- 12
- Feb 10
Should You Buy a FLIP Camera?
Stephen Schweickart of VScreen offers his view of the FLIP video camera.
The popularity of online video has never been greater. The once bulky camcorder with complicated settings has now been streamlined into a hi-tech masterpiece that fits in the palm of your hand, and can be easily operated with a single button.
The Flip Ultra video camera from Pure Digitial can greatly simplify shooting basic video, such as home tours, interviews and special events. But at the same time, there are trade-offs.
What you need to know:
• The compact size of the Flip Ultra allows you to easily carry it in your pocket or purse.
• The Ultra is powered by two AA alkaline batteries. While other models feature rechargeable batteries with a built-in charger, alkaline batteries can be easily changed in the field when necessary without having to wait for a recharge.
• Using the Flip Ultra is as easy as pointing the shooting. The display screen on the back allows you to see exactly what you’re filming and pushing the large red button is all that’s needed to either start or stop recording. To view the video, simply press the play button to start and stop. You can toggle through all the videos you’ve recorded by simply pressing the left or right arrows next to the record button. To delete any videos, simply hit the delete button, and the camera will ask you to confirm your intentions before you push the final delete button.
• A built-in microphone on the front of the camcorder lets you capture sounds. But if you’re interviewing someone, it’s best to have them as close to the camera as possible for the best results.
• While the Flip Ultra also has a 2X digital zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to your subject for the best results. We would also suggest using a tripod when possible. If the camcorder is being used in motion, it’s best to practice holding the camera as still and level as possible, such as during a home video tour.
• One of the best features of the Flip Ultra is its built-in software. The cameras plugs directly into the USB port on your computer using a retractable connector arm that flips out from the side of the case. The easy-to-use software allows you to gather clips in a bin, and then edit them for proper length before assembling them on a time line. You can even add background music from the built-in limited library. When you’re finished, a simple uploading option allows you to post your completed video directly to YouTube or other sources. You can also plug the camera directly into your TV for big screen viewing using the included patch cord.
• The Flip Ultra comes with up to 2 gig of internal memory, enough to shoot two hours of video in 640 X 480 resolution. Flip offers a variety of camcorder models, including those that allow you to shoot in high definition, so it’s best to review their entire line-up at TheFlip.com before deciding which model works best for you.
In the final analysis, it’s important to remember the trade-offs for the size and convenience of the Flip Ultra. The picture quality, while acceptable, will not equal that of more advanced 3ccd digital camcorders. Lack of an external microphone jack limits your recording capabilities, and there's no way to adjust any video parameters of the camera, including white balance.
However, the camera does have excellent low light capability for indoor shooting. And, at a price point well under $200, the Flip Ultra allows those on a limited budget to harness the power of video in a simple and cost effective manner and have a lot of fun doing it!
Comments [5]
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February 23, 2010 7:56pm MST
Before You Buy a Flip...
...do a little research on YouTube and compare the Flip to the Kodak Zi8. It's a little larger than the Flip, but with several big feature differences. It has a jack for an external mic - the Flip doesn't - so you don't have to yell at the camera. And the viewing screen on the Kodak is much larger and therefore more user friendly. The Kodak seems to have much better image quality as well. About the same price...but I'm so pleased with my Zi8 that I haven't used my Flip since picking up the Kodak several months ago.
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February 9, 2010 6:47am MST
Are you serious about selling homes?
If you are, you should consider these things before using something like this for home tours:
Note: because this site doesn't allow links I can't show you specific examples that I'm going to talk about. So here's the deal. Google: "Jay Groccia" and contact me - I'm easy to find. I'll be happy to discuss any point here in detail.
1. NAR reports that nearly 100% of buyers first experienced the house they buy online. This means that your online presentation should 'hit it out of the park'. The house needs to look amazing and certainly better than the other homes in the same zip code and price range. NAR also reports that the average 'time on page' for a listing on REALTOR.com is about 58 seconds. That isn't even enough time to read the description. So what are people doing in that time? They're looking that the pictures. Wow 'em and they will click to your website (providing you purchased an 'enhanced listing' on REALTOR.com otherwise they see an ad for skin cream or something), don't wow 'em and they click BACK and you've LOST that opportunity forever. Next.
2. Have you been to YouTube lately? Have you seen a 'home tour' shot with a FLIP or other hand-held camera? They all look the same - 'hollow' sound, high heels clicking that overwhelm the voice over, the visuals get dark, get bright, get dark, etc., then there's the shaky and wobbly walking around. Even 'professional' video is problematic - without a significant budget, your friendly home tour videographer won't be bringing in any lighting equipment and many of the same problems mentioned above will remain. the biggest difference - they'll have a consumer 'steadicam', so instead of the camera shaking like it's in an earthquake, it will rock like a gondola on a Venetian canal. That walk down the hallway will look just like a scene from Friday the Thirteenth or Halloween just before Jason murders his victim.
My best advice for these cameras? Use them to promote yourself. Put the camera on a tripod and talk to it. Tell your story. Explain what makes you a better real estate agent and hire a professional to photograph your listing. Do what you do best: SELL real estate and don't try to be the next Cecil B. Demille.
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