A new Flip camera, code named M3260, is rumored to be in the works. Actually, details of it have been submitted to the FCC. Why would the specs of a video camera be submitted to the FCC? Because it transfers footage to a computer wirelessly.
Specifically, the new Flip camera is rumored to use the standard 802.11a/b/g/n wireless protocol to copy footage from the camera onto a user’s computer. That way, instead of the hassle of plugging the camera into a USB port and copying files, you can go through the hassle of connecting to your wireless network to achieve the same thing.
The new camera, while still just a rumor, is also rumored to be released in May or June of 2011.
Dave,
There’s some SD cards called “Eye-Fi” that have built in Wi-fi. You can use these with existing cameras to transfer the video to your computer.
A quick search on Amazon.com for “eye-fi” will yield the results.
I’d be interested in what you have to say on the subject.
@Marc David – Video files are big…not sure why anyone would want to use wi-fi to transfer footage. Wi-fi speeds are usually capped at around 100mbps, but most people typically get far slower speeds based on their network config. USB 2 runs at 480mbps and USB 3 runs at 4.8gbps. In a nutshell, for video, just plug your card into a card reader and copy your files to your hard drive. It’s far faster and much less prone to error.
Agreed. I don’t really get how transferring them via Wi-fi is so much better than plugging in USB that takes a few seconds.
I’m still eye-balling the Canon Vixia camera. That is still a top pick even on Amazon and it ain’t cheap!
Sounds like a marketing gimmick to me.