(In Vado HD) A Christmas Night In Historic Downtown Kingsville Texas

[tartYo1]

great video! At 0:25 did you make the focus or the camera?

[ussprinceton2004]

how long does it take for you to upload your videos to youtube from the Vado HD for a certain file size? My Vado HD takes a really long time to upload to the internet. Is this normal? What do you recommend so that my upload time would be faster? Does my computer specifications matter or is it all dependent on my internet connection speed?

[oneangrybride]

what lense did you use?

[CooLoserTech]

okay, loving it.... NOW WHATS THE GENERATION of your VADO HD

[BuddyGlory]

@CooLoserTech at the time this was created there was only the first gen

[AndrewGronow]

I'm glad I found this. Been sitting on the fence whether to buy this or not.

Your example of what this can do has certainly swayed me. Nice job.

[AndrewGronow]

I'm glad I found this. Been sitting on the fence whether to buy this or not.

Your example of what this can do has certainly swayed me. Nice job...

[holladaycubed]

wow i swore that those benches were minitures then a car drove by haha... anyways i wanted to ask what is the effect called that you used to blur the edges and what program it is in. thanks - holladay

[siddrizzle713]

well no more kingsville for me RIP granddaddy he made kingsville live now its dead without him all i have left are memories RIP davis brooks jr i love you granddaddy you will not be forgotten ever

[pxods]

they look so nice picture i wanna one

[mrbrent181]

The Vado HD, by far beats all the consumer level camcorders for shooting extremely high quality video in low light situations such as this, or night club, and restaurant scenes. i bought one specifically for low light situations.

[almostzero]

@mrbrent181 I agree!

[pxods]

thanks man

[almostzero]

@pxods Your very welcome :-)

[SuavecitaHighRolling]

"A Christmas Night In Historic Dowtown Ghost Town"

[almostzero]

@SuavecitaHighRolling Ghosts are people too ;-)

[pxods]

nice i willing to purchase one soon but i need to know which one is the best kodak ,flip mini 'o vado hd

[almostzero]

@pxods Just be sure to read reviews of the latest products. I have not looked at the new ones...

[krisvcanales]

You did a wonderful job. The Downtown Merchants love that someone has taken the time to get these beautiful shots of our downtown.

[almostzero]

@krisvcanales Thank you very much for the comment! :-)

[chixyman]

At the first part i like the blurry part? what did you do to achieve it? please answer soon

[almostzero]

@chixyman Hello, I used a set of filters called "Magic Bullet Looks" in particular one called "Swing Tilt" to get that effect.

[chixyman]

@almostzero So the Vado HD has effects too? cool! thanks for the reply. And I just wanna ask how is the picture quality of this thing? I mean the Snapshot quality on its best.

[LilSunshines101]

hey i live in kingsville(:

[almostzero]

@LilSunshines101 Well hello then neighbor :-)

[MaybeChrisRob]

nice! i was looking for a flip camera ''movie reel'' type video. very nice work

[almostzero]

@MaybeChrisRob Thank you!

[iCommentVids]

I received mine in the mail and I'm so pissed cause it won't turn on. Any ideas of how to fix this?

[terryfink]

Silly question but did you charge it for a few hours?is ther battery fitted correctly?, if so then maybe faulty..

[iCommentVids]

Yes charged over night. I'm just going to send the shit back.

[terryfink]

Thats a shame because they really are good cameras, a little shaky when walking but if your keep it still/mounted its an amazing camera

[iCommentVids]

I'm just so mad I know it's a good camera it just had to happen to mine. Oh wells..

[iCommentVids]

Does this work with Sony Vegas?

[almostzero]

iCommentVids, if you use the proper x264 decoder it should.

[ngvgnDOTcom]

This video looks like you used a Pro Camcorder from Sony, Canon, Panasonic or JVC.

[almostzero]

ngvgnDOTcom: Thanks! The post processing helped it out a lot ;-)

[huntsman1230]

hey man you created a very beautiful christmas video! very impressed. ive gotta get pinnacle

[the3rdceo]

I picked up my Vado...! Looking forward to creating nice movies yours I am also looking into the cannon hf30. Let's see if I been naught or nice. Lol Thank for every thing!

[almostzero]

Hey that's great news! Let me know how if goes.

[rmstudio]

What software did you use to make the cuts and edits but mainly the "Out of focus" or "Select Focus" depth of field shots in the videos. As The Vado does not have any kind of shallow depth of field or select focus you can do with it...

[almostzero]

rmstudio: Hello, at the time I was using Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 12. It featured a set of filters called "Magic Bullet Looks" that can give you the effects that you mentioned. Since then, I have discovered a free decoder called x264vfw that allows me to use Adobe Premiere to edit the Vado videos. Magic Bullet is also available for Premiere.

[raydvd]

Very nice video indeed m8, you def have a good eye for a shot, are you gonna do another Christmas vid this year ? gonna check out more of your vids.

[almostzero]

raydvd: Thank you for the comments! I am thinking about making another one ;-)

[Tyler4Now]

Get a Kodak Zi8 like I did. Trust me, It smokes all the other mini HD cams. Do some research, it rocks.

[almostzero]

Tyler4Now, hello thank you for your opinion. I looked at the Kodak Zi8, while the external mic is a plus, the 60fps and 1080p on the Zi8 is not that big of a benefit, the wide angle lens on the Vado HD is awesome, the Zi8 when in 1080p especially is severely cropped. Its like you are permanently zoomed in.

[Tyler4Now]

Well, agree to disagree :) - Lovely video either way.

[almostzero]

Tyler4Now, Hehe... yes.. and thank you for the comment. I appreciate it. :-)

[BlankMessageTV]

i have the zi8 too and this camera seems to pick things up way better doesnt look to shaky

[sliderman7]

Nicely done..

[almostzero]

Sliderman7: Thank you!

[MuzikPLAYA]

hey, i was wondering what video editing software you are using to take its natural format?

[almostzero]

MuzikPLAYA : Look for a free decoder called x264vfw. I you install this on your PC, it will allow you to use just about any editing app with your vado hd footage.

[MuzikPLAYA]

oh thanks...finally i can stop waiting to convert the videos to mpeg b4 i can edit them

[eliastucker]

How do you get that vignetting effect? The blur I mean....=D Thanks!

[almostzero]

eliastucker: I use an effect from some filters called Magic Bullet

[capoteco1]

Wow..... You made me miss Kingsville that much more. It also made me feel like a kid again. Thank you.

[almostzero]

capoteco1: Thank you for the comments, glad you liked the video and it brought back some nice memories.

[almostzero]

GHENCEA14, hello. I used some filters called Magic Bullet looks to achieve the look that you are mentioning.

[GHENCEA14]

I'm puzzled because VADO HD doesn't have manual focus to get that blur effect...

[hugawfiles]

Nice video man! may I know what video editing software did you use?

[almostzero]

hugawfiles, hello. At the time I used Pinnacle Studio 12 Ultimate as it was the only editing app I found to take the Vado HD files in their native format. However, since then I have discovered a free decoder called "x264vfw" that allows other editing apps such as Adobe Premiere Pro, etc. to be used.

[hugawfiles]

Thanks and keep inspiring others! god bless!

[jeremybarancik]

Very cool video! I love the effects and the music is enchanting!

[almostzero]

Jeremy: Thanks!

[xbox360ghost]

Glad I Just Got One On Amazon!!!! for 109!!!

[Cvette1002]

Me too! Great video btw!

[almostzero]

Thank you!

[almostzero]

Excellent deal, I think you will really like it. Have you made any videos yet?

[pokeyman069]

I live there, its a nice place in the winter

[almostzero]

pokeyman069, hello. Yes it certainly is!

[stymye]

why do they call it an hd cam if everything is blurry.

after reviewing I think I'll look at other cheap cams first

[almostzero]

The blurry effect you see was added to the video via a video editing application. It was done on purpose. The raw footage from the camera was very clean. The Vado HD is a very nice camera.

[svenob]

Why are the top and bottom blurry?

[almostzero]

I used a filter known as a "swing tilt" to get that effect>

[steph5504]

lol

I live in Kingsville, Ontario canada

[almostzero]

Hey, thats cool! How big is your city?

[Benjomatic]

Really impressive! Love the look of these shots, just shouts christmas.

[almostzero]

Thank you!

[almostzero]

Your welcome, glad that you liked it! :-)

[2live4]

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful video. It's refreshing, considering the often cynical environment of utube, to see something so beautiful and uplifting. You've inspired me to get out there and film.

Thanks,

Fernando

[rho070]

I just got my Vado HD today. This is one of the most professional videos I have seen taken with the VadoHD. Great work, 5 stars!

[almostzero]

Thank you! :-)

[almostzero]

Yes, youtube sometimes has a stuttering issue.

[laudatana]

Amazing...simply amazing.  I hope to be able to shoot video like that. I am just blow away...You should be a professional photographer. Thank you for this wonderful gift.

[almostzero]

Laudatana, Thank you very much.

[almostzero]

Martin, Hello. Yes, as rgisassi stated... I use a monopod most of the time when I shoot. Panning is a little tricky. However, I have noticed some odd playblack of all HD videos on youtube the last few days. The buffer was making it play back choppy. Not sure why that is...

[PSNDDOM2]

hey, to get rid of the choppyness just tell ppl to add &fmt=22 to the end of the link, makes it smooth.

[almostzero]

Thank you for the tip!

[rgisassi]

By "stuttering motion" I'm assuming you talking about how the video moves left and right slightly on the still shots. I believe this is because the shots were done with a monopod rather than a tripod. Monopod are convenient but tricky to keep still, horizontally.

[glenwoodfin]

Gorgeous! I love your transitions. It makes it look like you made it with a film camera!

I did a low light video using my Vado HD on my YouTube channel as well during Chinese New Years. I didn't edit it.

Thanks for Your Inspirational Video,

Glen

REDHOTspeakers com

[almostzero]

Glen, thank you so much for the comments. I think the Vado HD is excellent as well. Hope you have fun making more videos! :-)

[almostzero]

tomblue12sbc, wow... that is a great observation. I like the postcard comment. Thank you! I have DSL as well.. I think it is good for the price. They only offer 3mbps in my area though.

[tomblue12sbc]

I like the blur effect....it's nice and dreamy and matches the music.....feels like a postcard......Why does HD take so much longer to load? I hate my DSL...but it's nice n cheap....aargh

[SilentPitbull]

Excellent Video!

[almostzero]

SilentPitbull, thank you so much. I am glad that you enjoyed it. :-)

[JPOnion]

Excellent video, and I like the blur effects. They soften the images up which really fits the mood of the video well. I've been considering the Zi6 or the Vado, but this video confirmed it...I'm going with the Vado.

[almostzero]

JPOnion, thank you very much. You will like the Vado HD a lot. Enjoy it!

[DanielBoeFlex]

Wow, how wierd the benches at 0.30 and a bit forward, i think it's cause of the focus thing in the background but it looks ecsactly like tiny model benches! :O

[almostzero]

Haha, yes... the tilt shift filter gives you that effect. Like you are looking at a tiny model. :-)

[almostzero]

Hello, make sure to install the codec that come with your Vado HD. It should prompt you the first time you connect it.

[jlynchtx]

Are you usimg a PC or mac to the editing? I just bought the Vado HD and i can't get it to work with Vado HD Files. i then downloaded a trial of pinnacle studio and it doesnt seem to work good with that either. The videos look weird in the preview window when i am editing them. Did you have to anything special to make the video files work?

[belIis]

Turn that annoying blur effect off mate! the video would be a lot better.

But anyway I've been lookin at either this or the Zi6, but my main concern is that the Zi6 kinda looses a lot of FPS in low lit conditions, and in this video it seems to me that the Vado HD doesnt drop in frame's, like at 0:38 when the car drives by, there is little blur. But the vado is like $50 more, arrrg so confusing lol

anyways thanks for upload!

[almostzero]

Bellis,

Hehe. Ok, I will go easy on the blur effect. Yes, it is a hard choice. But for only $50 more you might as well get the Vado HD :-)

Oscar V.

[nazarook]

What do you edit your videos with?

[almostzero]

nazarook,

Hello. I used Pinnacle Studio 12 for these Vado HD videos.

AZ

[gumpetung]

Gread vid.

How responsive is the cam? I'm thinking how long time does it take from you switch it on till it is ready to record.

Reason for asking is that my current camcorder takes forever, and any sudden action

is gone before I'm ready to shoot it.

[mac0id]

hi there, i have the original Vado (non HD) - it powers on in one second. Once you hit the record button it starts recording instantly. Probably the most responsive recording device I have ever had.

[jhillestad]

Why are the tops and bottoms always out of focus ?

Is that a setting or the camera itself screwing up ?

[almostzero]

jhillestad: The tops and bottom are out of focus due to an effect I used with Pinnacle Studio 12 called a "swing tilt" filter. The camera is fine and is not screwing up. ;-)

[bobostonepony]

are you using a tripod? what software did u use to edit? Great job!

[almostzero]

Thanks bobostonepony! I am using a monopod, highly recommended. I used Pinnacle Studio 12 Ultimate to edit the video.

[bobostonepony]

thank you very much... i'm new to this, im trying to compare this one to the kodak zi6 and the aiptek a hd.

[almostzero]

You are welcome, I also looked at the Kodak Zi6... the Vado HD is much better IMO. I have not looked at the aiptek.

[bobostonepony]

thanks a lot... im going with the Vado HD

[Brucey69]

Great video,

I'm still deciding whether to get this, the Kodak Zi6 or the Flip MinoHD.

I was wondering, have you noticed any framerate issues when this camera? Especially in low light conditions.

[almostzero]

Thanks Brucey69! I have not noticed any framerate issues in low light with the Vado HD or otherwise. The quality will not be as sharp in low light though, however this is also true of the Zi6 & Mino HD. The Vado HD is a great pocket cam.

[almostzero]

photolitherland: Hello. I used some filters called "Magic Bullet - Looks" to alter the focus and enhance the color.

[siddrizzle713]

i miss my hometown kingsville texas i'm here in houston now it's pretty good here nice ect i bet it was very beautiful

[almostzero]

siddrizzle713: Yes, it was great.. thanks! Oh, you are not to far away.. and you get a big city to explore now... best wishes!

[bluetech7753]

Hey Nice video great music.

[almostzero]

bluetech7753, thank you! :-)

[onerandomguyinlondon]

WOWSER! You have done a great job on this. May I ask what video editing software you used?

[almostzero]

onerandomguyinlondon, Thank you so much! I used Pinnacle Studio 12 Ultimate to edit this video. The effects that I used are called Magic Bullet Looks and some transitions from ProDad.

[onerandomguyinlondon]

Thanks for letting me know! :) You are very lucky to have the Vado HD, as it is not due out in the UK for at least another 2-3 months. Can't wait to get my hands on that remarkable pocket camera. I have also looked at the Flip MinoHD but the Vado HD produces much better looking videos.

[JamesB969]

vado hd comes with its own software/edditor things

[almostzero]

JamesB969: Yes, the Vado HD comes with some basic editing software. However, if you want to get really fancy you have to buy some better software. You might be able to do some ok editing for free using Windows Movie Maker.

[rgisassi]

Kingsville looks clean and inviting, a place of which I am proud to be a native. I am planning to send this video as a greeting card to friends and family from Kingsville living elsewhere. Heck, I'm going to put this on my Facebook page too.

[almostzero]

I am glad that you liked it so much, please feel free to link away :-)

[rgisassi]

For a $200 HD pocket cam the picture looks VERY good. Interestingly, from :23 through :34 the benches gave me a feeling I was looking at miniature, like a scene in the window of Roy's Hobby Shop. Somehow the camcorder lens is distorting the focus of the shot, simulating a shallow depth of field normally encountered with macro lenses making the scene seem much smaller than it actually is. Is there a tilt-shift lens in there? :-)

Well done, AlmostZero. Well done.

[almostzero]

Thanks rgisassi! I also agree that part looked like it was a miniature. Hehe, one of the filters I used had a tilt-shift effect in it.

[a77boy]

DAM!!! that looks freakin' sweet. THe shot of Keleberg bank could of been omitted, but other than that :-p not bad for a $199 camera!!!

[almostzero]

Haha, thank you a77boy... hehe, yes a couple of the shots were a little lackluster. But it was fun any way ;-)

[almostzero]

It looks like the lighting and brightness took a hit on the upload to youtube. Sorry about that, you have to watch in HD to even get close to what it looked like on my PC or TV. I will look into future tweaks to make up for the brightness loss. Hope you like it regardless though. :-)

[almostzero]

The normal version of the video took even a bigger hit due to compression. The subtle details of the dark tones were lost even more. Your viewing experience could also be altered due to your PC monitor's brightness level or videocards overlay setting perhaps. Hmm, back to the drawing board ;-)