The Flip Ultra (First generation) has had a price slash recently, as I write now I’ve spotted one at £79.99 on Amazon UK
If you are Stateside see the Flip Ultra at Amazon US
But is it worth considering the older model? The answer is yes, absolutely. If you are on a tight budget and want an entry point into the world of Flip then grab the chance now. Ok so it’s only Standard Definition, non-widescreen and doesn’t have rechargeable battery pack!
But I’ve been using my original Flip Ultra for over a year and didn’t miss any of those features before they came along. You’re unlikely to be making professional content with the Flip so you do you really need HD or widescreen? Yes these are nice features but you can still shoot very decent videos without them.
The less the unit costs the better. Why? Because I let my 6 and 3 year olds use it. And if (in the unlikely event) they decide to drop it down the WC when I refuse to buy them chocolate, at least I have taken less of a hit in the wallet. Letting them use my Flip Camera really does give them something to be creative with and have fun. Better for them to learn to create video themselves than just stare at the box.
Of course Adults are also prone to destroy Camcorders, I once lost a load of Camera gear on a beach in the Caribbean when the beach I was on got hit by a King Size wave! It’s the last time I will ever take a £1,000 Camera on holiday!
So in my view if you have the cash, yes go for the Ultra HD or Mino HD but the Standard Ultra will do you fine and the videos you capture in terms of sentimental value will be worth the cash.
