Sharp VLNZ105U MiniDV Compact Digital Viewcam w/3" Color LCD, MMC/SD Memory Card Slot & USB Interface

by Sharp

Product Details

Product Manual [11.45mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 7.2 x 4.3 inches ; 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006L9CT
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,105 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 11, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A multitasking digital camcorder, the Sharp VL-NZ105U features a large 3-inch LCD monitor, 10x optical and 300x digital zoom, and digital image stabilization. You can also shoot digital still images, save them on the included 8 MB memory card, and then transfer them to your PC.

Lens
With an optical zoom magnification of 10x, the VL-NZ105U also has a digital zoom--which works by electronically enhancing the optical image--that can magnify the picture up to 300 times. The digital image stabilization system keeps the picture steady and solid throughout zooms and camera shakes.

Other Features
With its 270-degree variable angle, you can hold the VL-NZ105U in a variety of angles to record over people and objects or for shots close to the ground. You can even record yourself by rotating the view screen 180 degrees.

The built-in speaker allows on-the-spot playback with sound for checking and viewing video footage anywhere. An on-screen recording guide helps you line up landscape footage and can be used as a guide for easy framing of subject matter. The backlight compensation feature corrects exposure in poor lighting conditions.

The VL-NZ105U also features several digital effects (black and white, sepia, NEG) that can be viewed without affecting the original recording.

Digital Stills
The VL-NZ105U can also operate as a digital still camera. Full-motion video is recorded onto a DVC tape while digital stills are stored on the included 8 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card for easy transfer to a PC.

Inputs and Outputs
The VL-NZ105U comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire; Sharp refers to this connection as iLink) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with over 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.

The camera features excellent sound quality, recorded in either 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.

16-bit audio includes one set of stereo audio tracks to produce CD-quality sound. 12-bit audio utilizes two sets of audio tracks so you can easily add background music or commentary into your videos while maintaining the existing soundtrack. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers a digital recording time of two full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Contents
This package comes with the VL-NZ105U camcorder, one rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, tripod adapter, remote control (and batteries), AV dubbing cables, wrist strap, lens cap, and 8 MB memory card.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best bang for the buck, April 17, 2003

By 

Christopher L. Mckinley "masentka" (Foley, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sharp VLNZ105U MiniDV Compact Digital Viewcam w/3" Color LCD, MMC/SD Memory Card Slot & USB Interface (Electronics)

I needed to get me a camcorder for my trip to the Philippines, as I looked, I decided to go with this one because it was cheap and seemed to have many features. Now that I have this, I wouldn't trade it for the world; the ease of use is great for beginners and pros alike. The picture quality is not the best in the world, but its sufficient for its purpose. You will have to purchase a minidv tape in order to use the camcorder, as it is not packaged with one. Sharp was kind enough to supply a 8mb SD card with the camera though. Picture transfer is made easy with the supplied usb cable; firewire allows one (with a firewire port) to transfer video off the camcorder to a PC. You will need to get a good video editing software though (I.E. Adobe Premier). Another good feature is the built in battery charger; instead of lugging a bulky charger wherever you go, all you have to do is attach the supplied power cord to the camera and it charges the battery.

There are downsides to the camcorder though. The camera can be held with one hand, but for maximum stability, one must hold the camera with both hands. The lack of having a built in light also gives another down; in lowlight situations, the camera tries to compensate with backlight which works good if there's some light, but if you try to take video at night, you can not see anything. Another down is that you have to constantly look at the LCD screen to see what you're filming.

All in all, I'd highly reccommend this camera for those who are looking for a bargain camcorder to last them for a long time. This niffty little gadget has many features to please newcommers and professionals alike.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't beat this camera for the price!!, March 10, 2003

By 

Melissa Stinson "sonicflame" (Huntsville, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sharp VLNZ105U MiniDV Compact Digital Viewcam w/3" Color LCD, MMC/SD Memory Card Slot & USB Interface (Electronics)

I was looking for an entry level Mini DV Camcorder when I came across this bargain. I've been pleasantly surprised to have had absolutely no problems whatsoever from any of its features. My Win XP machine had no problems recognizing either the SD card when hooked up via USB or the video output when hooked up via Firewire, and all transfers have gone off without a hitch. If you're considering this camera, but worrying about ease of use, worry no more!!

The camera is incredibly small and light, making it ideal for the uses I have for it. It goes with me to Taekwondo tournaments, on hiking expeditions, and will soon accompany me on a road trip to the beach. It's about the same size and weight as a regular 35mm or digital camera, meaning you don't have to lug around the bulk usually associated with camcorders.

Video and audio quality are both great, although video gets a little grainy in low-light situations (but nothing too bothersome).

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Affordable DV, April 13, 2003

By 

Roy Chan (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp VLNZ105U MiniDV Compact Digital Viewcam w/3" Color LCD, MMC/SD Memory Card Slot & USB Interface (Electronics)

Straightforward camera that gets the job done. Great value. USEABILITY: Slight downside on ergonomics. The layout with the screen on the back is useable, but a bit akward. You have to use the same finger (R thumb) for both zooming and rec/stop. More importantly, you generally have to use two hands, unlike the typical one-handed strap designs on most cams. So don't expect to use it while bike riding unless you like to ride no hands. STILLS: The still capability is cool but don't expect to use it for more than email-grade snapshots. DV cams are designed for motion, and the resolution on most is generally only around 0.3 megapixels. BATTERY: As with many cams, the supplied battery is small, so I purchased an OEM double-capacity ... The VL-NZ150 and 155 come with an extra battery (double-capacity). I am happy with the VL-NZ105 and am satisfied that it was a good value.