Vado Pocket Camcorder
Flip Video Camcorder
Screen Quality
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.
The quality of the Flip's screen is not as good as some other models provide.
Recording Time
This recording capability is quite good for a small device, especially as the standard recording quality it offers is actually quite good.
The short recording time is due to the fact that the Flip uses flash memory, which is limited in capacity.
There is another model of the Flip camcorder, which lets you record up to 60 minutes of video. However, this model is much more expensive.
Compactness
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.
The Flip measure 4.17 x 2.16 x 1.25 inches and weighs 5.2 ounces. This is 10.6 x 5.48 x 3.17 cm and 147.5 grams.
Audio Quality
Most users find that the audio quality on the Vado camcorder is adequate for their needs, but it could still be a lot better.
Most users find that the audio quality on the Flip camcorder is adequate for their needs.
Online Video Sharing
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).
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 is good, but it is not completely self contained and needs to install some features on your computer.
Video Quality
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
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.
You also get two batteries as a perk. The camcorder has a good position for the tripod screw hole which is right in the middle of the camera.
Vado Pocket Camcorder
Flip Video Camcorder
Vado Pocket Camcorder
based on 134 customer reviews
Feel factor: 3
Great Videos
(Score 5/5)
Bought this little video recorder for my daughter, I was surprised with the quality. the unit seems to run for ever. Great gift.
Posted on: 2010-09-12
By Jack Reynolds
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
Flip Video Camcorder
based on 1593 customer reviews
Feel factor: 6
My son flipped for the flip - and started usi
(Score 5/5)
I bought this for my older son, but it was his 8 year-old brother who took to it immediately and started filming his own Star Wars lego movies to load to You Tube. Don't bother for a video camera with all kinds of features when a flip takes excellent video as easy as point-and-shoot like a camera.
You can upload videos easily to the Flip user's website or You Tube, and even create still pictures from single frames out of the video. I couldn't believe how quick the kids figured it out. Best of all, I got it on Amazon at the time on a special promo for only $54 and free shipping through Prime.
AAA+++ - Just fantastic!! Great gift for kids or adults.
Posted on: 2010-09-23
By Roxanne Mchenry
Great little camcorder
(Score 5/5)
We bought this for our son who likes to record his skateboard tricks and upload to youtube. This was the perfect gift for our 14 yr old.
Posted on: 2010-09-19
By honeybee
Don't believe the hype
(Score 1/5)
Although this camera may look cute, fun, and productive, it's not. I only gave it 2 stars because it can take videos.
The video quality is poor, if not terrible. Everything's so blurry, it doesn't do well with movement... It's a surprise I was able to figure out what was going on in the video. Not to mention the screen was practically microscopic.
And I'm sure you've read that it has its own USB port, so you can upload things straight from the camera to the internet. Well, mine wouldn't. And the help-line is anything but helpful. They give long, complicated instructions that don't work. After about three different Flip Camcorder people giving me useless instructions, one of which actually made me lose some videos on my camcorder, I gave up. If you were planning to take videos with this camera and upload them to the internet hassle-free, I suggest you think again.
Also, every button you press on that thing is slow. As soon as I got it, everything took at least 15 seconds. If you don't mind waiting that long to switch to a different video, then you're in luck.
And the battery life... Oh, the battery life! That was probably the worst thing of all. It runs out after about 30 minutes or so, and it takes 2 double-A batteries to get it going again. It just eats through them! This is what eventually made me stop using it, because I couldn't afford buying a pack of batteries every couple of days.
It also has nothing cool about taking videos. Basically, you can take a half-hour of video and then watch it. I guess the ease of acccess is okay, but its kind of confusing at first, because not only do the buttons each do a totally different thing, but many of them have two or three functions, that you have to try to put the buttons in the sequences to get the correct function.
Really, the only good thing about this camera is that you it's small. A true waste of my money. You can get a camera that takes picture, video, accepts memory chips, has a 2.7" screen, and has way better picture quality for the same-or cheaper-price. Really, I'm serious. Don't waste your money on this piece of junk.
Posted on: 2010-08-23
By
flip review
(Score 5/5)
I love this. I use it to pick up B role in all of my filming. The quality is great.
Posted on: 2010-08-14
By crystal clear
IT WON'T TURN ON.
(Score 1/5)
I've had it since the spring of 2009. I'd recorded under an hour and downloaded that onto my computer. When I tried to see the video; it was out of sequence and jumbled. I emailed for help and was given complicated instructions, which I didn't have time to implement.
I added a few more shots of donations.
Recently, I put new batteries in it, but it won't turn on. It makes a blip sound, with a blue screen that says Flip video; but that's all it will do. I can't even turn it off, without removing the batteries.
I paid between $150 & $200, for so little return, but a lot of aggrivation.
Posted on: 2010-08-01
By Connie Urquhart
