Creative Technology Vado Pocket Video Cam HD (8 GB) Hard Drive Camcorder

I had the Kodak Zx1 HD - but discovered after purchase (why don't thet tell you these things?) that a) It definitely needed an SD disc to save movies - it has only about 30 mBytes available otherwise, and b) It saves movies as .mov files - and I wanted AVI files - without need to convert. So, I invested in the Vado HD. It's a slicker machine - with 8Gig medmory built in (of which about 7.5 is available for movies) and produces AVI files ... but needs the Creative codec to play them!
Each machine has plus and minus points. The Vado won't take an external memory card - but has 8 gig built in, usually enough. The Zx1 definitely must have a memory card - and that's extra expense, but means you can continue making movies as long as you have memory cards available. The Vado comes with a Creative battery - the Zx1 uses AA batteries - great if you're running out of power. To combat that for the Creative Vada HD, a separate battery needs to be purchased. The Zx1 has more 'shooting' options, over and above the Vada it has an HD60 (60fps) and can shoot stills. The Vada lets you take stills from captured videos though. The Zx1 comes with a separate battery charger, USB leads and HDMI lead. The Vada comes with an integral USB connector plus an adaptor lead and an HDMI lead. Charging is done via the USB connection - a charger costs extra. The Zx1 comes with a cloth case and a hand strap. The Vada HD comes with a plastic 'sealing' case - which is actually more useful than the Zx1's cloth bag as it can be use whilst in the case - and a mount for a wrist strap, but no strap (easy to get hold of though).
Which do I prefer? marginally, the Vada HD, though the Kodak is a close second in spite of its disadvantages. I will probably end up selling the Kodak HD as I don't need two of these handy gizmos. (I make movies as a hobby - with 'real' camcorders (Sony FX1, HC7, TVR900), and use this for quick checks and those 'serendipity shots while out and about). If anyone is intgerested ...

Cheap, simple, noddy proof video cam, fits nicely into any pocket and excellent for happy snaps of our grand kids.

very good spec for the money, very simple to use, picture very good. ideal for utube or beginners to camcorders

Product was excellent value for moneym delivered promt and efficiently with reasonable P&P costs. A great product, brand new, boxed as god as in the shops. Well worth its money!