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FLIP Video "On the FLOP Side"

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

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?

Comments (54)

Anonymous
Jeff Dennis

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."

May 28, 2008 11:42 AM
#35
Julie Beall
Irongate Realtors - Springboro, OH
CRS

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

May 28, 2008 03:53 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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. :-)

May 28, 2008 04:39 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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 28, 2008 04:46 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

"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.

May 29, 2008 04:52 PM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

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.

May 31, 2008 06:04 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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

Jun 02, 2008 07:56 AM
Sam Miller
RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH
Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

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.

Jun 03, 2008 12:24 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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. :-)

Jun 03, 2008 01:51 AM
Sam Miller
RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH
Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

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 03, 2008 05:46 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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

Jun 03, 2008 06:20 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

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.

Jun 04, 2008 12:45 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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.  :-)

Jun 04, 2008 03:46 AM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

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

Jun 04, 2008 03:52 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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

Jun 04, 2008 04:01 AM
Tracy Santrock
Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC
Raleigh - Cary Broker

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!

Jun 30, 2008 03:09 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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~  :-)

Jun 30, 2008 03:34 AM
Eric Slifkin
Keller Williams Realty of the Treasure Coast - Palm City, FL
PA

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

Sep 18, 2008 03:06 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

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. :-)

Sep 18, 2008 03:17 AM
Norma Brandsberg
Marks Realty Co. Inc., Lynchburg, VA, 540-586-9496 - Forest, VA

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

Jun 12, 2009 05:35 AM