Pure Digital Flip UltraHD Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on May 12, 2009 4:18 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Sony MHS-CM1 Comparison
Flip MinoHD Comparison Kodak Zi6 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
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.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour

 

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Simple, rugged aesthetic Less sexy than its MinoHD cousin
Color & Noise Performance Very low noise and better color accuracy than MinoHD Isn't great compared to most consumer camcorders
Motion & Sharpness Performance Less artifacting than the competition from Sony; sharper than MinoHD Only records in 30p, so all video has a slower, choppier look; 30p on the Sony ultracompact is smoother 
Low Light Performance Excellent sensitivity—much better than the Sony Webbie HD  Color accuracy is a little worse than the MinoHD and the Kodak
Compression & Media Editing software is incredibly easy to use, Windows- and Mac-compatible Internal memory can't be upgraded or swapped out like memory cards
Manual Controls Lack of manual controls make operation incredibly simple Absolutely no image controls available; no optical zoom
Still Features Nothing of note There aren't any still photo capabilities on the UltraHD
Handling & Use Camcorder is very easy to operate, rugged, and portable  Battery life isn't great and the supplied pack takes a long time to recharge
Playback & Connectivity HDMI cable is a nice perk No thumbnail view in playback; no standard AV port or cables
Audio & Other Features Stereo microphone is an upgrade over the MinoHD No way to adjust audio, no other features



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