Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still Mode
by Sharp

List Price: $849.99
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details

• MiniDV camcorder
• 26x optical, 780x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Photo mode records still images onto tape or SmartMedia card (not included)
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; package includes remote control, battery, charger, lens cap, serial cable for still image transfers, and video cables

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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still Mode

Customer Review: Try it for Yourself but FIRST, read the manual !
Summary: 5 Stars

"Wonder if anyone had trouble rewinding miniDV tapes with the *FAMOUS NAME BRAND* camcorder? The problem I'm having is that my camcorder eats the tape during rewind. During the start of the rewind, it ran quietly for a few seconds and then it started making a little racket as if a high spinning wheel vibrating off of a shaft if you know what I mean. It ate the first one few months ago and recently ate 2 in a row. Anyone know anything about this and what caused it and is it a common recurring problem among miniDV camcorders?"

The way I see it, if you are serious about owning a digital camcorder, then you have to take extra care of your camera. But for me, it's well worth it for the added features. By the way, if you do get that error message, just mail your tape back to the tape manufacturer BUT DO NOT insist on putting it back in-you will most likely void your warranty. Simply remove the "destroyed" tape, and put in another (new) miniDV tape. I have since recorded/viewed 3 additional tapes without any problems! While I am sure that most of the complaints posted here are totally legitimate, I do think a lot of it has to do with the delicate nature of digital camcorders in general.

Now, let me tell you what I LOVE about this camera:
1. It's the most affordable DIGITAL camcorder available-I want to be able to edit my videos on my computer and also preserve the initial high quality of the tape when I make copies for my family and friends. The more copies you make with other kinds of tapes, the quality diminishes with each subsequent taping. NOT with digital recording!
2. While I admit, the layout of the buttons could have been better, it suits me just fine. How often do you really want to use the fade button anyway? The button that IS conveniently placed however are the White Balance Button, and the Auto Focus On/off. There was one shot with my daughter where the picture quality was very grainy. After reading the manual, I realized it was because I was taping her lying on a rug that had a lot of small, repititive patterns. As soon as I switched to manual focus (as suggested), it was 100x better!
3. My favorite feature is the zoom. I had a shot where my baby's face was a mere 2 inches from the camera and it was crystal clear!!!
4. I also love having a LCD monitor and a remote! I was able to put the camera on the side rail of the crib (it's very wide), point the LCD towards us, and use the remote to shoot my baby playing in her crib with the mobile, with my beaming face next to her!
5. I appreciate the AC Adaptor that you can easily use to view your home movie on the tv without draining the precious battery.
6. The menu is LOADED with features-for an opening shot, I did a cool MOSAIC panning of the nursery.

In conclusion, I am very pleased, and impressed with my camcorder. Once again, please read the manual before you use this or any digital camcorder-it is a very different beast. The Sharp camcorder is loaded with features found in high-end digital camcorders 3x its price-I honestly think if you took advantage of half of the feautures, you'd have an amazing home video. Finally, as to why it is so cheap, it's mainly due to the fact that as picture quality goes, it is not nearly as good as $1000+ digital cameras. But for someone like me, who's upgrading from a VHS-C that felt like a hundred pounds, it's a much welcomed improvement all around. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Description of Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still Mode

For those interested in still pictures, the VL-WD255U comes with the capability to record digital images onto either a MiniDV tape or SmartMedia card (not included). The camcorder comes equipped with four autoexposure modes that help make sure all your camera settings are correct. A 16:9 mode lets you shoot video in the same aspect ratio as feature films. The VL-WD255U comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and remote control.

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