It’s unclear why Flip chose to use a proprietary connector instead of using the existing mini-jack a/v port that would interchangeable with other devices. I’m excited to get my hands on these new extension for the camera, but it’s unfortunate that most of the best ones require using the proprietary FlipPort plug. Yet Cisco (which acquired Flip Video almost two years ago now) says that these choices have been based on requests from consumers. And even the iGo pico projector, which is a tiny candy bar of a device that beams the video onto a wall for public viewing, seems more suited to a conference room than a family room. It’s hard to imagine that a Flip cam-wielding mom has been clamoring for a wireless mic so that she can improve the sound of her interviews during 5-year-old Ethan’s birthday party. The accessories are expected to sell for between $15 and $30, well within reach of most Flip cam buyers, and go on sale along with the new camera starting in mid-October.Ī few of these accessories veer surprisingly close to prosumer (professional-consumer hybrid) territory. But for now, the FlipPort is only available on the UltraHD 2 hour model–there is no FlipPort on the UltraHD 1 hour, or either of the new MinoHD pocket camcorders. Many of these accessories were designed specifically for Flip and utilize a new “FlipPort” connector, which will become a standard feature of Flip cams going forward.
#CISCO FLIP VIDEO CAMERA TV#
The range of over a dozen add-ons include a Scosche wireless microphone, a magnetically attachable Bower wide angle lens, a tiny iGo pico projector and a TV dock. The second, and more ingenious solution, is that Flip too the clutter and feature creep requests customers have been asking for and turned them into accessories.
The first is by simply upgrading the picture quality by adding image stabilization and 60 frames per second (fps) progressive scan resolution (double that of the previous model).
The latest Flip UltraHD 2 Hour and MinoHD 2 Hour video cameras solve that problem in a couple of ways. Yet the same qualities that make the Flip UltraHD and MinoHD best-sellers present a challenge for its makers: The need to evolve the product while avoiding the complexity and clutter of feature creep. Instead of complex buttons and myriad settings, Flip cams deliver excellent image quality from a pocket-sized device that can be used without an instruction manual. Flip Video pioneered the market for ultra-simple digital video cameras.