The Flip was meant to be an easy-to-use pocket camcorder. Something you carry on you to capture those moments where you say, "Damn! I wish I had gotten that on video!". Something that you can have out of your pocket and recording high quality video in just a couple seconds, if you're quick. A camcorder that can be used by people who don't really get along with technology, just as readily as those who can dismantle your cellphone and put it back together in under a minute. It was also intended make painless the process of sharing the video you just recorded. In all of these areas, it definitely does the job.



What this device isn't, is a top-end, professional, 1080p, studio-quality, waterproof, infinitely-expandable camcorder. But it's also not $200! Bang for the buck, this camera is worth it. It's really a shame that Cisco dropped this line, they could have gotten a lot more business out of it. Let's go over some pros and cons.



PROS:

-Very easy to use, for just about anybody.

-Useful software included for interfacing with your computer.

-720p HD video @ 60 Frames Per Second.

-Easy flip-out USB interface.

-Nice low price tag.

-Feels pretty durable.

-8GB internal memory (Apple fans should like this more than expandable-memory types).



CONS:

-Cisco discontinued this product line indefinitely.

-Not 1080p.

-No expandable memory slot.

-No still-photo option (though you can choose individual frames from the videos with the included software)

-The included rechargeable battery may not last long enough to get the full 2 hours of video (though you can put different batteries in it, maybe some longer-lasting digital camera batteries).

-For a portable carry-everywhere camera, it could use some waterproofing and extra durability.

-The included software seems to be a bit buggy, specifically in regard to downloading product updates. But, being that it's discontinued, I wouldn't expect anymore software updates ;D.



When I was shopping, I was comparing this camera to the Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera. It does 5MP still photos, captures 1080p video, it's waterproof and the camera line is still in business. But; it was more expensive, didn't do 60 FPS @1080p, looked like a bit more than the 11yr old receiving it would need, had no internal memory (SD card only) and seemed more like something I should be buying for myself.



So, considering who we got the camera for, the price we paid (about $130) and what our needs were - I'm confident that we got the right camera. I may still go look at that Kodak for myself (I like to think I'll be more responsible with the SD cards floating around but I'm just a guy haha) but this little Flip has filled exactly the gap it was supposed to. Here's hoping Cisco revises their opinion of the Flip line and brings it back!



Regardless, as I mentioned, you can still pick up this camera in lots of places as long as stock is available. The price will probably keep dropping for a while until everybody sells out, then they'll be expensive again ha. There's also tons of accessories available for it. If you have a child or technologically-impaired friend/family who needs a very friendly camcorder, I definitely recommend this one for a good buy.