Flip Video Flip UltraHD

Compression (5.75)

The Pure Digital Flip UltraHD uses the H.264 compression, which is the same system used by the Flip MinoHD. The video files are outputted in the MPEG-4 file format and audio is compressed using AAC audio compression. MPEG-4 files are easily recognizable on both Mac and PC computers and the videos can be dragged and dropped into most editing programs. One update to note: according to Pure Digital’s website, the Flip UltraHD uses a newer version of the Flip Video Engine (v. 3.5) to compress video on the camcorder (the Flip MinoHD used version 3.0).

The Flip UltraHD has no quality settings and all video is recorded in high definition. The camcorder records at 1280 × 720 with a bitrate of 9Mbps and a 30p frame rate. The Sony MHS-CM1, on the other hand, has a few video size options to choose from (topping out at 1440 × 1080), and also records at a 30p frame rate. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of various high definition compression types.

Media (5.71)

The Flip UltraHD offers 8GB of internal flash memory—double the capacity of the Flip MinoHD. This 8GB of internal memory is where all video recorded with the camcorder is stored. There are no memory card slots or any options for removable storage. The 8GB of memory will hold roughly 120 minutes of video on the Flip UltraHD, while the 4GB on the Flip MinoHD is only good for about an hour of footage.

The Sony MHS-CM1 takes a different route than the Flip camcorders, as it records video to removable MemoryStick Pro Duo cards. The Kodak Zi6 also follows this design, except it captures video to SD/SDHC memory cards. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of various media types.

Still Features (0.00)

The Flip UltraHD is not capable of taking any kind of native still photos. There is no still photo mode, nor simultaneous capture during video recording. You also cannot capture still photos while in playback. You can, however, capture a still photo using the Flip’s built-in editing software. It’s very easy to do, but the quality doesn’t come close to what you get with a cheap digital camera, or even most cell phone cams.

Despite several competitors trying to trespass on Pure Digital’s turf, the Flip series has continued to keep things simple by avoiding still functionality. The competition from Sony, Kodak, and RCA all includes the ability to take some kind of low quality still photo. The Sony Webbie HD MHS-CM1 actually captured quite impressive photographs for such a compact camcorder.