Pure Digital Flip UltraHD

The Pure Digital Flip UltraHD looks a lot like other $200-and-under pocket HD camcorders, but experts say it offers some real advantages over the competition. It's unfair to expect the UltraHD to deliver the video quality of even mid-priced HD camcorders, such as the Canon Vixia HF200 (*Est. $600), let alone top performers such as the Canon Vixia HF S10 (*Est. $1,140); those pricier camcorders shoot in 1080p HD, while the Flip UltraHD shoots in lower resolution 720p HD. Still, testers say the UltraHD's footage looks surprisingly good considering its price -- even a little better than the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD (*Est. $160). Like most pocket camcorders, the UltraHD lacks any kind of image stabilizer. You also won't find an optical zoom, and the digital zoom simply blows up the picture and makes it fuzzy. Features are otherwise good for the class, experts say, and include a flip-out USB connector for easy use with a PC, and an HDMI connector that lets you see high-def video directly on your HDTV. The UltraHD's stiffest competitor is the new Kodak Zi8 (*Est. $180), the first pocket camcorder that shoots in 1080p HD. Even though some experts say the Zi8's footage looks better than the UltraHD's, testers say the UltraHD has a better on-board microphone and adjusts better to light and shadow. The UltraHD's built-in 8 GB memory can hold up to two hours of footage.

CamcorderInfo.com usually concentrates on more expensive camcorders, but reviewer Jeremy Stamas does a good job testing a few pocket camcorders -- including the Flip UltraHD -- and explaining their pros and cons. CNET and Laptop Magazine also test and compare several pocket camcorders. The Washington Post conducts a head-to-head test between the Flip UltraHD and the Kodak Zx1. CreativeMac.com does a more limited comparison between the Flip UltraHD and the Flip Mino. We also found helpful owner reviews at Amazon.com.