The Flip Video Ultra Buzz

April 27th, 2008 · 33 Comments ·

Every video marketing expert I know is recommending the Flip Video Ultra for super-fast, super-easy on-the-fly video capture.

The BUZZ is on. They are creating websites about it, discussing it on stage at conferences & seminars, and passing the word faster than a bad joke. “This is the one gadget every marketer must have!”

I was finally converted - and compelled to place an order for this way cool tech tool, but it wasnt the buzz on the virtual streets that triggered my ordering impulse. It was a special guest on my back deck (aka the ‘outdoor office’) last night that sealed the deal…

I dont actually like video. Shocking confession, I know. And not because I’m as ‘camera shy’ as the clip above suggested - David just caught me off guard while showing me how the camera worked . That’s David Dutton by the way, the Most Connected Marketer and a personal friend who has made some great connections for me over the last couple of years.

He was kind enough to give me a personal lesson in shooting and then editing video - the easy way. I couldnt be more grateful (Thank you, David!) as I was getting a bit overwhelmed figuring it out on my own.

I have had (what I consider) legitimate reasons for not creating or even viewing much video, and I’ll be sharing those with you later this week in (shock!) a video. Watch for that here at ClickNewz.

I’ll be shooting part of that video with my new Flip Video Ultra, which should arrive in a few short days. In addition to the video recorder itself, I also ordered a cool little tripod and green carrying case:

The Flip Video Ultra actually comes with a carrying case, but I just happened to want a green one. As for the tripod, most reviews recommend that you pick up this accessory for your Flip so I decided to add it on while I was ordering.

While the Flip brand is getting all the buzz right now, there is another recorder with a lower price tag that is comparable. In fact, they are very near identical. It’s the RCA EZ201 and it’s under 90 bucks at Amazon (free shipping).

I decided to get the Flip, but if you’d like to compare the two, check out each of the links below:

Best,

Tags: Online Reviews

33 responses so far ↓

Chris Jacobson // Apr 27, 2008 at 8:48 pm

That’s funny you posted about this. I’ve noticed a lot of discussion about the Flip Video myself. I have a post on Wednesday coming up about this exact topic.
Tsoniki // Apr 27, 2008 at 9:10 pm

A friend of mine has the Flip and has been doing video for a few months now - it looks so easy! I looked at them yesterday and will probably buy one later this week. She and I looked at them online together and I was happy when she noticed how much they dropped in price since she bought hers!
Rita Wilhelm // Apr 27, 2008 at 9:33 pm

I like the simplicity of the FLIP video. My son has a Lego Show that he does on YouTube, which gets a lot of video views, and we do all his 2 minute shows using the FLIP camera.

I however have been noticing a problem with the way it records the ’s’ sound, and it’s to the point of being very annoying. If anyone has an idea for a fix, I’m all ears. Just tonight I was going to do a search to see if there were any FLIP updates that would get rid of this ’s’ problem.

Here’s an example of what I mean by the ’s’ sound-
http://legos-legos.blogspot.com/2008/01/review-of-starwars-lego-federation-mtt.html
Alice Seba // Apr 27, 2008 at 10:19 pm

Just ordered mine.

I really want to thank you for posting this. I am not a huge fan of video, but I often get these ideas to have fun with it…but then I’m overwhelmed by the technology.

This looks super easy to use and will solve a lot of my technophobe problems. Outside of the video camera on my cell phone, I’ve never owned one before!
Lynn Terry // Apr 27, 2008 at 10:23 pm

You’re welcome. I have felt the same, until my quick lesson last night - its much easier than I was making it! I’ll be sure to share some of those tips via video lol

I have video with my digital camera, and we’ve done a lot with that - mainly personal/family stuff. I’ve used camtasia for online video (screen capture) too. But this will be a fun new addition!
Stefani // Apr 27, 2008 at 10:40 pm

Where have I been. This is the first I have heard of it, LOL!
Lynn Terry // Apr 28, 2008 at 7:25 am

Wow Stefani! Do a search on Google and you’ll see what I mean - its really caught on and people are talking about it everywhere. Cant wait to try mine out
Russell Portwood // Apr 28, 2008 at 9:51 am

Hi Lynn:
I don’t like video either. But I know the web is headed in that direction so I bit the bullet and got a Flip a few weeks ago. Now I LOVE video (making movies that is). I still prefer text for instruction manuals and such.

I saw that RCA camera at Kmart the other day (I was checking with Martha about some patio furniture). There was also a Sony camera; I think it was called a NetSharing Camcorder. After the popularity of Flip, other cameras were sure to follow.

I was going to post a link to a video I made but alas, I checked it and it won’t play for some reason. Will let you know when ai get it fixed.

I need some of that simplification!

Russell
Stacie Bennett // Apr 28, 2008 at 12:56 pm

After seeing David’s on Saturday, I really, really, really, really want one.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find one online that accepts PayPal, lol. Will keep looking

Did I mention I really want one
Lynn Terry // Apr 28, 2008 at 1:07 pm

Yeah, way cool huh? He got me hooked too lol.

Russell & I probably wont be the only 2 at the Nashville meetup with one
Lisa Marie Mary // Apr 28, 2008 at 1:29 pm

I have been wanting a Flip so badly! And Jim Kukral wants to know what color Flip everyone is using: http://www.jimkukral.com/what-color-is-your-flip-i-need-your-participation/
Lisa Marie Mary // Apr 28, 2008 at 1:31 pm

Oh, I meant to say - he’s always talking about them - even gave one away once - during the Super Bowl! It was pretty funny!

And ijustine uses one and talks about hers a lot, too, I think!
Lynn Terry // Apr 28, 2008 at 1:37 pm

See what I mean about the BUZZ
Charlie // Apr 29, 2008 at 5:03 am

Whilst this looks like a great gadget, why is it any better than a higher end camera phone with video capture?
Lynn Terry // Apr 29, 2008 at 8:27 am

The answer is: quality & convenience

You would have to compare the specs between the Flip and whatever camera phone you use to see for yourself.

I have both a cell phone and a digital camera that take video, but both are really difficult for taking video of yourself. My digital camera only does well outdoors (for video) - even with good indoor lighting. With both, you cant see what you are shooting from the front side, so its not easy to get what you want in the frame.

The Flip flips out so that you can see what you’re shooting even when in front of the camera. It also has a USB port built in for super easy transfer.
Lisa Marie Mary // Apr 29, 2008 at 8:38 am

Oh Lynn - stop telling us more cool stuff - you’re making me want one worse and worse!
Lynn Terry // Apr 29, 2008 at 8:58 am

I was really impressed with it when he showed me how easy it was to use. You just flip out the camera and shoot. Stop. Flip out the USB port and load it. Edit. Done! It was cool
Lisa Marie Mary // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:08 pm

It sounds won-der-ful!!!
Lisa Marie Mary // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:10 pm

Oh yeah - and more BUZZZ, baby! http://geekcast.fm/archives/video-ninjas-april-29-2008-the-flip-goes-mainstream/
Greg Cheak // Apr 29, 2008 at 4:40 pm

@Rita-

I’m new to the Filp, if fact I first heard of it right here. As fas as the ‘S’ problem, it sounds like the audio needs to be adjusted, which is something that could be done while editing afterwards. If there is a way on the Flip to turn down the mic, that would be something to try also. I’m heading over to Newegg to find out more about this thing.
Alexander // Apr 29, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Hi Lynn,
I just bought the flip ultra and I love it.
I’ve never shot video before, so I was sort of nervous, but the flip is as easy as pushing a button.

Good luck with yours.
Lynn Terry // Apr 29, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Thanks Alexander - looking forward to it!
Alan Petersen // Apr 30, 2008 at 9:23 am

I love my flip! I picked it up last summer and I’ve now bought a second one. Plus I’ve gave one to my brother for Christmas. They make great gifts!
Stefani // May 1, 2008 at 12:01 pm

I seen these at Walmart the day before yesterday at the photo department. Pretty cool!
Lynn Terry // May 2, 2008 at 8:53 pm

The Flip flips out so that you can see what you’re shooting even when in front of the camera.

I was wrong about this. The Flip Video Ultra doesnt have a flip-out screen so that you can see yourself while shooting the video. The RCA Small Wonder DOES.

My Flip never arrived this week. I called today to learn that they were out of stock for at least another week (so shipping 2+ weeks after I placed my order!). I think I am going to cancel the order and get the RCA Small Wonder instead…
Lynn Terry // May 2, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Update: I just ordered the RCA Small Wonder with 4-hour expanded memory card + tripod and got 1-day shipping (arriving Monday) … for almost $70 less than my Flip order (which I just cancelled).
Ron Hudson // May 2, 2008 at 9:31 pm

Unfortunately, RCA didn’t establish an emotional bond with me before Flip Video’s developer. I don’t care that RCA is at a lower price. I’m keeping my Flip Video.

Best of luck RCA.

Warmly,

Ron
Lynn Terry // May 2, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Hi Ron,

I didnt really care about the price difference either, which is why I originally ordered the Flip. Unfortunately their customer service was really lacking - at least in my specific case. There was no follow-up email indicating the product was out of stock. They said they phoned and left a voice mail (perhaps they did - I didnt get it). When I phoned them, it took 2 hours and 3 phonecalls just to find out what the problem was with my order.

Honestly, I wish I had just ordered the Flip from Amazon.com instead of the Flip website. I imagine it would have been here by now.

But it was today when I was looking at my options that I realized the screen didnt flip out like the RCA model - which is a feature I especially liked…
Tips Tips & Some more Tips to speed up your website // May 3, 2008 at 3:17 am

Hi Lynn readers n posters I arrived here from the simpleology/classes/blog/pdf page and to my surprise zoomed into this post … as I have just bought 3 of these flip video recorders yesterday from the USA as my Mother is visiting the other half of my family who live in Santa Monica so it was so easy to save big time on this purchase … I have bought 1 for myself and the 2 others for a couple of my friends …

I live in the UK and the differences in the pricing structure for this flip video is massive well double the price here in the UK like $149.00 at Walmart in the USA … then £178.95 from the UK…

I like the idea of carrying such a small unit and being able to be able to video catch what ever takes my fancy or even recording those mind thoughts that pop into my head … like how many times do we all get thoughts and not write them down then mysteriously forget all about them as quickly as these thoughts pop into our minds … I tried to do this with my phone video but its not the same quality that reproduces well enough for my use I’ve always been a very visual kinda guy so once I get the hang of video marketing or should I say capturing web traffic with the intention of video marketing seems the easiest concept to strutting your stuff on line these days I just hope we all don’t tire of this new marketing concept before I master most of these new techniques.

All my best to you and your video experiences
Phillip Skinner
Alan Petersen // May 5, 2008 at 9:48 am

Hi Lynn,

Saw your tweet on the Flip and Amazon. And I agree. Folks should order via Amazon. I blogged about it when I bought my Flip last year: http://tinyurl.com/6h7vjw - I saved some money and the shipping was super fast with Amazon!

Here is this video I shot with my flip on Sunday of a deer munching on my bird feeder in my backyard. That was all shot with the old flip. My ultra wasn’t handy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCHqpIksKo
My Flip Video Hike | Phil // May 6, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Hey Lynn — you will love the Flip. It is EASY and I need that. I have the tripod for it and it is a must accessory. I would also recommend ordering the USB extension like cord…..very inexpensive on amazon. This allows to connect the camera without it hanging off of your cpu, which can be a problem.
Lynn Terry // May 6, 2008 at 9:59 pm

Thanks Phil. I actually ended up with the RCA Small Wonder (see comments above). I got the cable, the tripod & a carrying case with my order. Very pleased so far! Stay tuned - I’ll post a video review here at ClickNewz
My Flip Video Hike | Phil // May 7, 2008 at 7:02 am

Geeez! How did I miss that?! I’ll look forward to your video/report. I agree with the comments about Amazon. I have found their service/shipping/pricing etc. unbeatable.