Pure Digital Technologies' simple plug-and-play video camera is one of the simplest and most easy-to-use camcorders on the market. So much so, that at present time, it's Amazon.com's best selling camcorder, among other higher end products. In fact, four different Flip Video Camcorders rank in the site's top 10 bestsellers in the category, just different color versions. So popularity isn't something it's lacking.

Nevertheless, as the third version of its product, the Flip Video cam boasts an easy learning curve with its hideaway USB connector and built-in software, making a user's experience in viewing and sharing videos incredibly easy.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Flip Video Ultra 60 or 30-minute camcorder
Carrying pouch
Wrist strap
Video out cable

FEATURES

2GB (Up to 60 minutes of video capture)
Built-in hidden USB port
Simple sharing capabilities (YouTube, MySpace & AOL Video)
Video playback (on device)
2x digital zoom

DESIGN

The design is sleek, and available in white, orange, pink and black. It has a rubbery casing, making gripping easy, and simple and easily accessible buttons. This version, the Ultra, is about the same size as its predecessor, but is slightly narrower, making it easier to hold within your palm. It is powered by two AA batteries, and a metal threaded mount for tripods has been added from its last version. It weighs in right around 5 ounces.

THE GOOD

The main benefit and easiest feature of this device to boast about, as previously mentioned, is the ease of use. There is no learning curve for this. It's is straight forward and to the point. But, since the last time around, there were a few upgrades -- in video quality, its LCD screen, and its software.

First the video quality is decent for the capture of MPEG-4 video. Using what the company calls the "Pure Digital Video engine 2.0," the Flip Ultra captures some decent video, with slightly sharper images and colors than previous models. Also, it does well in low light as well, with the final footage looking more lit than you'd expect.

To the device's bread and butter -- it's sharing capabilities. That's been improved as well. While the previous Flip, using its built-in software required two steps to upload to YouTube, it's now been cut to just one. That's a big plus for adding more ease to the process. Via its hidden away USB connector, you can play back one clip, string several together to make a mixture, pull a single frame (still photo) out of the video, and share your clips with selected viewers via e-mail or the Web. One note when sharing via e-mail: instead of attaching a large file (the video clips can get pretty large in size), recipients are sent a link to your compressed video. While the compressed versions are worse than the original, they aren't that bad for viewing.

Sharing on YouTube or AOL, first you must have an account. But once you do, you can automatically upload your videos to the Web for private or public viewing with a click of a button.

Pure Digital has also added some nice automatic editing software from a company called Muvee, however, the features of this software only work on a PC (sorry Mac users). The software lets you simply select the clips you like, click a button, and a few minutes later, it results in a "mix" of clips that have transitions and special effects and even some background music (if you'd like).

THE BAD

One of the few concerns about the device is its restricted storage capability. There is no SD/MMC card expansion slot, so if you get the 30-minute (1GB) or 60-minute (2GB) versions, that's all you get. So, if you plan to keep your captured footage you must archive it on your PC if you plan to capture more.

Also, if you're expecting the video quality of a MiniDV or HD camcorder, you are wishing upon a star. While the footage captured on the Flip Ultra is decent and good enough for viewing, this isn't meant for anything professional. More for fun, and easy, fast capturing at a moment's notice.

And finally, as previously mentioned, the Muvee editing software is not compatible with Macs, just PCs. That's a bit disappointing, but it is what it is.

THE VERDICT

In the low-end digital camcorder category, the Flip Ultra is probably one of your best choices. Being that, Pure Digital has improved on several features, it's made the product much more appealing to your general amateur videographers for use on a day-to-day basis.

While, the absence of an expansion slot is missing (which would have been nice), the Flip Ultra commands respect from its ease of use. Pure Digital has previously said that -- via a survey of its users -- Flip owners aren't demanding an expansion slot, but if it's brought along on extended travel without a computer hauled along, the capturing ability will be limited.

Nevertheless, the Flip Ultra is a leader in its category and is a nice device for just about anybody.

The Flip Video Ultra sells from $149.99 - $179.99, and can be purchased at most online electronics retailers including Amazon.com, as well as in-stores like Best Buy.