Last week, it was announced that the Flip camcorder will no longer be made or supported. Details are here: zd.net/fg5pah


I never liked it. It takes great video. It was a pain to edit the way I wanted in its software. It was a pain to import it into other software, except when it wasn't. It was very affordable. It didn't accept external mics or even headphones so doing "keeper audio" was sketchy. It was simple to use, except when it wasn't.

If only the one I have didn't lock up every time I shoot a scene longer than 1 minute. If only removing the battery each time wasn't the only way to get it going again. It is still ideal for quick YouTube videos that don't have long scenes and simple editing will do. But I need better than that. We all do. That's why I never could bring myself to recommend it.

I always dreaded getting calls for Flip help from ANR folks because I knew they were having the same issues I did. I only got one because they had. I wanted to study it, master it. But I learned I didn't want it. Finally, relief is on the way--time is on my side now and the calls about Flip will just fade away.

Farewell, Flip. I'll be adding you my display of yesterday's technology as soon as your specialized rechargeable batteries wear out.