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 Location:  Home » Flash Memory Camcorders » Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card  
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Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card

Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5 LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card

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Brand: Sharp
Category: Photography

List Price: $799.99
Buy Used: $348.39
You Save: $451.60 (56%)



Avg. Customer Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars 15 reviews
Sales Rank: 49332

Media: Electronics
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): 3.3 x 3.2 x 4
Warranty: 1 year warranty

MPN: VL-Z5U
Model: VL-Z5U
UPC: 074000353213
EAN: 0074000353213
ASIN: B0000899VO

Release Date: April 30, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, color viewfinder
  • Memory card slot for digital stills
  • Electric picture stabilization to keep your images smooth and steady
  • 1/4-inch CCD with 680,000 pixels for sharp, clear imaging
  • Includes a 8 MB Secure Digital memory card--but is also compatible with MultiMedia Cards

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
The VL-Z5U 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-Z5U 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 an 8 MB SD memory card for still image capture and a remote for distance / tripod control.

Amazon.com Product Description
With a free angle range of 225 degrees, you can easily swivel the Sharp VL-Z5U to shoot from a high angle, low angle, or even back at yourself without straining your wrist. The VL-Z5U is also a well-equipped digital camcorder that features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, color 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-Z5U features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a color 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 comes with an 8 MB Secure Digital memory card, but is also compatible with MultiMedia Cards. You can easily 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-Z5U camcorder, AC adapter, lithium-ion battery pack, infrared remote control, A/V-S cable, lens cap, USB cable, USB driver software, and 8 MB SD card.


Customer Reviews:   Read 10 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars it's ok   March 16, 2008
I've had this camera for a couple of years now-- it's zoom function leaves something to be desired, and I'd recommend NOT zooming during a shot. In fact, for adequate depth of field you're better off not zooming at all.

Otherwise, it is easy to use, and I haven't had the dew indicator problems that others have had.

So, all in all, I'd say if you can get it for a modest enough price and just want a basic camcorder, it's not a bad deal.



1 out of 5 stars Memories lost!   September 22, 2006
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

We got this camera a few months ago and never used until we finally had some special occassions to record. We were able to record two and on my daughter's 8th birthday party it came up with the DEW error and we tried very hard to get it back to normal. We left the cassette door open for days and no change. Do not buy this camera, it will take away from your special occassion when you least expect it. This electronic device is not worthy. I gave it one star because there isn't a lower rating.


1 out of 5 stars paper wieght   August 7, 2006
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

this camcorder is pure garbage, i purchased brand new from circuit city , only used it 4 or 5 times also , i now get the dew message, i tried everything from putting it into bags , airing it outside in dry weather, using blow dryer, using little sacks of silicia then placing the camcorder in a bag to dry it out, nothing works !!!!!
called sharp customer service got the run around. finally i have given up, this piece of electronics should never have been sold, some one needs to file a class action lawsuit given the 80+ posts i have read all detailing the same thing " identical " problems" !!!!!!



1 out of 5 stars The DEW is trouble   August 23, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

If not for the DEW function I would give the camera five stars. Unfortunately when the DEW signal comes on there is no camera and there is no override for this sensor. We wouldn't anticipate a problem with moisture living in Arizona but it's been nothing but problems after the first year. Our first dew warning came when we tried to record our sons first preschool Christmas play - we have no video of that or several other events like birthday parties, visits from family, stunts on the trampoline... I'm counting my blessing that we're just out the cost of new camera because I have been sure my husband would land in the ER with an anger induced stroke on those occasions! The only time the DEW function seemed to go away was during the hot humid summer we spent in the Southeast. Go figure.


5 out of 5 stars Great little Camera with a remote control and ease of use..   June 21, 2005
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have had all the different brands of all kinds of electronics. After a review, a test and having alot of family and friends view my films nobody had any thing to say but "That Was Great". Easy to use, excellent battery location, No problems or regrets, I guess for all the cameras that were sold if only a few have negative comments thats pretty good. And I live in a rainy climate, and no "DEW" message, or any other have ever popped up. For the price, size, functions and final results. TV hook up or to computer. I give it a Thumbs Up with out hesitation.


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