Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black) OLD MODEL by Creative Labs
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Digital camera reviews of Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black) OLD MODEL
Digital camera Review: A Good Value for $200
Summary: 5 Stars
I knew that the Vado HD did not have optical zoom and that it lacked any form of image stabilization before I purchased this camera. My thinking was that the video would still be very good if I simply could sit or stand very still while capturing video of events that were not too distant. This proved true for me.
I screwed an ultra-mini tripod into the mount into the bottom of this unit and have used that as a handle, which I think aids in giving the unit more stability--both because the Vado is then easier to hold and because the tripod adds a slight amount of extra weight, which helps eliminate some inadvertent movement as I'm filming.
What I did not realize was that the unit's lens has no cover whatsoever! There should be a little plastic cover that can slide back or something to protect the tiny (pea-sized) lens. Since there is no physical barrier there, dust, fingerprints, and even pet hair can easily land on that very important little piece of glass. HD video is no good if there is debris blocking the lens! My solution is to carry the Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System with me and clean the lens as needed. It's an annoyance, but it does solve the problem for the most part. I also carry the camera around in a cloth pouch for added protection.
Video downloading is super easy, as expected, and the video quality was very good. Look at a video sharing site for videos shot with this product--search for Vado HD, and you should see some video first hand.
All in all, I think I got a bargain buying this little camera for $200, and it has met or exceeded my expectations.
Digital camera Review: A Great Idea
Summary: 5 Stars
A few weeks ago, I purchased this Video Camera in black as a baby shower gift for the new parents. I researched it and decided that it would be an easy way for them to take pictures of the new baby and upload them for all the anxious relatives to see. It was a hit. The mom-to-be quickly called her husband, the tech expert, and he was so excited that it spread throughout the room. Everyone had to see it and he explained how easy it was to operate. I wish I had thought of it for the baby shower I attended a few months ago. It makes a good holiday gift too.Digital camera Review: A Movie Studio in Your Hand!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, I know NOTHING about Camcorders but this one is a BLAST to use and is very inexpensive compared to the other ones out there. It just has all the items you want it to do plus excellent software. Get it, try it and just have fun with it.Digital camera Review: A Winner
Summary: 5 Stars
I earned my living with 35mm motion picture cameras for 30 years and have owned several consumer camcorders.
The Creative Vado HD+ is an incredible bargain at the current price of $129.
Far and away the best attribute of this camcorder is the lens. It's wide. Really, really wide. This is extremely valuable for two reasons.
First, human beings see wide. That's why a wide angle lens is so valuable to photographers - this camera sees like you do. Your pictures look like the movies, even if the HD footage is a little contrasty.
Second, the camera is so small and light, hand-held images are gonna be shaky, no matter who's operating it. But, the wider the lens, the less a problem this is. Other cameras' lenses deliver a much smaller angle of view and a less natural and shakier picture. Kudos to Creative for giving this camera a truly wide angle lens. The only one that does.
All that said, an image stabilizing function would do wonders for this camera, even with such a wide view. Autofocus would be nice, too. The fixed-focus lens won't focus any closer than a foot or so. If you want to shoot bugs, this won't do.
Battery life is so-so. You can't fill an 8GB card (2 hours of HD+) on one charge.
This camera generates TONS of data. Be prepared to fill up your hard drive in no time. At top res, camera files occupy about one megabyte for every second the camera's recording.
Sound is also so-so. It's mono, not stereo. The mic does an adequate job of picking up sound, but is very susceptible to the slightest breath of wind.
All in all, a absolute winner. Convenient, easy to use, great pictures and very satisfying. The next generations of these cameras are going to be fantastic.
Digital camera Review: A basic device
Summary: 2 Stars
The device does not have a stabilizer control so the picture quality degrades significantly when the camcorder is moving. You have to have a very steady hands to make the video watchable. Also, moving objects tend to be disfigured. The quality under low light is horrible. I don't previously own a device at this price and spec level so I don't have something to compare against.
If you have a tripod, I do recommend to use it. Also, shooting under day light is preferable.