Pure Digital Flip UltraHD Camcorder Review

After releasing an HD version of its Flip Mino camcorder late last year, Pure Digital has finally provided the same update to its larger Flip Ultra models. The Flip UltraHD, which features a new video compression engine, 8GB of internal flash memory, an HDMI output, and 720/30p HD video recording, is currently on the market for $199—that's $30 cheaper than the Flip MinoHD if you're taking notes. The camcorder also features the same, easy-to-use uploading software that has made Flip camcorders the favorite of YouTubers and video bloggers alike. With YouTube now firmly supporting HD video, the Flip UltraHD is arriving at just the right time for novice users to catch onto the high definition bandwagon.

Our testing showed the Flip UltraHD offered a significant improvement over the Flip MinoHD when it came to video performance. The UltraHD doesn't have any additional settings or modes—everything is still bare-bones recording—but its auto white balance and exposure gave us better results than previous models. Still, there is some good competition coming out there from Sony in the form of the Webbie HD camcorder (the MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1). Read on to see which of these ultra-compact products is the best fit for your camcorder needs.

Update: The Flip UltraHD was ultimately selected as our 2009 Ultracompact Camcorder of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other 2009 awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.