Creative Vado HD Camcorder Looks Feature-packed

Creative has been struggling to survive in a world in which people mostly rely on integrated chipsets for PC audio, and carry iPods for portable music. It's really time to move on. With the new Vado HD Pocket Camcorder, the Singapore-based company seems to be heading into the right direction. Even so, the world now seems to be awash with cheap miniature HD camcorders, including Flip Mino HD ($230), Kodak Zi6 ($179), and RCA EZ300HD ($159).

The Vado HD brings 8GB built-in storage, providing enough space for 2 hours of 720p recording and pulling ahead of the other three in capacity. It sports a 2" screen, and bundles a HDMI cable for playback on HDTV - a feature that only the RCA can match. Kodak Zi6 provides component output in comparison while the Flip Mino HD has no high-def output to TV. The HD-capable Vado will also be USB rechargeable, and will ship with a removable battery. Despite of the slight advantages of the Vado HD, it certainly will take a lot for the camcorder to make a good impression when all these competitors are armed to the teeth.