Creative Labs Vado HD 8 GB Pocket Video Camcorder, 2nd Generation (Black Gloss with Maroon Accents) - VF0580 BK-MR

Passes the goof proof test, but is it better than Flip or Kodak....

12/9/2009

Ok, I admit it - I am addicted to all of the mini-camcorders, even though they are all similar. The newest version of Creatives Vado HD looks and feels like a quality item, this time with the trendy (and fingerprint magnet) piano black.

Sometimes people forget to mention the packaging, which can be vital if giving the item as a gift. I am pleased to say time was taken in the presentation- very high end box, and presentation on par with the Flip and Kodak models. I mention this because the original Vado (non HD) came in a plastic clam shell with a hang tag at the top -kinda cheap looking ( it was not, but still...) You need not worry here, 1st class all the way.

The unit is small and sleek, and quite easy to use. I am lucky enough to have a few 'testers' - my parents are in their 70's, I have several friends in their 30's and 40's, some with kids from 7-19 or so.

The Vado passed with flying colors (and rich colors on the bright screen) - it is intuitive,and everyone felt comfortable after just a few minutes. It really is point and shoot. People of ALL ages love the mini-cam's! The instant on feature is nice and a improvement (slightly) over the last model. I keep it in HD+ mode, which seems to offer the best picture.

The software is acceptable,and it is quite easy to shoot a clip and upload to YouTube. Editing can be be a bit of a challenge,and does not compare well to the Flip or Kodak models.

Picture quality is sensational,and the included HDMI cable allows you to view your clips on a big screen - nice!

Creative offers a massive 8GB on this model- probably MORE then you will ever use. The battery has a long life but out of the box is set up to recharge ONLY via USB, which may be limiting to some.

All in all, a fine product, and currently at a great price. The software could be improved, and the ability to quickly email videos ( as you can with Flip) is an update that I look forward to.

I think you will like this! One reminder - all the mini cams require good light (probably MORE then you think you need, inside) to perform well. Also, a tripod would be almost essential.

HD recording camera is a good alternative to this

12/8/2009

I have purchased several of these, and they have worked very well for me. One complaint I have is that the 2x digital zoom really limits the how this recorder is used.

A good alternative is: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black) Besides being an excellent 10.1 mp camera, this will also record high definition video.

The main downside of the Panasonic Zs3 is price and size. The Zs3 is almost twice as thick as the Vado (primarily to house the 12x zoom lens). It's presently priced at around twice that of the Vado.

The Zs3 has a dedicated record button on the back like the vado, and incorporates stereo sound recording on the top (The vado does not record sound in stereo). It has built-in image stabilization which I don't believe the Vado or Flip have. The Zs3's 12x optical zoom is huge in comparison to essentially no optical zoom on the vado/flip, and can be used in conjunction with digital zoom to extend it's reach even further.

Anyways, I thought I'd throw this out there as another video recorder option. I've looked at a lot of other cameras that also record video. The Zs3 is the one I found that competes most favorably with the cheaper dedicated video cameras like the Vado and Flip. Give it a few months though:)

vado software using vista

12/8/2009

Creative Labs Vado HD 8 GB Pocket Video Camcorder, 2nd Generation (Black Gloss with Maroon Accents) NEWEST MODEL



If you having problems getting vado software to work on windows vista:


TRY THIS:


1- download windows live essentials (microsoft free download) for vista (xp-no).Live has a list of all the programs and if you want to download all of them or if you only want to download part just "check which ones you want" I only downloaded movie and photo gallery.
2-open "Live Movie" and then plug in the vado hd (usb) open up menu on live and import video from camera.
3-windows dvd-maker opens up by itself
4-Then click make movie--a box opens up and says "encoding"
5-When done---put in blank dvd and click burn
6-Windows may ask which device you want it to play--blaa blaa etc--just close it
7-Also when your dvd is burned take out and dont worry if a screen pops up saying it you lose your info? if you cancel? just close this pop
because dvd is already burned.This dvd will now play on your dvd player in hd
Windows live essential is a big upgrade over wmp,wmm. and its free and you dont have to download codec's or any other burners

Great Product

12/7/2009

Great product. However the UI is really simple. I would hope for more function i.e. able to take still shots. the next generation of VADO HD can do that. but I should not be forced to upgrade just becoz of that.

The Silicon case really useless.. rubbery and stick. Whisch I do not like. Perhaps a pouch would have been better.

Another thing is basically it allow the transfer of the video to Youtube, filkr etc. but I would like to have the ability to do some simple edit to the video before I upload. i.e. cut some scenes and add music or even mute it.

But overall hardware wise its a simple to use and nice product.

Nice video, good value for the money.

12/5/2009

Nice video, top rated in PC magazine. Great value for the money. Does not have strong audio. When in a belt carry holster, it is easy to turn on the camera, without knowing it, when you go to use it, the battery will be dead. Recommend mfr. change on off switch action, so that camera does not go on in holster. To prevent accidental switch on, cut away the elastic material on top of the on off switch, or carry with battery removed, and in the holster.