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

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3CGKNJJ28NT84 Unless you want to wait an eternity (roughly 8 hours) for it fully charge, you'll want to just stick to the Fast Charge mode by pressing the "Play" button when it's charging (USB symbol) and the icon will change to a lightning bolt.

By holding PLAY and DELETE (TRASH) button together when shooting, you can access the menu. (don't know why they couldn't just add a small menu button)

Very basic menu: Set Time/Date, Video Quality [HD+, HD, VGA (640x480)], Instant Record, Anti-Flicker (50 or 60 Hz), TV System (NTSC or PAL), and Language.

* 8 GB of storage (roughly 2 hours of HD footage)
* 2x DIGITAL zoom, but digital zoom is not recommended.
* F/2.3 - f = 3.60mm
* mini-HDMI to HDMI cable included

I don't know who designed to have the rubber (for the USB) stick out on the bottom, but that was a horrible choice and I absolutely hate that the most. You won't be able to use it on most tripods or if you just want to lean it against something, or let alone, even try to make it stand on itself.

I wish it had an exposure lock because if an object or person that you want to shoot is standing in front of a monitor, they'll most likely turn dark.

I usually don't care for bundled software, but I have to say the included software in the player is pretty nice. Clean interface and makes it easy to navigate/edit/cut videos.

Considering the camera size, it's pretty amazing it can capture at 1280x720. It's good for viewing on a laptop screen size, but if you full screen on anything larger than that, you will notice the webcam-like quality. If you're very picky with quality and used to seeing only 1080p videos, then you'll definitely be disappointed, but you have to keep in mind the size of this camera and its purpose.

I've uploaded some test videos, but keep in mind that Amazon compresses it and I had to downsize it to a lower resolution (which I'm sure is obvious to most people); at least you can still get a general idea. It's probably best to search for videos on vimeo, though.

Pros:
- Nice clean black finish
- Obviously the size. (easily fits in pocket with other things)
- Shoots at 1280x720 (enough for HQ YouTube videos)
- Wide lens
- 8 GB memory
- Removable battery
- Fast ON mode for shooting right away (however, it eats up battery quicker)
- Silicon case
- Software included in camera (clean interface)

Cons:
- Having the rubber (for USB) stick out on the bottom (also seems like it would snap easily)
- No way to turn off the start-up/shutdown sound! It gets annoying.
- Files won't play on PS3.
- Poor Macro focus
- Does not come with A/V cable (sold separately)

I'm sure in the future, they'll have these at 1080p and removable memory (SD cards). For now, these cameras are great to have on-the-go and 720p (or if you prefer 640x480, you can switch to VGA mode) is perfect for sharing on YouTube. I gave this a 4 star but being strict, it's probably more like 3 1/2 stars. Definitely far from a 5-star product.

Update: I have recently tested a Sanyo HD 720p camera (TH-1 - actually a "full size" camera) and I am now even more impressed with this pocket size Creative Vado - it is so much sharper and performs way better in low light despite its size and limited controls; it's no comparison at all to that camera in terms of sharpness. Sometimes my eyes can't even tell the difference from Vado's 720 quality to a Sanyo 1080 video. It's just too bad these cameras don't have a simple auto exposure/focus lock. The wide lens is definitely a plus. I do not regret my purchase. Get more detail about Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black).