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

Disappointed At First!

12/3/2009

I have purchased two of these Vado's. The first one arrived DOA. I could not get it to power on after charging the battery overnight (per instructions#. Needless to say, I was disappointed. However, Amazon allowed me to return it after printing out a return label they sent me. I ordered and received the other Vado in two days. After charging the battery, I anxiously put my finger on the power button, hesitated, and pushed. Yes!!!! IT WORKED THIS TIME. I've powered it on and off a few times, and tested the Vado by recording short clips. It seems to be doing O.K. #holding my breath). If it continues to work as represented, I'll make good use of it recording my three GRANDchildren!!! As of this moment, I would recommend the Creative Vado to anyone who wants a simple recording device that's easy to use. By the way, I would definitely recommedn Amazon. With their low prices, no taxes, fast shipping, large selection, and customer service, it's a great site to shop for those items you need.

Vado Rocks for both MAC & PC!

12/1/2009

I just got my Vado HD and LOVE it! I have been using a Kodak Zi6 and borrowed flip video both of which were ok but frankly the Vado HD is the supreme leader of this pack. This is the best unit of the three in a number of areas:

It is literally instant on, meaning there in no delay in firing up the unit and taking that first frame of video, that is not the case with either of the other units.

The lens is better at wide angle shooting than either of the other units I have used, which is extremely helpful in so many settings, specially anything indoors or any group of people, sports event, concert, etc.... very very nice!

Also I have both a MacBook Pro & a Vaio PC - so I was concerned that the Vado only mentioned that it worked with Windows operating systems, well, I am happy to report that it works with both systems GREAT. Even with no added software or drivers my Vado plugged right in to my MacBook's USB and was immediately recognized as a drive. But also I could import videos directly into both iMovie and iPhoto without any hassles. To take it even a step further, Mac users can download the totally free and extremely useful Perian program here [...] which is all you need to have total full functionality with the HD+ top video quality from the Vado.

On my PC the Vado installed some very useful software on the first connection that allows for video storage, manipulation, editing, etc... all very useful and fun!

The Vado's internal memory and batteries are more than enough for a full concert, sporting event, family get together, etc.... without needing anything extra, and at the highest HD+ quality settings! This means you don't need to spend anything on extra cards or batteries, which is a nice savings.

The built in screen is bright and big enough to see what you are shooting very well in any light condition.

I love this video camera! My only (and very slight) complaint is that the manufacturer doesn't list that this Vado works with MAC / Apple computers on the box so I almost didn't get one!!!!!

There are a lot of these small HD video cameras on the market these days, but I am done looking further as my Vado is everything I will ever need and more.... Get one, you will love it!

Creative is short-changing customers

11/26/2009

Buying a Vado HD camcorder is equivalent to buying a great car that has no wheels. While the camera itself serves its purpose well, the extremely poor software that comes with it is deplorable.The included software, called Vado Central, does allow you to watch your videos on your computer screen but that's all. Its editing and sharing capability is useless. It takes a lot of internet searching to find how editing can be done, but even with that information you need to be pretty technically-minded to figure things out. Also you will need to spend money on additional software.
To add insult to injury, Creative's website indicates there is a significant upgrade to Vado central. What it fails to tell you is that if you have the original version you cannot upgrade to the newer one. It will work only with cameras that already have the upgraded version. It's not an upgrade at all, but rather a back-up if the cameras with the new version run into trouble and need to re-install the programme.
So, just like a good car with no wheels, the Vado HD camera's software doesn't allow you to go anywhere when it comes to working with your video content. Creative should be ashamed of short changing its customers in this way. I mean how hard is it for such a large company to develop software for the Vado that is actually useful to the consumer? Because of this the product gets a two star rating, when with suitable software I would rate it at a four or five.

Beware of the WHITE SCREEN OF DEATH

11/24/2009

The Vado is a video camera with great resolution but poor design. The lens sticks out awkwardly, which aesthetically is annoying. Also, the USB connection consists of a flimsy rubbery connection that frankly, it is very annoying in a number of levels. Especially functionally.

First, the USB connection rubber part retracts instantly and does not stay still, as the sturdy Flip MinoHD's. Also, because of this USB connection, the camera is unable to stand up. You will need a tripop if you want your camera to stand up.

The Vado does come a with HDMI connection cable, which is great, since you can connect it to your HDTV and get great picture resolution instantly. But, the new Flip Mino HD does so as well.

The Vado is lighter than the Flip Mino. For me, it just does not feel like a solid piece of technology. The Mino aesthetically and functionally better.

The Vado works well with low light and it is super easy to transfer videos to your computer.

Although the Vado has a significantly bigger video screen, the Flip just seem like a better option. This is mainly because of the USB connection sticking out, my biggest gripe.

My other BIG issue: THE WHITE SCREEN OF DEATH.

I saw my first white screen of death the 3rd time I use the Vado. Beware of unplugging the Vado from your HDMI connection to your TV or the USB connection to your computer (eh...a.k.a. whenever you want to see a video) because you may get the white screen of death. This is a hardware problem. The first time I got it, I click and held every single button and nothing. You cannot reset or connect it to something else to shock into working. I researched it a bit and the only solution is to remove the battery.

Love it!!!

11/23/2009

I bought this to capture those spur of the moment times w/our 3 year old. I'ts FABULOUS!! It is SO easy to use, the video looks wonderful, picks up sound no problem! I haven't had any problem with the video being shaky...even when we walked all over the Halloween festival. I can't recommend this highly enough! Very happy w/the price I paid too!