mini-camcorders

Flip refreshes UltraHD and MinoHD video cams

After the disappointing SlideHD came out in April, we were hoping Cisco Systems' Flip Video would refresh our favorite model, the UltraHD. It did, creating two different versions of it. And while Flip was busy refreshing those, it updated its MinoHD model as well.

First, the UltraHDs. There are now one- and two-hour versions with 4GB and 8GB of storage, respectively. These are separated by more than the storage capacity, though. The one-hour shoots video at a resolution of 720p at 30 frames per second, while the two-hour captures 720p at 60fps, which gets you much smoother results. The two-hour also gets you electronic image stabilization, a rechargeable battery pack, and a slimmer body. Read the full review of the 2010 Flip UltraHD 2 Hour.

With the MinoHD, the advantages are size and style. The newest MinoHDs look like the old ones, but they, too, shoot 720p video at 60fps with always-on electronic image stabilization. Other than recording capacity, the only difference between the two MinoHDs is color: the one hour comes in silver, and the two-hour comes in black. Both can be personalized as well.

For those holding out for a Flip with a mic jack or removable memory, this isn't the year. Instead, Flip developed a proprietary port called a FlipPort. The port will allow you to outfit your Flip with Designed for Flip products such as a wireless microphone, battery extender, or external storage. There's also a mobile pico projector in the works. Of these new models, the UltraHD 2 Hour is the only one with the FlipPort. And since it also has 720p/60fps video with image stabilization, 8GB of storage, has a removable rechargeable battery and takes AAAs, and sells for $199.99, it's the best of the four.

If style matters to you, all of the new models can be personalized through Flip's Web site with "thousands of designs from artists, celebrities, and iconic brands" or you can upload your own image.

Here's how all of the models stack up with pricing:

UltraHD 1 Hour

4GB (1 hour of video) 1,280x720 (30fps) Video format: H.264 (.MP4) 2-inch LCD (320x240 resolution) 2x digital zoom AA-size batteries Mini-HDMI out 2.2x4.3x1.2 (WHD); 5.7 ounces White, magenta, blue, or personalized $149.99… Read more

Sanyo Xacti GH4 another cheapie HD 'sharing' camcorder

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-GH4 is nearly identical to its predecessor, the GH2. In fact, the only differences seem to be that the sensor resolution has been lowered from 14 megapixels to 10 and that there is sharing software embedded in the camcorder now for easier uploading to the likes of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Key features:

Records video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at up to 1080/60i (1,920x1,080 pixels)Captures 10-megapixel photos2.7-inch LCD5x optical zoomDigital image stabilization (photo and video)Compatible with SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cardsMini-HDMI portRechargeable lithium-ion batterySize: 1.5x4.3x2.2 inches (… Read more

Crave giveaway: Flip Video SlideHD

OK, for the last few weeks we've offered some pretty niche products. However, this week we're going mainstream by giving away Flip Video's newest pocket camcorder, the SlideHD.

In case you don't know it already, this is Flip's flagship camcorder model. Flip designed it for instant-playback gratification as it includes a generous 3-inch wide-screen touch-enabled LCD that "slides" up at an angle. The SlideHD also comes with 16GB of internal memory, which allows you to capture up to 4 hours of HD video; that's double the storage capacity of previous Flip models. &… Read more

Kodak PlaySport Quick Take

Kodak has done very well with its Zi8 pocket camcorder, which features 1080p video capture and electronic image stabilization. Now the company is bringing those same features to a rugged, waterproof pocket camcorder called the PlaySport Zx3.

The PlaySport carries a retail price of $149.99 but will ship with virtually no memory (you have to supply an SD card). Like the Zi8, you'll be able capture "HD" video in 1080p or 720p, shoot 5-megapixel still images, and easily share your creations on YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook. However, what's interesting about the PlaySport is that you … Read more

Samsung announces zooming mini camcorder

Its first foray into the Flip-dominated mini camcorder market, the HMX-U10, didn't seem to make serious inroads. But at least one of Samsung's follow-up model in its U series, the HMX-U20, makes some necessary updates and adds a unique new feature for the category: a 3X zoom lens.

While zoom lenses are common on traditional horizontal and pistol-grip design models, to date the candy-bar design favored by Flip Video, the Kodak z series, Creative's Vados, and so on has been limited to fixed focal-length lenses.

The U20 also adds a captive USB cable, one of the missing … Read more

Flip Video introduces next-gen MinoHD

For those waiting to see what Flip Video will have for the holiday season, the company is about to ship an upgraded, "premium" version of its MinoHD pocket camcorder for $229.99.

In a nod to Apple, the new model is called the MinoHD, second-generation, and features a brushed metal body, double the internal memory (8GB vs. 4GB), a larger, 2-inch LCD, and an HDMI connection, though no cable is included.

Flip's designers have also rounded off the corners of the unit (it does look sleeker) and tweaked the FlipShare software package to include direct uploads to … Read more

Reviewed: Flip UltraHD and Flip Ultra

While the name of the category is still up for debate--same say "minicamcorders," others say "YouTube camcorders"--everyone agrees that Pure Digital's Flip Mino was the pioneer product in the realm of tiny, low-priced flash-based digital camcorders. Now the company--which has since been bought out by Cisco--is back with two new models: the second-generation Flip Ultra, and the new Flip UltraHD. CNET's got the full review for each, along with hands-on videos.

Read the Flip Ultra review.

Read the Flip Ultra HD review.

Additional coverage from CNET News: Pure Digital not flipping out over a little competition … Read more

Sony's Flip killer not so lethal

Sony's first entry in the mini-camcorder arena was 2007's NSC-GC1 Net-sharing Cam. That model didn't fare too well in our review, but Sony seems to have learned from that experience and made some improvements to its new line of YouTube-friendly budget camcorders, dubbed "Webbie HD" models.

We picked up the MHS-PM1 ($150--Best Buy), which follows in the footsteps of models like the Flip Video MinoHD, with a vertical, almost cell-phone-like design. Sony also makes a horizontal, more traditional and slightly more expensive version, the MHS-CM1, which features a 5x zoom lens. Both models come in … Read more

Sanyo's spring 2009 Xacti (don't call it a camcorder) lineup

Sanyo steered clear of the madness that was CES 2009, and instead opted to announce its spring 2009 lineup of Xacti camcorders on Wednesday. Headed to stores in March are six new models (three horizontal and three vertical, pistol-grip siblings), all of them capable of shooting in HD--two of them in full 1080p.

Oh, and Sanyo's decided it's time to create a new category name by calling these "dual cameras" since they can take still photos at point-and-shoot camera resolutions.

Check out the slide show below to see up-close-and-personal shots from the press conference.