Archive for the "Tech Specs" Category
Apr17

Flip Slide HD

Posted at 8:09 PM • View Comments

This week Cisco has released a brand new member of the Flip family : the Flip Slide HD. The new Flip Video is available to buy right now at The Flip.com US site.

Note: UK & Euro buyers will have to wait a couple of months to get their hands on one. So we’re recommending the Flip Ultra HD at  Amazon UK.

The key features are:

  • It has a giant (by mini-camcorder standards) 3in touchscreen.
  • The touchscreen slides back and tilts up to make it easy to watch video clips alongside other people.
  • In record, the top half of the screen works as an electronic viewfinder, the lower half displays the normal Flip  navigation and zoom controls
  • Users can play a video clip straight from this screen, or turn the device on its’ side and slide the screen back for full widescreen playback.
  • The Slide HD uses an Itunes style slider to navigate quickly through your clips. Tapping the clip makes the playback start.
  • The Slide HD has 16Gb of internal flash memory and can record up to FOUR HOURS of HD video at 1,280×720 pixel resolution and 30fps in the standard H.264 video format. Or change the settings and  the Slide HD  can store up to 12 hours of compressed HD content in Mpeg 4 format.
  • Currently priced at $279.99 – Free Shipping and Free Accessory (Coupon Code: Freeac) at The Flip.com.

Full Tech specs from Flip below:

Internal Memory: 16GB (4 hours)
Screen Size: 3.0″ Transflective Touch Screen
Screen Resolution: 400 x 240 pixels
Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (constant frame rate progressive scan)
Video Bitrate: 8.8Mbps (average – auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format: H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type: Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface: 8 Touch-Sensitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation), Touch slide strip (to quickly scroll through videos)
Dimensions: 4.13″ x 2.17″ x 0.98″ (H x W x D)
PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed)
TV Out: HDMI™ Mini Connector. Standard HDMI™ cables sold separately
Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges on both USB and Flip Video power adapter
Tripod Mount: Yes
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Mac OSX
Min. Requirements: (PC) 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or faster processor, Windows XP SP2 with 512 MB of RAM, Vista or Windows 7 with 1 GB of RAM, and USB 2.0 port
(Mac) 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM, OS X, Leopard 10.5 or Snow Leopard 10.6, and USB 2.0 port
Software: Pre-loaded FlipShare™ software for instant viewing, editing, one-click emailing, and online sharing:
Browse, playback, organize and archive your videos
Create movies with video clips, music and titles
Edit clips and create still-image snapshots from video
Instantly upload to Facebook™, MySpace™, YouTube™ and other video sharing sites
Share your videos privately using attachment-free emails or greetings cards (free and unlimited video sharing)
Create private Flip Channels to share your videos with groups of family and friends


Watch this Flip Slide HD motion test to see Slide HD sample footage.

You can buy the Flip Slide HD at The Flip.com (US)

You can also buy the Flip Slide HD at Amazon.com (US).

Dec10

UltraHD 120 mins v MinoHD 120 Mins

Posted at 7:34 PM • View Comments
MinoHD 2nd gen

Flip MinoHD 120 mins

Just as I’d written a comparison between the Flip MinoHD 4gb and the Flip UltraHD 8gb, Cisco released a brand spanking new Flip MinoHD 8gb with Ultra like features!

My initial conclusion was the Ultra wins over the Mino on several fronts. But now with the new Flip Mino camera they are a lot closer.

So if, like many people I have spoken to, you find yourself stuck, here’s the essential info :

Both the UltraHD and MinoHD 120′s have:

  • nice anti-glare 2in screens.
  • HDMI out.
  • rechargeable Lithium batteries. You can use a power adaptor or charge via USB on your PC.
  • 128 x 720 pixels resolution.
  • the same sensor.

The UltraHD 120 mins:

  • has 2.5 hours of use between charges (Mino has 2 hours).
  • is heavier, weighing in at 6.0 oz (Mino is 4.1 oz).
  • has a removable AA battery pack which means if you have 2 battery packs you can keep shooting whilst one charges. (The Mino HD can also charge via USB or a power adaptor but this ties the camera up when you charge).
  • is cheaper than the Mino  (£50 less in the UK / $29 less in the US)

The Flip MinoHD 120 mins:

  • can focus closer (0.8m) compared to UltraHD (1.5m).
  • can be customised with designer graphics and your own design at Flip store (US only).
  • is available in brushed silver!

So where does this leave you if faced with these 2 options? It’s actually straightforward.

Buy the Flip UltraHD 120 mins:

  • If you are short of cash.
  • If you are shooting loads of footage and need to change batteries often / have longer battery life.
  • If you aren’t worried about size.

Buy the Flip MinoHD 120 mins:

  • If you like funky.
  • If cashflow is no problem.
  • If you want a slimmer, lighter camera to put in your slimline pocket.
  • If you want to customise it with company/blog/family branding (via US Flip store, not UK). For example, put a photo of your Kid or pet dog on it or add your countries flag for the World Cup.
Flip UltraHD 120 mins

Flip UltraHD 120 mins

Personally? I’d go for the Ultra HD, I’m not worried about it being a little chunkier, it feels more robust. It’s substantially cheaper, has better battery options and identical picture quality to the Mino. A quick straw pole of my followers also confirms this view.

Best priced HD Flip Video cameras can be seen here at Amazon UK or Amazon US.

Dec2

Flip Ultra HD or Flip Mino HD?

Posted at 9:42 AM • View Comments

PLEASE NOTE: Looking to compare the new Flip Mino and Ultra HD 120 mins versions? You can read my detailed comparison right HERE

Flip Ultra HD or Flip Mino HD. This is the biggest dilemma you are probably facing right now? Personally I wouldn’t touch any of the older Flip versions so this is your choice.

Flip MinoIn one corner the Flip Mino HD, looks sexier, a little smaller than the Ultra HD, around £20 less than the Ultra HD in the UK or $24 more than the Ultra HD in the US (yes it’s odd!).

In the other corner the Ultra HD more storage for you buck but more bulge for you pocket.

Like the Flip Mino HD, the Ultra HD shoots 720p footage and—in many ways—mirrors the Mino HD’s features.

The Mino HD has 4GB of internal, non expandable memory (giving you 60 mins of video madness), the Ultra HD has 2x the space at 8GB of space giving you a splendid 120 mins of video fun and games. The Ultra HD also has a bigger screen than the tiny Mino HD – 2 inches versus 1.5 inches. I was never a fan of the old Ultra screen so every fraction of an inch counts. They both have 2x zoom, but I wouldn’t advise using the zoom too much as it degrades the image quality.

Flip Ultra HD

But there’s more … the Mino can only draw its’ power from a rechargeable AA pack but with the Ultra HD the battery compartment is now accessible to you, allowing the use of disposable AA batteries, handy when out and about without the possibility of a recharge. The AA recharge pack is provided as standard on the Ultra HD for connection via USB or power cable so you get the best of both worlds.

Secondly, and this is a killer the Ultra HD has an HDMI-out port, letting you play your masterpieces on your HDTV. Kids love to see their mugs on TV and this can keep them off the Nintendo for at least an hour.

Theoretically the video quality should be the same, but I spotted this Video on YouTube which shows the Ultra HD to be crisper. Can’t guarantee both lenses were nice and clean when they shot it, but here it is: (Ignore the prices, they are changing all the time.)

So where’s this heading – let’s forget the price difference – we are talking about a total of 10 Capuccinos here or 5 in the South of France where I’ve just been on holiday!

Personally I’d go for the Flip Ultra HD (more storage space, can use normal AA’s or recharge the pack plus bigger screen) but have to confess the Silver Flip Mino is a total looker!

Check out  the exact Flip camera I recommend at Amazon UK or Amazon US for fast delivery and for the best prices I’ve found on the Web. These links will take you straight to the product page.

UPDATE: SINCE WRITING THIS THE THE NEW FLIP MINO HD Version II IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK AS WELL AS THE US

It now has 8gb of storage so matches the Ultra HD with 120 mins of recording time plus it also boasts a 2 inch screen and HDMI out. With the same chip and similar specs it really boils down to the looks and the price.

The Mino is currently £50 price more expensive at Amazon than the Ultra HD (+30 US$). The Mino is a sleeker better looking camera but is very similar in terms of tech specs and quality to the Ultra HD.

READ a detailed ULTRA HD V MINO HD 120 MINS comparison right HERE

Oct1

Flip Family – Tech guide

Posted at 6:01 PM • View Comments
Flip Ultra or NEW 2nd Gen Ultra Flip Mino Flip MinoHD Flip UltraHD
Recording time 60 min

or

120 min (2nd gen)

 60 min 60 min 120 min
Video Resolution 640 x 480 pixels 640 x 480 pixels 1280 x 720 pixels
Video Format MPEG-4 AVI

or

H.264 video (2nd Gen)

 MPEG-4 AVI H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, MP4 file format
Battery Type 2 x AA batteries

or

2 x AA batteries or Optional Rechargeable AA battery pack

(2nd Gen)

 Internal Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Rechargeable AA battery pack (as standard)

or 2 x AA Batteries

This is a handy quick reference chart that compares the key features within the Flip family. There’s quite a range of options. Drop me an email if you need any individual advice.

See the Flip at Amazon UK

See the Flip at Amazon US

Can’t decide between the Flip Mino HD or Flip Ultra HD?  Read This

Sep27

Nice bundle!

Posted at 2:44 PM • View Comments

bundle

I noticed especially in the US some really good Flip camera bundles appearing, where you get the camera plus pouches, cables, mini-tripod etc at a sliced down price. Check the specs on this one from Flip Video.

  • Pure Digital U2120W UltraHD 120 Minute Digital Camcorder White
  • 2 Pure Digital Flip Video Soft Pouch – Silver, Black
  • Pure Digital ABT1W Flip Video Battery Pack
  • Pure Digital APA1B Flip Video Power Adapter, Flip Video 3PK USB Cables
  • Flexible Mini Tripod – Vidpro Digital Camera LCD Screen Protectors

    • Buy this bundle from Amazon US

    Jul11

    Flip Mino vs Flip Ultra tech specs...

    Posted at 8:27 PM • View Comments

    Flip Mino

    Feb25

    Flip Ultra List of Features

    Posted at 11:29 AM • View Comments

    About to invest in a Flip and want to know what the Flips tech spec is? Here you go:

    • Recording time: Up to 60 minutes
    • Internal memory: 2 GB
    • Screen size: 1.5 inches (diagonal)
    • Screen resolution: 528 x 132 pixels
    • Screen type: Transflective TFT ( woks well in bright daylight)
    • Resolution: 640 x 480
    • Sensor: 1/4-inch VGA CMOS sensor; large (5.6 µm) pixels for maximum light sensitivity
    • Low-light sensitivity: Excellent performance (>2.0V/lux-sec)
    • Video compression: Pure Digital Video Engine 2.0
    • Frame rate: 30 frames per second (constant)
    • Video bitrate: 4.5Mbps (average–auto adaptive algorithm)
    •Video format: Advanced Profile MPEG4 AVI
    • Auto White Balance and autoexposure: Auto-adaptive white/black balance and exposure
    • Lens type: Fixed focus (0.8 meters to infinity)
    • Aperture: f2.4 (wide enough to perform well in low light)
    • Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
    • Interface: 8 buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record, and 4-way navigation)
    • Time from power-up to record: Less than 3 seconds
    • Clip length: Minimum of 1 second, maximum of 60 minutes
    • Power Saver (auto shut-down): Yes
    • Delete All function: Yes
    • Play All function: Yes
    • Set date/time function: Yes
    • Dimensions (H x W x D): 4.17 x 2.16 x 1.25 inches
    • PC connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to USB 2.0 speed)
    • Speaker: Built-in speaker
    • Microphone: Built-in wide range microphone (improved sensitivity and accuracy)
    • TV out: PAL (cable included)
    • Supported battery types: 2 x AA batteries (1.5-volt AA alkaline, Energizer e2 Lithium, 1.2-volt NiMH rechargeable)
    • Battery life: Improved battery life: up to 2.5 hours with 2 x AA Alkaline batteries; up to 6.5 hours with 2 x AA Energizer e2 batteries; battery life may vary between batteries and use pattern
    • Tripod mount: Yes
    • Supported operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OSX
    • Minimum system requirements (Windows): Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz computer with at least 512MB of RAM, Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista, SVGA display monitor (1024 x 768) and video card, Windows Media Player 9.0, Microsoft DirectX 9.0
    • Minimum system requirements (Mac OSX): PowerPC G4 1.0 GHz, Intel Core with at least 512 MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.3.9, SVGA display (1024 x 768) monitor and video card, QuickTime 7 or later
    • Auto start: Windows: yes; Mac OSX: no
    • Online sharing (may require download of latest version of Flip Video software): Unlimited private sharing; video greeting cards; upload to YouTube (public and private); upload to AOL Video (public and private); prepare for web publishing (any other site)
    • Video editing: Video truncation (set start/end points); compose a new Movie Mix (including 6 movie styles)
    • Snap still photo from video: Yes (VGA still photo)
    • File management: Play, Copy/Move, Delete, Rename, Archive on PC
    • Software update: Check for updates online (automatic and on demand)
    •

    In the box: Flip Video Ultra camcorder, carrying pouch, wrist strap, video out cable