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

The best thing about these mini camcorders are that they're easy to use. My ten year old started making her own "TV show" seconds after I handed her the Vado. This camcorder is really small, like half a deck of cards so it's easy to carry around and pull out in an instant. So whether you want to catch your friend's goofy stunt or your baby's first words it makes it really easy. And then just like that you pull out the USB cord and upload the video directly to youtube (by the way you can set privacy options so only your family or selected friends see the video). Or put it there for the world to see and instant fame (or shame, depending on the video!)

Here's what I like about this camcorder, I will also compare with Flip MinoHD wherever applicable:

-- Takes HD video (720p) in 16:9 ratio, picture is very sharp especially when viewed on a computer screen or your HDTV. It even comes with an HDMI cable which allows you to see super sharp videos.
-- 2 inch LCD screen (let me say it again, TWO inches!) it's a HUGE plus over MinoHD. It is so much easier to see what you're shooting rather than squinting into the MinoHD. And playback is fun too, most times people want to see the video the minute you're done shooting and this really allows you to show it off.
-- Video time is 2 hours (8GB) in HD, longer in lower res. The video quality is excellent with really natural colors, I am pretty impressed how nice the videos look compared to the earlier Flip cameras and to me it looks even better than MinoHD.
-- Rechargeable battery that you can take out and replace easily (unlike MinoHD) so you can even have a backup
-- You can buy a wall charger (wall plug with USB slot) and hook this camcorder to an outlet if you don't have your laptop handy for charging. I just use the one that came with iPhone/iPod
-- Silicon skin to protect your camcorder comes in the box, however, I don't like it and just bought a slim case instead which also protects the lens.
-- To upload your video you just pull out the USB 2.0 cord and plug it into your computer like a mini external drive. You can then directly upload your video to youtube, myspace or any other video-sharing website without having to transfer it to your computer. Or just upload it to your computer.
-- Super sleek and easy to carry in your front pocket or jeans. It is really slim and pretty rugged especially with the silicone skin. It's very light, so even drops don't seem to damage it.
-- Controls are super-easy, really child's play
-- Good performance in low light - although one wishes for some sort of extra light source in a really dark room, this camcorder performs above average in low light as does the Mino HD
-- Sound is pretty good especially given the size. The sound syncs well with the picture too. The videos I shoot with my digital camera sometimes go out of sync but not with the Vado.
-- Easily charged through your computer, has a Li-ion battery
-- Creates MP4 video with good compression so the files are not huge like the one from your digital camera, it makes loading files into youtube or your computer fast and easy.
-- Software drivers are on the camcorder drive and it works with Windows XP and Vista (32 and 64 bit) and even Mac. In case of any problems the Vado site has additional drivers available.
--The camcorder works perfectly with Mac and QuickTime for viewing your videos as well as Windows Media Player or any other popular player.
--Comes with HDMI Cable that you can directly hook up to your HDTV (a big plus!)

Here's what I don't like:

-- Zoom is limited at 2X digital zoom. It's great for making videos of people right in front of you but if you're trying to record a performance from a distance prepare to be disappointed (same as MinoHD)
-- Given basic controls it's also difficult to zoom in very smoothly but I find it slightly easier than with MinoHD. Vado is best for mostly fixed focus videos, the zoom is pretty limited anyway.

This camcorder was selling for lesser than MinoHD in the beginning but then went up in price as favorable product raves started coming in. You can't expect this camcorder to replace your high end Sony digi-camcorder but it's the best choice for those fun, spur of the moment videos that even your kids can shoot with ease. And it holds up well in rainy conditions too.
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