until it dies, carry a few rechargeables with me and then recharge the main battery at night while I'm sleeping. Energizer NH15BP-4 Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride AA Battery 4 Pack

No need to break out a manual just to use either the camera or the software. Flipshare software is very simple, even my 7 year old can use it to make his own movies (since he was 5) Camera is easy enough for people of all ages because there are so few buttons and all buttons are easy to figure out.

-Works great with my Macbook Pro.

I will probably look into purchasing a Sima video light to help with low light conditions. Sima SL-20LX Ultra Bright Video Light (Black)

MY TWO COMPLAINTS:
I wish it had an on board battery life indicator.
The included velveteen bag is so snug that you easily get fingerprints on the lens while trying to put it in the bag, even if you are being careful. I will be solving this by purchasing a better quality bag to protect it from scratching in my messenger bag.

8-29-10
EDITED TO ADD: I just got back from a vacation and realized that I could get some pretty great video grab snapshots of some of my more elusive family members....good enough to print out clearly on 8x10 photo printer paper. Super easy to scroll through the video screens for the perfect snapshot grab. I had never tried this before with our older Flip cameras because the resolution on them really isn't good enough for such a large photo but on this HD model it's great!

 Battery overheating - Aug 17, 2010

I bought two of these flips for family members almost a year ago, then my husband bought one for us several months ago. All three have battery overheating issues. Once you connect to the computer (we all have MACs) within 10 min. a display reads "It's really hot. Charging paused" and so it never gets a full charge. I've read of ways to remedy this problem but it doesn't work. I've also read the Flip company doesn't address this widespread problem. Also, it only records in HD when you're not in zoom. If you zoom in on something it goes digital. My money will next be spent on the new iphone w/ HD video.

 All That it is Made Out To Be - Aug 17, 2010

The Flip cam is great. Small, lightweight, durable, longlasting, easy-to-use. The only improvements to ask for at this point are better zoom capabilities and improved low light shooting. I would definately recommend for the family on the go.

 Battery life, lack of indicator and clueless support ruin it. - Aug 17, 2010

cannot for the life of me figure out the good reviews on this camera. I generally always trust Amazon reviews and bought this cam sight unseen for a wedding I was going to. The lack of a battery indicator is just silly to me. Granted it was my fault for not reading the reviews more closely but let me say it again "YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH CHARGE IT HAS"

Unless of course it is hooked to the PC in which case it somewhat shows you but that feature never works anyway. We set up the cam to keep an eye on our dog's behavior while we were out. Even showing a full charge it would never record more than an hour of video. As of using it five or six times it just refused to charge. Calling customer service is a joke and they continually repeat the same fixes and script like you are a child. The battery pack that comes with it sucks, plain and simple. The software also crashes on a brand new system consistently. Overall one of the biggest pieces of junk I have bought in awhile. The whole thing looks and feels like cheap plastic.

Want to know how to reset the camera? Take the battery out of it for 48 hours. Wow. I never have had such a difficult customer service experience with tech support on a known issue. Avoid.