Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot
by Sharp
List Price:
Our Price: $130.00
You Save: $569.99 (81%)
Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SharpRelease Date: 2003-04-30
Product features:
- Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with SD or MMC memory slot
- 10x optical, 500x digital zoom with electric image stabilization
- 2.5-inch LCD display and monochrome viewfinder
- 225-degree free angle grip
- Lithium-ion battery fits inside camera
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot
Customer Review: Excellent value for the price (<$300), Good Basic Beginner's
Summary: 5 Stars
* This camcorder is one of the better buys for a cheap DV camcorder that'll give you solid performance and decent quality for the price. Don't expect it to blow away $800+ 3CCD high-end camcorders, but do expect about 350 lines of resolution under EIA 1956 test pattern tests.* While video quality isn't the very best when viewed on a PC monitor (vs. high-end camcorders), watching the end results on most non-HDTV TV sets give you very good video quality and nice results.
* Menuing system and layout works well for me, and no manual needed. Overall, it's simple enough that my 3 year old niece took it from my hands and filmed her own birthday by herself. That easy to learn and use!
* A few manual controls such as manual iris, gain, white balance make this a nice beginner level videographer's camcorder as well -- ie. good for learning, students.
* Stabilization isn't as good as on the more expensive, so tripod or simply hold it steady on wide angle. You can get nice results with the latter.
* Still pictures only 640x480 and grainy, but decent just to get a still image idea of what's going on for reference. Bring a digital camera if you really want good stills. Otherwise, works well and no real problems.
* Build is nice for the price. Solid and nice feel in hands. Comes with everything except a blank tape and perhaps a bag if you want to carry it in something.
* Battery lasts 1 1/2 hours or so -- one battery, one tape. Just buy and carry one battery for every tape you expect to use - easy to remember. Charges in about 2 hrs.
* Can't find a single big reason to return it for the price -- just a nicely priced, beginner's DV camcorder that does quite a lot. A happy little toy!
* Sony DCR-HC40 is a big step up in build, image quality, stabilization, etc., but that's comparing a $600 to a sub-$300 camcorder now. Thus, 5 stars for the features & price. When compared to the very best camcorders costing $$$, it's only average but that's comparing the gold standard to something far cheaper. But if budget isn't a problem, the Sony is the better choice of the two.
* More accessories on Sharp Japan's website, but you'll have to find an importer for those items. Limited mostly to filters, extra battery, remote control (~$45), etc. Remote control is hardly ever used - unless you're the type to plug the camcorder up to the TV far away from you because you don't have long enough cables to plop the camcorder in your lap for control.
* DV transfer to XP PC works flawlessly and w/o problems.
* Nice manual - explains every feature in depth.
* Light and comfortably small! Almost like those smallest vertical camcorders. Can film for hours w/o weighing down the arms.
* A little bit of tape motor noise if the scene is quiet - not like the Sony, which is silent - but nothing noticed nor obnoxious when used in normal noise level scenes. Still, if you're filming something important, may get the Sony or an external mic & tape setup for the audio.
* Low-light performance is good. Grain level is decent and not glaring or bad although noticable, and you still can get a watchable image indoors at night. (again, not the best vs. $$$ camcorders, but decent for a consumer's level camcorder at this price)
* Overall, you can't go wrong with this low-priced, beginner's DV camcorder. Really nothing wrong with it, and if handled properly, it'll give years of solid use and fun w/o a problem. Don't expect the world from this camcorder, just a good average performance, and you'll be fine. (if you're picky, want the best/better, etc. get the Sony noted earlier, or any high-end 3CCD camcorder)
* Solid buy for beginner's, low-budget parents and kids, students gettting started, explorer's, teens, etc.
Description of Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot
The VL-Z3U Digital camcorder is a one-handed solution that features an integrated rotational pivot point in the center of the unit for ease-of-use and more comfort while recording. This unique body design leads to a smaller camcorder and allows total flexWith a free angle range of 225 degrees, you can easily swivel the Sharp VL-Z3U to shoot from a high angle, low angle, or even back at yourself without straining your wrist. The VL-Z3U is also a well-equipped digital camcorder that features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, black and white viewfinder, and a memory card slot for digital stills.
Image Stabilization
Sharp uses electric picture stabilization that keeps your images smooth and steady. Natural jerks and shaky holding will be smoothed over with this function turned on.
Optics
The 1/4-inch CCD has 680,000 pixels for sharp and clear imaging. The 10x optical zoom is effective for most purposes, but if you need extra close shots the camcorder can zoom up to 500x digitally. For low-light situations, the camcorder can operate in slow shutter mode for slow-moving or stable objects and night lumi mode for bright objects at night.
More Features
The VL-Z3U features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a black and white viewfinder. The LCD monitor incorporates new CG silicon technology to achieve high luminance and definition, making viewing easy even in broad daylight. The rechargeable battery snugly clips inside the frame of the camcorder, rather than outside like most other camcorders. This makes the camera less bulky and easier to carry.
The camcorder also has a memory slot that is compatible with Secure Digital or MultiMedia Cards, so you can take digital stills and import them onto a computer via the USB port. The standard IEEE1394 (Firewire) connection can be used for digital video editing, while the standard AV output terminal is used for viewing on TV or dubbing.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
Contents
This package includes the VL-Z3U camcorder, AC adapter, lithium-ion battery pack, A/V-S cable, lens cap, USB cable, and USB driver software.
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