In January I was searching for the perfect camcorder to use for video blogging. I purchased the Insignia HD Camcorder, tried it out and it was horrible. I returned it the next day and exchanged it for the Flip Ultra.
I purchased the Flip Ultra for $129 at Best Buy. This is $30 more than the Insignia HD Camcorder. It came to the same price overall because I had to purchase a memory card and tripod for the Insignia model. Unlike the Insignia the Flip Ultra has a built in hard drive allowing for up to 60 minutes of video recording. This is perfect for me. I’m only shooting very short family videos and less than 20 minute video blogs.
The ease of use is amazing. The back of the camcorder has four options, record, play, delete and zoom. For someone like myself this is perfect. As you can see in the image, on the side of the camcorder a USB plug opens up for easy plug in to your PC or laptop. Also included is a software which is already installed on the device itself. This is a great feature, because anywhere you go you’ll have the software with you ready to install and use if you choose. Using their software is not mandatory. In fact, I use Windows Movie Maker that comes with most PC’s.
For those of you asking why not buy a web cam, the answer is simple; I like the option of taking it with me. A perfect example of this would be traveling to an out of town seminar or event where I can take my Flip Ultra with me and take some simple footage.
For my use, I am only able to find a couple negatives. The camcorder runs on two double AA batteries. This may not be a negative for some, but for me, I am not able to recharge my batteries. This is an easy enough fix, purchase rechargeable batteries or if you’d prefer for an extra $30 you can get the newer model, the Flip Mino. The Flip Mino is slightly smaller and has built in rechargeable batteries. Another negative would be the zoom. It is terrible so I don’t bother using it.
If HD (high definition) is important for you they do have the Flip Mino HD which is $209. I can certainly see myself upgrading to this version once the price goes down a little bit.
Video is going to be an important part of Google’s search algorithm. Get your camcorder and start shooting some video 
I would have gone for the Flip Mino (non HD) for 159.00 (I own one) which has a recharchable lithium-ion battery that recharges through the USB when plugged into a computer (just like an ipod.
Thanks Chris, I’ve updated my post to reflect the newer model.
Hi Chef. Congratulations on the new camera – I’ve heard good things about the Flip.
Was wondering how the sound quality was? I’m using a Sanyo Xacti which has great video quality and decent audio (but no external mic jack).
I’m very please with audio and visual. All of my video blogs are done using the Flip Ultra. No external jack but what do you expect for $129
We picked up a Kodak Zi6 and like it very much. It has a bigger screen than the other ones we looked at. Other than having to exclusively use batteries, no ac adapter, its a great unit. Make sure you record in HD for better quality footage.
Great blog!
Cheers!
reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/kodak-zi6-black/4505-6500_7-33141798.html
Good blog subject.
Ive been looking for a cam to take video ads for customers on my site but may need to go a bit higher if the zoom is an issue. Is the quality good enuf to part with $$ for a short advertising promo on a business directory? Say 30 – 60secs ad. And if so how large is the file when its uploaded. Does it convert to ‘web’size? great post – thanks Mick.
You can plug it into the computer and upload straight to You Tube. Personally I convert to a .wmv file using Windows Movie Maker (FREE) and upload to Vimeo.
Suggestion, buy it. If you don’t like it take it back, just make sure to check store policies about a 10-15% restocking fee.
Patrick, I will give you a piece of advice.
When you write posts, you should focus on quality. You should focus on your readers, find out what they want to read, write something interesting — and for God’s sake — write just one post that has NO damn affiliate links.
I am under the impression that you’re only writing posts which are suitable for embedding affiliate links. And believe me, people hate the ones who do these things… especially if they mask the URLs. I know that you want to make money, but this is really getting annoying.
Gambler
I’m sorry you do not like affiliate links. I’d hate to lose you as a reader but it is not something I will change. There are dozens and dozens of articles without a single affiliate link on this site.
This article/post is very relevant to what I do. I am constantly getting questions about my videos and the equipment I use to make them. If someone is interested in purchasing a similar product I have provided a link for both convenience and revenue.
Great article Patrick and I don’t know who anyone thinks they are telling you what to write about. How is it annoying ? This blog is not a public service, its a business, I always love these people. What do you do for free in your business life ? The article is very relevant for domainers and bloggers who are not sure which product to use for their video and vlogging.
I have spent a lot of time looking at all the flip products, one thing I read is a lot of people actually like the AA battery on the ULTRA and though the Mino is better a lot said they did not like the rechargeable because if they are out the battery could not be recharged where you can carry extra AA batteries.
Is the sound good ? I hear mixed reviews on the sound quality.
Thanks for backing me up EQ
Very valid point, some people like batteries instead of rechargeable. It is something they can carry extras of and change out as needed.
Sound is great, I have zero complaints about my Flip Ultra.
would you upload the video on youtube? im curious about the quality
The Flip camcorder is probably one of the best splurges I have made in a long time. so easy to use and damn dun to bring out to the club!
I will wait unti the technology improves a bit more. Until then I will use something cheaper.
Cheaper? I couldn’t find anything less than $99-$129.
Well using a normal $30 webcam can work. But the quality is really crap. But you are right about video recording cameras.
Specifically about the sound… when recording family-type videos do find that sudden loud sounds result in distortion? Digital ‘overs’ on these cheaper USB cams translate into VERY ugly audio glitches. Thanks.