Flip SlideHD Camcorder, 4 Hours (White) NEWEST VERSION Review
Flip pioneered the “instant camcorder” concept and has prospered by it.
Now that everybody else is piling in, Flip perceived a need to expand its space and came up with the SlideHD.
The basic Flip functionality is present: you can record up to 4 hours of truly gorgeous 720p HD video, Audio quality is acceptable if your subject is nearby and ambient noise isn’t too loud. Low-light performance isn’t great, but considering the physics involved, there is no surprise there. The minimum focal length of the lens is longer than I would like meaning you can’t sit across a typical restaurant table and capture two adorable grandchildren being – well – adorable. The minimum focus distance is also a bit on the long side.
Bottom line is that the Flip SlideHD is a very good instant camcorder that is ready to go on a moment’s notice. It is a lot faster to get a Flip into action than most dedicated camcorders, still cameras with a video capability and smartphones.
In terms of features and usage, the SlideHDis very different than other Flip models. It is the largest and heaviest of the entire line. Instead of a LCD screen and physical buttons on the back, there is a large LDC screen with graphical buttons. The onscreen buttons are very responsive. Speaker output is surprisingly loud, even if tinny. There’s an HDMI output (no cable supplied), a standard tripod socket and a headphone jack.
The big feature though is that you slide the back of the unit and it tilts up to reveal a 3″ touch sensitive screen and a capacitive slide panel below it. You can play back your videos or load up to 12 hours of video that has been converted with the included FlipShare software.
Is this useful or just a gimmick? I haven’t really decided yet. The 3″ screen is adequate for getting a better view of Little Junior playing soccer and, with some technically savvy manipulation on the conversion, can also be used to play back other video. Overall, I think the Slide feature is handy, but not vital.
The battery won’t give you a full 4 hours, but compiling 4 hours of video in a single run is pretty difficult. Typical of Flip camcorders, there is an arm that plugs into your USB port. But I really prefer to use short USB cables instead of putting that kind of load on the Flip or my computer’s USB ports.
Overall, I like the idea of the SlideHD, although I think the capability of using readily available AA batteries makes the UltraHD a more utilitarian camcorder, with half the capacity.
One thing is for sure: the Flip is still a leading contender in the niche they invented.
Jerry
Flip SlideHD Camcorder, 4 Hours (White) NEWEST VERSION Feature
- Record up to four hours of HD video
- 3-inch wide touchscreen to show your favorite videos instantly
- Store up to 12 hours of videos and photos in Space Saver format (using FlipShare software)
- Connect the built-in USB arm to your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software to organize, create and share your videos
- Headphone jack (headphones not included) to enjoy your videos in any setting
Flip SlideHD Camcorder, 4 Hours (White) NEWEST VERSION Overview
Shoot and Share Video Camera with 3-inch High Resolution Touchscreen
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