Flip Slide HD

The Flip SlideHD is the new camcorder come media player brought to you by Flip Video that allows you to shoot and share HD video.

Just like all the other Flip Video Cameras the Flip SlideHD gives you high quality video within a portable design that you can take where-ever you are and is very simple to use.

Just power on and press the big red button on the touchscreen to start videoing HD content and capture / store 12 hours of video, allowing you to carry all your fave videos in your pocket. The pre-loaded software enables you to organize, create and share your video content easily.

You can slide open the Flip Slide (obviously) and with the 3 inch widescreen inside show all your friends and family your videos. When you want to move onto the next video just touch the iphone-esque slide strip on the screen to scroll through your collection.

There have been problems reported with the re-charging element of the Flip Share but watch this space.

Flip Slide HD Features * SlideHD is the world's first shoot and show camcorder * Shoot up to four hours of incredible HD video on the portable SlideHD * Press the big red button on the sleek touchscreen to start capturing high-quality HD video * Slide open the 3-inch widescreen to show your favorite videos instantly to friends and family * Store up to 12 hours of videos and photos in Space Saver format (using FlipShare software), so you can take your favorite Flip Video content with you wherever you go * Connect the built-in USB arm to your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software * Use FlipShare software to organize and edit your videos, capture photos, and create custom movies * Share videos privately using FlipShare's attachment-free email or by creating Flip Channels; share publicly with direct video uploads to Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other sites * Watch your videos on your HDTV by connecting your SlideHD to your TV with the Flip Video HDMI Cable (sold separately) * Plug in headphones (not included) to enjoy your videos on Flip SlideHD in any setting * Recharge the internal lithium-ion battery by connecting SlideHD's USB arm to your computer (or by using the Flip Video Power Adapter –sold separately) * Record high-quality H.264 HD videos that are compatible with most video-playing applications, including Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and iTunes * Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files * Included in package: Flip SlideHD Camcorder, wrist strap, soft protective case, user guide

Customer 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

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