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: Careful launching program.
Summary: 4 Stars
Two completely different experiences in one day.
First - software launches flawlessly on one computer.
Second - on #2 computer reads "USB device unrecognized." I did multiple re-boots, attempted to re-load firmware & software, etc. for two hours. I ended up disconnecting the battery to restart then running computer in safe mode to get things working.
Lesson: Disable anything that may try to read the device before plugging in.
Per the camera; For $100 more you get the fully functional camera of your dreams. This camera is very limited but works for those "spontaneous" occasions when you don't want to point a camera. A $150 "style" accessory.
PROS: Rapid charge, cables, quick turn on. Shows time & battery remaining easily. Minimal confusion.
NEXT MODEL: Do an optical zoom, even with a manual slider, stereo mics. Allow for taking video while wall charging. Include flash card slot. Needs better color rendering, stablizer, disc based improved software, and a kickstand. Super extra: have a digital level on screen to show when even.
Digital camera Review: Changed my life
Summary: 5 Stars
To be able to finally capture life's special little moments with this camera is great. I keep it in my pocket, and since it turns on so quickly, am able to shoot the action as it happens. It's really easy to use, and the included software makes it easy for simple viewing and editing. The video quality is more than good enough, though not steller. The 2+ hours in the highest quality mode is more than enough for a day's shooting. Try not to zoom too much, though; the image becomes blurry.
I could not successfully upload to YouTube using the Vado Central software; it says successful but the video never appeared. I had to upload using YouTube website.
Wish list: image stabalization, better optical zoom, ability to cut scenes out of video, uploading to YouTube that works.
Digital camera Review: Clever little HD camera
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The Vado HD, is a pocket sized memory based video recorder. I will be comparing it to the Flip Ultra as a standard. Like the Flip, the Vado HD has a built-in USB port, which is on a small flexible 'cable'. Apparently this is helpful for people who are plugging the device into a laptop. The controls are also similar but off set to the left, rather than center line. There is an on/off toggle to one side of the device, which is opposite the HDMI plug (a feature lacking in the non HD Flip), directly above this is a plug for headphones. Unlike the Flip, the Vado HD uses a cell phone battery: it seems standard so should be easy to replace. It also has a 2 hour capacity versus the Flip's 1 hour. Included in the case were cables, documentation (which I never read) and a soft silicon case.
This is a trivial but important detail for me. I keep all my electronics in silicon cases that I end up buying from a third party vendor. My goal with most small electronics I own is to sell them after I upgrade, so I try to keep everything in the best condition possible. Having Vado include the case eliminates that extra step which can be a pain in the rear. If you try to go and buy one of these cases right off the shelf from Best Buy or some other brick and mortar, they can cost upwards of $15. They are reasonably cheap here on Amazon. I'd rather just have the case included so I can start using the device immediately.
Unfortunately the software included with the Vado HD is Windows only, so I was unable to use it. I have uploaded a couple of videos to youtube to see how they turn out. I do miss the relative transparency of video downloading with the Flip, though the results are ultimately the same. One of the limitations seen in the Flip is still found in the Vado HD - the line of sight 'view' screen. Unless you are in direct line of sight there will be a fair amount of guess work involved in recording events. For extended time shoots I would recommend a tripod or some other device for stabilizing the video recorder.
What is really surprising about these little HD cameras is how incredibly small they are, and how light. This unit is easily the same size as my cell phone and weighs much less. You're not lugging around some daft heavy piece of equipment to shove in unsuspecting people's faces anymore; there is no need for that. The video quality is just astonishing when you consider everything you had to go through for something similar just five years ago.
Digital camera Review: Comes in handy most of the times
Summary: 4 Stars
Creative's latest entry into pocket camcorder Vado HD stands up to regular everyday requirements. It competes quite well with products on similar lines. This is in no way a replacement to regular camcorder or HD camcorder. Due to the small size, stability in the video and quality are compromised. It works perfectly in ideal situations. Most of the indoor shoots were not matching up with regular Sony camcorder output. The lack to take pictures could be a problem for few. One touch easy upload to video sharing websites make this an ideal candidate for people on the go who do not want to spend a lot of time authoring the video content. Buy the tiny flexible tripod and you would not compromise on shaking video. It is definitely worth for the price I paid - $150. For the MSRP, I would go with other digital camcorders. The size comes in handy to shoot anytime you want.Digital camera Review: Comparing the Vado HD to the Flip
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Since the Vado looks a lot like my Flip, I'll compare the two. Hope this helps you pick the best one for your needs!
Price : The Vado costs a little more.
Packaging : The Flip comes in a very nice box that can be reused for storage. The Vado's container is mostly plastic, not green if you are concerned about that, but if you are careful, the box could be reused.
Accessories : The Vado comes with a USB extender cable, an HDMI cable and a silicone camera cover. The cover is difficult to get on and makes the Vado look very ugly, but it does make it easier to hold on to. The Flip comes with an RCA cable, a wrist strap and a velvet carrying case.
Appearance: Without its cover, the Vado is smaller and sleek. It's shiny and fits nicely in your hand. The Flip looks clumsy next to it.
Batteries: The Vado comes with a rechargeable that you charge via your computer's USB port. The Flip uses 2 AAs.
USB connector: To pull out the Vado's usb connector you tug on a rubber tab on the bottom of the unit. The connector is on a short flexible rubber cable. It is held in place with a magnet. It does not look or feel very durable. To get to the FLip's USB connector, you slide down a tab on the side and the connector pops out. It is very sturdy.
Recording Time: The Vado gives you 2 hours. My Flip is only good for an hour, but I think Flip also has a 2 hour unit.
Video Qualtiy : The video quality was comparable on the 2 units outside in the sun. I couldn't tell them apart. However, inside during the day by lamplight, the Flip's video was better. I was surprised. The Vado inside videos added a yellowish tinge to everything. The Flip also did better in low light, though both units distorted the color in very low light.
Shakiness: I recommend getting a tripod for either unit. There is some stablizing, but the cameras can't make up your jitters. You can hold them still enough to get nice videos if you don't mind a little motion.
Compatibility: I have Vista on my laptop. With both units, I plugged them in, let them install the software and was up and running with both in a couple of minutes.
Overall, this is a very nice little camera. It would be nice if it did not distort the colors in medium light.