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

by Sharp

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 4 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000899VO
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,451 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 25, 2003

Product Description

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Never buy this item!, December 16, 2004

By 

puckett fan "puckettfan" (pa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card (Electronics)

i purchased this item 1 year ago. Basically as soon as the 1 year warranty was up my camera began turning on, but shutting right back off. My camera like the others on this page also, came on with a "DEW" warning. I have made several attempts to have Sharp try and fix this problem to which they have basically told me they won't/can't do anything to help me. Trust me when I say I will NEVER buy another Sharp camcorder/camera after the way i was treated on this one. PS. I had only used the camera approx. 5 times...this was clearly a poor choice on my behalf that I will be sure not to make again!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Sharp camcorders, December 13, 2004

By 

Steve L "Steve L" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card (Electronics)

DO NOT BUY ANY SHARP PRODUCTS.

I unfortunately own a Sharp VL-Z3U camcorder which has been rendered useless by an ongoing DEW error (I store the camcorder in my family room and live in Michigan - not humid enough to justify this problem).

After speaking with Sharp's customer relations, they informed me they no longer make camcorders and can do NOTHING for me. They obviously stopped making camcorders because they were not good at it. The cust rep was also VERY RUDE to me and sealed my decision to NEVER BUY ANOTHER SHARP PRODUCT AGAIN.

My Sony camcorder still works after several years - I just bought the Sharp to upgrade to digital tapes (it died in only 16 months).

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great camcorder within its class, October 31, 2003

By 

booknab (FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharp VLZ5U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Slot and 8MB Card (Electronics)

I bought VL-Z5U model, and I am very pleased with its performance so far. It has cyristal clear LCD. Even in very low light conditions, it produces very quality videos. However, do not try to capture an image in total darkness because the camcorder does not have a nightshot feature for recording in total darkness. The gain-up feature for low light conditions works very well to brighten the objects. In very quiet environments, the camcorder does not record any disturbing motor noise. There is no need to say anything about the compact and stylish design. Comparing with other brands with the similar class such as sony, panasonic etc., the price is cheaper. The only drawback I found is its relatively shorter battery life. Since the battery snaps under the LCD, which makes the camcorder more compact, there is no possibility to use a bigger size battery with a higher capacity. However, an additional battery solves the problem easily. If you are searching for an camcorder with this price range, do not hesitate to go with Sharp.