Sharp VL-H890U Hi8 Viewcam Camcorder

by Sharp

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.2 x 4.4 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000J45O
• Item model number: VLH890U
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,607 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This camcorder's incredibly easy-to-use touch screen, combined with high-quality Hi8 recording, a powerful 220x zoom, and a wide selection of both fun and useful features, make it a real standout. If you want all the options of a high-end camcorder, but can't stand fiddling with a ton of buttons, the Sharp VL-H890U is a good choice.

The Sharp VL-H890U uses Sharp's unique Viewcam design, which makes it easy to hold and shoot with. The body and LCD screen rotate separately from the lens, making it easy to shoot above your head or include yourself in the picture. Power, record on/off, and telephoto switches are large and easy to reach.

The Sharp VL-H890U's knockout feature is its touch-screen capability. Its large 3.5-inch LCD screen lets you click through the feature and VCR menus with the touch of a finger. This is the first camcorder we reviewed where we didn't have to delve into the manual to figure out how to set the various options--the touch-screen interface was so easy we figured everything out on our own.

The Sharp VL-H890U also includes a great selection of advanced--and fun--features, including a powerful 220x digital zoom and digital image stabilization. It offers a useful range of preset and manual exposure settings, fade capability, and fun picture effects (including the unique Stretch and Slim effects). The Viewcam also has snapshot and still image capabilities.

The Sharp VL-H890U uses the Hi8 format, which makes for extraordinarily sharp and colorful video--digital is the only format that will give you better quality. The only drawback to Hi8 is that you can't play the tapes in your VCR; you have to connect the camcorder to your TV for playback.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use touch screen
• Powerful 220x digital zoom
• 3.5-inch swivel LCD screen
• Wide range of exposure and picture effects

Cons:

• Doesn't come with a light

Product Description

3/5" touch screen Viewcam, 220x digital zoom, 40x high speed rewind, DIS, 2 fade modes, title/name writer, quick review, high-cap lithium-ion battery (supplied), internal battery charging, digital pic effects, free angle/self recording

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Response to the Con's of not having a light., October 15, 1999

By 

John Williamson ([e-mail]) (Birmingham, Alabama (North)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp VL-H890U Hi8 Viewcam Camcorder (Electronics)

We were in Gatlingburg, TN and used the camcorder at night. The quality of the picture when we reviewed the tape was extrodinary. This camcorder recorded at night just as well as if it were daytime. This is probably why it doesn't come with a light from the factory.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to use, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sharp VL-H890U Hi8 Viewcam Camcorder (Electronics)

This camcorder is the easiest I've ever used. It's features are just right for a user whose main goals are quality picture and ease-of-use.

34 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All You'll ever need, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sharp VL-H890U Hi8 Viewcam Camcorder (Electronics)

Ah, the Sharp Hi-8. You'll feel like Hitchcock, with the weight of Truffuat. It's the everyman's dream for spontaneous and painless camcording. Light and convienient, durable and stellar for evening recording. It's all you'll ever need.