The Flip Video – Review

Flip Video UK have sent us The Flip for review. The Flip Video is described as a “Shoot and Share Camcorder” on the box, and from the 3 week experience I have had testing it, it lives up to that expectation.

In The Flip Video Box

In the box you get the camcorder, TV connector cable, wrist strap, soft carrying case, two AA batteries and the instructions. Everything you need is in the box and all you need to do is switch it on. You may be wondering where the USB cable is to transfer videos, and you might ask where the software is to install on the PC. The USB connector is actually part of the device which “Flip’s” open when needed. When connecting to a PC or Mac, the software automatically loads from off the camera meaning it can be used anywhere easily.

The Flip

The Flip is extremely simple to use. Once the batteries are inserted you just flick the on switch, push the red button and you are recording. There is nothing to set up and configure. It just works right out of the box. The only options you have while recording is to zoom in and out with the digital zoom feature. To stop recording you just hit the red button again and then you have the option to record again, or watch your recordings. Once you are happy with your recordings, you flip out the USB connector and connect the whole device to your PC. Software is then loaded where you can then browse through, modify and easily upload to popular services such as Youtube by just entering your username and password for the said service.

The Flip Video Specs

* 1.5″ non-reflective display, for the clearest viewing even in bright daylight.
* Next generation video processing
* 2Gb (60 mins) on board recording time
* Excellent low light level recording capabilities
* One touch recording with 2x digital zoom
* Instant on camera play back and delete
* High-speed video sharing from any PC or Mac
* One-click emailing of videos and video greeting cards
* Custom editing of movie mixes, with the option to set them to your own music

UK Launch of the Flip Video

The Flip Video is set to be launched here in the UK on 9th June 2008 at a cost of £99 and it will be available from a bunch of good retailers.

Conclusion

The Flip Video is an excellent device. It’s not the most advanced digital camcorder on the market (it’s probably the most basic), but it does exactly what it needs to. The main purpose of The Flip is to make videos and put them online. There is no faffing around with converting movies to the right side, right format and preparing them to be uploaded. You just point, shoot, connect and upload in a very simple process. If you are out looking to get your self online blogging then I highly recommend this camera.

Product Page

Note: The item reviewed here was a US model. In the UK it will be sold by Flip Video UK.