Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD
Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at
2:25 am
Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
- 1080p Full HD resolution video
- 4x digital zoom in 720p, 1x in 1080p
- HDMI digital AV output
- 3.0-Inch LCD Monitor
- Easy YouTube upload button
The S20 fits in every pocket! At 2/3 thin and 3.5 oz this tiny video camera is about the same size as a Smartphone and can go wherever you do. Don’t sacrifice size for power! High Definition made easy. The Camileo S20 sports 1920x1080p Full High Definition Video, 4x digital zoom, and video stabilization in 720p mode. The S20 also doubles as a 5 Megapixel still digital camera. The S20 has 4 different recording modes: Macro mode for close up shots, motion detection mode for surveillance, slow mo
Rating: 
(out of 5 reviews)
List Price: $ 179.99
Price: Too low to display
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Filed under: Pocket Camcorders
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Review by Robert M. Matthews for Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
Rating:
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.
Review by G. T. Olson for Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
Rating:
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.
Review by Jimina for Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
Rating:
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.
Review by Lunar Dragon Gamer for Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
Rating:
The Toshiba Camileo S20 is amazing. Simply amazing.
The 1080p HD it records is stunning! Incredible details and vibrant colors, all in a small size that you can fit in your pocket!
This truely is a quality camera. The only flaw to it is that it doesn’t record too well in low-light and dark rooms/areas.
Review by J. Ly for Toshiba Camileo S20 Full-HD Pocket Camcorder (Silver/Black)
Rating:
Purchased this product to record the birth of my baby. What I got in the box was shocking: a yellow warning pamphlet that indicated the electric cords contain lead and to keep the camcorder away from pregnant women and infants. Why would a reputable company sell this in the market, knowing the product contains a carcinogen. This makes me question all Toshiba products, and Amazon for not labeling it clearly on the website. Dislike! Needless to say, I returned this immediately, losing $6 for shipping fee. POed!!!
Review by MaryJo H. Botts for Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
Rating:
Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
I really did not expect the high quality for inside usage this cute little pink camcorder is getting. The competion rated it so poorly they half way spooked me. But the color, price and the fact that I could install an additional memory card was a no brainer. It is a perfect little camcorder (with still pix capabilities) to carry with you always. It fits into a pocket or the smallest purse. A great gift for the high school graduate in June.
Review by Jennifer Bureau for Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
Rating:
There’s a heck of a lot of technical reviews out there and this won’t be yet another. This is from the perspective of a mom who loves to capture clips of her child at any moment.
First… the size of the Kodak Zi6 makes it fit perfectly into a purse or a baggy pocket, making it a breeze to just pull out and start shooting immediately.
Second… the quality of the video is awesome compared to the really very good true “video” camera I was using.
Third… It’s so easy to use. You turn it on and you hit record! What more could you want?
Fourth… It’s so cute! What girl wouldn’t love a little pink Zi6?
Fifth… Price. You can’t beat it. Sure the similar camera made by Creative produces an even better picture but it’s also about $100 more than the Zi6. If you’re wanting to spend around $150… this is the HD handheld camera to get.
The only reason I didn’t give this camera 5 stars is because there is little to no image stabilization. So, if you tend to have a shaky hand, you will probably notice a good bit of shake in your resulting video. But, that said, every video camera I’ve used that did have image stabilization also sacrificed a bit of quality to provide it. I’d take quality over losing the little bits of shake I see any day.
Everyone says the camera does poor in low lighting but from my experiences so far, it’s giving a true picture. If you’re in a room with low light, guess what? The video will have low lighting. Seems common sense. Still, it doesn’t get grainy which is something I have experienced on so many occasions with an “old fashioned” video camera in such a situation.
All in all… best gift I’ve received in a long long time. I love this little thing.
Review by Matthew Naccarelli for Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
Rating:
I will start by saying that I was in the market for a pocket HD camcorder, not a full-size HD camcorder. Moreover, I kept in mind that I wanted something relatively inexpensive (I didn’t want buy something so expensive that I would be too afraid to use it).
That being said, the Kodak Zi6 has been a great purchase so far. I initially set a budget for myself of around $180, and ended up getting this camera for around $106 on Amazon … a great deal. I have since used this camcorder at a baseball game, a wedding, and more. Video taken in well-lit areas is fantastic. Video in darker areas is, well, to be expected, but, that goes with any camera or camcorder. The portability of this is nice … fits right in my pocket. The weight is pretty late … the 2 AA batteries weigh more than the camcorder itself … or so it seems.
I love the option to expand with an SD card. For now, I’ve been using a 2 GB card, which would enable me to take roughly a half hour of HD (30fps) video). I recently purchased a 16 GB SDHC card (also from Amazon) so I look forward to using that. The camcorder can take up to a 32 GB card.
One thing I will mention is why I chose this product over competitors (i.e., Creative HD Vado and Flip HD camcorder). I believe the sound is superior in this unit. If you go on YouTube and search videos from each of these camcorder models, I think you will notice that the sound is a little better with the Zi6 than the other units. And, at the end of the day, what good is a video if you can’t hear the people talking?
Product is very user-friendly (if my sister can use it without any problems, anyone can!). Worth the money!
Review by FatAlKing for Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
Rating:
I purchased a refurbished Zi6 from New Harbor. I have been using camcorders since my daughter was born many many years ago, and this is my first HD unit. I just want to find out what HD is all about before I throw away money at more expansive unit.
I only have a XT to view the videos. It’s choppy (to be expected due to slower PC) but the videos were good with adequate lighting. It’s acceptable in flourescent lighting and a half dim living room. It’s very bad in dawn just before the sunrise while driving.
The key to using Zi6 is to remind myself that “It is a camera” and without optical stabilization or SuperSteady Shot – minimize jumping or walking around while recording, holding and Locking my arms close to body while taking the videos, taking video in a rock solid position while at night or dawn. And I will not be disappointed.
The battery life is an hour or more with a set of brand new Sony 2500 mAh NiMH. The recording time is excellent as compare to half hour(ish) with W290 and ZS3. It’s pointless to complaint about the included freebie as no camera manufacturers will give you an adequate one for free.
The only issue that I have with Zi6 is the lack of continuous playback on my analog TV. I need to play each videos manually. It’s very tiring after a while. If I know about it sooner, I would not buy it.
Review by Jamie Ogden for Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder (Pink)
Rating:
When I ordered this I was skeptical that it would be a good cam. However when I did get this, I was very surprised at the picture this small cam produced. This has a very clear pictures on play back and upon viewing on a TV it is outstanding. This cam is very easy to use – even my grandson who is 12 was able to figure it out with not problems. I am so pleased with this cam that I am ordering one for my daughter as well. This Z16 HD Cam fits easily in my pocket or purse and not like my Sony minicam which I have to carry in a bad or over shoulder. Software is easy to use.
I would recommend this cam to anyone who wants a small cam that has great HD results.