Flip Ultra HD 3rd gen review

It was Flip that pioneered mini camcorders, but it has never sat on its laurels, with updated models appearing regularly. This latest incarnation of the Ultra HD has a host of improvements, including 50fps video and image stabilisation. In the past, mini camcorders have struggled with quick motion – either on the part of the operator or the subject – and so we had high hopes for this new version.

When you’re holding the camera still or making slow, smooth panning motions then the stabilisation is evident – making your footage easier to concentrate on and more professional in appearance. When walking, it effectively dampened the shakes caused by our footsteps. Equally important is the move from 30fps to 50fps, though. Motion within the frame is noticeably smoother and panning actions produce far more palatable results.

Our video produced an average bitrate of 9.2Mbit/s, compared to 8.8Mbit/s from previous HD models. It’s a very small rise given the extra data required for all those extra frames, and it makes us suspect that picture detail had been sacrificed in preference of smoother motion.

In head-to-head testing, the old 2nd gen HD models (Ultra or Mino) produce an image with superior contrast to this updated one. The 3rd gen Ultra makes compromises in exposure to try and get extra detail from every pixel, while the 2nd gen models contains darker shadowy areas to greater effect. The 3rd gen’s higher exposure levels also generate more picture noise, without little more actual detail apparent. This is more obvious in low light conditions, which are again lighter but noisier.

Surprisingly, Flip has changed the colour balance too. The newer model has richer reds, which made the bricks on buildings near our office look darker than in real life. It looks more vibrant overall, but again we prefer the older model’s slightly more realistic rendering. It’s worth noting that none of these differences are huge, and we still prefer this 3rd gen Ultra to most mini camcorders. However, viewing the footage side-by-side we definitely prefer some aspects of the older model.

At first glance the new Ultra HD appears very similar to the old one, but in the hand it proves to be both slightly slimmer and slightly lighter. It feels better built too, with none of the minor creakiness of the old model. A switch on the bottom secures the front panel in place; behind this, the old twin AA battery slots are gone, replaced by three AAA slots. As usual, a custom-shaped rechargeable Li-ion battery is supplied, which lasts for just over an hour and-a-half – leaving the AAA option only for emergencies.

Many of the key specifications are unchanged. It has the same 2in display on the rear, and the same 1/4.5in CMOS sensor behind an identical f2.4 lens. The old models mini HDMI port is gone, replaced by a micro version – you still need to buy your own lead unfortunately and these are available for around £6. Nestled next to the port is a new connector, Flip’s proprietary FlipPort. Accessories are already being announced for this, the most intriguing to date being a Bluetooth condensing mic from Scosche.

This latest update isn’t all good then, but we reckon many of our complaints could be fixed by simply tweaking the firmware, returning the exposure and colour balance to the old model’s settings. Even if you have to live with these, it’s still at least equal to its predecessor (unless you shot most of your footage from a tripod), thanks to its superior ability to capture motion, even when on the move.