Real Estate Blog - FLIP Video "On the FLOP Side"

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FLIP Video "On the FLOP Side"

I was asked to do an interview with a Magazine out of Sacramento called Comstock's. Nick Parish is a Tech Journalist, and writes a column called the EDGE. The article will be out sometime this September. So if you want the inside scoop about the FLIP Video Camera, here's what I had to say...

----- Original Message ----
To: Brad Andersohn Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:23:45 AM
Subject: Re: tech journalist looking to speak with you (Sent via Activerain)

Hey Brad--

I write a column called Edge for a Sacramento-based business magazine Comstock's and an upcoming story is a review of the Flip video camera. They love to have a local angle, so I was wondering if you'd like to talk for 10 or 15 minutes about your experience with the device. Let me know. It would be pretty painless, and we could do it over email if that's what you'd prefer.

Thanks! Nick

THE INTERVIEW:

Q - Starting with the easy stuff, where are you from and what do you do?
A - I'm a Community Builder with ActiveRain Corp. out of Washington State. I'm in the Bay Area here in California.

Q - How did you first hear about flip video? How long ago was that?
A - I was sent a Flip Video camera by my Company to test and then Blog what I thought about it. This was about 6-8 weeks ago.

Q - What have you used the camera for?
A - Interviews, travel, music video production, live performances, events, real estate, training, caught on tape etc. :-)

Q - What were your findings?
A - I like it! For the right venue, there's nothing better. It can be used for personal or business applications or both.

Q - What did you like? What did you dislike?
A - I like that it's small and portable, has great video and audio, and features 1 hour recording time with the FLIP USB. It's a flip, point, click and view camera. It's limited on features, but understandable for the price. I don't like that it's (standard) battery operated and it doesn't have a jack for an external microphone. No long distance video.

Q - What do you think the camera is best suited for, in business or personal use?
A - I think both. It's a video camera meant to take video anytime, anywhere. If you're looking for professional and quality, I like it almost as much as my other digital camcorder. Keep in mind that a big percentage of the quality and content, well, much of that depends on who's at the back side of the camera.

Q - Do you use other video devices?
A - I have used Cell Phone video, Flip Video, Digital Camcorder video and Digital camera video. I like the small, portable, easy to travel and use devices. My iPhone, Flip Video, and Panasonic never leave home without me.

END OF INTERVIEW:

So is this FLIP really the "eyes" and "future" of Video?

I'm just curious, what's your review of the Flip Video? I have heard they are getting harder to find in stores, are they really that popular?

How would you answer the above questions? I'm looking for the good, the bad and the ugly!!

So "On The FLIP or FLOP side, what's your opinion?

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Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 05/22/2008 10:30 AM

Comments (54)

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54 Comments on FLIP Video "On the FLOP Side"

MAY

2008

I don't have one yet, but I like the idea of small things. The fact that it's fairly inexpensive helps also. I'm always afraid that I'm going to damage or misplace my $600 camera, and I wouldn't worry so much if it was $100.

What great timing. I just had one delivered yesterday.

What packaging!!!! That package was designed to survive a bunker buster bomb.

As soon as I can get it out of the package????? I'll try it out. I'm going to actually read the instructions first.

I really like the Flip Video for the same reason you've mentioned in your blog. I really liked the Flip Video when I did my first testimonial on my clients and uploaded into Mixpo. On the flop side it doesn't have a pause botton for video taping a home for a tour. I'm still having issues editing my video with mixpo, although I'm learning.

Got it out of the real estate agent proof package. Took a 30 sec shot of the TV. Loaded it to the hard drive. Now I just have to figure out how to load it to a post or e-mail. I can view the text video from the USB connection. But, haven't figured out yet how to load to post.

Later

Brad- I bought one based on the feedback I heard here. I love mine. I wish it had a bit better of a microphone too. It is great for informal capturing.

Best,

Scott

Hi Brad, first congrats on the interview! I love seeing my friends getting the exposure they deserve.

As for Flip, I'm so way behind on the video thing, a project for when I have free time (whatever that is) but I've heard/read mixed reviews. For the $$$ Flip seems to be decent enough for web based video.

Like most tech stuff, every few months things get cheaper and better but at some point we have to jump in.

O.K. I busted the package open, figured out how to take a short video. Plugged in to the USB port

and downloaded the 30 sec video to My Pictures. Try to insert in a post and get

Invalid format - valid image formats are: .jpg, .gif, .png. Flip Video for PC.exe

This IS a Flip Video for PC.exe

Where do I go now????

Whom do I ask about this thing now??

I adore mine and got the only 1 in stock at Best Buy after calling allover town looking for it. Everyone I called said they could not keep them in stock. I know many people who are ordering them online, now.

I second the pause button issue - it is a pain to stop and start and add all the individual clips & transitions when editing!

We will soon be a multi flip household - I will end up having to buy 1 for my youngest son to use soon, he keeps borrowing mine - but he brings me some great video - now I just need to find the time to edit and upload them all!

Lenn- I just emailed you what I hope helps - the simple answer is you need to upload the video file to a player somewhere (like youtube.com) get the embed code and then embed it in the HTML page of your post.

Brad - I still have to get one. Be sure that when I do, this poor man's techie is going to be calling you:-)

Brad- I don't have one yet. I just embeded a video from YouTube on a post yesterday, so I'm a bit behind the curve. Your posts have been very helpful, but I would still have to figure out how best to use the camera. And then there's learning how to edit the videos....Again, I'm a bit behind the curve.

Hi Lenn - just left you a VM message, call me back when you get a sec. Gottcha covered.. :-)

Larry - great point!

Lenn - almost as bad as trying to open a new CD eh? That's actually a FLIP and not a FLOP thing. :-)

Petra - Having a pause would be a nice feature instead of having to take multiple videos, I like that idea, maybe the folks at FLIP will get an annonymous email of this post for some ideas and upgrades. Call me if you need some help with AR Video (Mixpo), I'd be glad to take some of that stress off your plate.

Lenn - back so soon? I thought it would be a good hour before you got that package open. lol~ I know you're busy, still waiting for your call... :-))

Well, hopefully in the next few months I will be able to purchase a camera...not sure if I want to go flip or flop for a hard drive regular camera...I think the quality may be a little better on those, and give a little bit more options to play around with.

I love my Flip. I have taken a few tours through homes for buyers up north and it has helped them either get on or off a property. I wish it didn't take so dang long to upload it to YouTube though. Other than that, it's easy, there aren't enough people in my market with one so it's a great conversation piece when I'm out and about. I've also taken a couple of amature videos of neighborhoods and they're getting some play. It's rediculously well worth the tiny investment to get one!

I've heard of Flip but haven't checked it out since we have a camcorder...it might be worth having something that's easier...I'll look into it.

Michelle - I have been hearing they are hard to find, some are now buying the RCA Brand. I really like my FLIP, today I realized that I wish the screen were just a smidge bigger. Overall, love it! Thanks for helping out my friend Lenn, I know she's working on some video now, and I think she might even be having some fun with it now....

.....right Lenn?? :-)

Jason - you can call me 24/7 bro, you know I'd help you out anytime. Nice to see your comment here, hope all is well. Call me whenever you're ready..

..........so why isn't my phone ringing??

...................still waiting!! lol~ :-))

Matt - behind the curve is ok, it's when you're off or over the cliff you need to worry about. haha!
Take your time, it's like anything in life, you have to believe in it, learn it, apply it, then benefit from it. :-)

Jeremy - just shop around when you're ready, there may be even better out there, and cheaper when you're ready to make the purchase. Technology now days changes over night. :-)

Hi Shannon - I know youtube is slow and you lose quality, you really should check out the AR Video platform. The upload times are way shorter, and the quality is 200X better. You really should check it out. I will do a comparison video later to show all the video hosts and the differencesbetween them. Could be my next post....hmmm.. :-)

I hope you are loading up your Blog with some new videos, I'll be checkin you out to see your work. :-))

Jeff - you might just gather enough info here to make a good sound decision on whether to get a FLIP Video or not. The thread is getting pretty good here, just keep following. These comments from others might very well turn into one of your best resources. I Love Blogs!! :-)

Hi Brad well my brutally honest answer is that I think Flip Video is a thing of the past. I found out that the Vado Video Cam is cheaper, more powerful and slimmer than the Flip Video and the Vado Cams are being sold out across the country. I was actually going to buy the Flip video until I heard the hype in the blogosphere about Vado. Feel free to check out my blog about the comparison. All in All both cameras are extremely great for beginners.

Hi Brad! We are so excited about receiving our new Flip Cams for the makeover2takeover contest! I have great plans for that new camera. Wonder what it would look like bunji jumping off the San Francisco bridge??? Could you show us???

Dream it, weave it, believe it...

Later in the rain~Deb

Brad, I like the flip video; however, I would like a pause button. It's a "tad" awkward since it is so small. That said, I do love it 'cause it's small and easy to use. I haven't uploaded it to Mixpo yet, but will do so soon. ;-)

Justin - I heard about the RCA but not the Vado yet. Thanks for sharing that bit of info, I'll have to check it out as I'm sure will others. Great stuff, very much appreciated!! :-)

Teri - the pause and a FLIP screen would be cool for when you have to video yourself. Kinda hard to see what's recording when you're on the other side of the camera??? Mixpo is now ActiveRain Video and I do hope you'll be trying it soon. It's like Blogging, once you start, you just can stop. ;-)

Hi Deb - we're all watching the makeover2takeover, if you win...I'll jump!! Lol~ :-) That actually would be one of those videos that could definitely go VIRAL, who wouldn't want to see Brad jump off the bridge! haha!!

Brad - I bought the RCA Small Wonder yesterday. RCA Licensed the technology from Flip and I think they did it better! The best feature has to be the flip out LCD Screen. It's AWESOME!

Bo - I knew I could count on you to show up and tell us about the RCA. Thanks for the time on the phone today, glad things are working better for now, I'm looking forward to seeing what that "bad boy" RCA can produce. I'll Be watching your Blog for some samples... Thanks Bo :-)

MAY

2008

Team SHESELLS is very excited about our Flip Video Camera. We can't wait to get it! Before we were selected to be a part of the contest, I had ordered a Vado. That will also arrive next week. I see a blog post in the future comparing the two!!!!

Tina in Virginia

Tina - can't wait to see your videos. Good luck in the Makeover2Takeover contest, we have great teams this year. It should be a fun, and a wonderful learning experience for all those involved. For those of us who are just watching, I hope to get as much out of the contest as the contestants. Thanks for your contributions, and for sharing your experiences and resources. Best of luck to you and your TEAM. :-))

It's funny thinking about how our industry has dealt with digital cameras over the past 4-5 years. Originally our office had 1 digital camera that we all shared. You would check it out and use your own floppy disc for pictures. Then folks started buying small pocket sized digital cameras while a few of us bought digital SLRs to take high quality photos. I see video the same way. The Flip is a good place to start and explore video. If it works for you, you'll probably upgrade as you see what an important tool it has become.

I can't wait to see what the future holds..

Geordie - video is evolving, and into our business for sure. It's like drinking out of a FIREHOSE!! lol~ The future holds great things in store for us no doubt. :-)

MAY

2008

I do wish the FLIP had a bit more zoom capability. I spent the weekend with my wife near the beach and the long distance shots just didn't let me zoom like I would have liked to. Also, when taking video of self (the two of us) I couldn't see what I was filming. Wish the FLIP had a FLIP screen for shooting self portrait videos.

MAY

2008

Hey Brad

Like all things there is a learning curve. I was able to take several short videos and "edit" them with the included software. My son has tried to use it with his Mac but has had problems getting the AVI to load into imovie but will continue to work on getting the "dark side" to perform. I love the size and portability and plan to take it to Europe next month. I will then subject you all to my "home movies."

as always Brad...great blog. I have The FLip and love it. Besides using it for real estate, it has helped me stay in touch with my young adult children, they love getting the videos!! I am finally one up on them in the tech world

Jeff - like all things, aint that the truth! :-) The .avi files have to be converted to .mov files. Try downloading Prism, a video convertor, then they should work on the MAC with iMovie. Have fun in Europe, you should sign up with ActiveRain Video, and post your videos here when you return. Let's connect when you get home. Sorry I missed the breakfast today, I really was planning on being there. :-)

Julie - thanks. That's awesome, it really is a great little camera, and a wonderful tool if it helps you stay in touch with your kids. :-)

MAY

2008

"On The Flop Side" - hehe!! :-)

No matter what situations life throws at you... no matter how long and treacherous your journey may seem... Remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

You're laughing aren't you? that's good ......my job here is done! Have a great day.

JUN

2008

I would have responded similarly. A rechargable batter feature would be nice and it's not the greatest in low-light situations. Still- it's very much worth the price, in my opinion.

JUN

2008

Chuck - for those low light situations, you might want to take "Fluffy" in the above photo with you. ROFL!~ :-)

JUN

2008

Love my Flip for the convenience. It is super small, easy to use, replaceable batteries and no charger to carry around, the transfer rate to your computer is quick. Only think I would have liked to see if an external port like on the TREO to add additional SD card memory. This way you would not have to dump the video onto your computer once you hit the 60 minutes. This is a small inconvenience when you consider just how affordable The Flip is though.

Sam - I like the SD card idea, I use a 4 gig memory stick and just transfer the video over to the stick when on the road. Most computers everywhere have the usb ports so it's just a drag and drop process, and it only takes a couple minutes. I always carry a few extra batteries too, nothing worse than a dead camera right in the middle of a good video clip. :-)

Brad - I am with you 100%. Anyone who has been on an appointment and had their battery go dead knows that sick feeling you get in the pit of your stomach. That is a feeling I only have had once but it is something you never forget.

JUN

2008

Sam - nice to have a fellow videographer here who can relate, thanks! :-)

I've had my FLIP for about 2 months now, and carry it with me all the time. For business, it's been great for my out-of-town clients who can see weekly progress (both FLIP & stills) on their new construction... I did a spontaneous interview at a local deli once which was fun, but never posted it cuz I wanted to re-do it. I also heard someone give a talk recently that was a rare appearance, so it was fun to get him talking and see him, too (and the group I was with loved this). I just came back from visitng family in CA and, of course, got about a dozen priceless videos for myself of my little grandson! For the cost, it's one of the best values going for me.

Mara - sounds like you are putting the FLIP to work in many areas, it's great to see how members are using their videos both on a personal and business level. I think we are just beginning to see how powerful video is and why so many are using it more and more. Thanks for taking the time to share your comment and your FLIP video experiences. :-)

Brad - THis is a clinic on how to use a Flip. Now when I have any questions about one, I'll just come here.

Larry - you know the door is always open to you my friend, the key is under the mat, come on by anytime. :-)

JUN

2008

I ordered one last week and am really excited about it! I wish I got one free like you did! I have a neat digital camera but having the simplicity of the FLIP will make things easier. I wish I got mine for free!

Tracy - can't wait to see your video posts. I think you'll like the camera and the convenience. BTW - FREE always comes with a price!! lol~ :-)

SEP

2008

Is there a camcorder that offers a few more features (like a pause button) that would be as cost effective as the Flip?

Eric - the best advice I can offer on that is to search google, ebay, B&H photo etc. online, and see what's out there and available. You will most definitely find exactly what you're looking for, there are some really great cameras at really great prices, but only you can determine which camera is right for you based on your needs for features. They range from 89.00 - 2000.00 (HD) depending on how feature intense you want to get. :-)

JUN

Just bought Vado HD . The feature set is better for Real Estate. I did a blog today to compare the Flip with Video HD.

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