The Flip SlideHD (MSRP $279) is the newest member of Pure Digital’s burgeoning family of ultracompact camcorders. From a performance perspective, the SlideHD doesn’t offer much of an improvement over previous models—but the camcorder features an innovative playback interface and a new slideable LCD touchscreen that really give the SlideHD some unique characteristics. Our testing showed the Flip SlideHD offered a significant improvement over the Flip MinoHD when it came to video performance. The SlideHD doesn’t have any additional settings or modes—everything is still bare-bones recording—but its auto white balance and exposure gave us better results than previous models.

After releasing an HD version of its Flip Mino camcorder late last year, Pure Digital has finally provided the same update to its larger Flip Ultra models. The Flip UltraHD, which features a new video compression engine, 8GB of internal flash memory, an HDMI output, and 720/30p HD video recording, is currently on the market for $199—that’s $30 cheaper than the Flip MinoHD if you’re taking notes. The camcorder also features the same, easy-to-use uploading software that has made Flip camcorders the favorite of YouTubers and video bloggers alike. With YouTube now firmly supporting HD video, the Flip UltraHD is arriving at just the right time for novice users to catch onto the high definition bandwagon.