Camcorder News

Pure Digital announced today the release of a second generation of its Ultra series of camcorders. The Ultra, originally released in 2007, has been upgraded and expanded into two versions, a high definition, the Flip UltraHD, and a standard definition, the Flip UltraSD. Both new camcorders are considerably larger than the popular Flip Mino and MinoHD, though a lower price may be enough to make amends. The UltraSD retails for $149 (MSRP) and the UItraHD for $199 (MSRP), while the Minos run for $179 and $229 for the SD and HD models, respectively. The new Flip Ultras are available immediately.

Specific upgrades on the standard definition Flip Ultra are significant. The internal memory has been doubled from 2GB to 4GB. The compression has changed from MPEG-4 AVI to MPEG-4/H.264. Pure Digital also claims that the battery life has doubled to two hours. While testing has not borne this out yet, the power source has changed from regular, store-bought AAs to an included rechargeable battery pack. However, regular AA batteries can still be used if the rechargeable pack is lost or broken, a fact that may make it a more attractive choice than the Flip Mino series, which has a non-removable battery.

The high definition Flip UltraHD is housed in the same body, but offers several internal upgrades from the standard definition version. The internal memory is expanded to 8GB. Of course, the video quality is improved. Recording in MPEG-4/H.264, the bitrate is 9Mbps (versus 4Mbps on the Flip UltraSD), with a 1280 x 720/30P resolution. The Flip UltraHD also includes an HDMI output, a first for any Flip camcorder.

Both the Flip UltraSD and UltraHD feature a 2-inch LCD, up from 1.5 inches on the Flip Mino series. Optical zoom remains absent, but the camcorders have a 2x digital zoom.

The new Flip UltraHD (left in both sets) beside the Flip Mino (right in both sets)

While making small improvements with every new model, the hallmark of the Flip camcorder series continues to be its utter simplicity. The new UltraSD and UltraHD do nothing to change that distinction. The interface is virtually identical to the previous Flips. On the back, there is a 4-way directional pad with a record on/off button in the middle, a Play button, and a Delete button. The iconic flip-out USB arm extends out from the side, as it did on the first generation Flip Ultra. There is still no onscreen menu to contend with, just record and playback functionality. As with the Flip Ultra and the Minos, the new camcorders contain built-in software that loads onto each new computer for editing and upload to YouTube and other video hosting sites.

The Flip UltraHD with the battery cover removed

Camcorderinfo.com has received a copy of the UltraHD, and a review should be expected soon (readers should anticipate similar results to the Flip Mino HD review) Though the UltraHD is larger than the Flip Mino, it does not feel as solid. In fact, it feels as though there's a lot of empty space inside. The size makes it less pocketable, but the cheaper price will likely do the company some good in a down economy.

Flip UltraHD from the back

The Pure Digital Flip UltraSD and UltraHD are available in multiple colors. The UltraSD retails for $149 and the UltraHD for $199. Both are on sale now.