Buying Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black)

Creative Labs Vado HD 720 Pocket Video Camcorder brings back many of the same features of the original Vado with a couple of modifications. Instead of a recessed lens the newer version extends out from the body. With a slight weight increase over the older model it is also a tad thicker. The microphone is now shifted to the other side of the lens. Creative Labs includes a protective muted white colored silicone skin to cover the black bodied Vado HD 720.

One of the Vado's key features is a mini HDMI connector for outputting 1080i video to HDTV along with a standard composite AV output. Creative also bundles an HDMI cable. It is not a composite cable. Packed with 8GB of built-in memory it allows for the storage of up to 2 hours HD video. Mimicking a thumb drive, this model offers a flip out USB connector. It captures H.264 encoded videos at 30 frames per second with a 1,280x720 CMOS sensor, and saves them as AVI instead of MPEG-4. 640x480 VGA video is also an option. The threaded tripod mount is a nice addition. The battery is removable and recharges via USB. Battery life is averaging almost 2 hours. A glaring omission is a flash memory slot.

Upon connecting to Windows PC, the software automatically pops up and offers the options of playing videos or uploading to YouTube or Photobucket. As with most electronic products, plug-in installation is required. The software is very basic and not loaded with many editing features.

Buyers should keep in mind that the Vado HD 720 is not a true HD video camcorder but a POCKET video camcorder. Like its competition, the unit offers a low-resolution sensor with a miniature fixed lens. Given that, while fine tuning exposure is not an option, contrast is surprisingly good. The key is that one will be able to view videos full screen via HDTV or computer monitor. For that purpose alone, the Vado HD 720p gets high marks over the competition.

One thing to keep in mind is that the folks at Creative Labs/LogiTech have a poor track record in providing quality customer care. Sadly, product support is hit and miss at best. I strongly recommend backing up this purchase with a good extended warranty. Surprisingly, the gurus at Creative Labs actually thought about the consumer this time and indeed put some effort in this product. The Vado HD720p goes the distance.Get more detail about Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black).