Pure Digital Technologies - FLIP Mino Review

The Pure Digital Flip UltraHD looks a lot like other $200-and-under pocket HD camcorders, but experts say it offers some real advantages over the competition. It's unfair to expect the UltraHD to deliver the video quality of even mid-priced HD camcorders, such as the Canon Vixia HF200 (*Est. $600), let alone top performers such as the Canon Vixia HF S10 (*Est. $1,105), but those pricier camcorders shoot in 1080p HD, while the Flip UltraHD shoots in lower resolution 720p HD. Still, testers say the UltraHD's footage looks surprisingly good considering its price -- even a little better than the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD (*Est. $210). Like most pocket camcorders, the UltraHD lacks any kind of image stabilizer. You also won't find an optical zoom, and the digital zoom simply blows up the picture and makes it fuzzy. Features are otherwise good for the class, experts say, and include a flip-out USB connector for easy use with a PC, and an HDMI connector that lets you see video in high-def directly on your HDTV. One shortcoming is an inability to expand storage using memory cards, like the Kodak Zx1 (*Est. $145), but the UltraHD's built-in 8 GB can hold up to two hours of footage.

CamcorderInfo.com usually concentrates on more expensive camcorders, but reviewer Jeremy Stamas does a good job testing a few pocket camcorders -- including the Flip UltraHD -- and explaining their pros and cons. CNET and Laptop Magazine also test and compare several pocket camcorders. The Washington Post conducts a head-to-head test between the Flip UltraHD and the Kodak Zx1. Creative Mac does a more limited comparison between the Flip UltraHD and the Flip Mino.