Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sharp
Category: Photography
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  27 reviews
Sales Rank: 29141
Media: Electronics
Number Of Items: 1
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 10
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 38
Minimum Focal Length: 3.8
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 4 x 3.2 x 3.3
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: VL-Z3U
Model: VL-Z3U
UPC: 074000353237
EAN: 0074000353237
ASIN: B0000899VM
Release Date: April 30, 2003
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| 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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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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 flexibility while recording. The VL-Z3U Digital camcorder incorporates CG Silicon LCD screen technology for a high-resolution image during playback and when framing subjects. CG Silicon LCD technology from Sharp is a new solution in size and resolution for high style digital applications. This model also includes a memory card slot for still image capture and a USB port for easy transfer of stills to a PC.
Amazon.com Product Description
With 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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| Customer Reviews: Read 22 more reviews...
 Concurr with the last few reviews before me January 15, 2007
this camcorder is pretty long in the tooth & I doubt many are still buying it, but in case you are thinking about becoming a new owner -- add my experience to the last few who posted reviews prior to mine. This machine was great on paper, and worked pretty well the first year or so (during which I wasn't using it that often -- maybe once or twice a month). But after a year it got to the point where it wouldn't load a new cassette right away, then only after trying repeatedly, and then, finally ... it wouldn't load a cassette at all.
Great product on paper that I thought I got for a good price here at amazon, but ended up costing me a lot when you figure how little use I got out of it.
Dew Indicator Light June 12, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
After a year and a half the dew indicator has stopped the camera from working completely. When this first started happening I had to let the camera sit open for 2 hours, I missed some pretty important events for that reason. Now--even though it has been indoors in low humidity for a month the dew light is on and the camera won't work at all. I am very dissapointed as I shouldn't have to buy another camera in such a short time. I won't buy a sharp product again.
Avoid Sharp DigiCams! Production DISCONTINUED/DEW problems May 4, 2006
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I am appalled that others have experienced the horrible DEW problem with this camera. When the temperature and humidity changes, the digicam provides a warning and shuts down. This is outlined in the user manual, but I was very disappointed that the camera would shut down for days on end. We missed great moments of our toddler and family events because of this camera, which was a fairly expensive purchase.
Upon calling 1800-BE SHARP, their customer service line, I was informed that Sharp no longer produces these digicams anyways!! Since the warranty had expired, the only service centre they could recommend is in Los Angeles whereas we live in Northern California. Our solution is to buy another, much better, non-Sharp product.
Avoid this product if you want a satisfactory/happy filming experience
 Great when it works; but frustrating overall January 31, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I have had this camera for almost two years now...just after the one-year mark (when warranty expired!) it started having problems. Before then it was great. Small, nice LCD, strong zoom, easy to use, nice video. I never tried it for digital snapshots, though.
Problems started at the worst possible time...trip to Brazil half for vacation and half to document my wife philanthropic work that she is doing (and starting a nonprofit org). For no apparent reason, as we were in a drought, the "DEW" warning kept going off and not allowing any use of camera. After days of frustration, we just gave up on it.
Back in the states, weeks later the DEW problem seemed to have gone away but then the camera started eating the video-tape!!
So, I bought a new tape....and, guess, what? The "DEW" indicator goes off again -- at my kids TaeKwonDo testing for Black Belt!
Ironic how you save a couple bucks shopping around for a value product and then realize you have lost priceless memories due to poor engineering/manufacturing....I am now using our 10-year old Sony videotape camcorder...big but RELIABLE.
I'm going to try soldering the DEW problem per other review...pathetic that consumers are soldering Japanese camcorders!
update: GUESS WHAT? I called Sharp USA and complained to Tech Support and they transferred me to Customer Service who knew immediately about this issue and they told me to send it in to the repair facility and they would issue a special approval for a free repair even though i have owned it beyond the 1-year warrany period...they said they'd pay for labor & materials,..i only have to pay for shipping. I am satisfied.
 Good video and fair snapshots 4.5 stars January 21, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I just returned from a trip to Nepal and India and found the VLZ3U to be just the ticket. It takes great video of a quality that enabled me to extract pictures of Everest and a tiger in the wild equal to most digital still cameras. The still pictures taken with the camera to the card were great for snapshots but are of too low a quality to alow much of a blow up. I did, however, take over 1500 picture that are just fine if I don't try to make them much bigger than 5x6. The "DEW" problem has cropped up 3 times in two months with no cause that I could determine as the humidity was not high at any point. I did find that I could remove the "DEW" hangup by removing the battery and immediately replacing. When I did this the "DEW" disappeared and I was able to take both still and video.
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