Flip Video Underwater Case for 1st Generation Flip Video Cameras by Flip Video
|
List Price: Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
(Click here)
Digital camera reviews of Flip Video Underwater Case for 1st Generation Flip Video Cameras
Digital camera Review: Cheap thrill.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this to go with my Flip Ultra video; I wanted a disposable camcorder for some scuba diving antics, and this fit the bill - at $200 for the case + camera, it's throw-away if anything goes wrong...and so far, it's been flawless.
The manufacturer rates the case to 30 feet; I've had it down to 140' without a problem, although at those depths, I've been a little busy with switching gas mixes to play with the camera buttons. The case does stay waterproof, though, in any case. The way the gasket's designed around the buttons, it may not hold much deeper (bummer) and I'm not sure if the buttons will work that deep...I'll try it out next weekend and see. I kind of wish they'd done a little better job and used o-ring sealed spring-loaded buttons. On the other hand, $50 for this thing? How can you go wrong?
The weakness of the case is that there's not a mount for a tripod, bracket, etc - you'll need to epoxy a couple of stainless nuts to the case to actually mount this on a bracket with a video light or two. You can easily find the appropriate thread (1/4"-20) at Lowe's, though, and, if you do it right, you can glue it to a simple tray. I'm using mine with a couple of UK Light Cannons (10W HID lights with a video diffuser in each.) It's the ultimate low-budget underwater video rig, suitable for YouTube... Sure, it's not the 3CCD 1080p rigs with which to shoot "real" underwater footage, but at 1% of the cost, it's a lot more than 1% of the fun. It's also a lot more compact, and a lot easier to travel with... it's not like Light Cannons are "real" dive lights, either, but it all seems to work.
Like any underwater housing - if you're sloppy putting it together, it'll leak - clean your o-rings thoroughly; any dust or hairs on them will be your demise. Also, be sure to lube the o-rings until they're shiny (but not so you see the grease at all on the surface...) You can get the lube online or at any decent camera store. That's important - if you're not careful to maintain the housing, you deserve any leaks you get.
All in all - it's a great product, totally disposable ($200 for everything? Who cares if it floods? Just buy another...) and it's a blast...
Digital camera Review: Customer response good/not sure about underwater case yet
Summary: 3 Stars
We bought a flip for my daughter last Christmas which she loved! We just put in a new pool and she wanted an underwater case for her birthday. I had read many mixed reviews about the case....some super happy with the quality and some regarding case failures that destroyed their cameras. We too did the tissue paper test (thanks to reviewer suggestions) before using. The first time she took it in the pool she made a cute video and was excited. When she came inside and removed the camera from the case, a small amount of water was on the camera. I thought maybe it was from the outside. Unfortunately this was not the case. Like many other reviewers, the camera was a loss. I did contact Pure Digital immediately....we were told to send both camera and underwater case in to the company. They tried to retrieve the videos but were unable to do so. We were sent a new camera. We are still waiting for the underwater case as they say they are currently out of stock. I am hoping they will do a redesign and that we will receive it soon. We still love the idea of the case if they can work out the flaws! Pure Digital did respond appropriately so far. When the case issue is resolved I will update.Digital camera Review: DO NOT BUY
Summary: 1 Stars
Followed all directions - as soon as I stepped into water - case filled - my daughters flip was dead. I have no Idea if I can get my $45 dollars back from amazon - not to mention the $150 for the flip. Do not kill your flip video!!! This product does not work.
Digital camera Review: DO NOT BUY THIS
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this for my daughter's Flip camera to take underwater shots at Discovery Cove. This was our once in a lifetime vacation, swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, etc. The case leaked, ruined our camera and took our vacation videos with it.
When I complained to Flip (the maker) they offered to repair or replace our camera and try to recover the videos we took. They offered to replace the case but if I wanted a refund, I had to return it to Amazon. Since it was over 30 days, Amazon had to grant me a special favor by taking it back. Not only did I have to pay shipping charges to send it back but they took out a "restocking" fee even though it was a defective product and then, to add insult to injury, they gave me a "gift certificate credit."
I am not happy with this and will be calling them to see if I can get the full price. I think it's wrong for them to send a GC and not credit my card. If I didn't have stuff I wanted to order from them, I'd put up more of a fuss.
It's too bad they have such a poor return policy. I usually am impressed with their service.
Later...I contacted Amazon and they agreed to refund the full amount as well as my shipping as credit it to my card. I guess their service is still as good as it ever was. I will continue to patronize their store. I hope they consider taking the item off their virtual shelves as so many people have had issues with it.
Digital camera Review: Dismally unhappy
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this camera and case as a reward for my son's achievment of earning all but one A since 2nd grade (he just completed grade 7). I bought the camera and he paid for the rechargable battery pack and the case for use under water. He read the information provided, complied with the directions and gave the camera a test run in our pool. The camera immediately filled with water (note: upon testing the unit without the camera, there was no leakage). What do you tell a kid with high hope for a cool new gadget...sorry. What a mistake. I have submitted a request to pure digital to handle the problem...Hope we have not just wasted 120.00. Dismal!