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

Disappointed with the zoom

12/27/2009

I received this a Christmas present. I wanted a more portable video recorder than my dvd recorder and was tired of trying to transfer images from the dvd to my computer.

PROS:
The recorder is lightweight and portable. The battery charged up pretty quickly through the usb connection and I was happy it included an HDMI cable. Picture quality is good and starts and stops recording quickly.

CONS:

Screen size is small. The zoom feature is disappointing. Not good for close-ups. I basically have to be in my kids face if I want to get a closer shot.

Overall: If I know I will be recording something, I will be sticking to my old clunker, but will keep this in my bag for unplanned filming.

Awesome!

12/27/2009

Best camera I could have purchased for my 12-year old daughter. Easy to use. She loves it. The capacity is huge and she is having a lot of fun making and watching videos.

Kinda shaky but built solid. Excellent family camcorder

12/16/2009

Yet another variation of the small pocket video camera, this one has HD and is HDMI compatible. Good for Youtube, fantastic for technophobes, not so great on quality.

The video footage is sharp as long as you stick with stable shots. Motion takes the edge off the HD factor which gets muddier the more you move around. Movement creates annoying artifacts. The footage itself has a 'jerky' quality which would make Abraham Zapruder blush. Changes in light were OK. This must not tax the processor much.

Sound quality is outstanding. It does pick up ambient sound from some distance away. This may or may not be a plus for you.

This was tested on a Mac. Being that this is the first generation of Vado to include Mac software, it's possible that some of the limitations have to do with Apple. I did not test this on a PC. It's possible that on an ordinary television (780 HD or better now) artifacts and stability may not be a huge issue.

I couldn't test that because the included HDMI cable did not work. The camera would turn on, but as soon as I pressed play or plugged the camera into the HDMI cable the screen would go black. On a non-Vado website I visited to check out the problem, it was suggested that the HDMI cable might be bad. That's possible. None of the other reviewers have reported problems with the HDMI cable as far as I can tell.

This model still has some of the prior version's issues: no optical zoom, no view finder. The LCD screen is larger and stays clear in all but the brightest light. That's good because you're going to use it a lot. This is a point and shoot camera; what you see is what you get.

The best part about this version is the removable cell phone style battery. The Creative Labs Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery for Vado HD Camcorder sells for around $15. You can buy it here on Amazon.

You can also get a Rechargeable Battery and Battery Charger Combo for Vado HD for about the price of two batteries, otherwise you need to charge the unit through a USB port. This is particularly easy given the Vado's retractable arm.

As other reviewers have stated - there is nothing easier to use than one of these small format flash based cameras. If you are not inclined to care about multiple screens and special effects, this is a fantastic unit for it's price. Vado camera's tend to run cheaper than Flips with similar features. They are tough, come with a silicone case, and have no moving parts I am aware of other than the charging arm.

This is a family camera that can be passed around from elder parent to child with little worry or need for complicated instructions. There is nothing on the market easier to figure out. You press a button, and taa daa! You are making video! The case prevents scratches. You don't have to buy anything else to make it work better and you can throw it in a purse or pants pocket. Live free and hand it to whomever you want at your next family gathering. That way you can experience what draws other people's attention, like if anyone really cares if your butt is fat :)

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:)