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Flip Video Ultra (60 minutes, black)

Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. Part number: F260B

Compare with most popular

$99.99 - $149.99 at 6 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.5 stars Very good
Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 29 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Product series; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: With improved video quality, a slightly trimmer design, and upgraded software package, the Flip Video Ultra is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the emerging low-end digital camcorder category.
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*Total price for the Flip Video Ultra (60 minutes, black) are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.

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CNET editors' review

Flip Video Ultra (60 minutes, black)

price range: $99.99 - $149.99

Reviewed by: David Carnoy
Edited by: Philip Ryan
Reviewed on: 10/02/2007
Released on: 10/16/2007

The good: With its Flip Ultra series, Pure Digital has upgraded the design, video quality, viewing LCD, and software of its lightweight video camera that makes it very easy to capture and share low-resolution video via e-mail and the Web; we also appreciated that there's now one-touch video uploading to YouTube and AOL Video and that the Ultra is compatible with Macs.

The bad: No SD/MMC card expansion slot; don't expect video quality to match that of a MiniDV camcorder's. The Muvee editing features only work with PCs, not Macs.

The bottom line: With improved video quality, a slightly trimmer design, and upgraded software package, the Flip Video Ultra is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the emerging low-end digital camcorder category.

Read full review

At the time of this writing, the best selling camcorder at Amazon.com isn't a model from Sony, Canon, or Panasonic. It happens to be the Flip Video Ultra, the third iteration of Pure Digital Technologies' simple plug-and-play video camera that features a hideaway USB connector and built-in software that makes viewing and sharing your videos incredibly easy. That may be a little surprising to some, but the fact is that cheap sells--the Ultra starts at $149. And when you combine cheap with easy, you can see why the Flip and its RCA relative, the RCA Small Wonder EZ201, are finding success in the marketplace.

The first thing you should know about the Flip Ultra is that it doesn't use tapes but records the video you shoot to the device's internal flash memory. For the Ultra, Pure Digital has doubled the amount of internal memory available from the previous Flip--there are 1GB and 2GB versions. What's noteworthy is that the company hasn't increased the amount of video recording time, which means the video you're shooting (the 1GB version gives you 30 minutes of video recording while the 2GB model gives you 60 minutes) is less compressed and has a higher bit rate that results in better-looking video. Unlike the Small Wonder EZ201, you can't toggle down the video setting to "LP" or "good" quality and double your capacity in the process. But that's not a big deal--we'd prefer to shoot at the best possible setting anyway because the video isn't stellar to begin with.

While there wasn't really a design change between the first and second versions of the Flip Video, Pure Digital has made some significant alterations to differentiate the Ultra from the standard Flip, which remains on sale. The Ultra is about the same thickness as the standard Flip but it's a bit narrower, which makes it a little easier to hold in your hand. It also comes in multiple color themes: white, black, pink, and orange. The battery compartment has been shifted in the new design (the unit is powered by two AA batteries) and a metal threaded mount for tripods has been added. But otherwise the camera has a lot in common with its predecessor and the two weigh in right around 5 ounces.

Like the previous model, there's a 1.5-inch LCD screen on back of the camera, which allows for instant review, so you can delete any undesirable clips right away. Pure Digital has upgraded the LCD with one that offers greater resolution (read: sharper) and is "transflective," which enables you to still see what's on the screen in bright daylight. The unit also has a video output, so you can view clips on any TV with a composite-video input. Like its predecessors, the Ultra ships with a felt protective carrying case--and you'll need to use it because the camera's finish easily scratches if you leave it unprotected next to a set of keys in your pocket.

Currently, there are several inexpensive cameras on the market whose sole purpose is to capture MPEG-4 video, which is more compressed--and, thus, lower in quality--than the MPEG-2 video recorded by MiniDV camcorders. As noted, Pure Digital continues to incrementally improve the video quality with each new model. For the Ultra, the company's moved to what it calls the "Pure Digital Video engine 2.0." In our review of the original Flip, we noted that raw footage seemed slightly sharper and the colors more vibrant--and we'd say the same is true for this model. We were also impressed by its low-light performance. We shot one subject in a poorly lit cubicle at work, yet she appeared well-lit in the video.

One of our biggest gripes with earlier models was that there was an audible clicking sound whenever you press the button to zoom in or out (it's a 2x digital zoom). That's fixed in this model. Still, it's worth noting that you're better off "manually" zooming by simply moving closer--or farther away--from your subject.

One area that Pure Digital has sought to improve is the camera's built-in software. Not much was done for the previous Flip, but this time around Pure Digital's made a couple of key additions. First, it's even easier to get your videos uploaded to YouTube and now AOL Video. Previously, it was a two-step process to upload to YouTube; now it's down to one.

Just as importantly, the company's incorporated some automatic editing software from a company called Muvee, though the Muvee features only work with PCs, not Macs. Before, you had the ability do some limited manual editing and stringing together of clips. But the Muvee software takes the movie-making process to a new level. You simply select the clips you like, click a button, and a few minutes later, the software spits out a movie "mix," complete with transitions and special effects and even some background music (you can also choose to add your own background music).

We'd seen demos of Muvee's full desktop application and have been impressed with its capabilities. It can take fairly boring video and make it seem pretty jazzy--or, better yet, amusing. A handful of movie-mix styles are currently available, some more stylized than others. With its standalone PC software, Muvee offers you the option of buying additional "StyleLabs," but it's unclear at this point whether Pure Digital will include new ones with future software upgrades. It's important to note, however, that owners of earlier Flip Video cameras will be able to download and use the upgraded software package starting in early October.

As we said, one of the key selling points of the Flip Ultra is how easy it is to get videos off the camera and distribute them. To get started, you flip out the USB connector and plug it into the USB port on your Windows PC (Windows 2000/XP or later)--a link to the camera's integrated software quickly pops up. On a Mac (OS X or later), the camera appears as another drive on your desktop, and you must install the software the first time you use it. After that, it operates the same as it would on a Windows PC. You can play back one clip, string several together to make the aforementioned movie mix, pull a single frame (still photo) out of the video, and share your clips with selected viewers via e-mail or the Web. When sharing via e-mail, instead of attaching a large file (even short 20-second clips can result in a 12-13MB file), recipients are sent a link to your compressed video. It looks worse than your raw video footage, but it doesn't look bad.

Aside from the fact that it can take several minutes for your video file to be "processed," sharing a file is very simple. Click on the Share Video button in the software interface and you're taken to a screen that asks you to select a video clip and choose to share it via e-mail, share a greeting (send a private video card), or share it online.

To publish directly to YouTube or AOL Video, you'll need to create an account for each service and log in. But once you do, you can automatically upload your videos to the Web for private or public viewing with a click of a button. If you're allied to some other video-sharing site, a click of a button allows you to prepare the video for uploading--but unlike with YouTube or AOL Video, you'll have to manually upload the processed file from a folder on your desktop.

Truly a technophobe? You do have the option of bringing the camera to any CVS, Rite-Aid, Duane Reade, Longs Drugs, or Ritz/Wolf Camera store and having the folks there make a DVD of your footage for around $13. RCA offers its owner DVD-burning accessory for its Small Wonder EZ201, but Pure Digital currently doesn't.

In the final analysis, the Ultra is a nice step forward for the Flip Video series. We'd still like to see a flip-out LCD and, more importantly, some sort of expansion slot for more memory (RCA's Small Wonder EZ201 offers these features). While Pure Digital maintains that its user surveys show that Flip owners aren't demanding an expansion slot, the fact is that people do take video cameras on extended vacations and don't necessarily have a computer with them to offload their photos. If you shoot videos over a week--or even a few days--60 minutes gets used up quicker than you'd think. But even with those small knocks against the Flip Ultra, its newly upgraded software and superior video quality make the Ultra the current leader in the budget digital camcorder space.

Editor's note: For a full comparison of the standard Flip vs. the Flip Ultra, check out this chart.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 29 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 29

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10 stars

A tremendous value for the price and easy to use!

by rskolin on November 21, 2007

Pros: Easy to set-up, use and download

Cons: Didn't find any yet

Summary: The whole concept of Flip Video is simplicity. Open the box, drop in the included (regular) batteries, shoot, review, download, done! The camera works great!! If you're looking to ...

Read more

Summary: The whole concept of Flip Video is simplicity. Open the box, drop in the included (regular) batteries, shoot, review, download, done! The camera works great!! If you're looking to become the next Spielberg, or you want to film an 8-hour epic that you plan on boring your family and friends with, this camera is NOT for you. But if you want a fun and easy to use device that fits in your pocket, you'll love this. The video quality is very good and makes great videos in a normally lit room, with no need for one of those spotlights that blind the subject. Also simple is downloading. Flip out the USB connector, plug it into your computer and voila! The software begins to download on your computer and you're watching your videos in a matter of minutes. There is no software disk or manual needed. Cables are also included so you can watch them on your TV. Even the product registration is simple. All you do is send an email to the company with your particulars and it's done. No surveys and boxes to click and unclick. I rated this product a "10". I don't see any reason why I would need additional memory, but again, I don't plan on filming the next Hollywood blockbuster.

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5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

A wolf in sheep's clothing

by halleyscomet on July 23, 2008

Pros: Easy to operate -- even my 4 year old niece can film videos, play them back, and delete those she doesn't want; cheap; small.

Cons: Software bugs are devastating....check the blogs on this one. the only way to save videos is to go to a pure digital service provider

Summary: 3 problems, 2 big ones:
1) If you only want to have 60 minutes of video forever, this is for you. However, if you want to download videos and save
...

Read more

Summary: 3 problems, 2 big ones:
1) If you only want to have 60 minutes of video forever, this is for you. However, if you want to download videos and save them, you can't save more than 60 minutes worth. You can "save" them to your desktop, but your camcorder will still show as full. You can delete the files you've saved in the library or delete them in the camcorder, but then they are permanently gone. Really. The intended use is taking vidoes, posting them, then deleting them....hmmmmm. Customer Service is also pretty lame...of course you can't speak with anyone, you only get an email response that is unclear.
2) Software bugs....Now my videos automatically close after 1 second of play time...quick time says it's encountered a problem...this is even with the firmware update. Please don't frustrate yourself and buy this...it's deceptive...it sounds like a great product -- I was one of the first to buy one -- and you will love the videos you shoot, but you may never be able to access them or to shoot more than 60 minutes worth. I don't know about you...but I don't like some souless corporation messing with my videos...
3) Customer support is lame...but what do you expect?

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3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

Very Disappointed- poor customer service!

by michellesal on June 16, 2009

Pros: Easy to take video and play back on the computer.

Cons: Never able to send videos via email. Response from customer services was terrible!!!!!!!!

Summary: The concept is good and I was really excited to receive my Flip as a gift from my parents that live across the country. They were also excited to be ...

Read more

Summary: The concept is good and I was really excited to receive my Flip as a gift from my parents that live across the country. They were also excited to be able to see video of their 1 yr old grandchild. Unfortunately, the device never worked correctly and I was only able to send 2 videos before it broke. I spent an endless amount of time corresponding with the Flip customer service both via email and over the phone. I was asked the same questions over and over again and told on numberous occassions that the problem would need to elevated to their Teir 2 customer service. After 3 months of trying everything they suggested they finally agreed that I should send the Flip back to them and they would replace it. I shipped it back to them (on my dime) and received the same device back in the mail about 2 weeks later. The outcome, it still had the same exact problem it did before it was shipped. I left a not so nice vm with their corporate office but never received a call back from them.
I don't suggest purchasing one of these!

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1 stars

Stopped working

by gram56 on April 28, 2009

Pros: ease of use for a while..(!) convienent .

Cons: Sticky buttons (press hard) camera decided to stop workin 1 day and that was it. Flip tech supp wasn't any help. Aperently I'm not the only victim of this electronic marvel. a comon prob? grainy pic on t.v pixel size best if used on a uter scren.

Summary: Good concept...I 'll try someone elses version to see if they got it right or at least better...

Summary: Good concept...I 'll try someone elses version to see if they got it right or at least better...
3 stars

Not recommended

by GT401 on March 14, 2009

Pros: Simple to operate and relatively inexpensive

Cons: 1. Low resolution video; 2. No removable memory. After 60 minutes you either must download or delete. 3. Lousy software with major bugs.
4. Support is worse than a joke. Endless delay by requests for more information - never any useful response
10 stars

This thing is Fantastic!!!!

by on March 13, 2009

Pros: Great Video
Great Sound
Super Easy to use and install
Editing software is great
Battery life is good
Startup time for quick point and shoot is awesome!

Cons: Unless you have rechargeable batteries I would recommend the Mino which has a rechargeable lithium battery installed.
You should buy the USB extender cable and use that in case the flip arm breaks ? it seems a little fragile.

Summary: I could not be happier with product. I am amazed at the video and sound quality. It is easy to send videos by email and upload to your favorite websites. ...

Read more

Summary: I could not be happier with product. I am amazed at the video and sound quality. It is easy to send videos by email and upload to your favorite websites. I upload to facebook and the quality is excellent. The other great feature is the start up time. 3 seconds and you are shooting film, which is great if you have kids or animals. I watched on my 17" LCD TV and the picture and sound were perfect. I have not watched on my 58" yet and I not expecting the picture to be good. This is perfect if you want to upload to websites to share your movies with friends and family. I would highly recommend you pay the extra few bucks and get this one. Don't buy it if you are expecting HD quality on a big screen.

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1 stars

piece of ----!!!!

by amarinoo on February 25, 2009

Pros: It was very easy for my 12 year old to use when it worked!! It worked great for one whole day!! It's alot of money to pay for something you can only use just once!

Cons: Bad customer service, if you have one that is defected, you have to ship it to the company and wait 4 to 5 weeks

Summary: It was great the first day she used it, however on the second day, it completely shut down. We thought it was the batteries, we went out and bought new ...

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Summary: It was great the first day she used it, however on the second day, it completely shut down. We thought it was the batteries, we went out and bought new rechargeable batteries and that wasn't the cause. We just happened to buy one that is a defect!! It's nice to know that we weren't the only ones who bought one that is defective. My daughter had saved up all of her allowance and went with the Flip b/c of the Media and advertisements. She wishes she went with a lesser known and cheaper camera. We have never been so dissatisfied with a product and for the campany to not back up their product is unnacceptable!

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1 stars

Good when it works

by mikecrunch on February 10, 2009

Pros: When it works it's good.

Cons: There is a known defect with the product in which it just stops working - see forums on the web. The company kept blowing me off - saying they would call me back when I called support but they never did.

Summary: If you get a defective one, you're screwed. This company believes that saving the money on one unit isn't worth the bad pr of just ignoring problems.

Summary: If you get a defective one, you're screwed. This company believes that saving the money on one unit isn't worth the bad pr of just ignoring problems.
7 stars

good camera bad software

by redbecca77 on January 31, 2009

Pros: Easy to use, good quality images, can capture still photo off video, durable - can carry it in a pocket like a cell phone.

Cons: The software is set up so that you can only import videos from your camera, and if you store them on an external drive the flipshare program can't find them. Once you've moved them, you'll have to use another program to edit.

Summary: good camera, but storage and editing problems persist even with the updated software. In this day and age when everyone stores on external drives, they ought to have an import ...

Read more

Summary: good camera, but storage and editing problems persist even with the updated software. In this day and age when everyone stores on external drives, they ought to have an import feature that allows you to import from other drives. Even windows movie-maker is better in this regard.

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9 stars

A great simple but effective video camcorder

by Far310 on January 2, 2009

Pros: small easy simple to use. relativley inexpensive. decent quality video. can use AA batteries

Cons: optical zoom. Too much like a 'toy'. arm band could snap off. clickable buttons as opposed to touch screen.

Summary: Overall simple pocket video camera good for people on the go or people with hobbies of vloging or short film productions.

My video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...

Read more

Summary: Overall simple pocket video camera good for people on the go or people with hobbies of vloging or short film productions.

My video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wa49Q7Q79Q

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Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 29

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
Part number: F260B
Description: Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra Series is the next-generation line of highly compact digital camcorders to make it easier than ever for on-the-go consumers to shoot and share high-quality video. Slim-sized to fit neatly into any pocket, the Flip Video Ultra Series provides unmatched portability and simplicity for capturing, editing and sharing video - anytime, anywhere. The Flip Video Ultra Series is the newest member in Pure Digital's popular Flip Video family of digital camcorders, the world's first camcorders with on-board software to enable editing, organizing, and seamless video uploading to AOL, YouTube and other video sharing sites. Flip Video Ultra showcases Pure Digital's next-generation video processing technology, which delivers stunning video and sound quality, even when played on large-screen TVs. The Ultra Series continues Pure Digital's pioneering of a new category of camcorder that puts the power to instantly capture, edit and share video in the pocket of everyday consumers. The Flip Video Ultra Series incorporates a wide range of advanced new features, including a 1.5 inch transflective, no-glare display screen for clear viewing in even the brightest sunlight, next-generation video processing, and increased on-board memory.

General
Product Type Camcorder
Enclosure Color Black
Digital Zoom 2 x
Effective Sensor Resolution 5.6 megapixels
Optical Sensor Size 1/4 in
Optical Sensor Type CMOS
Analog Video Format NTSC
Digital Video Format MPEG-4, AVI
White Balance Automatic
Main Features
Color Support Color
TV Tuner None
Video Capture - 3600 sec
Memory / Storage
Flash Memory 2 GB Flash - Integrated (soldered memory - 2 GB )
Floppy Drive None
Media Type Flash card
Lens System
Type Lens - F/2.4
Lens Aperture F/2.4
Lens system type Lens
Focus Adjustment Automatic
Min Focus Range 0.8 in
Zoom Adjustment Automatic
Additional Features
Additional Features Built-in speaker, Tripod mountable, In-camera movie editing
Software Drivers & Utilities
Included Accessories Carrying pouch, Wrist strap, Video out cable
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type None
Display
Type LCD display - LCD passive matrix - 1.5 in - Color
Microphone
Type Microphone - Built-in

Connections
Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output
Audio Input
Audio input type Microphone
Microphone type Built-in
Miscellaneous
Cables Included 1, 1 x A/V cable
Power
Power Device None
Battery type - Alkaline
Battery
Supported Battery AA
Viewfinder / Display
Display Form Factor Built-in
Physical Characteristics
Width 2.2 in
Depth 1.3 in
Height 4.2 in

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Flip Video Ultra (60 minutes, black)

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Specifications

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Main Features

Memory / Storage

Lens System

Additional Features

Viewfinder

Display

Microphone

Connections

Audio Input

Miscellaneous

Power

Battery

Viewfinder / Display

Physical Characteristics

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