Customer Reviews

Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Camcorder Bundle - Silver/Black

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

The whole premise behind pocket video recorders is small size and portability assures accessibility and more spontaneous use when compared to a full size video camera. For the size and ease of use, however, you make some sacrifices. I did a fair amount of research into this product class to find a pocket video camera that was loaded with features and had the fewest trade offs when stacked up against a full size video recorder. I pulled the trigger on this product and absolutely love it. Here's the highlights:

1) Size. This thing is small. It's only a few millimeters bigger than the Flip and Kodak offerings. It's sized just right to hand hold comfortably, but not too big that it takes up too much valuable purse or bag real estate. It also comes with a very nice cordura carrying case! It's only about 4 oz. and some reviews have criticized the Camileo for a "plasticy" feel. Not so, this unit feels solid yet light. True the body is made of plastic, but the weight trade off is worth it, and who cares as long as it's solid. Plus a lighter plastic unit is much more likely to survive the inevitable drop than a heavier metal one (lighter and more pliable).

2) Video Quality. I don't own another pocket video camera so I can't intelligently comment on the video quality compared to other units. That being said, the video looks fantastic on the big flat screen. I actually use the 720p mode mostly to have the option to zoom and image stabilize (both not available at 1020p), and I cannot tell a difference between the two modes when displayed on 52" flat screen. The video is honestly as good as my three year old full size HD video camera in normal light. In dim light there is a little graininess to the video, but there's an integrated light to help with this and I really don't take many recordings in dark conditions anyway.

3) Ergonomics (including the screen). The fold out screen is awesome and I have no trouble viewing it in direct sunlight. It's great to preview videos and twists around for the ubiquitous self portraits too. The Flip and Kodak models are just little boxes that you hold up facing "out" to record. The Toshiba Camileo S20 feels like a real video camera (albeit a really small one) in your hand. It just feels natural to me to record video in this manner.

4) Features - The built in LED light is a nice touch but it's really only useful in very dark conditions for close up subjects. I think it's main utility is to augment the light in low-light situations like around dusk or in a dim room. Useful under some situations and a good feature to have when you need it. The time lapse and slow motion are really fun. You won't find yourself using them very frequently but capturing a great sunset or cloud movement is pretty cool. Why not have the option? The YouTube upload button is a big "who cares?" for me, but users that are interested in this sort of thing may like it. The digital zoom is smooth and doesn't pixelate stuff too much. I'm also surprised at how much I DON'T use the zoom on this camera. The default capture angle is pretty good. Kid's sporting events are the only time I've found that I've used it a lot, and for this application the digital zoom works fine. If I know I'll need the intensive use of optical zoom ahead of time, I bring my regular HD camcorder anyway. The built in 5MP camera isn't great. That being said, I've yet to see a camcorder with a decent still camera integrated into it. It will do for snapshots, but you won't be using the pics for your holiday cards. I'm not sure why this is, probably something to do with the image processing and metering on still cameras. Anyway, I didn't expect too much here as my regular size HD camcorder takes stills that are pretty bad too. Bottom line with still pics is that we always have a small point and shoot camera with us in our bag or purse anyway, so this isn't an issue for us. Other features are great, like custom white balance (think skiing or other situations with unique light) and ISO settings. Also the battery is removable and one could conceivably get extra batteries to use when chargers aren't available.

5) Price - at $150 this is a steal, especially when compared to the Flip SlideHD Camcorder which is presently $280! The Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie HD Video Camera has optical zoom but is much larger and more expensive. (It also does not image stabilize in HD mode). The Sanyo VPC-CS1 High Definition Camcorder, which also has optical zoom, is big enough at over an inch thick, that I don't really qualify it as a true pocket video camera model. It's also over one hundred dollars more expensive.

6) Extras. Wall charger included, mini-HDMI cord included, mini tripod included, RCA AV cord included, ArcSoft software included (it's actually pretty decent too), nice case included. What's not to like here!

7) Recording Media and Format. One great feature is the SD card format which means that on vacation you can take multiple cards with you rather that a laptop for archiving. The Flip doesn't have removable/changeable media, which for me was an absolute deal breaker. The recorded file format is AVI which I like for video editing applications. Oh also, the lack of an integrated USB connector is actually a big plus for me. I'd rather use a cord to connect to the computer, and the USB mini port doubles as a charger. Our cell phones use this format, so I already have car chargers for this camera! Who want's to struggle with plugging the recorder body directly into the computer - my computer is on the floor in a cabinet. The Arcsoft software is pretty darn intuitive for burning DVDs and uploading to the web. Any minimally computer literate individual will not have an issue and the user manual for the camera and software is really quite good - it was obviously written by a fluent English speaker and not software translated from Japaneses.

Criticisms:
A lot has been written in on-line reviews about the confusing menu system. The menu system structure is fairly intuitive and resembles that of most full sized video cameras, but the navigation buttons within the menu tree are not. OK, so I had to remember that when in the menu mode one of the buttons advances, a different one goes up one level, and the record button selects choices. It's really not that hard or big a deal. As much as we find ourselves using this video recorder, we have no issues with remembering navigation buttons and navigation.

I wish . . .
1. there were optical zoom (but I'm willing to live with digital zoom and a much smaller unit - a trade off that's worth it in my opinion. I've found that I don't use zoom all that much anyway.)

2. there were zoom and image stabilization available in 1080p mode. (Most pocket video cameras don't have this either. . . no big deal to me really as I've found 780p mode looks great and saves on recording space on the SD card. The recorders that have the features at 1080p are much larger units and really not honestly classifiable as "pocket" video recorders)

3. this took better still shots, but as I mentioned, no video recorder does this well. If you want to take still photos, use a camera that's made for the job.

In all, I'm very satisfied with this purchase. This unit is small and light and packed with features, some you'll use and others that you may experiment with once in a while, but are nice to have when and if the need arises. Compared to other models referenced and linked in this review, this model has almost every feature but optical zoom, and the ones having this are much larger and not really "pocket" models (and they are a lot more expensive). I expect to get about 2 years out of this product and by then the next generation of pocket video cameras will integrate even more features (wireless transfer, optical zoom, smart phone integration etc. . ). Until then this product is perfect for my needs.

I was looking for a mini cam that was priced well and a good value. When I took a look at this Toshiba, it only had one review of 5 stars, so after doing a little research on the FlipHD, which is what I was ready to buy, I decided to take a chance on the little-known Toshiba. I'm definitley glad I did. If you're looking for the same high quality from this as you would a mid-full size video camera, you will not find it in any mini cam. Again, they are just too small. If you are looking for something that is well made with a large screen that rotates, good picture quality (especially outdoors!!), reasonable 5x zoom, and a decent price, this is the one for you. The fact that this comes with a case, stand, hdmi cable (some things that you have to buy separately for other minis), etc., is just icing on the cake. I couldn't give it a full 5 stars because in a perfect world, the interior video quality would be sharper. Overall it's a keeper.

Have friends that have the new Kodak model Z8 and I have had the Flip ultra. My neighbor has the new Sony model PM5. Here's the thing on pockets. You are never going to get great pictures with the 1080 in that small of a package. The Kodak does not hold up for the long haul as friend had two that broke with in three months and my Flip gave up the ghost in about eight months and battery charging was a joke! It may charge and it may not....it was a crap shoot. Neighbor has sent his Sony back three times in five months with problems.Sony takes pictures in low light are just terrible. My little Toshiba just plugs right along. Picture quality at 720 is just fine and low light is certainly acceptable. This little unit is tough and a work horse. If your looking for a pocket camcorder that takes a good picture loads right up with no prblem, another issue I had with the Flip and simply does a good job for a reasonable price.......well the Toshiba is the way to go. It is well made and tough, which seems to be the big issue with pocket models. Sadly, not many reviews on this model but believe me I did my home work and I will admit I did purchase this camcorder simply from my experience with Toshiba. Man, I am so glad I did becuase this little work horse is really the way to go. You want something small that takes good decent movies and is very simple to use and most importantly hold up to much use..........this little guy is perfect. I hope more folks pull the trigger on this little camera and give their remarks as well. If you want high picture quality then don't waste your time with any pocket camcorder regardless of what the company or others tell you. If you want something that is light, small, well made and takes good picutres but nothing on a grand scale.......well this little camcorder is it! Bar none!!!! Oh.......and got it in three days from Amazon with their usually dependable delivery.

I was considering purchasing either this Camileo S20 or the Flip 2nd Gen Brushed Metal model. Obviously I ended up choosing the Camileo S20, and here is why:

**I looked at the many reviews of the Flip model, and didn't like what people had to say. Many reviews complained about the bulit-in USB connector not fitting any of their USB ports for uploading or charging to the PC. Eventually Flip finally responded to this major concern, after denying the issue for a long time, leaving their early customers out to dry according to the reviews. Not great customer service in my opinion, and others that had their FLip break down had much trouble with customer service in getting it fixed. Read the reviews for yourself. There are many complaints BEYOND the supposedly resolved USB issue. The Camileo doesn't have many reviews, but the ones it has are good.

**Even if the Flip's USB arm is truly fixed, I prefer connecting my camcorder with a USB WIRE. It sounds much better than expecting your Flip to float in the air while connected to your PC. Using a wired connection you can set the Camileo camera in the floor, on top of your PC tower, on your desk, ect.

**The Camileo can shoot in 1080p (without zoom or stabilization) or 720p with these features enabled. The Flip max resolution is 720p only. (And now that I have the Camileo for myself, both of the higher resolutions look absolutely brillant in bright outdoor environments. As others have stated, the low-light indoor video looks OK at best. This is how all pocket cams are apparently though, and reviews of the Flip's low light video doesn't sound any better.)

**Camileo has a 3-inch LCD screen, the Flip is only 2-inches.

**Camileo has a much greater value. As of this review, the Camileo is $50 dollars cheaper than the Flip. The Camileo does not have the built-in 8GB storage like the Flip. Once could buy a 8GB HDCP card for $15 dollars here on Amazon, equaling this Flips spec. Even better, you could expand the storage all the way to 32 GB if you want, while the Flip is locked-in at only 8GB forever. Let's say you buy the 8GB card for the Camileo. You are still saving $35 dollars in comparison, and we haven't even got to the other great things packed in the Camileo box....

**Superior Accessories. The Camileo comes packed with an AC adapter, perfect for when you don't want to lug around your computer to charge up the power. The Flip not only does not come with an AC adapter, the official model costs $13 dollars, and multiple reviews of it say it is faulty, and causes the Flip to shut down because of overheating, defeating the point of this accessory altogether. The Camileo also comes with a free tripod. Flip owners have to pony up an extra $9 dollars for one. HDMI cables for direct HDTV viewing? Free with the Camileo, $14 dollars for the Flip. USB cables are also free with the Camileo, and $14 dollars for the Flip if you are like me and don't like the idea of the built-in arm attatchment on the Flip. I am not sure if the Flip comes with a standard AV cord for older TVs, as it isn't a listed accessory, but the Camileo DOES come with one free as well. You also get a free travel case with the Camileo, the FLip cases start at $7 dollars and up. Doing the math, the Flip costs $86 dollars more, and you are still stuck with a faulty AC adapter and may not even have standard AV cables.

**I cannot speak to the video files on the Flip, but the Camileo videos save to the PC in AVI files, which can be edited either with the included software, or better yet, Windows Movie Maker easily and immediately after upload with no conversion needed. Maybe the Flip does too, I don't know. Both have instant Youtube uploads, so that one is a wash.

**CONCLUSION: The Camileo has better specs with the larger LCD screen, and higher 1080P video resolution.The Camileo is $86 dollars cheaper after considering the need to purchase an 8GB card for Camileo and purchasing a boatload of accessories for Flip.Camileo can be expanded to 32GB, the Flip is locked in at 8GB. The Camileo USB connection is superior and more accessible than the FLip IMO. Flip has a spotty customer service department, Toshiba has always been good to me in the past, and I haven't even needed them with the Camileo. This Camileo model does not have the massive advertising campaign that the Flip does, so Toshiba is able to pass the saving on to consumers. Flip might have the "coolness" factor due to being all over television, but I would rather have a superior camera at a cheaper cost, so I went with the Camileo.

This camera just isn't very good, period. The price is cheap, the size is small, but if you are planning to shoot with this thing after 4pm, forget about it... The led light on the camera is practically pointless... If you are looking at this as a somewhat combo-camera thinking you can shoot stills, have fun with that...blurred images are essentially all you will capture... However, all is not bad on this camera. If you are filming with daylight this thing is actually quite impressive...But as an all around pocket camera you're better off searching elsewhere... I know it looks cool but resist unless you're only planning on filming in daylight.

I generally am not that much into video but I do travel a lot and have found times that it would be nice to video record some things. I carry two Canon cameras, both with video recording capability but since I rarely use that feature, by the time I get either set up for video, I have already missed the shot. I just wanted a quality video unit that was simple to use and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. I realize that was a lot to ask for but I found it in this unit. I almost did not buy it because I could not find that many reviews on it and at the price it was listed at($149.00)and everything that came along with it, I figured it was probably pretty junky. Not so at all. Every thing works as advertised (actually better). It starts up fast, the controls are simple, and the pictures and sound are great when played back on the computer. Play back pictures on the unit itself are fine but the sound is a little tinney, due to the small speaker. The mike picks up quite well and videos sounds entirely different and of high quality when transferred to and played on my computer. I am not a "techy" kind of guy when it comes to this kind of stuff so I won't try to dazzel you with a wealth of facts and comparisons..... I'll just end by saying everthing about this little camera is 1st class and if you are looking for a simple way to get good quick results like I was, you may wish to check this one out.

I have been looking for a decent low-cost full HD camcorder and have bought and returned several of them for just not delivering the features I need. Image stabilization and a HDMI connection were absolute "must haves" and the Camileo has both. In addition, a countdown timer, built-in LED light and a tripod mount were features I didn't KNOW I wanted until I had them. The Camileo also has these features. The package included cables for everything (even the HDMI cable), a very nice case that attaches to your belt, cleaning cloth and the tabletop tripod in the box! Wow, what a package! In fact, many camcorders don't even have the ability to use a tripod.

It turns out I shoot almost everything at 720p (looks pretty much the same as 1080p on most big HDTVs) in order to use the stabilization and zoom features. The videos are excellent quality and this thing is incredibly easy to use. You are also not stuck with built-in memory limitations like the Flip since the Camileo has the SDHC expandability. While I don't use the built-in one button YouTube upload feature, I can understand why many buyers will see that as a major plus. The camera saves in AVI format instead of MOV, which makes the videos MUCH more easily editable with free tools than many of its competitors.

Regular retail is $179, but Amazon is selling it at $129, which, considering feature set and included accesories, makes this one hell of a great deal!

Quick summary:
Pros:
+Small, convenient to carry. About the size of your average cellphone/mp3 player
+Easy to use, even my g/f can use it without confusion. Just flip open screen and press record (usually)
+screen rotates 180degrees so you can make those vain selfrecordings/pictures for your social networking stuff, if thats your thing
+1080p footage looks great if you have a tripod or rock steady hand
+Decent recording file sizes - a 16GB sd card will let you record 4.5 hours of 1080p footage, even more for lower res
+Charges via USB or AC - and both adapters are actually included
+The lower-resolution 60fps mode is great for when you need to record with a lot of movement
+Slow-mo is actually pretty cool, but low resolution and very zoomed-in perspective
+Still pictures are actually quite nice, especially outdoor in the sunlight
+You can press a button to capture a still WHILE shooting video - but of course it will be limited to recording resolution setting
+included extras like bendy tripod, wrist-strap, HDMI cable

Cons
- all plastic - watch out you dont drop it, use that wrist-strap!
- 1080p/720p footage is VERY sensitive to camera movement and gets a blocky distortion to it if youre walking while recording or panning side to side too fast.
- Low-light recording is sub-par, even if LED lamp. If you plan on recording indoors, you better have some bright lights - outdoors in the sunlight is this cameras natural environment
- questionable battery life - dont expect to record the full 4.5 hours of 1080p on one charge or anything.
- Mediocre sound recording, as to be expected for the tiny mic, but no jack for external mic either.
- compact design of unit and the positioning of thumb controls may cause you to accidentally cover mic/lens with fingertips while using them.
- no quick-select button that cycles between all quality modes, just one that goes between full HD and SD.
- USB charging seems unreliable (doesnt always completely charge camera before stopping), so use AC when you can

You all know the features and pro's of this by now I'm sure, so I'll focus on the negatives in depth instead:

The 1080p looks really nice, as long as youre not moving the camera around a lot. When you do, like with a lot of digital vid cams, things get blocky and wavy looking until the camera steadies out. If you plan on using this camera mainly with a tripod, you'll be very happy. If you plan on capturing a lot of HD while you're on the move, you'll be a bit disappointed i'm sure, especially without a steadicam-like solution. However, the setting thats like, 360/480p or so and 60fps instead of 30 records beautifully smooth regardless of camera movement.

The camera just sucks in low lighting, to be perfectly frank. The light only helps if you're within a few feet. Low-light filming actually seems to work better the higher you set the quality though, for whatever reason. I tried recording in 1080p and then in the SD 60fps setting and the 1080p was actually noticeably brighter.

The camera design is nice, but there are problems with it as well. First, the whole outside of the thing is glossy, so fingerprints galore as soon as you touch it. Secondly, while using some of the controls, like the zoom wheel, with your thumb you may find your fingers covering the mic holes right below the camera lens, or even the lens itself. The things so small, thin, and light that I had this problem at first.

A lot of people have complained about the menu/controls/interface overall. I personally think is pretty intuitive and easy to navigate, but I REALLY wish they would have had a quick-select button to toggle through the video quality options without having to navigate through the menu. The while balance and such seems to adjust well enough on its own tho, thankfully. And the button that turns the LED light on also seems to turn on the low-light iso setting - pushing the button the first time turns on both, the second time you push the button turns off the LED but still leaves it in low-light setting, and the third time you press the button everythings back to normal, convenient enough.

The battery life seems questionable so far. It never seems to stay at 3 (full) bars for more than a few minutes of use, no matter if it JUST finished charging. however, with how frequently i was plugging the camera in via USB (which auto starts charging it), I can't say how long the battery life last overall since i havent ran it down to empty yet. The camera also seems to charge a lot better via AC than USB. two lights blink while its charging, and most of the time when i plug it in to USB they both flash a few times and then stop with one staying on solid, which leads one to think the charging is complete. If i then take and plug it in to the AC adapter, the lights blink and the thing charges for quite a while longer past what it did via USB.

My particular unit has some sort of defect either in the lens or senor itself. If i record something in SD, i can see a white, semi-translucent speck just to the left of the middle of the screen sometimes. When in low lighting especially. No amount of cleaning the lens with included microfiber cloth has helped. But, the spec is significantly less noticeable in 720p, and not visible at all in 1080p. I have no idea what it is, but I'm considering RMA'ing the camera because of it. I plan on shooting most stuff in 1080p, but i really want to have the option of using the smoother framerate SD settings without having a white speck in everything i record. I've googled into the problem and some people have said it could be a defect on the inside of the lens that reflects light or something.

Well, thats about it for complaints. I will quickly say that there were a couple features i didnt think i'd notice or think that i'd care about that actually are pretty nice. The pre-record button in particular is nice. You press it and the next time you press the record button it will actually start the recording 3 seconds before you pressed the button. Its great if you're waiting to film something but you dont know when its going to happen, so you dont miss it by pressing record just afterward. Also the bendable tripod is pretty convenient, as is the wrist-strap lanyard thing. The carrying case/pouch is nice, and fits it nice and is well padded, but i wish the sides were better padded for the sake of protecting the lens while its in there. Also, the digital zoom is actually pretty nice, works really well in the lower definite modes especially.

Overall, I'm pleased with the product at this price. I got it mainly to shoot home movies of my soon-to-be-born son, and it will work good for that, his whole life will be captured in 1080p I'm sure :D

Length:: 1:27 Mins

i really like this camera. it has cool features, its small and portable, very user friendly(i figured it out without the manual), and is affordable

i mainly use it for youtube vids, here is one i made with the editor that came with the camcorder, its just me and my friends trampoline biking

as you can see by the video, the slow-motion function is very fun to use.

i also have more vids using this camera on my youtube channel jrodb92

I just got this camcorder a few days ago and I am nothing but impressed at the quality. This camcorder has a reasonable low end price and is well worth it, not to mention everything is included like case, tripod ect. except for the memory card. I was skeptical about the size and shooting qualities when I orderd this but now I can definately see that toshiba has made a well made product. The camcorder is light weight and plastic which gives you a feeling that it is very cheaply made and will not perform well. However that thought completely flys out the window when you use it for the first time. The movie picture quality was outstanding and you can select between diffrent shooting qualities like 1080p, 720p, wvga, and vga, which is great for a unit this compact. It is very light weight and can easily fit in your pocket or on your belt loop with the included case. Battery life is about 2 hours which is kind of low opperating time but is still worth it. The stableazation mode does not work in full 1080p but works from 720p down, its not the best stableazation but it still helps and works well. You will only get better if you spend in the $400 range of camcorders. The built in light really helps in low light conditions and is very usefull. I really have nothing negative to say about this camcorder, except the digital zoom works well but would only be better if it had an optical zoom but thats somthing that I can live without. The camcorder also takes in movie mode still photos at 2 and 5 mp. which is great along with having just a picture mode so the camcorder also acts as your digital camera too. Overall this camera is a great value and I couldnt be happier with my purchace. Great job toshiba!