Creative Labs Vado Pocket Video Camcorder (Silver) OLD MODEL
by Creative
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List Price: Our Price: $40.00 You Save: $59.99 (60%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Creative Labs Vado Pocket Video Camcorder (Silver) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: 2gb memory - Pretty cool over all, but couple things are lacking
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I really like this little video camera, it's pretty cool and takes some rather good quality video. 200 megs of video equals about 00:07:30 or video (7.5 minutes). The device is a 2Gig unit that always you about 1.8 gigs for video as some of the storage space is sucked up with programs and of course 2 gigs is actually 1.91 gigs of usable space.
Pros:
*Compact: I like how it's so small but does a rather good job.
*Simple: It's so simple to use it's ridiculous, just hit the big button and record (would be better if the button was Red instead of white it would be more easily recognized as a record button).
*Video quality: for as small as this item is it's rather good at taking video, clean for the most part (I've noticed that it tends to have a decent amount of grain though is average lighting), smooth when you are moving the camera, no jumping of frames, at least not very noticeable.
*Flip out USB connector: I like this but I think it's poorly placed IMO.
*Fast charging: I really liked how it only take a max of like just over 2 hours to charge and there is a fast charging option that is easily activated, just push the play button until the battery with the lightning bolt shows on the screen and it's now going to charge really fast. During this mode you can't access any info on the cam, it will only charge it, but this is a great feature as then you don't have to wait as long if you are going to be leaving in a little while for some occasion.
Cons:
*USB connector placement: it's right next to the tripod connector. So if you have it on a minipod you have to take it off in order to hook it to the computer. I think making it so it flips off from the side would be much better so that it can be easier to get to the plug if you just want to leave a minipod hooked to it.
*The lens cover is easily scratched, I have a couple small scratches on mine already just from going in my pocket that had nothing else but this in it.
*Power button: while I do like it's placement on the side and how it's integrated into the devices style it's a little hard to push with big fingers like mine. Maybe the line that it blends with could be a little wider to accommodate people with bigger hands.
*Record button: a record symbol or it being red would be a good idea. friends that tried to use it had a hard time figuring it out.
*Screen: while I do like the size of the screen I do not like how you can't view it from the sides at all, a wider viewing angle would be great as you can't have your eyes directly in line with the LCD to be able to view it at all times.
*VOLUME*: all around poor, I noticed that it doesn't really pick sound up all that well. You have to talk directly to toward it and in a little bit of a loud voice in order for it to come across clearly. Also, the on board speaker doesn't play back well at all IMO, you couldn't hear anything from it if you tried. In loud volume situations though the mic is overloaded and just can't handle the audio so it reproduces an annoying noise on the video. Whispers are pretty much not heard unless you turn the volume on your PC up as loud as possible.
I think for this to be a rather successful product the last 2 issues really need to be addressed more.
One thing that I would think would make this worth a lot more is if it had the ability to be hooked into the computer and used the computer to record and change setting on the camera through the software that comes installed on it, basically a full frame rate webcam that wont have the jagged/jumpy side effects that even high quality webcams have.
On the first couple of videos there was a DIVX logo brand but now there isn't IDK what the deal is now, but I like it a lot more without the branding on my video. IDK if this is just something that it does on the first couple or what, but I'm much happier it's gone now.
Edited: 08/01/08
EDITED: 11/30/08
There is an update out for the Vado's firmware as well as the software that it uses on your PC, it helps a crap load!!! Although the focusing is bit of an issue close up still it does fine farther away from the subject.
main things in the update are better quality video, less fuzz, better sound quality, and much faster start up time.
to access the update plug your vado into your computer then when the program launches select the little button in the top left corner, you'll see an option for updating. Do that and select both the software and firmware updates. It makes a huge difference in the performance of this device. Also make sure that you follow the instructions throughout the process so you can be sure you don't run into any issues.
Customer Review: Best little flash based Camcorder around
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I got my husband a Flip video before we went on vacation so he could use it at his family reunion. It worked out wonderfully. I wish I would have had this. First, it doesn't use batteries which are a pain in the butt to keep track of. The little USB connector is mounted on a rubber extender that plugs right into my laptop. Because the extender is flexible (unlike the Flip) it's easier to snug in next to anything else I have plugged in. When I travel, I usually take a wireless mouse with me along with a portable hard drive. Being my laptop has only 4 usb ports, space is at a premium, so a flexible connector is MUCH appreciated.
Second, this is a bit smaller than the Flip. This fits easily in the zippered compartment of my purse. It also makes much better videos than my phone does, so I have taken to carrying it with me. It just 'feels' more solid than the Flip. Having a flash based camera is also a wonder because I am not worried about knocking it around. Hard drive based music players I have tend to react badly to stress. This little camera is rock solid. In the future I am going to stick with flash based devices because they have no moving parts, last longer and are ultimately lighter than heavy tape based camcorders or drive based mp3 players. They are also easier to recharge. The small videos these make (the Vado uses XViD to compress) are easily manipulated with basic software, and look good on even a large HD television. It's also very easy to put together a compilation with software like Nero, then burn it to DVD. If you have ever done the family reunion thing, you know that everyone wants copies of everything. Being able to assemble and burn something on the spot saves a lot in postage :p
I detected no reasonable difference between the Vado and the Flip as far as quality goes. Both contain features on the drive that enable you to upload videos to sharing services, like YouTube. The Vado drive contains a program you can use on your computer to view or upload your videos. It also has a self installing XViD codec which was very convenient. The Zoom is easier to use on the Vado. It also does very well in low light conditions which I found surprising. I bought the Flip because of brand recognition. If I had known about the Vado I would have certainly purchased that first. As it is, this is now MY camera :) My husband can keep the other thing :)
Customer Review: Fun & functional as a toy, emergency backup or when discretion is required
Summary: 3 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
For this price range (under $100) this tiny video camera is a really fun toy that you might give to a teenager, use as an emergency backup, or use when you're just too afraid you might break or lose your better equipment (on a roller coaster, in a kayak on a river, etc.).
Pros:
Very lightweight, portable and compact.
Easy to use.
Files easy to download. I have an Intel Mac and I just plugged it in the USB port and dragged and dropped. No software is required to do this.
Inexpensive.
Neutral
VHS quality at best. Not much more can be expected at this price point.
Cons
Zoom function is very choppy. It's not smooth as you go back and forth and it looks like it's stopping at various increments.
Audio is acceptable at best. It's a very general mic that seems to pick up a lot of ambient noise.
The size and weight of the device can actually make it harder to have a steady picture.
One of the things I try to do with reviews is compare the item to your other options. I own a 6MP Canon S3 point and shoot camera that also shoots VHS quality video. You can currently (2008) get a quality used S3 for about $250 or a Canon S2 with 4MP (which has almost just as good video) for as low as $125. The Canon's video is far superior in all ways. The audio is focused, clear and adequately loud. The zoom is smooth. And you're only limited in length by the size of your SD memory card. If it were me making this purchase, I'd probably go the route of having both a digital camera and a video recording device all in one. It's not that much more expensive and the quality is simply better.
Still, the Vado has its major advantages. It's smaller, more compact and more easily carried around in your pocket. As a result it's a video camera you'll be able to use when discretion is paramount. It's less expensive and thus more expendable - better if you're giving it to a teen. It's far easier to use so it would be great for someone who needs things as simple as possible.
So I recommend the Vado with reservations. Know your needs and what you'd like to get out of your equipment. For some this will be a great item, for others who could use better video and more versatility it will be worth it for them to spend a little more for something like a Canon S2.
Customer Review: A decent camera for Youtube
Summary: 3 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I didn't think that I needed this camera when I got it, as my cellphone & my regular digital camera both take decent video, and I also have a MiniDV camera when I really want to make something nice. But it sounded convenient and easy to use.
For the most part, that is true. Taking a video is easy, with only buttons that you can operate with one hand if necessary. The camera also has a built in USB connector, so you can plug it straight into your computer. The 2GB of included memory is more than enough at the resolution the camera uses.
The form factor is the nicest part, as it easily slips into your pocket. It is very lightweight, and I even put it in my back pocket and sat on it by accident, without any apparent damage.
The biggest problem is the video quality. It is good in a well lit situation, but anything beyond a very bright room or daylight will start to be a problem. Also, the resolution is low enough that it will not look very good when played on a TV, or full screen on a computer. But, for Youtube, it is enough. My only real problem with the video is that it automatically splits everything into individual clips. I would have liked an option to add onto the previous clip, so that it would be possible to do in-camera editing.
All in all, if you want a easy to cary and easy to use camera for making videos that will look good on Youtube, this is a great buy. If you want home movies that will persevere for generations, look elsewhere.
Customer Review: Outstanding product, great as a "go-to" camera,and Amazon's new price is LOWER than Creatives web site!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are looking for a fun camcorder to use for video email or You Tube , you should be pleased with Creatives VADO.
I own the Flip Ultra, the Flip Mino HD, as well as a VADO.
VADO is similar to the Flip Ultra, with a larger screen, and rechargeable battery. Picture quality is about on par with the Flip Ultra, but not as crisp as the much more expensive Flip Mino HD, or probably the VADO HD version.
The regular VADO is a breeze to use - just charge it and you are ready to shoot. Great for on-the-spot moment,and even better if you pre-plan and frame a scene.
If you have been wondering about video email -- try this! Friends and family far away or overseas enjoy short video clips. And why not use this for business too? I can easily imagine a video clip being of use for a job interview or resume.
Might even be the unique boost you need, to put you at the top of the list. This is high-tech the way it should be - Jetson's style EASY!
As I write this, Amazon has a sensational price- around 1/2 the suggested retail price! This may ( or may not ) indicate a new version is on the way. For the price of two 'single' use drugstore cameras, you can have a sensational device that you can use over and over.
This is a great deal!
(And yes, VADO's and Flip's are now used on Television and motion picture sets, to document wardrobe and continuity. And they are fun too!)
I just got another silver version today, as a gift for my 'rents who love easy to use tech!
Can't go wrong at this price!