Flip video camera is ultra simple to use, the software which comes built into the camera is still very useful indeed and in this article I’d like to take a look at the four current features you will find installed on your new camcorder.

It is important to underline before we start that the software comes preinstalled on the Flip video camera and when you plug your camera into your computer the software should fire up automatically. It includes a version for PCs and a version for Macs so whichever computer you are using you should have no problems with the Flip video software.

Once opened up, you can view the videos that are currently on your camera and play them from inside the software making it easier to work out which videos are worth saving and which ones are suitable for deleting.

Down the left-hand side of the software you will find the simple navigation menu too which contains links to the four main areas of the software.

They are, in turn:

Save Videos - The first option allows you to save videos by moving them from one place to another, for example saving videos from your camera onto your computer, or the reverse. The process is incredibly simple whereby you just select the location of the videos you wan to access, highlight the specific video clips and then choose the save button. The videos will then be moved as per your instructions.

Share Videos - This options allows you to upload videos you have made to any of the various social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. You simply select the specific videos you would like to upload, then select the website for upload. Finally uo enter in a few basic details about your account (username, password etc.) and your videos are then automatically uploaded for others to enjoy.

Make Movie - This is probably the weakest feature of all in my opinion and is as far as video editing currenrly stretches with the Flip video camera. Be aware of course that like with any other video clips you can use third party software applications to edit them (like Windows Movie Maker, for example) but looking purely at the softeare that comes preinstalled on the Flip Video Camera this “editing” element is basic at best.

What it basically allows you to do is to take a number of existing video clips, “stick” them together into one long clip, and then add music in the background if desired or a few nothing-special video effects.

The results are really just for fun - you are unlikely to use this software more than once in my opinion and it is unlikely to give you the sort of result that you might want to show off to family and friends.

For a professional look check out Sony Vegas Movie Studio which is generally accepted to be the best “amateur” video editing software available which most users swear by.

Delete Videos - Not surprisingly this function simply allows you to select which videos you would like to delete.

In recent times, there has been a big spurt in the digital video camera market. With the Flip video camera series being launched, it has become even more exciting, particularly because of its amazingly low price.

The Flip Video camera from Pure Digital is a compact video recorder that fits into your pocket. The recorded video clips are stored in the camera’s hard drive and these can be either viewed on a computer or on TV screen. It has a convenient USB that flips out from the side via which you can plug it into your PC or Mac. Video clips are saved as .avi files.

In the Flip camcorder range are the Flip Ultra and the Flip Mino HD. The Flip Ultra camera shoots 4:3 video while the Mino shoots 16:9. If you are wondering which Flip digital camera to buy, it makes sense to browse through Flip camera review sites to help you make an informed decision.

One of the reasons that lead to the success of Flip digital cameras is the fact that people use online video services like YouTube a lot. This camera is so easy to use that people don’t really notice any shortcomings. The Flip Mino came after the Ultra and if you do a comparison of the two, the Mino is about 40% smaller and lighter than the Ultra and has a touch sensitive control pad, a rechargeable built-in battery and a codec for Mac users enabling them to use iMovie 08 and edit their videos directly. The Flip Mino is preloaded with the software it needs for video sharing. While the Flip Ultra has the USB connector at the side, the Mino has it on top and you can use it to download your videos as well as to charge the camera.

The Mino also has a faster image processor, an omni-directional mic, pause, review and fast forward button. It is capable of uploading movies to MySpace. 

If we explore the Flip Mino Vs Ultra, according to online reviews the Flip Mino scores over the Ultra in many ways. For example, in terms of design and interface, people prefer the Mino for its smaller size, sleeker look, touch sensitive controls and better playback options. Specifications wise, even though both Flip camcorders are similar, the Mino scores for its superior sound and compression and additional uploading option. But for video quality, it is the Ultra that is ahead for its consistently brighter videos and better exposure especially in low light situations.

To some, the Mino might look better, but if video quality is important, then it is the Ultra that has an edge. Cost wise, the Mino costs more and is better designed with a rechargeable battery while the Ultra works with replaceable AA batteries. However, when it comes to the Flip Ultra vs. Mino, it really is a matter of what you want to do with the camera and the features that matter to you the most. Therefore, it is best to check out as many online reviews as possible since you can read a lot more than just the product specifications. Diverse user experiences described in Flip video camera review can finally be the deciding factor when you buy your own Flip digital camera.

I love my Flip video camcorder, and have had it for about a year, I have been trying to upload videos to YouTube affter editing them in Windows movie-maker, but it won’t convert the video file.  Is there any other free software like Windows movie maker that work for the flip video camcorder?