Product Description

The VL-Z7U 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-Z7U 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 1.33 Mega Pixel CCD and a flash with red eye reduction for XGA Still image capture, a zoom microphone terminal for recording audio at a distance with an optional microphone (VR-8MCN), and an earphone jack for monitoring audio as it is being recorded.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98194 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sharp
• Model: VL-Z7U
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.40" h x 3.15" w x 4.06" l, 1.12 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 1.33 megapixel CCD
• 10x optical, 500x digital zoom with electric image stabilization
• 2.5-inch LCD display and color viewfinder
• Memory slot compatible with SD or MMC; 8 MB SD card included
• Lithium-ion battery fits inside camera

Amazon.com Product Description
With a free angle range of 225 degrees, you can easily swivel the Sharp VL-Z7U to shoot from a high angle, low angle, or even back at yourself without straining your wrist. The VL-Z7U is also a well-equipped digital camcorder that features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, color viewfinder, and 1.33 megapixel CCD for high-quality 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 1,330,000 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-Z7U 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 1.33-megapixel CCD creates high-quality digital pictures, and the built-in flash fires when there is too little light. Images are stored on the included 8 MB Secure Digital memory card, but the camera is also compatible with MultiMedia Cards. You can easily import your stills 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-Z7U 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

Good Camcorder
This is the first camcorder I've owned, though not the first I've used. I'm very happy with my purchase. I think it has excellent video quality, much better than others in a comparable price range. It does have a compact battery (for a reason), and hence a shorter recording time. I have recorded for over an hour straight with one battery. But you can purchase extra batteries if necessary (I bought one on ebay for $20).
It has tons of features and options, more than I will probably use. The manual provided is extremely helpful in guiding you through the many features. I was recording within 10 minutes of opening the box.
I have read negative reviews regarding the on screen menus, the manual, still images; let me just say that I have not had any problems with any of those. I find the menu EASY to navigate. And the manual explains everything. I read it from front to back without ANY confusion. It does not have an index in the back, but it has a table of contents at the beginning if you'd rather just browse. I have not seen a CAMCORDER that has better still images than this one. I have seen better pictures from a digital CAMERA. I suspect some people may not have the patience, or interest, in learning how to utilize all of the features that may yield the best quality images. Or, perhaps they're just used to a different product.
Some of the most commonly used features like playback on TV, downloading to PC, editing, I think are easy to use and just plain fun!
Anyway, I must emphasize that the overall quality of this camcorder is great. Every product is different, we pick and choose. I use mine for recording life's little (and big) events.
If you're still comparing camcorders, be sure to consider this one.

Great family camcorder
I teach video productions and I've tried many camcorders. I like the Sharp's ability to rotate the body of the camera with my hand and still be able to get good shots at various angles without putting my wrist in traction. The drawbacks I've found are the lack of an external mic input (which isn't usually a requirement for most family videos) and a small button to control tape playback. This is a problem with us fat thumbed people. I would recommend buying an additional battery since there isn't an external charger available. Other than that, I think the camera has excellent video quality and a nice compact body yet still large enough for larger hands to operate without problem.

My first camcorder
I found that Sharp VLz7u is good enough for me. I normally use it for record the activity around my house. I chose this model because of its swivel grip. It gives me convenient in many recording angle (e.g. over the head and low angle view).
The thing I like about this camcorder are:
- 1.3MP photo shot
- built in flash (for camera mode)
- terminal for Zoom mic (though I cannot find Sharp's Zoom mic available anywhere at this time)
- and other features that should be available in other camcorder (e.g. 10x zoom, digital effect, stabilizer, etc)

The things I want to have in the camcorder (though it's not a big deal to me) are:
- Microphone input
- night shot mode

Since this is my first camcorder, I don't know if other camcorder have better picture quality or not. But it looks good to me both on TV and after captured onto computer.

For home movie, outdoor/indoor activity, events, you will love this camcorder. For those who look for high quality picture, or professional movie, you probably should go for other model.