Bad news again, as if we can take any more. The awesome looking and I expect sounding Blue Mikey for Flip has been well and truly buried.

Hillary Money at Blue Microphones just sent me this:

“In great anticipation of the accessory program announced by Flip Video last September, Blue Microphones announced Mikey for Flip, a professional-quality external microphone for Flip cameras. Due to the announcement from Cisco regarding the abrupt discontinuation of Flip cameras, we sadly announce the death of Mikey for Flip.

As one product life ends, we look forward to taking all that we learned with Mikey for Flip and continuing to build upon our Mikey line of microphones for iPods, iPhones and an upcoming digital version for the latest Apple devices.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Society for Preservation of Totally Awesome Handheld Recording Devices are encouraged.”

So when I received the news I had to probe a bit and ask if the Blue Mikey for Flip actually existed, were they stored in a warehouse somewhere waiting for cremation and could we still persuade them to release it? A lot of Flip users are in despair does Blue Mikey realise that the Obituary newspaper clipping might not go down well? I received this:

“We also share in the surprise and disappointment of Flip users. We dedicate hundreds of hours of energy, creativity and heart into the development of our products and not being able to see Mikey for Flip through to fruition is disappointing to us as well. But we are saying goodbye to Mikey for Flip in true Blue-style, with the same creativity as was put into its creation. There are no user-friendly prototypes available and no inventory to sell.”

For me as a Flip blogger the Blue Mikey would have made the Flip unquestionably the number 1 Pocket Camera, but now we’ll never be able to say that and be taken seriously as most of the Pocket Camera Universe didn’t even know the latest Flip had a Mic port!

I’d say hats off to Blue Mikey for actually bothering to let us know their views even though I’m not too keen on the Obituary idea.

Can this saga get any worse?

PS. I’m going to carry on shooting and make my Flip last, if you need any Flip tips and don’t have it already please grab my free ebook (top right column) before that dies too!

If you want to give your new Flip a treat check out the Top accessories we recommend:

1. Joby Gorillapod

Incredibly flexible tripod that screws into the tripod socket on the base of your Flip Video. Very bendy, yet rigid and can fit into all kinds of spaces.

The basic model will only set you back approx £12.20 or US$21.

See the Joby Gorillapod at Amazon UK

See the Joby Gorillapod at Amazon US

You might also want to add the Joby Gorillapod magnetic. It’s simply a Joby with magnetic feet.

• Removable clip with universal 1/4″ tripod screw.
• Holds up to 325g (11.5 oz)
• Weight 45.3g (1.6oz)
• Available in 7 colours.

See the Joby Gorillapod magnetic at Amazon UK or at Amazon US

2. Flip Ultra 2nd Generation/Ultra HD Battery

Gives you some extra juice for long road trips when you can’t get to a laptop or mains for your charger.

Flip Video Battery Pack Amazon UK

Flip Video Battery Pack Amazon US

3. Gomadic Flip Video Charger

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This wall charger kit includes 4 world plug adapters (100-240 Volts AC).

Buy from Amazon UK International Wall / AC Charger for the Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra HD

More Flip Chargers at Amazon UK

In the US? try this combo: Premium Flip Video Charging Combo w/ 6 Feet USB Extention Cable + USB Car Charger and USB Wall / Travel Charger

4. Flip USB Charger for Flip Ultra HD

Not good looking but functional!

This mains charger for the Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra HD is a big seller right now! It’s gone up 392% in the Amazon sales charts this week.

No PC handy to charge your Flip? Plug in this adaptor to the mains and connect your Flip Ultra HD.

Buy Now at Amazon UK for £14.99

In the US? – Try this Flip brand charger at Amazon.com

or we like the look of this combined replacement battery and charger kit for the Flip Ultra 2nd Gen and Ultra HD cameras from Digipower.

See the Digipower PK-PD1W Charger Kit for Flip Ultra 2G and Ultra HD Camcorders at Amazon.com (US)

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More Flip Video Chargers at FlipVideoAccessories.com (US)

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5. Flip Underwater Case

With summer on the way, you might be in need of this underwater case (Ultra 2nd Gen or Ultra HD) for the beach or pool.

Flip Video Underwater Case Amazon UK

Flip Video Underwater Case Amazon US

If you need a waterproof case for the Flip Mino check out this product.

6. Flip Video Cases

This padded hydrofoam case protects your camera from accidents.  A Velcro strap stops the Flip from dropping out when you open it. Available from Amazon.com in 11 colors.

UK Flipsters please check out the handsome Duragadget Hard Carry case below, available at Amazon UK.

or  this splash proof case for Flip Video Mino, Mino HD, Ultra and Ultra HD by iGadgitz.

7. Flip Action Tripod

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NEW! The Flip Video Action Tripod can be used as a stationary tripod or the adjustable straps can be attached to your bike handlebars, helmet, or other sports kit to capture all the action.

Priced at at $24.95 (with free delivery) from the Flip.com (currently US only)

Visit The Flip.com

In the UK? There is Bike/helmet mount solution at Amazon UK

8. Stick on Magnetic Wideangle lens (UPDATE: SEE THE LINK TO THE NEW BOWER LENS BELOW THIS)

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If you need some extra width on the standard Flip Video lens then this bestselling stick on lens is a must have Flip accessory. It’s rigid enough to use on a mount on your car or bike and won’t get blown away!

• Magnetic stick-on wide angle conversion lens for all Flip Video models.
• Provides a 0.45x wider field of view.
• Remove the sticker from the included magnetic ring and attach to front rim of Flip camera lens.
• Adhesive magnet can be left on the camera permanently and does not interfere with lens functions.
• Includes: 0.45x Wide Angle Lens, Font & Rear Lens Caps, Carry Pouch, 3 magnetic rings, Camera Cronies cleaning cloth.

See the Flip 0.45x Wide Angle Lens With Macro at Amazon.com (US)

UPDATE: DON’T BUY THE LENS ABOVE: Check out the new Flip sponsored Wideangle HERE.

IN UK/EUROPE? – It’s now available at Amazon UK. They ship outside of the UK cheaply.

9. These Suck!

Panavise 809

The Panavise 809 Camera Window Suction Cup Mount (that’s a mouthful!) is the perfect add on for your Flip Camera. You can attach your Flip Video safely to your car body or windscreen and it will stick like glue.

This unit has received consistently good rankings from users looking to make their very own road movie.

Buy it here at Amazon US for $24.95

In the UK? Try this popular clamp from Swann at Amazon UK

This sucks! (well)

or the super pimped Delkin Fat Gecko camera mount also at Amazon UK.

Delkin Fat Gecko won't slide off!

• If you need to make better Flip Videos for your blog, business, school, charity, membership site or social media page please check out my awesome Pocket Video training site.
• There are dozens of exclusive training Members-only Videos I’ve made for my students, including resources like free to use music PLUS I give direct feedback and advice about Videos that course members share.
• Getting Videos made for you is really expensive but I can show you how to create quality Videos with your Flip that really get your message across to your prospects and clients.
• Videos that can educate, entertain and help you sell more!
• See PocketVideoPower.com for details.

For more gadgets and technology tips, check out the tech programming on satellite tv. And, InternetLion.com has great sat tv deals so you can keep your cash to buy more gear!

Wondering what to give your Flip Video for Christmas?

I recently bought this Bower VLMWF 0.45x Wide Angle Magnetic Lens. It just sits on the front of your flip, no glue required. Easy Clip on and off. It makes a real difference to how much you can get in the scene (useful for interiors and landscapes) also it’s great for capturing reality.

One advantage is it lets you focus a little closer than using the Flip with the standard lens.

Here’s a still shot from an interview I shot on the Flip without the wide angle lens.

and here’s one with the Flip wideangle.

US People – grab the wideangle HERE.

UK/EUROPE? – It’s now available at Amazon UK. They ship all over Europe cheaply.

Check out this handy solution for seeing yourself as you film with your Flip Video Camera (and other Flip style cameras featured in the Video).

With the Holiday season coming I know a lot of people are looking to buy a Flip but are confused with all the different versions of the Flip out there. With the newly released 3G Flips the decision is easier than you think.

My view – go for the new Flip Ultra HD 8gb 3rd gen version. Yes I know it is the most pricey of the Flips costing $171 at Amazon US  ( £144.95 at Amazon UK) but ignore the money you need to spend on the latest camera if you want it to perform well over the next couple of years. For me I’d treat it as  an investment for your family or business. But why choose the Flip Ultra HD 3g?

The new Ultra is now lighter and slimmer just 0.4 oz heavier than the Mino and the dimensions have slimmed down too. The weight and chunkiness of the old Ultra was the main reason people went for the Mino, it’s now less of an issue.

But the key reason is this – Audio. Getting good Audio will make or break your videos, it’s MORE IMPORTANT than the visuals. The only Flip that has the potential to plug in an external microphone is the new Ultra. It comes with the new Flip Port (unlike any of the Minos). Again this will mean spending more later when the forthcoming range of 3rd party Mics become available but it’s worth it.

All the Flips shoot amazing 720p HD Video but having the option of a Microphone to clip to your top (their will be a wireless version too) or a top notch Mic to plug in and use on board the camera (great for recording Music) is exactly what is missing from the other models of Flip. These Microphone products are due for release over the next couple of months and I’ll keep you informed. Hint: subscribe to the ebook (right) to get on my news list.

Buy the new Flip Ultra HD 8gb 3g at Amazon US

Buy the new Flip Ultra HD 8gb 3g at Amazon UK

Thanks to the guys at Hatcam for sending me a Hatcam to test out. These are great if you need to film but keep your hands free. For example when huntin’ n’ shootin’.

As I live in central London I don’t have much chance for either but I’m planning to wear my Hatcam down a busy City street to test reactions.

Come back soon to see what happens.

See the Hatcam at Hatcams.com

Thanks to David from Ready Steady Video for sending me his new steadying device for Pocket Video Cameras. The Ready Steady comes in a very portable compact case (see left of picture), you take the lid off, take out the aluminium rod, screw it into your tripod socket and you are done.

You place one hand flat down on the case as the other hand grips the camera. It’s the tension you create that keeps the Flip steady. So I wasn’t so sure this would work when I saw it online but it does actually keep your camera steadier than handholding by a long way. It feels a bit like you are using a monopod. Nice invention David.

See the Ready Steady here.

Filmed using the Flip Video Underwater Case.

Via Flip Video Brand on Facebook
and the creator The God 50

See the new range of Flip Video waterproof cases at The Flip.com

Even more goodies for Flip fans released this week. The iGo Charge Anywhere is a wall charger and backup battery in one. The iGo Charge Anywhere uses an inbuilt Li-ion battery to give you extra battery juice for your Flip video camera.

Specs:

• Size: 3.75in x 2.25in x .75in
• Battery type: Li-Ion
• Battery Capacity: 1800 mAh
• Input: 100-240 VAC; 50/60Hz
• Output: 5V, 850 mA

See the iGo Charge Anywhere at THE FLIP.COM  (US) to see more.

More awesomeness from this weeks launch of the new Flip Video range. Check out this wireless mic that will work with the new FlipPort on the new generation of the Flip Ultra HD (Ultra HD 8gb model only). It’s a Bluetooth lavaliere microphone from Scosche. The microphone attaches to the bottom of the camera and links wirelessly to a small clip-on microphone you clip to your subjects (or your own) lapel.

Bluetooth Class 1 is used, and gives up to a 100 foot range. The mic has noise-cancellation DSP and remote control buttons to start and stop the camcorder recording. The Mics rechargeable battery lasts up to 4hrs.

This looks like a great product for getting a microphone close into the face without the camera needing to  follow it!

You can avoid the pitfalls of high background noise when shooting outdoors and at events, also great for getting crisper audio for Vloggers if your room has too much reverb.

The Scosche freedomMIC will be in stores Spring 2011 priced at $99.99.

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