Flip Video Shoot and Share Videos

The Flip Video camera is the latest technology offered by Pure Digital Technologies.

The Flip Video camera is small - it measures approximately 4.12"x2.25"x1.25". The USB plug folds out from the side of the camera and plugs directly into the USB port on any PC (XP or Vista) or MAC (OSX). There is no tape, disks or cards to deal with. Flip Video is available in a 30 minute/512MB version, a 60 minute/1 GB version. The Ultra Series are available in multiple colors, a 30 minute/1GB version and a 60 minute/2GB version. They range in price from approximately $119 to $179. The ease of use is unparalleled and the compactness lets you carry a video camera with you anywhere.

Flip Video may truly be the easiest way to shoot video and then actually share it without getting stressed out. It is as simple as shooting the video, plugging the video camera into a USB port, letting the software automatically download onto your PC or MAC computer, and choosing where and how to share the video. Uploading to websites such as YouTube, MySpace, AOL Videos is easy. Attaching video to emails is a cinch, and watching video on your television is easily handled by the included cable.

This is not a high end video recorder. However, it is a very good video recorder. Resolution is 640 x 480 and still shots can be snapped from the video.

It is easy to use for the non techie crowd. It is also fun for both techies and non techies. The speaker and microphone is built in and the lens is fixed. That is a beautiful thing because so many great memories are lost because the camcorder is too confusing. If the video is shot, it is often not shared.

The Flip uses 2 AA batteries so running out of power is unlikely with just a little preparation. Each set of batteries will provide approximately 2 to 6 hours of video time depending on the camera version and type of AA batteries used.

Once you attach the Flip Video camera to your computer's USB port the Flip software automatically downloads to your computer. At that point you can view the video, choose where to send it, or you can save it. Videos are easily attached to emails and the recipient can view the video by simply clicking on the attachment. Yes, believe it or not, that is all you have to do. No subscription fees apply for sharing video online.

I own the 60 minute/1GB version. I keep it in my bag so I can use it without special preparation. It is so light weight that I can hold it steady while shooting. There is an available tripod if you prefer. There is also an "action Mount" available so that you can attach the Flip to your bike or helmet. If being stylish is important to you just add the colorful skins and USB cables.