Flipping Out Over a Low Cost Camcorder

Broadcast quality video for less than $100, not quite. But, if you are looking for a low cost way to capture moments that would otherwise be lost because of the inconvenience of a larger video camcorder or the expense of a multi-purpose device, such as a cellphone, then the Pure Digital’s Flip Video Camera is for you.  NOTE, the DISTORTED AUDIO seems to be a function of the camcorder and how close I was to the microphone. 

The Flip Video camcorder is the source of the above videos. Unfortunately, one feature this camcorder does not seem to support is third-party editing programs. The above videos are unedited and don’t have the overlay graphics and other images that would help tell the story of this low-cost camcorder. Hopefully, the combination of videos and text below will give you an idea of what this camcorder is like.

Priced as low as $79, the Flip Video camera from Pure Digital makes it easy for anyone to capture video at a moment’s notice. The simplicity of this digital camcorder masks technology that, a few years ago would have cost thousands of dollars. 

Video is recorded in 640×480 resolution, compressed via MPEG-4 and stored on integrated flash memory, which allows up to 30 minutes or 60 minutes of video depending upon the version.  

A built-in microphone captures audio and works surprisingly well in terms of directionality and sensitivity. There is no adjustment for audio and in some of the video clips its sounds like it is clipping. Additionally, in high noise areas, such as a basketball game, it is definitely distorted. 

The screen serves as a viewfinder and as a way of instantly reviewing your masterpieces. Simple up/down buttons are used for zooming up to two times. Playback is simple and instantaneous. Segments are easily deleted, essentially allowing editing while shooting. 

When it comes to getting the video and audio out of the device there are several ways, including standard Audio/Video via a supplied RCA adapter cable

Another option for reviewing your work is to have a one of Pure Digital’s retail partners create a DVD. The top port on the camera is reserved for Pure Digital’s retail partners that will create a DVD out of the files that reside on the Flip Video Camera

A USB 2.0 port, which conveniently flips out when needed, makes the device appear like another hard-drive when connected to a PC. Better yet, it receives power via the USB port, preserving battery life. 

Two each, AA batteries are all that is required to power. We experienced about 1.5 to 2.5 hours or so of recording/viewing from the batteries that were included with the unit. The specification on the web site suggests approximately 2.5 hours.   

One of the cool things is that it has a very simple to use video editing software built into the camera. It comes integrated with hooks to Grouper and YouTube (although I haven’t been able to upload directly to YouTube from the camcorder), making it extremely easy to show off your works of art on a public or private basis. Adding a video to the web is as easy as sending an email with the Flip Video camcorder. This makes for a very portable capture and editing machine (great for when you have to borrow a computer to make a deadline). 

The built-in editor is very simple, however, and if you want to have multiple timelines fancy transitions and full 640×480 resolution, then you will have to transfer the files to your PC and edit using a traditional Non Linear Editor. Unfortunately, it did not work with the NLEs I tried (Adobe Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements, Vegas 6, 7 or 8). I spoke to a friend and he could not make it work with Apple’s iMovie.   

Remembering that this camera often retails from $80 to $130, there are some inherent limitations.   First, as mentioned above, it may not work with all non-linear editors.  The audio is definitely not broadcast quality level, but for its application works well. 

Because of the rigid nature of its USB connector, the unit doesn’t always plug into a PC’s existing USB port. In the case of my lap-top, I had to wedge some paper under the lap-top to get it to fit. The manual does suggest that a USB extender cable is sometimes necessary. These can be ordered from Pure Digital’s web site. 

There is no tripod fitting. Generally, this shouldn’t be an issue, as the way I envision most people using this is for short duration events and in locations where they might not otherwise want to bring a more expensive camera.

The screen itself is difficult to view in extremely bright, outdoor conditions. I envision a combination hood/holder that might take care of both the screen viewing and tripod issues.   

The new and slightly more expensive ($149 to $179) Flip Ultra addresses most of these limitations, although I do not know if the Ultra supports traditional NLEs.

Overall, the limitations are minor for the value one gets with this camera. The reason to get this camera is its simplicity and the fact that you will capture things you wouldn’t have otherwise.