The Best Flip Video Camcorder

Benefits:

1. You save time because it's so easy to use the camera to shoot videos. Just turn it on, point and shoot.

2. You save even more time because it's incredibly simple to upload, view, edit and share your videos - - just flip out the USB arm, plug it into your computer and the built-in software shows you what to do. You can even upload directly to YouTube or other video sharing sites.

3. You save money because the price is very reasonable.

4. You have peace of mind knowing that the quality is excellent.

5. Because it's so portable, you can take it with you everywhere so you never miss out on capturing something important on video.

6. And you won't get stressed out trying to figure it all out!

Photo from iStockphoto - I purchased a license.

There are two series of Flip Video Camcorders, each with a standard-resolution model and a high definition model:

The 2nd Generation Ultra Series:

1. The Flip Ultra, 120 Minute
2. The Flip UltraHD, 120 Minute

The Mino Series:

1. The Mino, 60 Minute
2. The MinoHD, 60 Minute
3. The MinoHD, 120 Minute

The Mino 60 Minute and the MinoHD 60 Minute aren't considered here. I'm only looking at the 120 minute versions because they can record more video at a time. That helps because it narrows it down to just three cameras!

What's "2nd Generation"?

Both the Flip Ultra and the Flip UltraHD are the second generation Ultra series. They improve on the first generation with bigger buttons and a larger LCD screen . . . so don't concern yourself with the first generation models.

The Flip Ultra

The Flip Ultra has 4 GB of internal memory and shoots about 2 hours of video. It uses 2 AA alkaline batteries. It's a standard resolution camcorder. Resolution has to do with the number of pixels (dots) used to display an image, or the number of pixels on a monitor or screen. There are less pixels with standard resolution (640x480), so the picture is less crisp or clear. There's a TV output on the side of the camera and a composite video cable for outputting to TV is included.

The Flip UltraHD

The Flip UltraHD has 8 GB of internal memory and shoots about 2 hours of video. It has rechargeable batteries that you can charge right in the camcorder by connecting the camcorder to the USB port on your computer. You can also use 2 AA alkaline batteries if needed. It's a high definition camcorder, which means more pixels than the standard version (1280x720). This means that the image is much more clean and crisp. There's an HDMI output on the side but HDMI cables have to be purchased separately if you want to output your videos to HDTV.

The Flip MinoHD

The UltraHD and the MinoHD are very similar. The MinoHD also has 8 GB of internal memory and shoots 2 hours of video. It has rechargeable batteries. It's HD. However, the MinoHD is lighter and more compact than the UltraHD. It's also more expensive. As well, the video quality of the MinoHD is reported to be lower.

All Three Types

All the Flip cameras have the flip out USB connector and the FlipShare software that make things so simple and easy.

My Conclusion

Unless you really value the smaller size of the MinoHD (for more money), the Flip UltraHD is the best Flip Video Camcorder of the bunch because of the rechargeable battery, higher quality video for a lower price, more memory, improvements over the first generation, plus the usual flip simplicity with the USB arm and the FlipShare software.

I don't see many negatives with the camera. The only issue I've found is that it doesn't work well when you want to record from a distance (it doesn't have external mic capability). I've read that others don't like the mirror trim on the sides. They say it's annoying because it shows fingerprints. Also, some people don't like the fact that you have to hold the camera still for best results.

Note: I've tried to make things easy to understand here. If you'd like the detailed specifications and all the numbers, visit the official Flip site.

Photo from iStockphoto - I purchased a license.

Disclosure: I earn money from the sale of items on this page.