As promised, we just received Creative's new Vado HD. The camcorder, which was made official at the end of last week, adds high-definition video capture to a form factor that rather closely resembles that of the first-gen Vado.
I'll be writing a full hands-on review of the Vado for PCMag.com. I've got high hopes for the camera--I liked the original Vado but ultimately awarded the Editors' Choice to the Kodak Zi6, due in large part to the fact that the latter's inclusion of high-def video capture. Even without high-def video, however, the Vado came in a close second.
[Brian's review of the Vado HD is now live at PCMag.com.]
I like what I've seen so far. The new Vado looks and feels like its predecessor. It's got the same form factor, weight, and footprint. There are a few subtle differences--the Power button has been raised, for easier pressing; the panel on the front is a bit larger, for easier access to the removable battery; and the rear speaker also looks bigger.
There's a mini HDMI port on the side, for output to an HDTV. Also, unfortunately, the lens in the front is no longer flush: It juts out a few millimeters, no doubt due to the improved optics.
The screen size is the same--still the largest of this camcorder genre. This fact is especially important in light of the improved video quality: When you're shooting in HD, the image letterboxes because of the different aspect ratio. The camcorder has three video settings--VGA, HD, and HD+. The improved video quality is definitely noticeable in preliminary tests.
This Vado is priced at $229.99 street--the same price as the Flip Mino, its closest competitor. That's quite a jump from the $99 price tag of the original. However, the Vado ships with a few key amenities, such as a silicon case, HDMI cable, and USB extender.
For a limited time, the camera can be purchased through Creative's site for $199. It will begin shipping December 9th.
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December 8, 2008 10:51 PM
Thanks, but this is kinda useless. Why not post a sample video file?
December 9, 2008 1:06 AM
I've got the original Vado and have liked it for the price. BTW, its been on sale for $79.99 plus some accessories and shipped free. Possibly a great steal for Xmas. I just ordered the Vado HD and am looking forward to it. Creative is discounting it $30 as an introductory price. Likely to beat the Mino.
Check out the Vado discounts here:
http://us.creative.com/local/1/promo/vadogate/welcome.asp
December 9, 2008 12:48 PM
Where's the LCD display? on boxed images theres a LCD display, but not the detailed images.
December 9, 2008 1:41 PM
the LCD display is on the back of the cam, which this reviewer doesn't show. there are pictures on amazon.com showing the front, back, and sides of the Vado HD.
December 9, 2008 9:40 PM
moooooooore infoooooooo pleeeease! Any footage or basic software overview would be much appreciated.
December 10, 2008 12:16 AM
I just can't figure out all these whiners who are crying about the "hard" to access on/off switch.It's that way for a purpose knucklehead.You'll figure it out when you go to shoot your son's first t-ball game and you pull it out of your pocket with dead batteries and two hours of video of your pocket fuzz.If it is hard to turn on when you are trying to it'll be nigh on impossible to turn it on by accident.Idiots.
December 10, 2008 1:42 PM
Just out of curiosity, how hard would it be to turn on the Flip Mino HD, Creative Vado HD and Kodak Zi6 HD at the same time side by side shooting the same inside scene and/or the same outside scene?
Then we can get an idea which video looks the best.
Thanks
December 11, 2008 3:59 PM
When is your review coming out?
February 11, 2009 12:57 PM
Hi Brian. Big question is if the Vado HD can output video through the AV Out and optional RCA cables while recording? Can you please let us know. Thanks a lot!