Much has been said about the super-handy Flip digital video cameras. These well-designed, inexpensive cams have gotten plenty of favorable reviews.
But the question is whether they’re worth having when the iPod gets video capability.
The Flip model we tested is ripe for iPod comparison: the 8G UltraHD records two hours of video and is slightly cheaper than an 8G iPod Touch, with a price tag of $199. It shoots 720p (1,280×720) high-definition video.
So, should you wait to see what’s behind door no. 2 or stick with the Flip HD?
Full review after the jump.
It’s a tough call. I got the Flip the week we posted those leaked case shots that make it seem fairly certain next gen iPods will shoot video.
Ever since, I’ve debating whether to sell it in favor of one-stop video, music, etc. that may come any day from Apple.
If the iPod video is the same quality as the iPhone 3GS, the dilemma is even greater. At least one non-scientific comparison between the two — but one where you can see video shot from a Flip next to a clip from an iPhone 3GS — puts the quality at about the same level.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JLGw_tQXpU
So why carry around a point-and-shoot video cam?
A couple reasons have kept me from putting the Flip UltraHD on Craigslist so far:
— It’s super Mac friendly (see a video I shot and edited with iMovie, above).
The USB arm plugs in directly to your computer and doubles as a charger for the two AA rechargeable batteries included.
The MPEG-4 vids are viewable in Quicktime or you can edit them with iMovie. One small caveat: you might find the USB port on a Mac laptop a little too low for the Flip, you can plug it directly in but it’s better to elevate your Mac and then plug it in.
— It’s easy to have around.
The Flip HD is small, light (about six ounces) and streamlined enough that I forgot it at the bottom of my everyday bag. (Even my point-and-shoot digital cam is more obtrusive than the Flip). Once I realized I had it on me, I started using it a lot more.
— It’s idiot proof, sturdy.
There’s not a lot to figure out. Turn it on with a small side power button. Hit giant red button to record. Zoom in or out with arrows. There’s a “play” and “trash” button on either side of that. That’s all. It shuts itself off if you let it sit, avoiding those butt or bottom-of-handbag shots and pooped batteries.
The black version we tested is essentially the chrome model covered in a thin plastic coating, so no scratching, slipping etc. and the pouch the camera comes in seemed to be enough protection.
If you want something you can easily use with one hand, pass around, let your kids use, this would be it.
— It does what it’s supposed to. An iPod Touch would be great for quick, on-the-fly vids, but if you need to record a bunch of stuff — interviews, a vacation, conferences, lectures — you’ll need the two hour recording time. The picture is decent, outdoors and in, and even the moving car shots weren’t a deal breaker.
Anyone else thinking of keeping or ditching the Flip?
