Two camcorders to 'flip' for

By Kelly Kass



As a professional video producer, I initially turned up my nose to the compact little cameras.  At $130.00, how good could they really be? In New York City, that price can barely get you dinner for two at a halfway decent restaurant. I couldn’t imagine that the video quality would be worth writing home about.

In spite of my New York cynicism, I purchased the Flip Ultra camcorder off of Amazon.com one evening while sitting in my pajamas. “Sure beats an exhausting trip to B&H,” I thought.  (Note: the price of the camera has since dropped to $99.00).

In just 2 days, my Flip camcorder arrived. I loaded the required AA batteries (included in the box) and it was now time to test it out.

As I transported my quaint little camera around town, I suddenly gave a whole new meaning to the term “flipping people off”. Weighing a mere 2.1 pounds with the favorable dimensions of 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches, the camera fit easily into my purse and took up less room than my make-up!

Ready, set, shoot!

Okay, so the Flip Ultra is more travel-friendly than the traditional video cameras I’m used to. But how does it perform? The answer: it’s so simple to operate that even a child could do it.

Why? Because there are only 3 buttons to push: A red button to record (and stop) your video, another button to play back the footage, and a third one to delete any unwanted videos (especially when you begin to run out of space – Flip cameras generally only store 1 hour of video). Users can also scroll through their videos on the camera and can zoom in and out when recording their footage.

While you couldn’t ask for a more convenient device, readers take note: stopping your video can sometimes be a bit more difficult than recording it. On two different occasions, I’ve had to press down rather hard on the red button, resulting in a few extra seconds of unwanted footage being recorded.

But not to fret – with the easy editing program installed in the Flip cameras, getting rid of unwanted footage is a snap, which brings me to…

Loading and editing video

Flip camcorders come equipped with a handy latch and USB arm that flips up automatically when you’re ready to transfer your footage onto your computer.

When transferring the videos, the Flip program opens automatically and users are asked to choose the version they require (PC vs. Mac). The installation is quick and easy with helpful instructions to guide even the least tech-savvy person.

Videos are arranged by number, with options that include playing, naming and editing your videos. Dates and running times are also provided for each, and users have the ability to create stills from their videos.

To edit a video, the process couldn’t be easier.  Users can simply scroll through the footage and can “start” or “end” at the desired in and out points.  Create a folder and save the video and you’re pretty much good to go.

When it comes to creating video files for uploading to the Web, Flip users must choose the option titled “Public Online Sharing” and select the videos they wish to upload. AOL Video, YouTube and myspacetv are three sites that are recommended; however, users may also click on “Other Websites” if they wish to upload to blip.tv or other video sites.

Before being saved in a folder on your desktop entitled “Flip Videos for Uploading”, the program automatically converts the .wmv or QuickTime files into a more compact size (which is ideal if you plan to email them to someone).  Flip users also have the option to email files directly from the program, and can also make a movie with the files (which basically just consists of the videos being strung together with a bit of black in between). I found the latter to be a bit confusing, as there does not seem to be a way to properly retrieve or send the completed movie.

What about titles?

Well, there are none. Unlike programs like iMovie and Windows Movie Maker, the Flip program does not offer the option of creating titles or credits. While that’s truly a bit lame, there are ways around it. I’ve spoken with internal communications managers who identify interviewees within the context of the accompanying article on their intranet. Another option (which you’ll see in the Flip video I shot below) is to have your subjects verbally identify themselves on camera.

In addition to titles, the ability to add music or voice-over narration is also nil, but then again, you get what you pay for with the budget-friendly Flip program.

Still, in these difficult economic times where companies are looking to save a buck, investing in a Flip camera really isn’t a bad idea. In fact, it’s a very good idea. For employees who are video newbies (or not), the user-friendliness of the camcorders make them a valuable asset when it comes to capturing basic talking-head sound bites around the company.

When it comes to informational clips and communicating corporate messages, you really don’t need all the glitz and hot lights that traditional video production offers. You just need ample audio, (which is surprisingly decent on the Flip cameras), sufficient lighting (which you can get in a brightly-lit office) and of course, a steady shooting hand…though believe it or not, there are mini tripods that can attach to the Flip camcorders. I highly suggest saving your money and investing trust in your hand-held skills instead.

So what’s my final verdict?

If you’re looking for easy to manage, down and dirty video then the Flip Ultra camcorder is for you. Its affordable price makes it possible to distribute to multiple employees (which many companies are currently doing). Creating amateur Steven Spielbergs can really shake up your internal communication programs and give employees something to be excited about, rather than the traditional channels they’ve been used to for so long.

Dan, over to you…

Flip MinoHD

Okay, so I was trying the Flip MinoHD, which is the premium latest and greatest version of the handset (currently retailing for just under $200 online) that offers high definition recording, doesn’t need batteries and is a bit smaller and generally sleeker.

I’ll be honest with you, I’m a complete novice when it comes to shooting video, but as soon as I got it out the box I was happily shooting anything and everything. It’s so small I’ve taken to carrying it around with me in case I want to film any celebrities I spot in London!

You’ll see from my video that the quality is great. One thing that I haven’t quite mastered is having a steady arm when shooting – because it’s so light, it’s easy to start waving it around, which can make you feel sick when watching it back!

I can see why so many organisations are experimenting with the Flip – it’s a cinch to shoot content and upload it. I guess what internal communicators in organisations need to work out is the type of communication and stories this format is best suited to and how to incorporate video into communications without overloading an already creaking intranet with hundreds of Bobs from accounts’ “Top tips on how to make office stationery last that little bit longer”!

-Daniel Penton

The Shoot Out

So what's the difference between the two cameras in terms of definition? Well judge for yourself. Here is the New York Times shot by Kelly on the Ultra:

And here is The London Metro (Dan had to use a freesheet since he'd spent all the simply budget on the more expensive MinoHD):

Click on the full screen option and freeze the frame over the newspaper text and we reckon the MinoHD has the edge in resolution.