| The Flip Video camera's brilliance is in its simplicity. | | | | (diagonal) LCD screen, and the video quality and |
| Just click the on switch, point and shoot! To | | | | resolution is remarkable for such a low-priced |
| record, press the big red button on the back of | | | | camcorder. The video format output is MPEG-4 |
| the Flip (you can't miss it!) To stop recording, hit | | | | AVI, a relatively user-friendly format. Two AA |
| the red button again. It really is that simple! | | | | (alkaline) batteries should give you up to 2 hours |
| The interface is basically the same whether you're | | | | of continuous use, so bring extras if you're |
| using the original, early model Flip Video, the | | | | planning a trip or heavy use. If you opt for the |
| popular Flip Ultra, or the new Flip Mino. Of course, | | | | newer Mino, the battery is built-in. |
| each version has gotten a bit smaller, slicker and a | | | | The handy, little Flip cameras weigh just over 5 |
| bit more expensive. | | | | ounces, and the Mino is a mere 3.3 ounces. The |
| As of this writing, the original Flip Video retails for | | | | Ultra and the Mino have a tripod mount on the |
| $129.99 (USD), though we've seen it as low as | | | | bottom, and all models have a built-in microphone |
| $89! The original has 1GB memory and holds | | | | and speaker. The cameras include a TV-out jack |
| 60-minutes of video. The colorful Flip Ultra, in your | | | | so you can connect your Flip to a television. You |
| choice of five, bright colors, has 2GB space and | | | | can also snap still photos from the Flip video. |
| room for 60-minutes of video. The Ultra retails | | | | Editing video on the Flip itself is very limited, but |
| for $149,99 (USD). The newest addition to the Flip | | | | you can change the start and end points of your |
| family is the Mino, also with 2GB and 60-minutes | | | | video. In addition, the "movie maker" function |
| of video recording time. The Mino runs $179.99, | | | | gives you a choice of six movie styles or |
| but is smaller and has an internal battery. Earlier | | | | "effects." |
| models require 2 AA batteries. The new Mino also | | | | As for the built-in Flip Video software program, |
| adds some increased functionality, such as pause, | | | | the minimum requirements for Windows are as |
| fast-forward and rewind functions for playback. | | | | follows: Intel Pentium 4.2.0 GHz, Windows XP SP2 |
| On all models, after you're done with your | | | | w/ 512MB of RAM, or Visa w/ 2GB of RAM, and |
| one-touch recording, you "flip" the camera's USB | | | | USB port. Requirements for the Mac are: Power |
| arm open, plug it into your computer's USB port, | | | | PC G4 1.0 GHz or Intel Core, w/ 512MB RAM, OS |
| launch the built-in software and you're ready to | | | | X Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5, and USB port. |
| share your video! The Record-Connect-Share | | | | Five Fun Uses for the Flip: |
| process is fast and easy. | | | | Because of its small size, convenience and use of |
| Once you've got your video on your computer, | | | | use, The Flip is perfect for getting video on the |
| you've got options for e-mailing your video, or | | | | fly... Here are 5 ways to use your Flip: |
| publishing directly to YouTube, AOL Video, and | | | | - Citizen Journalism - Capture news as it happens, |
| with the Mino, to MySpace, as well. With the | | | | then sell your footage to the TV tabloids for big |
| e-mail function, you can send a link to your video, | | | | bucks! |
| or share a greeting using their private online | | | | - Undersea Adventure - Yes, you can buy a |
| greeting templates. You can also save and | | | | waterproof case for your Flip, and tape your |
| organize your videos to your computer, or as an | | | | underwater antics! |
| email attachment. | | | | - Ride Along - Take your Flip on tour as you ride |
| The Flip's features even allow you to create your | | | | your bike, rollerblade or even ski! Just use the |
| own "movie mix," by adding music or built-in | | | | handy $15 attachment accessory! |
| effects. In addition to the auto-upload to | | | | - Family Album - The Flip is perfect for taping |
| YouTube, you can save your video to upload to | | | | your kid's soccer games, baseball playoffs, band |
| other video-sharing websites. You can also | | | | concerts or recitals. Aside from its limited zoom |
| organize your videos with the Flip's video library. | | | | capabilities, the Flip was made for capturing family |
| The minimal controls on the Flip keep things | | | | events and activities. |
| simple, too. You can record, playback, or delete | | | | - Vlog it - Turn the camera on yourself and start |
| your unwanted "takes" with a couple of obvious | | | | your own videoblog or online diary. You can tape |
| buttons. There are also controls for zoom (not | | | | yourself with your Flip and upload your video to |
| much) and volume. As mentioned above, the Mino | | | | YouTube or AOL video in minutes. It's never been |
| adds pause, fast-forward and rewind options. | | | | easier to get video online! |
| All the Flips come with a tiny, but adequate 1.5" | | | | |