Creative Launches Nex-Gen Vado Pocket Camcorder.

By Benedict Wee

The current Vados have decent enough specs to compete in the pocket camcorder market right now but Creative's newly announced 3rd generation model might prove to be one of the better portable video-recording gadgets this holiday season.

The Vado HD one ups its previous predecessor with the follow improvements:

• Better quality video in low light or brightly lit conditions
• Manual exposure adjustments
• External stereo microphone support for better audio recording
• Headphone output for private listening
• Motion Detection Mode - camera only records when motion is detected
• Out-of-the box Mac and PC compatibility
• Still Photo Capture Mode

The slight downside of the next-gen model is that its internal storage space has gone down to 4GB from its previous 8GB, but Creative was sensible enough to sell it at a lower price of US$180/NZ$248, which is a good deal.

The Vado HD will be in retail stores in the US come mid-December so here's hoping that it'll be available to us somewhere around the Christmas period.

Source:

Engadget - Creative rolls out third gen Vado HD pocket camcorder

Summer Gear: GoPro Hero HD Portable Camera.

By Benedict Wee

Now that summer season is upon us, we're all getting ready for our beach activities and for those who're planning on doing a bit of surfing (or any kind of water/beach activity really) should check out Gizmodo's review on the GoPro HD Camera.

Highlighted specs of the camera include:

• Full HD video recording - Shoot 1080p, 960p and 720p in 30 and 60 frames per second with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.
• Automatic photo taking - A 5 MP camera takes photos at 2,5,10,30 and 60 second intervals.
• Audio - Built-in microphone with automatic gain control.
• Battery - Recharable 1100mAh lithium-ion battery lasts for 2.5 hours of constant recording. Recharged to 80% when plugged into a computer for 2 hours or 1 hour when plugged into a wall/car charger.
• Shock/Waterproof case - Polycarbonate and stainless steel housing and up to 180 feet/60m deep waterproof.
• SD card slot - up to 32GB capacity (SDHC).
• Cables and connections - USB 2.0, HDTV out to NTSC & PAL televisions, 2.5mm audio jack.

The average recording time using a 32GB SD card are as follows:

• 4 hours 21 minutes : 1080p (30 fps)
• 5 hours 26 minutes : 960p (30 fps)
• 4 hours 21 minutes : 720p (60 fps)
• 8 hours 09 minutes : 720p (30 fps)
• 8 hours 09 minutes :WVGA (60 fps)

The GoPro Hero retails for US$320/NZ$450 (shipping included) and is available from the 2nd week of November onwards. Gizmodo's full review can be found on the source link below.

Source:

Gizmodo - GoPro Hero HD Camera Review