Flip Video Underwater Case for Flip Ultra Camcorders Camcorder Reviews

Flip Video Underwater Case for Flip Ultra Camcorders

Great waterproof case for Flip Ultra 2008-10-15

Very pleased with this item. It has performed well and I've had no problems with leaks. The controls work well but can be a little tricky to get the camera seated inside so that the buttoms line up exactly. Can't beat the price. Well worth the investment.

Awesome Underwater FUN!!! 2008-10-12

We have used the underwater case with our flip again and again at our local YMCA pool and we were amazed by the crisp clarity of the outdoor and indoor pools.
It is SO easy to use, our kids can do it. Snap the flip inside close it and turn a dial for voila' underwater fun.

It's easier to see what your filming with goggles on.
Would make a fantastic gift for just about anyone who enjoys capturing life.

The rubber lining continues to hold, we always test a double check with a tissue just in case before using but have never had a leak!

Not good for surfing footage. 2008-10-05

I used the case to try to get some surfing footage and unfortunately it leaked; probably due to the high pressure created by the crashing waves.

Customer response good/not sure about underwater case yet 2008-09-28

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.

Flip Underwater Case failed but Pure Digital made it right 2008-09-25

The Flip Underwater case I bought at Amazon in August failed in the first 20 minutes of use and water leaked into the case. The Flip must have shorted out as it wouldn't power on even after a week of drying out, new batteries, etc.
Can't say for sure, but the case seemed to have leaked through the back plate which 'externalizes' the controls under the screen.
So I contacted the manufacturer, Pure Digital, via their web site, gave them all the information, got an RMA, and returned the camera and case to them (I paid about $5 for shipping.)
It took a month or so but they repaired the Flip and returned it with all my videos still on the camera. They said that they were out of stock of underwater cases but will send one as soon as possible.
I guess I'm a little put off about having to 'field test' their underwater case, but, I have to say that they handled the problem as well as I could expect.
Will I use the new case when they send it? Maybe if the cotton balls are still dry after a month of testing under water in the case. If it leaks again, I guess we'll see how Pure Digital handles it. I can't imagine they'll send a new case until they've fixed the problem as this kind of repair problem goes right to the bottom line.

What a deal! 2008-09-23

The flip underwater camera case is fantastic. Just used it off the coast of Phi Phi island in Thailand. Amazing addition to my flip camera.

Trouble with the Flip Video downloads and water proof casing? 2008-09-23

I placed the Flip Video unit into the water proff case and to my dissappointment, the water seeped right in. There weren't enough instructional information in regards to setting up or downloading the video's. I would love to utilize this unit for my business as well as personal family use, but am having difficulties.
This unit came highly endorsed from the Owner of the Woman's Professional Football League, NWFA, for my use in getting our products filmed and online. Defendhersports.com

DO NOT BUY 2008-09-22

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.

It leaks 2008-09-18

This case is not designed properly. It does not fit the camera. We tried it empty the first time and it did not leak. After we put the camera in it leaked like a sieve. The camera quit working and I had to take it apart and dry it out with a hair drier. Flip video said to send the camera and case to them at my expense and they would try to match it with a case that fits. I said no. I took 4 spacers out and it sems to work. The answer would be a better designed seal. If you buy this watch for leaks or you will destroy your camera.

Don't buy it! 2008-09-01

The only thing that I'd' like to ask is- "How do I get my money back????" We were so excited to think that we'd get some great underwater video while we were snorkeling in the Caribbean. Our Flip Video was in it's brand new waterproof case. We took it out into the water and within seconds the case was full of saltwater. Needless to say, it was a complete waste of money. I would not haven given it any stars in the rating, but there is no way to do that, hence, the undeserved "one star" rating.

Seal failed and RUINED my Flip!!! 2008-08-31

I took my Flip camera with me on vacation, and bought the underwater case for our snorkeling trip. I used the case exactly as specified, but water somehow got into the case, and RUINED my Flip camera. It won't even turn on now. I lost all of the videos I took during the trip, too. What a waste!!!

EDITED COMMENT TO ADD: I contacted Pure Digital and they responded immediately. They said that I can return both the camera and the case, and they will make the necessary repairs. They also said they'd do their best to retrieve the videos from the memory card.

Ineffective 2008-08-30

I purchased this to use with my Flip Ultra camera for our trip to Hawaii. Everything was done correctly and according to directions, but within ten minutes the camera was ruined due to a leak. Amazon was great and took it back without problem.

Not Water Tight 2008-08-26

Yes, I know it did mention this product is not suppose to emerge into the water. But I believed previous review and used for snorkeling as well, and guess what? It only lasted less than 5 minutes, and the camcorder freezed and I never be able to turn it back on again. There goes my $155 bucks.

Flip Underwater Case 2008-08-26

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2XV1B8KFVPRHU I love this case for my Flip. I bought the case mainly to protect the Flip when my grand kids used it and I really didn't want it to go under water but they talked me into it and I'm glad they did. I still worry that it will take in water but so far it hasn't. I highly recommend it and Amazon has the best price.

Great Product 2008-08-21

I didn't buy this to go deep sea diving. I bought it to protect my flip at the beach, on the boat and at the pool. It does everything I expected. You can even get sound through it which surprised me.
Great product. Highly recommend.

Leaky Case Fried My Flip Camera 2008-08-19

I am so bummed. I love my Flip camcorder -- awesome product -- and I was very excited about using it underwater so I purchased the case. I read the reviews and knew some folks had leaks, but I convinced myself I would be lucky. Last night I tested it with my 3-year-old son who loves to swim. It worked awesome for about 3 minutes... then leaked... then fried... Luckily I had taken off all the videos I previously shot. Seriously, I would not purchase this product until it is "new and improved" and has a better track record. Hopefully, Pure Digital is working on that. Are you listening, Pure Digital? I'll by another Flip because it's simply a great product, but fix the case!

Leaks like crazy 2008-08-19

Wow.. how did this thing get on the market? Numerous tries & each time water gets in. Luckily, I was able to open up my Flip & dry it out overnight & it recovered... but MAN! an AWEFUL product!!!!

Two cases, two leaks 2008-08-18

I'm about to pack up my second case - both have leaked, right out of the box, so to speak.

We were very cautious the first time and noticed a few drops of pool water in the first one. Watched the replacement one like the proverbial hawk ... and it leaked, too.

There's no obvious defects, but I'd wait for a redesign before trying this again. A very cool idea, just not well executed, I suppose.

Dismally unhappy 2008-08-06

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!

Seems to work fine at 24 Metres 2008-07-29

I bought this case a week or two ago and brought it into the water 4 times over the last weekend (containing tissue paper only) On the first dive to 15M it leaked however I realised I had caught the edge of the tissue paper in the o ring.

Putting it together again for my second dive I closed it and then examined the case and noticed that the black thread from the external lanyard had gotten caught in the o ring this time.

I re-sealed it making sure the o-ring was not compromised and had 3 more dives with the case+tissue paper down to 24 metres.

The case did not leak.

I have read the reviews regarding the on-off switch not working too. I noted that this seemed to be the case but that if you apply slight inward pressure to the on-off switch it makes contact no problem. I would not expect any of the switches to work below the rated depth due to the pressure on the casing. I will be using the case (and camera) on a diving holiday the week after next and can report back on this later..

Great Beach Vacation Video! 2008-07-29

Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange)Flip Video AWC1T Underwater Case for Flip Ultra Camcorders
We bought this for our trip to the Maya Riviera where we used this inexpensive camera to film all kinds of cool underwater adventures. We caught great videos when snorkeling with turtles, zip lining through the jungle, cliff jumping, snorkeling through beautiful coral reefs and playing with a precious spider monkey. It is so easy to use - even our 8 year old took great quality videos. It really made our vacation by recording the entire gamut of memories! It comes with easy softare so you can convert images to jpg's for pictures. Two in one!! Be careful though. We bumped it when snorkeling and the lock at the top of the case tipped open a bit and allowed a few drops of water inside. It wasn't any significant leakage, but keep your eyes open to make sure you don't accidently do the same. Bottom line, if you are going on vacation around water - beach, lake, swimming pool, water park, or bath tub - buy this camera and housing!!! You won't regret it!!!! We Love It!!!

Note to all purchasers 2008-07-29

I think that over 90% of the people who purchase this item will know nothing of the perils of underwater photography work. There are perils. BE WARNED. Even a $1000 waterproof housing will leak; the top award-winning underwater photographers I know realize this.

You can avoid leaks by testing your housing before you put a camera in it, testing it at regular intervals, and being EXTREMELY CAREFUL with it. A grain of sand on the seal will cause water to leak. I don't own this housing, so I don't know what the instructions are. Nevertheless, FOLLOW THEM TO THE LETTER. Look for a scuba supply store near where you live and get a book on underwater photography.

Bad Design, Another Flip Destroyed! 2008-07-29

I had the flip ultra camera for less than two weeks and loved it. As I live in South Florida, I really wanted the underwater case in order to film snorkeling and water park trips. I read all of the reviews here and despite some negative reviews I bought it. STUPID STUPID STUPID! I did the tissue test and the tisue stayed dry in the case. All of the buttons lined up fine. I made sure there was not a speck of hair or dust in the seal. 3 minutes and 14 seconds into the snorkel the camera case filled with water killing my flip. The people who make this case should be ASHAMED of themselves. As soon as you push the power button in underwater it allows water to flood in to the case. By the time you realize what is going on it is too late. Another Flip has been killed. I did everything I could to pre test this out. Do not buy! It made my 8 year old daughter cry.

Great case for an even better price 2008-07-19

I haven't tried it under water, I'll make sure to do the tissue test first, but I checked above water... It seems the flip staff has been reading the comments because the on/off button works perfectly now. All the buttons are reachable, and it has a nice handy wrist strap so you don't drop it under water. Great buy.

Non functioning power switch 2008-07-09

Great little camera, and the waterproof case looks good. BUT the on - off switch on the housing simply does not engage the switch on the camera so the housing is useless. Really stupid and sad.

Great camera accessory!! 2008-07-08

Purchased the underwater case for the Flip Ultra in anticipation of a kayaking trip. It worked great. Clear pictures, easy to use, and the microphone still managed to pick up decent sound.

Awesome case with one flaw 2008-07-06

This case is a lot of fun, and works extremely well. This product is very inexpensive compared to other underwater cases. Once inside, the camera works great, the footage looks wonderful, and all the buttons work perfectly except one.

As others have pointed out, the power button does not work. As a workaround, I turn the power on before I put it in the case. Then, so the camera doesn't time out and turn off, I playback clips when I'm not recording. This is definitely inconvenient.

All in all, though, I don't regret the purchase one bit. It has been very fun playing with the camera in areas such as the pool or the beach. And the price is great.

great item 2008-07-05

This housing is great fun!! We have taken some fun videos of my son swimming underwater. No leaks and easy to use.

So far so good 2008-07-01

I just recieved the casing today and tested it out with tissue paper first. (good idea to test any underwater housing this way first before putting the camera in)
I submerged it in water and no leaks or condensation were noted inside the housing, so it appears good to go.
Will be snorkeling in a couple of weeks so will put it to the real test then.

Pretty good for what it's worth 2008-06-30

Ever since I bought my flip video camera and found out they were going to have an underwater case for it, I waited. And it couldn't have been better timing because I bought the case just a few days before leaving on a cruise.

Well first off, its a nice design! and just by looking at it closed you can tell it will work to keep water out.

Secondly, the case doesn't impair the video image of the camera, and depending on the clarity of the water, the camera is still like its usual self.

only thing i found a problem with, is that when I go to about 15-20 ft. below water, (now I don't know if its the salt water), but the buttons kind of stop working; I was recording, and it wouldn't stop easily, then when I wanted to start recording again the camera wouldn't start, this happened a few times when I was doing a walk along the ocean floor (at 15 ft below surface) tour, and when i was snorkeling I would dive down deeper (to aboutg 7 ft) and it started, just not as much.

but all in all this is an amazing product for its price when ya figure most underwater camera cases today are $150+. I only gave it four stars because of the buttons not working properly, other than that its amazing!! recommened for ANY water enthusiast.

Power slider / switch useless 2008-06-26

As others have previously stated, the power switch on the housing doesn't slide down far enough to turn on the Flip. Pretty much a deal-breaker if you have to take the Flip out of the housing to turn it on....
I'm going to try to modify it so it works and perhaps post my results later.

Terrible 2008-06-26

This is not a good product. I did not even have my flip camera 2 weeks when I dicidd to purchase the underwate case. We were going to the Florida Keys and thought what a great way to get some photo underwater. Big mistake. The case leaked. Water got into the case and the camera is ruined. I would not ever purchase any thing from them again. That was two hundred dollars I just wasted.

Great Water Fun 2008-06-19

I have an 18 month old water baby, so I thought this would be great for catching those once in a lifetime moments in the pool or ocean... well, I love it, except that the power button can not be used with the case, so I need to open the case, turn the camera on, then close the case back up - this only concerns me while in the water... but so far so good! Actually, my 9 yr old nephew really loves it! He has taken videos in the pool and the ocean and it is crystal clear and does not leak. The manufacturer should ensure that all buttons are tested before putting out to purchase is the only thing I have to say.

Waterproof. But the On/Off switch doesn't work 2008-06-18

The case is robust and waterproof. The buttons on the back work fine but the On/Off slider on the side doesn't. It doesn't engage with the camera's own On/Off slider. I'm talking to Pure Digital about it. But in the meantime you can turn it on, put it in the case then crack on with filming. Not ideal but it'll do.

Wow, it worked! 2008-06-17

I was leary of using my great new flip video underwater, but the case worked just fine. You do have to make sure you slip the camera in left to right so the on/off switch is contacting nicely. Easy to rinse off and dry. Great product.

Very Disappointed - Useless Item 2008-06-05

The slide button/switch on the case for turning on the camera does not work at all. It just glides by the camera slide "ON" switch. It defeats the purpose of keeping the video camera dry.

Because the camera has an auto off timer it is a useless product. I lost the receipt so I cannot return it. It was costly. You are better off with the water tight pouches found at dive shops and the like.

I cannot recommend this product to anyone.

Problem with the on-off switch 2008-05-24

The case switch does not properly engage the on-off switch on the camera. I purchased one from Amazon and returned it and got a replacement unit. The second unit also does not work.

Not sure if this is as good as an Otterbox case 2008-05-24

Otterbox waterproof cases have been my standard for protecting my tech toys. So, I was a little wary about the way the dial top closes and seals the whole thing. It just doesn't convince me. I don't know that I'll ever use this underwater, so I regard this case as just a good "tough" case, You can't always get the on/off button to work with the case on. There is no access point for the tripod. And if you attached the wrist handle to your Flip, you'll have to remove it before it will fit in this case.

Switch Tolerance Issues 2008-05-22

I bought the underwater housing for a trip with snorkeling. It is a very nice concept housing but has some problems. I tested the housing for leaks at home before travel. It worked fine, but I did not try it with the camera inside.

Once, I got to the Caribbean and was ready to go snorkeling - I was unable to turn the camera on. The switch slider was short of grabbing the camera switch. I was able to insert a tiny piece of cardboard to make it work. The video I shot was excellent and operating controls worked fine. Unfortunately I could not get my fix to work the rest of the trip.

I have requested a replacement and will give it another try.

I received the replacement and the fitment is much tighter, but still does not engage the switch. I wedged several layers of paper on the side of the camera opposite the switch and it works.

I will keep the case, as the usefull value to me is definately worth the low cost.

Lots of Fun! 2008-05-21

I bought this for my husband to go with his flip video and he absolutely loves it! He is a fishing guide and uses to capture underwater video in lakes. The picture is very clear and great quality. The only problem (and why I gave this four stars) is that the on/off switch doesn't work when the camera is in the underwater case. All the other buttons work, but this side switch just doesn't grab enough to actually turn the camera off and on... which is a pain, but definitely not a deal breaker!!

For Snorkeling, Not SCUBA Diving 2008-05-19

This really is a neat and inexpensive way to video underwater. I've used mine down to thirty feet and it is fine. I am tempted to take it without the FLIP camera further, but I'll wait to see if someone else trys that. They do make the O-Rings and seals far better than they advertise, as they know people will test it. I personally use the video on my Nikon Camera in a Nikon CoolPix Waterproof Encasement. That suits me fine for now. For snorkeling, this is a real treat!

NOTE: This is for FLIP ULTRA SERIES cameras only!

Great little housing for the price 2008-05-16

Nice little housing to play in the shallows! However, one small problem and one request.....The small problem I found was with the on/off switch, it did not turn the flip camera on or off when in the housing. A slight modification and it now works. The request is to make the housing able to go deeper (deeper than 30 ft) under the water so I can take it diving. Otherwise I am sure I am going to have fun with it.

Not Waterproof! Total loss of camera 2008-05-14

Bought this "underwater" case and a brand new flip for a vacation and snorkeling in the caribbean. Was more than a little worried having read one negative review here and after noticing how poorly made the case was (the power button on the case is miss-aligned by a couple millimeters and so you can't turn the thing on and off outside of the case)

Sure enough after less than 10 minutes of use, I am happily chasing around reef fish with the cam when I noticed with panic sea water filling up the inside of the case. I opened up and shook it out fast as I could but too late the flip is entirely dead. $200 worth of colorful toy now a lump of worthless junk.

DO NOT BUY

Problem with power button 2008-05-11

Purchased this for my son. Case seems very sturdy,however, the power button does not align or case is not tight enough,therefore, when pressing the power button the camera does not turn on. This maybe a probem with the case since I saw anotherpost with the samecomplaint as mine. We requested a replacement from Amazon, will post once we receive replacement.

Nice little accesory 2008-05-05

I haven't tried it under water, but at least it is easy to use and very useful when you want to protect your Flip (snow, beach, rain, etc.)
I recommend it.

didnt fit 2008-04-30

I bought this for my flip video to take to Caribbean but it didn't fit. I foud out that it was only for the Ultra Flip Video. I returned it and received my money very fast minus shipping. I believe the company is good and customer service was good as well.

Cheap thrill. 2008-04-20

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...

Worked great for me! 2008-04-19

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1SZJMF6S1JOQT Took my Flip and waterproof case snorkeling in the Bahamas and it worked perfectly. No leaks, controls were easy to operate. Screen was a little difficult to see, but this was due to reflection from sun and water. I would highly recommend.

Fantastic Value and Ease of Use 2008-04-16

I bought this to use on a recent trip to Maui, HI. All I can say is WONDERFUL. The image quality and sound are far higher than I expected on a $140 camera with a $40 housing. I have pretty extensive UW photography experience and own a number of housings for my SLRs, so I was pretty confident I could see a good seal all the way around the o-ring and hopped right in. In the ocean and the pool this camera was a winner. The lens is great in low light and thus perfect for UW work.

I'm planning to rig a mount for my BC, just turn it on and hit record before I dive, we'll see how well it does below 30' -- but thus far its been fine. Generally its the buttons on these things that just cease to work below a rated depth, but the o-ring holds a seal pretty well. Certainly do not use it outside the manufacturers specifications if you expect them to be responsible.

I am very, very pleased. Perfect for baby in the pool or snorkling/diving in open water situations.

Excellent value for a great underwater case 2008-04-11

I bought this case last January to take with my Flip Video camera to Kauai and use while snorkeling and to capture my marriage proposal to my now fiance. The case is super easy to use the camera just pops in you turn the wheel and you know the camera is sealed and locked in place.

All the controls worked perfectly while I was snorkeling and the footage of was much better than I expected. I had used the disposable underwater still cameras before and found that the colors came back muted when the film was developed. Not so using the Flip Video underwater case. My videos were very clear and you can see my fiance's ring sparkling underwater as well as dozens of colorful fish and coral.

The best part of this product however is the price. I had investigated getting an underwater case for my digital still camera and they started at over $100 and a lot were only good for 20 feet. Thanks flip for allowing me to capture my special day.

good in principle 2008-04-09

I am a video producer and love the idea of an inexpensive underwater case for a video camera (they typically cost hundreds of dollars). On my first unit, the power switch did not engage the camera's switch so I had no control over power. Now, I'm a bit afraid to try it underwater with a camera as the seal doesn't seem as tight as it could be. When my replacement comes, I'll probably do extensive testing with tissue paper before subjecting the camera to it. I suppose, in the end, it's a bargain even if you lose the camera and huge kudos to the Flip for keeping costs down on something I'll probably just use a couple times a year. I hope it works. It seems like it would make more sense for Pure Digital to sell an "extended warranty" for replacement on the camera if it is to be used with the case. Anyway...use at your own risk.

Added 4/16/08: Well, the replacement seems to work. I did the tissue paper test and it keeps the water out. I guess you have to make sure that nothing gets stuck on the gasket.

Waterproof...as long as no water is involved. 2008-04-05

We purchased this case to go with our new Video Flip Ultra and was excited to take it on a vacation to Jamaica. It worked great, until I took it in the water. When in the ocean with my family I noticed a few drops of water inside the case. Then the Flip Ultra camera would not turn on and would not work - a total loss. Now I will have to see if the Geek Squad or someone can salvage the camera and videos. I like the camera, but will likely need to purchase a new one. While the waterproof case sounds good in theory, it did not work for us and ultimately resulted in ruining our camera.