Monday, May 11, 2009

FLIP OR NOT TO FLIP



I'm perplexed, in quandary, so very confused. It seems like the blog world is big into the FLIP video camera. I am wondering if this is just a passing trendy gadget or is it in for the long haul? This will be a major purchase. I hope to be able to use this video camera way into the future. I am not a gal who has to have the latest, most up to date gadgets. Already you can buy the regular FLIP and FLIP HD. Technology moves much too fast. At first, I was going to jump right on the bandwagon and buy that FLIP. Now I am thinking of buying a small handheld video with ZOOM.


Before I dump a few yuan on the counter for that video camera for China, I want your advise. What would you do?

17 comments:

Rhonda said...

DH and I just took our digital camera that takes movies to CHina. We have a video camera but it is never on hand when we need it. I love having it all on my camera that I can download directly to my computer. One less thing to take or bring home was wonderful too.

Michelle said...

I work for an electronics retailer (well corporate) but anyway I would suggest investing in a really good camera that also takes video. You can get huge memory cards that will hold everything. Also, I agree with the previous post that it is one less thing to carry than and you can switch between photo and video. Otherwise, borrow a video camera for this one trip for everyday a video from your camera would be all you should need. Just my suggestion though! I love the new technology so I maybe would do it:)

Erin said...

We have both. They are useful for different situations. The flip is very easy to use/load. I think the quality is just as good. Mine doesn't zoom as well though (maybe the new one does). It is a snap to keep in your purse though!

Single Women Adopting Children said...

I am trying to decide whether to take my video camera back and just use my digital camera that has video capability. Too many gadgets to carry. Oh -I am excited about your TA plans....let us know ASAP

Laurie said...

I have a Flip - I love it. It is smaller than my camera and very, very easy to use. I didn't get the HD one - just the normal one. I also got the one that runs on AA batteries - it is a teeny bit bigger, but I NEVER remember to charge batteries!

Evelyn said...

I received a video camera as a gift before China.didn't happen . I only took video of gotcha day, while someone else snapped pictures. Never used it again. I got to nervous ..everything went so quick..i could not get the video mounted on the stands. I'd say go with the camera with good video option, and the flip is small enough to carry for those special moments. As well some video formats will not work on some computers like the MAC when they come from the camcorder. I believe the FLIP does.

Ginny said...

Hmm, as someone who has both I have to say the video camera is going to allow you to get better quality video and better zoom BUT I use the flip way more because it is easy, pocket ready, and the upload to the computer is something my Kindgergarten kid can do.
I still have video from last Christmas on the regular video camera that needs to be uploaded and edited but the Kindergarten play last Thursday from the Flip is loaded, tagged, and filed on my computer already.

Jessica said...

I love my FLIP!!! It's perfect for video and so easy to use and small enough that when it's in my purse, I forget it's there. I found that my digital camera that took video was holding a lot of my memory and I couldn't get them to play on my laptop when I loaded the video.

Anonymous said...

We used our digital camera as well. It is enough and you will get two for the price of one in it.

Tiffany said...

I NEVER use my video camera. You should borrow it for China. If i had to do over, I would just stick with my camera that takes video.

Tiffany

Stacey T. said...

I love my flip, it's so handy, so easy, you can transfer them in a flash to utube or email, etc. No cords to bring, just a couple batteries. We also use our camera too, but the flip comes out mostly for those little films around the house that you don't want to miss.

Anonymous said...

The reviews for the Flip on Amazon were not that great. I would also suggest a higher end digi camera that does video and still. My SonyCybershot does, as does a new Sanyo point and shoot that I recently got (yes, a Sanyo - the reviews are FABULOUS) and it is WATERPROOF! You can take photos and video underwater.

lora said...

I have both....I would take both....They are good in different situations. The Flip HD is a little harder to keep still, but easier to pack in your bag if it is going to be a day you are carrying alot. The Flip is also so EASY to upload and send if you are taking a laptop. It still only holds 1 hour of video....But I still think the quality is better on my camcorder. The zoom is definitely better. I would trust gotcha moment to my camcorder! You can never have too many photos or video of your time in China.....borrow one or the other if you can, and buy one, leave something home if you don't have room :)

Here is some video shot with FLIP...http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mshuns&view=videos

Gracencameronsmomy said...

I love my flip for short, close up video, but it isnt great for school plays, etc...where yopu ned to zoom. I would suggest a small video camera with a hard drive, or the one thta burn right to DVD's...we have a huge old video camera, but dont use that much because it only goes onto small cassette tapes and I can't get them onto the computer...

Catherine said...

Right there with you!! Not sure which way to go. Love the size and ease of the flip but zoom is super important to me so not sure I'd be happy with that part of the Flip. Looking forward to hearing what others say and what you decide.

Cindy said...

The Flip doesn't have good video quality. The only good thing about it is that it's small and portable. I suggest reading the reviews on Amazon before making a big purchase. We just got a JVC Everio and it takes good video. Tate will only be a baby once.

Alyson and Ford said...

We wanted small and portable in order to take lots of video's on the spot. Easy to carry around, the video worked well. Check out our blog from Sept 2008. If it is small you will use it.

Alyzabeth's Mommy