VADO HD video camera by Creative
Today's feature is another in our continuing series of camera reviews. Since BalloonPong's launch we have seen the immense appetite of ballooning fans for these in flight videos. It is really the only way for people to see and hear what it is like in the basket during an exciting competition flight. We hope you enjoy the ones we've posted and encourage all to share their ballooning experiences via video.
We have had a lot of interest in the camera setup that was being used for the Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame Classic. That footage was shot using a VADO HD by Creative. This camera was received as a pilot gift at the 2009 Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St. Louis. The camera is very small, easy to use, simple to download. The VADO HD utilizes a flip design with a USB port in the bottom that pops out, see photos below. This design makes it very easy to upload photos to your lap top and directly to Facebook or YouTube. The resolution is HD video up to 1280x720p. It also has 2x digital zoom, something that previously reviewed cameras lack. The recording time on this camera is up to 2 hours.
We have been shooting video with this camera since November of 2009 and have had no problems. The memory capacity will surprise you, but if you don’t transfer after each flight you will run out of space on the drive. The camera came with a case which we always use to protect from elements and to make it easier to grip.
We have chosen to mount this camera using Velcro or a Grypton Pro Portable Tripod by Targus. The Grypton works well and provides the ability to move the camera with ease. This tripod has flexible legs that actually can wrap around, see photo below or stand up like a traditional tripod. It can attach to a tank, upright, or burner frame with ease and the pivotal mount allows for a variety of angles. Finally, the camera attaches via a standard set screw mount and has a quick release mounting plate.
We have been editing our video from this camera set up with Windows Movie Maker which is a very easy program to use. The ability to add titles, credits and transitions add to the professional quality of the videos we produce. Windows Movie Maker is standard with most Windows based systems. Movie Maker also allows for importing of stills into your video as seen on the Leon 2009 video on YouTube.
Most of our video is shot straight out of the basket and not utilizing the onboard angle, however when in competition the onboard angle is fun. We typically turn the camera on prior to launch and then off and stow away just before landing. This provides a lot of footage that we can then edit. When the camera turns directly into the sun the quality can be diminished but not always. Occasionally during the flight the camera or stand might go out of level requiring you to reset it but this typically only happens once during a flight and is easily remedied. We wish you the best of luck in shooting video from your balloon.
This camera is a good multi use option for those balloonists that want the exciting in-flight action, but also want to use the camera for everyday family activities. The VADO HD camera lacks a wide angle lens and quality decreases when shooting into the sun two things the GoPro and the Vholdr do well. The camera makes up for these items with its HD quality and its digital zoom. This camera also has the ability to attach to the Grypton Tripod making basket mounting very easy. The GoPro and Vholdr are not compatible with this type of tripod mount. Most of all, the price of this HD quality camera is well within the price range of most balloonists.
You can purchase a VADO HD camera direct from Creative Labs Outlet store on line for $99.99 or from Amazon used for around $75.98. The Grypton stand can be purchased at Wal-Mart or on line at RadioShack for $14.99.