Shoots 720p HD video; high-quality video for its class; easy to use; uses rechargeable AA batteries; FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
Somewhat pricey; no memory card slot; no cable included for HD output to HDTVs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.
Shoots 720p HD video; high-quality video for its class; easy to use; uses rechargeable AA batteries; FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
Somewhat pricey; no memory card slot; no cable included for HD output to HDTVs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.
Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 18 oz
THE GOOD
First-rate video quality and performance; geotagging videos is fun, if limited.
THE BAD
Annoying menu system; no wind filter; no manual shutter-speed, iris, or audio controls; relatively big and heavy; expensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Though their geotagging capabilities are mostly novelty and their interfaces could use a complete overhaul, the top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them worthy camcorder options. Both are overpriced, but since 14 hours of recording time is plenty--especially if supplemented with flash media--the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two.
Camcorder, Exmor R CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 18 oz
THE GOOD
First-rate video quality and performance; geotagging videos is fun, if limited.
THE BAD
Annoying menu system; no wind filter; no manual shutter-speed, iris, or audio controls; relatively big and heavy; expensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Though their geotagging capabilities are mostly novelty and their interfaces could use a complete overhaul, the top-notch video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them worthy camcorder options. Both are overpriced, but since 14 hours of recording time is plenty--especially if supplemented with flash media--the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two.
Camcorder, 3CMOS, 12 x, Flash card, Hard disk drive, 16.2 oz
THE GOOD
High-quality video; solid performance; electronic viewfinder; full manual feature set.
THE BAD
Touch screen not responsive enough.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A very good prosumer HD camcorder, the Panasonic HDC-HS300 still isn't as good a deal as the similarly featured but flash-based TM300 and has the same annoying touch-screen interface.
Decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder; easy to use; good low-light performance; 4GB memory holds 2 hours of video; FlipShare software is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
No memory card slot; no rechargeable battery included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra--but it's only worth buying at a reasonable discount off its list price.
Decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder; easy to use; good low-light performance; 4GB memory holds 2 hours of video; FlipShare software is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
No memory card slot; no rechargeable battery included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra--but it's only worth buying at a reasonable discount off its list price.
Decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder; easy to use; good low-light performance; 4GB memory holds 2 hours of video; FlipShare software is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
No memory card slot; no rechargeable battery included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra--but it's only worth buying at a reasonable discount off its list price.
Decent video for a VGA budget mini camcorder; easy to use; good low-light performance; 4GB memory holds 2 hours of video; FlipShare software is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
THE BAD
No memory card slot; no rechargeable battery included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Flip Video has made some modest improvements to the original Ultra--but it's only worth buying at a reasonable discount off its list price.
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