Screen Quality
How big is the LCD screen on the mini video recorder? How easy is it to watch the videos on it? While this may not seem very important, it may be quite difficult to watch your videos on low-stanard screens.
The LCD screen size on the Vado camcorder is 2 inches.
While 2 inches does not sound like much, it is actually quite good for a pocket camcorder. The picture quality is considered good enough for normal uses.
Recording Time
What is the maximum length of video (recording capacity) that the camcorder offers?
The Vado camcorder can record two hours in standard quality and one hour in high quality video.
This recording capability is quite good for a small device, especially as the standard recording quality it offers is actually quite good.
Compactness
How small is the camcorder? How easy is it to carry around?
The Vado camcorder is very compact and lightweight, easily carried around in your shirt pocket.
The camcorder measures 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.96 ounces. This is 10 x 5.5 x 1.6 cm and 84 grams.
Audio Quality
How well does the camcorder record and playbacks audio?
The Vado camcorder's microphone is not very good and some could argue that it is a bit below average.
Most users find that the audio quality on the Vado camcorder is adequate for their needs, but it could still be a lot better.
Online Video Sharing
How easy is it to share the videos you record with the camcorder online? What does the camcorder offer in terms of software and connectivity?
The Vado Pocket camcorder allows you to easily share videos on Youtube and Photobucket.
The camcorder comes equipped with pre-installed software, and when you hook it into your computer's USB port, it starts and lets you edit and share videos directly to these video sharing sites.
The software installs many features on your computer - more than other camcorder models - and is considered not particulary good. Some users commented that the software isn't suitable for Mac computers (but at least you can use the camcorder as a mounted USB drive).
Video Quality
What is the quality of picture you can expect from the camcorder?
The Vado camcorder's video quality is quite good when used in HQ (High quality) mode.
Note, however, that you can only record an hour in HQ, so for longer videos or for recording more without downloading to a computer, you'll need to revert to standard quality.
The camcorder also lets you record in SP (Standard Quality) for more time with hardly any quality difference. This is quite important when you are looking to videotape longer events.
The video quality and zooming capability are not good when recording in low light.
Peripherals
How good is this camcorder in terms of connecting to other devices? What options do you have out if the box and what will you be able to get if you spend some extra dollars? What other perks does the camcorder have?
The Vado Pocket Camcorder has a built-in USB connector for TV-output, and you can purchase an audio/video cable separately.
The camcorder has anti-flicker support for adjustment to 50Hz or 60Hz displays - which is quite important if you travel out of the country a lot.
A nice perk on the Vado is that the rechargeable battery is replaceable. Buying an extra battery you can ensure yourself against running out of juice when you need it. This is not very common on other camcorders.
Another nice feature on the Vado camcorder is the quick charge option for the battery, that lets you recharge it in considerably less time than it usually takes.
On the downside, the Vado's tripod screw hole is not positioned optimally, as it is to the side and not in the middle of the camcorder. Additionally, the camcorder needs to charge directly from the computer unless you buy a separate stand-alone charger.
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Feel factor: 7
Perfect for all my needs.
(score 5/5)
I needed a little video camera for grad school, but I wanted one I didn't have to convert the files of and wasn't going to empty me of my funds. After much debilitation, I decided on this camera and so far, so good. It's just as small as I want and I got a little tripod for it and everything. Ta-da! Nice camera I can use leisurely or for classes.
I would recommend this camera to anyone that isn't interesting in creating lots of movies but wants something in case something comes up where one would either like a camera or need one.
Posted on: 2010-07-25
By K. Brooks
not good at all
(score 2/5)
This video camera is not good at all i charged it over night and used it the next day and it was out of battery. Also the quality is very bad and you cant understand what someone saying unless you whisper. This camera may be good for someone that doesnt care about those things. I recommend the vado hd it is a lot better or get the waterproof kodak.
Posted on: 2010-07-24
By Linda Lehmann
Good quality low priced camera
(score 4/5)
i Purchased this camera for my 7 year old , Good quality product quite easy to use and my kid loves it.
Video quality is quite good for its price range, Audio seems to pretty impresive also. Built in software is not too bad, able to play the recorded videos with out any issues.
It does take time to transfer videos from this device to the desktop
The most appealing thing about this product is the ease of use, no fancy features to worry about or buttons to fumble around.
Posted on: 2010-06-11
By Raj
A good camcorder the size of a cell phone
(score 4/5)
For just $50, the little Vado is an excellent bargain. My wife leaves it in her purse all the time "just in case". I haven't tried it using the top quality video, but I'm very pleased with the quality of the "extended play" video. The sound is even very good for the price you're paying. While you can buy more expensive versions of even this camera where you can record for four hours, have you ever sat down to watch a 4-hour home video? We're taking this camera on a 7-day Alaskan cruise next month where I plan to carry it in my cell phone pouch, and we'll be lucky to fill this camera up on that whole cruise...and our friends will be GLAD the most they will be watching this is 4 hours.
Posted on: 2010-04-17
By Alan Juhl
It Gets the Job Done
(score 3/5)
I purchased the Vado for the purposes of vblog and have found it to be okay, but not great.
The picture quality is grainy, but usable. I hate that there is no pause feature, so you have two choices: (1) everything in one sitting or (2) stream them together (which for beginners can be difficult).
Transferring from the Vado to computer is super easy. And using it with Windows Movie Maker is a breeze.
Overall, for the price, it's a handy, easy-to-use video camera. But if you're looking for high quality videos, look elsewhere.
Posted on: 2010-03-31
By Kim Cantrell