flip video vs ultra: what is the real difference?
155370
From what I have read, the only difference is the zoom ability and a tripod. This is what I read on another website so I really don't have any conclusive information.
1520211
I have Windows XP and half speed DSL because we're in a rural area. With just the Flip software, I can download video to my computer, save it reduced for emailing as an attachment later on my desktop, burn them to dvd, edit them, use the six different Flip programs for making a movie with their effects or use the saved unreduced version on my computer for Windows Moviemaker. I haven't upgraded to the new Flip program because I like the original one, but that's the only unwanted thing that pops up for me each time I plug it in to the computer. I always click on "remind me later" so that I can stay with the original program. I have Windows XP and half speed DSL because we're in a rural area. With just the Flip software, I can download video to my computer, save it reduced for emailing as an attachment later on my desktop, burn them to dvd, edit them, use the six different Flip programs for making a movie with their effects or use the saved unreduced version on my computer for Windows Moviemaker. I haven't upgraded to the new Flip program because I like the original one, but that's the only unwanted thing that pops up for me each time I plug it in to the computer. I always click on "remind me later" so... » Read More I have Windows XP and half speed DSL because we're in a rural area. With just the Flip software, I can download video to my computer, save it reduced for emailing as an attachment later on my desktop, burn them to dvd, edit them, use the six different Flip programs for making a movie with their effects or use the saved unreduced version on my computer for Windows Moviemaker. I haven't upgraded to the new Flip program because I like the original one, but that's the only unwanted thing that pops up for me each time I plug it in to the computer. I always click on "remind me later" so that I can stay with the original program. « Show Less
67831
It is a computer issue - I have had back and forth issues - good playback after reinstall of Flip software and bad after Windows Media updates. Looks like a Computer performance/Codec issue - camera playback via HDMI is fine. HD is higher data bandwidth and could be putting a strain on even a mid range computer like my own.
2073538
As to whether Flip video recorders work with mac, have no fear. Everything works fine on my Mac. Even the FlipShare movie editing software works fine (contrary to early test reports) My only gripe is that the newest update to the FlipShare software doesn't work on my legacy PowerPC chip Macintosh. You must have the newer Intel processor Macintosh to use the latest and greatest Flip software.
2073539
Thx for the update. We now agree the Flip works just fine w/the Mac, and especially iMovie. We made a bunch of quite amateurish uploads on a fun site that shows how this looks. See www.mytripjournal.com/beartrek10Tom
838811
I'm not sure what the differences are between the two. But my experience with the wireless part was it was basically useless. Video was not watchable at 720p or above. However the wireless function was ok for PowerPoint presentations and slides I did not test slides with audio. The picture was good and clear as well as bright. But the video was a deal breaker for us.
1642071
i think it's in the recording time. the flip ultra,( which i have but lens broke and i'm buying a 2nd generation now) holds up to 60 minutes of video and the 2nd. gen. is 4gb and holds up to 120 minutes. there is also a 8gb that holds the same amount of video but has better screen resolution. read the reviews as i've found lots of good info. and will be buying the 4gb one on ebay, where they are much less expensive. i'd opt for the 2nd gen or any newer model as flip is always on the improve. i think i read that the 2nd gen comes with a pause button. hope i've helped.
460354
Just got a Flip Ultra 2 3rd generation. The audio is so loud that it breaks up. I record music videos and my husband records speaking videos and in both recordings I can hear a distortion and almost like a "chatter" behind the audio. Not good.
484463
Thanks for the reply. Apparently, I need a third party QuickTime codec component in order to see video on iPhoto and iMovie. I can see the video and I can save it on the application that came with Flip, but it's the sorriest looking application. I really wanted to do some editing on iMovie. Can you view your video in iPhoto and iMovie or just the Flip application?
90818
The videos will look great burned to DVD. The Flip camcorder's native resolution of 640x480 pixels is well suited to DVD (720×480) so that is not a problem. It may take a few tries to find the best settings for exporting (or Save As) from your video editor.
1213466
I have been able to get video off of both to test. MJPEG is typically cleaner than MPEG4, but it is so inconvenient for video due to the large file sizes. Even the MPEG4 720p files are HUGE and I have about 40GB's worth thus far, so I don't see how on earth anybody could shoot 720p MJPEG as that would equal about 135GB's and I've only been shooting with the HD1a camera since September. 3.4 minutes per gigabyte and Canon's Japan website recommends a card with a 20 MB/s or higher speed for the HD since it is MJPEG. That poses problem for people who purchase slower cards not knowing. After playing with both the HD2 and the TX-1 at recent trade shows, I'm sticking with MPEG4 and upgrading to the HD2 since the low light is significantly improved over the HD1a I have today (visible improvement!). I also was not a fan of the ultra-tiny TX-1 design. There is only room for two fingers below the lens which makes it difficult to hold and shoot with and the camera, being boxy, doesn't sit correctly in my hand. Also the controls are set up for this being a digital still camera and not for it being a "hybrid" like the Sanyo products. I do like the retractable lens, but then there is no option for the wide-angle lens adapter like the HD1a/HD2.
90819
So t17, do you have any advice about how to reasonably & inexpensively get digital videos made on a Flip onto DVD's? LUV LUV LUV the convenience of the Flip, but I was suprised that I can't just burn my videos to a DVD.Called Ritz Camera (at Flip's suggestion since they are 'authorized to create DVD's from the Flip'), and was shocked that I would need to give them the Flip for 10 days plus $29 for the first DVD and $15 for each subsequent copy. Yikes!! So to give my family (some of whom are elderly and don't have web access) 7 DVD copies of the cool little 18 minute movie I edited together from our July 4th party, I would have to spend $120! There's got to be a better way. Any suggestions? So t17, do you have any advice about how to reasonably & inexpensively get digital videos made on a Flip onto DVD's? LUV LUV LUV the convenience of the Flip, but I was suprised that I can't just burn my videos to a DVD.Called Ritz Camera (at Flip's suggestion since they are 'authorized to create DVD's from the Flip'), and was shocked that I would need to give them the Flip for 10 days plus $29 for the first DVD and $15 for each subsequent copy. Yikes!! So to give my family (some of whom are elderly and don't have web access) 7 DVD copies of the cool little 18 minute... » Read More So t17, do you have any advice about how to reasonably & inexpensively get digital videos made on a Flip onto DVD's? LUV LUV LUV the convenience of the Flip, but I was suprised that I can't just burn my videos to a DVD.Called Ritz Camera (at Flip's suggestion since they are 'authorized to create DVD's from the Flip'), and was shocked that I would need to give them the Flip for 10 days plus $29 for the first DVD and $15 for each subsequent copy. Yikes!! So to give my family (some of whom are elderly and don't have web access) 7 DVD copies of the cool little 18 minute movie I edited together from our July 4th party, I would have to spend $120! There's got to be a better way. Any suggestions? « Show Less
1521344
The video technology is also different... you will not see that in the specs though.
691242
I returned my flip ultra 30 minute camcorder because of the inconsistency of the record button. I got another one, and then I had the same problems with the second one. Obvious design flaw.
240579
I guess that's just the drawback of the camera. If you don't have a possibility to download the video from the Flip Cam, you can't record anything new.
57176
Bill,I can vouch for the Flip Ultra that looks good on TV so I would think the HD version looks even better. I was comparing this camcorder with Kodak's new HD Zi6. I think that it can record at 60 frames per second instead of 30. It would be good if anyone has seen a comparison of the two to share on this forum.Mike
1749900
I was at Sam's Club the other day and did a side by side comparison of a 32-in 1080p and 720p playing the exact same programming. I felt I could tell a difference in the HD programming. The 720p had less details in the skin tones than the 1080p.