Cisco updates Flip UltraHD and MinoHD line

DCR was wondering when Cisco would get back into the pocket camcorder game with a new Flip, considering the Flip practically defines the product class and recent announcements by Sony, Kodak and others of rival devices. This week, we received our answer. The Flip is back, this time with updates to its popular MinoHD and UltraHD line.

Ultra Update

Cisco added two new devices to the popular UltraHD line that Cisco claims is "the world's best-selling shoot-and-share video family."

First up is the $150 4GB Flip Video UltraHD, capable of shooting approximately one hour of footage (1280 x 720, 30fps). Not much is new about this unit aside from the price. It is available in magenta, blue, white or "thousands of unique designs" according to the release.

Next is the $200, 8GB UltraHD, which can store about two hours of footage. New additions include always-on digital image stabilization, 1280 x 720 resolution at 60 fps, a slimmer design, and a new feature called FlipPort, which Cisco describes as "a proprietary Flip-designed connector enabling new add-ons options as part of the newly announced Designed for Flip™ accessory program."

The New Mino

The new Flip MinoHD line also includes two devices: a one-hour Flip with 4GB of internal memory, and a two-hour device with 8GB. Both will shoot the same 720/60fps footage resolution as the 8GB UltraHD and both feature the always-on image stabilization. The 4GB and 8GB Flip MinoHDs are available in silver, black, or with a design, and cost $180 and $230, respectively.

Review Coming Soon

Review units are on the way to DigitalCameraReview headquarters, so check back soon for a full Flip evaluation. Judging from the product shots DCR is heartened to see that Cisco has once again embraced the stupid-simple user experience that made the Flip so popular; a quality it got away from with the SlideHD, which DCR criticized for its cumbersome design and high price.

All four new Flips are available now.