Internet Video Magazine on Ulitzer

The Flip Ultra mini camcorder until you plugged it into your computer and let it charge up via the USB arm.

The original versions of Flip Video camcorders were powered by two AA batteries that were inserted into the camcorder body.. They didn't last very long before you had to pull them out and replace them. The next generation Flip camcorders then included a built-in battery that was charged via the built-in USB arm. However, if you ran out of power, there was no way to keep on shooting video.

This new version provides a rechargeable battery module that can be re-charged while in the camcorder. If you run out of power while shooting, you can pop open the camcorder and replace the power module with standard AA batteries. Or if you are more prepared, you can buy extra rechargeable power modules, and charge them up using the USB arm prior to going out on a video shoot. When one power module dies, you can replace it another. You can get additional power modules for $25 from here.

By using the optional Flip Power Adapter, you can charge up the Flip camcorder and the battery inside without having to insert it into your computer. It costs $25 for this adapter. It would be nice if the power adapter would charge up the battery outside of the Flip Video Ultra.

The new screen is a bit larger and easier to use. It has expanded to 2.0 inches diagonal from the previous 1.5 inches and resolution has improved to 960 x 240 from the previous fuzzy 528 x 132.

The biggest and most important change is the doubling of recording time for one hour to two. The original Flip Camcorders only recorded for a half hour at highest quality.

Another change - and maybe a step backwards or sideways - is that the Flip Ultra now offers a HDMI plug for playing your captured videos back on on a HDTV set. On the positive side, you now can play back and view your videos on a  big screen HDTV. On the negative side, you no longer can watch your videos back using standard RCA video and audio plugs.  Unfortunately, the Flip Ultra does not bundle the HDMI cable and you have to buy one for $25.

One of the worst challenges is that you cannot customize the outside case of the new UKtra camcorders with your personal designs, colors and photos. The ability to do that with the previous models was very very cool and removes some of the "giftability" uniqueness. However, I expect that to be rectified. However, they will have to deal with the removeable battery cover issue.

"The original Flip Ultra changed the way the world captures and shares video by making it easy, accessible, and, most of all, fun," said Jonathan Kaplan, chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital. "Our new Flip UltraHD takes this to the next level by making it incredibly simple and affordable for anyone to capture and share hours of video in stunning HD."

Like all Flip Video camcorders, the new Ultra line is pre-loaded with FlipShare(TM), the on-board software that leads consumers seamlessly through the process of organizing, editing and sharing videos. Consumers simply plug the built-in USB arm directly into any Mac or PC to begin sharing their videos immediately.

According to Flip Video, "The second generation Flip Ultra camcorder promises to build on the success of the Flip Video family, which has sold more than 2 million camcorders since first introduced less than two years ago. The Flip Ultra continues its reign as the number-one selling camcorder in the U.S., while the Flip MinoHD, launched last November, is currently the top-selling HD camcorder in the country, both according to first quarter 2009 rankings from leading market research firm The NPD Group."

Read Our Reviews of Previous FlipVideo Products including the Flip Video Editing Software

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