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Creative launches its Vado pocket 'camcorder'

By Tim Conneally, BetaNews

May 13, 2008, 6:46 PM

Offering a device for individuals to keep handy just in case a "must record" moment happens ("Don't Taze Me, Bro" moments), Creative has unveiled its VF0570-P Vado Pocket Video Camcorder.

With 2 GB of memory, and 640 x 480 VGA MPEG4 videos recording at 30 fps, Creative's Vado has specs conspicuously similar to PureVideo's 2 GB Flip Video. The main difference between the two is the price. The 2 GB flip carries with it an MSRP of $149.99, while the Vado shaves the price down to $99.99.

Complete with two AA batteries, the unit only weighs 84 grams and claims to be able to record for 2 hours in an even further reduced quality. Like the Flip, there is a built in USB connector, a 2" LCD screen, and an A/V out port.

Though Creative and Pure both bill their devices as "camcorders," the quality offered is only marginally better than the capture quality on better mobile phones. Furthermore, a developing trend among point and shoot still cameras is the addition of HD video capture. Panasonic, Samsung, Kodak, and Canon all offer far superior video capture quality in a comparably-sized unit for only a fraction more money.

In fact, Kodak's Easyshare V1233 is a 12 megapixel still camera capable of 720p HD video with an MSRP only $50 higher than the Flip Video 2G. It will not take a conscientious shopper long to find retailers that sell that particular camera for only $20 more than Creative's new offering.

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By cowboyshootist

edited May 15, 2008 - 7:57 PM

This doesn't use AA batteries. As I understand it the Vado uses a rechargeable and possibly a proprietary one. At least with the Flip you can use rechargeable AAs.

The real question is how do they compare in video quality (given the sub-$150 price point).

Score: 0

By tuhtee

edited May 13, 2008 - 9:51 PM

Now you claim that this "camcorder" is good and all, but how do we know. Remember there are 2 types of cameras we are comparing. 2 minus 1 equals 1 camera which is better. And there are 9 justices on the Supreme Court, 9+1 = 10. Drop the 0 and you get 1? Evidently, all of this boils down to one answer. Get an iPhone with that app which lets you record videos.

I am not Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

Score: 0

By Ian C.

posted May 14, 2008 - 12:19 AM

You need to install a 3rd party app to do that on iPhone? LOL!!! I can do it natively on my phone, and I got mine for free with a service contract, didn't have to shell out $500.