Creative Vado HD review

Creative flips Mino the bird with this HD-shooting, HDMI-outputting, battery-swapping, software-packing 8GB Flash memory camcorder. But how does it compare with the big boys? Read on…

Pros
The not-so-daft Vado is in the same league as Flip’s Mino HD. It isn’t quite a clone war: the Vado HD boasts twice the storage (8GB), a larger (two-inch) screen, removable battery and custom HDMI connector for instant plasma screen playback. The Vado also lets you watch or copy its pin-sharp clips on your PC via USB, rather than booting up the built-in software, making it easier than unhooking a bra to use. It’s solid too. The rubbery case comes with a silicone skin for protection and the battery should last long enough for around two hours of HD footage.

Cons
Okay, so we’ve established that it’s HD, but it’s not exactly what we’d imagine hotshot directors would use – its colours are wobbly, motion’s juddery and audio is faint. Also there’s no video light, autofocus or zoom lens. But that’s to be expected for a budget camera. Although, with a price like that, calling this budget seems like a bit of a misnomer.

In summary then…
The Creative Vado HD has its issues. Sure, the HDMI output and generous memory are nice touches, and it is super-easy to use, but the footage is juddery and the colours aren’t as impressive as they should be for an HD camcorder. “It’s a ‘budget’ camcorder, though,” you say. That may be the case, but this is still pushing close to £200, and for that kind of money we expect more bells and whistles (there’s no video light, zoom lens, or autofocus).

Style

Visuals

Value

Overall

Like the look of this camcorder? Get chatting about the Creative Vado HD on the PriceRunner forums.

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