Sharp VLZ1U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
by Sharp
(Click here)
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SharpRelease Date: 2003-05-30
Product features:
- Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 1/4-inch CCD
- 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
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (6 Feet/1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sharp VLZ1U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
Customer Review: Best digital camcorder of it's class/feature level..
Summary: 4 Stars
Would have been a 5, but see the pro/con list for why not. I am thrilled with the camera. Excellent video, Brand and performance are Sharp, indeed. For the features and video quality it has, the price is simply not been met by any other. This was compared to the base Sony ( pricey ) and Panasonic ( poor color reproduction ) models in the small cube compact category. It was 100-200 bucks less than those, and equalled or outperformed them. Simply a great accomplishment by Sharp. The video is beautiful, the LCD is simply outstanding and best I have seen. It is a top loader! Has the Analog to digital conversion ports that the higher priced competition doesn't have. Swivel body design is ingenious. Less than perfect is the menu system, and the somewhat clumsy controls for it. Extended life battery is not an option as the battery mounts INSIDE, behind the LCD when closed. You will want a second battery!! Final negative, the battery charges in camera. It would have been nice to have a seperate charger considering the battery situation stated above. PROs: Swivel body feature really handy, GREAT video, has Analog to Digital conversion ability not found on more expensive competition, superb LCD, TOPLOADER! excellent price/value.Cons: Battery capacity restricted by internal mounting and no seperate charger to offset this, clumsy menu/controls - but workable, no external mic input.
Description of Sharp VLZ1U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
With a free angle range of 225 degrees, you can easily swivel the Sharp VL-Z1U to shoot from a high angle, low angle, or even back at yourself without straining your wrist. The VL-Z1U is also a well-equipped digital camera that features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, and black and white viewfinder. 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-Z1U 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 standard IEEE1394 (Firewire) connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer, 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-Z1U camcorder, AC adapter, lithium-ion battery pack, A/V-S cable, and lens cap.
Camcorders
Panansonic PV-L671 VHS-C Camcorder with 3.0" LCDPanasonic; Digital Camera
Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still ModeSharp; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Panasonic PV-L751 VHS-C Camcorder with 4" LCD and PhotoShot Built-in Digital Still CameraPanasonic; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
JVC GRDVL805U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still ModeJVC; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
RCA CC6373 VHS-C AutoShot CamcorderRCA; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
JVC GR-DVM50U Digital CybercamJVC; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
RCA PRO854 Hi8 CamcorderRCA; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Sony DCRTRV310 Handycam Digital CamcorderSony; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Hitachi Hi8 Video CamcorderHitachi; Digital Camera
Hitachi 8mm Camcorder with 2 1/ 2" LCDHitachi; Digital Camera