You’re probably expecting this to be the part of the review that says, “Mac users are just out of luck.” Well, we’re not! The built-in software does, in fact, include tools for Mac OS X, although some of it is PowerPC-native only (meaning it will run under the slower Rosetta mode on Intel Macs).
This feature is the type of clever idea that may cause you to exclaim, “Why don’t ALL cameras do this?” That’s right – just plug it in and you can load the software from the Flip itself, and this doesn’t cut into your 60 minutes of recording time either. If you’re like me, you may already be frantically searching for the CD (did you check the dongle box?), but there is actually no need the software is stored on the camera itself. The Flip Ultra includes basic video editing software that enables you to truncate or mix your video clips, as well as providing the ability to upload clips to YouTube or AOL Video. These are handy, but considering the otherwise all-in-one design of the device, it seems a little odd that, other than the carrying case, the lens has no other included protection a built-in retracting cap would’ve fit better with the product’s philosophy and improved its overall durability. The Flip Ultra also comes with a wrist strap and carrying pouch. Additionally, you can take the Flip Ultra to participating retailers nationwide and have a DVD made from its contents, although more advanced users will probably find this option to be needlessly expensive and time-consuming. We’re not talking about some proprietary connector that only works with a special dongle that you probably lost a month ago this is a regular USB connector that you can plug directly into your computer, although you can also purchase an extension cable if you would prefer. The right side panel features the Ultra’s two data connectors: One port connects the camera directly to an NTSC television via an included cable, while the other is a snap-out USB 2.0 plug. A compatible tripod is also available separately. Recording is as simple as pressing the large red button on the back, while the other buttons make it equally simple to play back or delete videos you have previously stored.
With a hefty 2 GB of built-in storage, the camera can store up to 60 minutes of footage at a time. Battery life is approximately 2.5 hours with two alkaline batteries. Simply snap in two AA batteries on the front side and slide the power switch on the left side panel, and the Flip Ultra is ready to record in under three seconds, storing AVI video files at 30 frames per second with a resolution of 640 x 480. On the front, you’ll find the fixed-focus lens along with the built-in microphone, while the back side holds the user interface, which includes a 1.5” TFT screen that displays your videos as well as how much recording time you have remaining, a built-in speaker, and eight buttons. Versions are available in black, white, orange, and pink (but not blue, strangely enough). Measuring 4.17” x 2.16” x 1.25” and weighing 4.9 ounces, the Flip Ultra is a small, rectangular unit with an understated appearance. In short, if convenience is one of your highest priorities in a digital video camera, the Ultra is a slick and effective choice. As you might have guessed, the Flip Video Ultra doesn’t offer all the features or quality of a pro-level camera, but it actually comes a lot closer than you might expect.
Recognizing this huge potential market for fast, easy video cameras, Pure Digital Technologies has introduced the Flip camera line, including the new Flip Video Ultra series. Whether it’s because of an incredibly unlikely opportunity, or just the incredibly short attention span demonstrated by many people in the information age, there are a growing number of situations where even an advanced, sophisticated video camera just won’t do you any good if it is too complicated or slow to capture the action. Sensing the opportunity of a lifetime, you pull our your digital camcorder, but by the time you have connected the relevant accessories and configured the settings and focus, Steve has already escaped into his top-secret iTeleporter Shuffle. He’s getting out of his top-secret iCar and strapping on his top-secret iJetPack. Suppose you’re going for a walk one day, and across the street, you happen to spot Steve Jobs. Home -> PDA Reviews -> Flip Video Flip Video Ultra
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