So I plunked down about $100 for a Flip Video camera that holds 30 minutes of decent quality video and have been playing with it for the past week trying to figure out if I like it or not. Right now, I think I do, just because it is soooo easy to use to get videos online fast. The quality from camera to the local drive is good enough to bring into iMovie or whatever editing program you like and make use of it. The quality of the video once you get it up on YouTube is about a 6, the sound is pretty bad, but passable, and in general, you get what you pay for. But, did I mention that it’s just very easy to use? And these days, that’s worth a lot.
Here’s a quick sample of my wonderful daughter making her pony purple:
Students have been showing up with these cameras lately. They work excellent with the Mac. Now, if it had a MiniSD slot, it would be a fantastic tool!
You’re right: the video quality seems more than decent for use on the web, and the sound is what I would expect from a bad phone connection. Of course with all of that wind it was hard to tell for sure.
But “purple pony” is just fun to say. Did the color ever come out?
I’ve seen this before, it’s basically a reusable version of the CVS one time use video camera. How does the video compare with video shot on a digital still camera?
My 12 year old son loves this camcorder! But he will want to use it during an upcoming trip to Israel for 2 weeks. Does anyone know if there is a way to store or use more than 60 minutes worth? I’m sure he will want to shoot waaaaaaay more than that over 2 weeks.
thanks
I agree with Will’s initial assessment. The video is better than the audio; and it’s really simple to operate and get files on to the computer through the USB connector. It tends to do a better job with more static “interview like” shots than action / athletics.
Is there still the klicking sound when zooming in or out?
Yes there is still a clicking sound when zooming. I believe if you press lightly you can avoid it but it takes some effort. They say the RCA Small Wonder fixed the clicking issue. RCA Small Wonder is basically the same device but with different built-in software.. No “styles”, No ability to add background music, and only 512MB built-in. But the RCA has an SD slot and a flip-out display, a tripod mount, and a HQ and LP switch. HQ records 30 minutes and LP records 60 minutes on the built-in 512MB.
I believe the RCA does not work with the Mac and I don’t see much value in an even lower video quality option. There is a virtue for some of us in a low memory and that is the ability of children (at least my daughter) to fill any capacity given mostly with tripe. We travel with a laptop so the memory issue is not a problem.