Editorial Review

The Sharp VLSD2OU Digital Viewcam offers a wide range of features beyond the standard Hi8 image quality. Its 660,000-pixel CCD image sensor gives its pictures high resolution and clarity.It provides a large 3-inch LCD screen using Sharp's unique swivel design, making it easy to shoot from different angles. Image stabilization help reduce camera shake, and a 100x digital zoom gets you extra close to the action. This Viewcam's PCM digital audio reproduction and Wind Break microphone provide the sound quality of digital audio tape for playback and recording. Digital gamma compensation adjusts only the dark parts of a shot to optimal brightness levels, leaving the bright sections untouched so they don't become glaringly washed out. The lightweight, palm-size body makes this Viewcam one of smallest and most travel-friendly models on the market. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch high-resolution color LCD viewscreen
• Compact and lightweight body
• Digital video reproduction with digital-quality sound; 7 special-effect modes

Reviews (21)

I Paid $1100 for this in 1999 for Millennium STILL TICKING/TAPING
Hi, I bought this camera to take it on a Millennium trip to Isreal, Egypt, Greece...and it did not disappoint. Amazing. I think I've replaced the battery only once. IT comes with a charger so make sure you get that too. Easy to use. Be careful when loading the tape so you down force it. Never had problems with it but it looks pretty delicate when you see the fancy mechanism. Great almost 3 inch playback. Great zoom. Now all I have to do is edit all of these tapes. Saw that it isn't the best for Apple's MOVIE program but I'm going to use directions on HOW THINGS WORK -- for editing Mini-DV -- wish me luck. Swivel makes it easy to shoot vertical or horizontal. Easy to give to a pal to use. Like that you can get 90 minutes on one tape. Be careful, I recently somehow taped over a vaulable tape so pull that little green tab on your digital video tapes so you can't re-record accidentally. SO MUCH FUN -- makes even an event you DON"T WANT TO GO TO -- ie some party or wedding or something a lot of fun. Because the results are so good and the SOUND IS AMAZING. REALLY AMAZING SOUND for mini-dv -- plus you can put it in a tote bag or a large purse if you're a lady. No need for big camera bag. The stabilization tech eliminates need for tripods etc and it seems to work just as well inside a room at night vs during the day.....worth every penny -- and if you can get one used--well-- do it today!! js.

Camera goes everywhere...
small enough to take everywhere.....it's been all over the world and through some tough climatesand still works great! Large LCD for viewing eliminates the need for a view finder, which most people don't use with todays DV camera. Functions easy to access. Takes 37mm filters. Suggest purchase of two batteries so you can cut back on down time when shooting. Liked it so much....getting one for my son in the military!! Looking for underwater case...if available.

Sharp vls20u digital viewcamwith 3' color lcd screen
Excellent choice for a digital movie camera.Takes stills from 1 to 16 frames per snap.Hook up to a TV to view movies or review thru the lcd screen,Never had any problems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorder - Digital   

Editorial Review

With its full auto mode, the user-friendly Sharp VL-A131U Hi8 camcorder enables you to simply point and shoot to capture hours of fun video memories. It also features a 3-inch LCD and 16x optical zoom magnification.Read more

Features

• Feature allows for shooting HI 8 Video
• 3"LCD View Screen
• Title Writer
• 16 X optical Zoom
• 4 mode Digital picture effects

Reviews (1)

Easy to use and full of features
very easy to use, the zoom is excellent and the features are easy to figure out. the picture quality when transfered to vhs is great. you cant beat the quality of this camcorer for the low price it sells for. Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch   

Editorial Review

The Sharp VL-E630U uses Sharp's unique Viewcam design, with a 270-degree pivoting lens that lets you comfortably and easily shoot from any position. It offers a large, bright 3-inch LCD screen and 16x zoom, plus titling, auto and manual focus, macro mode, gain-up for low-light situations, wide-screen recording mode, fade, back-light compensation, four exposure presets, and a remote control. ... Read more

Features

• 8mm format
• 3-inch fingerprint-reduced LCD
• 270-degree variable-angle recording
• 0.8 lux low-light recording capability
• Includes remote control

Reviews (13)

Inside Noise
I received this camcorder for Christmas. I have always had a noise coming from the inside of the camcorder. In the beginning the noise wasn't that noticeable.But over time the noise had gotten louder. I used the recommended cleaning tapes, but didn't seem to work. According to the manual, there's the possibility of the video head being worn. The repair will cost to much to fix. I have a friend with the same camcorder, and hers is broke also. The only difference between the two, is mine will still record, but the noise is louder, and hers won't record at all. There are a lot better choices than this camcorder.

That s a good cam
Hello.....i think thas its a good videocam...but i would like to know...where can i buy a charger for this model?..I am living in Tampa...but..I couldnt find it...please...help me.

looks good
looks good would like to c it in person though ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders - 8 MM (8MM)    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. VL-E630U   

Editorial Review

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.Read more

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

Reviews (15)

Memories lost!
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 starbecause there isn't a lower rating.

paper wieght
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 !!!!!
The DEW is trouble
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders (Camcorder)    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. Hi8 (Hi-8, Hi8MM, Hi-8MM)   

Features

• Hi8
• Hi8 camcorder
• 16x optical (25x digital, 400x total) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3.5-inch color LCD monitor
• Can record stills onto tape
• Uses Sharp BT-H22U lithium ion battery pack, included; includes remote, battery charger, lens cap, A/V cable, and shoulder strap

Reviews (1)

Good
this camcorder is very good.the Lcd screen is great to watch instead of having to look through something. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch   

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 300x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD monitor
• Viewcam design means point-and-shoot operation
• Features various digital effects and shooting modes

Reviews (4)

Nice product
I bought this camcorder one month ago just for my holiday tour.This is a nice item considering its price.The image is sharp.The voice recorder is really nice.It can record even some remote voices. Easy to use. Spend 50 bucks more and get a far better product
I bought this product because it was cheapes, but then I saw another MiniDV camera from Canon (ZR60) which was only slightly costlier than this camera but had far more features and made this camera look completely inadequate. A Reasonable Value for a Budget DV Camcorder
The DV camcorder market finally hit my price point at ~$$$(After rebate) in this product. . .Does it have all the bells and whistles? No.Does it perform as advertised?Pretty much -- if you take the time to read the manual and consider its' limitations.It does best in favorable lighting, but does have features that compensate for sub-optimal lighting conditions (generally found indoors).No night/low light mode, and the better the lighting, the better the colors.The lack of a viewfinder (unit has LCD panel only) has yet to be a hindrance -- although I haven't tried it outside in full sun/glare yet either.The resolution is good; the case design and user interface is different than all other camcorders I've owned, but easy to adapt to; the IEEE 1394 connection works flawlessly in Win XP (with appropriate video editing software -- not included, firewire cable -- not included) in both directions.It has the standard special video effects (sepia, B&W, etc), a still feature that records a frame onto the DV tape as long as the button is active (no semiconductor removable memory -- remember this is an entry level unit).Spare high capacity batteries can be found online for <$$ delivered. Bottom line, used correctly this is a very good value at around $$$ (after incentive pricing). . . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450    3. VLNZ   

Editorial Review

Sharp's VL-PD3U Digital ViewCam combines the features of a high-end camcorder with digital-still camera technology. The 660,000-pixel CCD and PCM digital stereo recording functions provide high-quality images and sound. The ViewCam provides a 2.5-inch swivel color LCD screen for easy recording from any angle and also offers a 10x optical/100x digital power zoom and digital image stabilization.Read more

Features

• Digital camcorder
• 2.5-inch color LCD view screen
• 10x optical and 100x digital zoom
• Special effects
• Digital image stabilization

Reviews (5)

Good and easy to use
I bought my camera 2 month ago and i am deligthted. Not Durable
I bought this camera after seeing the reviews on amazon.com, in particular that it was durable. I enjoyed doing videos with it. But very soon after the warranty expired, the video stopped working. It still worked as a VCR, but not as a camera. When I sent it for repair at one of the Sharp partners, the bill to repair would have been higher than the cost of the camera!!! So be aware that this is not in fact a durable camera, and Sharp USA did nothing to help the confidence of this ex-customer.

Great Durable Camera
Lens cap broke, but other than that, I love this camera, It handles well while accompanying me all around the globe ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders (Camcorder)    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. Special effects, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)    4. Image (Picture) Stabilization (Stabilizer)    5. VLPD3U, PD, 3U, PD3, U   

Editorial Review

The Sharp VL-WD450U is a compact, relatively easy-to-use DV camcorder. Right out of the box, anyone who's used a camcorder before can put the camera to use. Primary functions are easily controlled by the right hand while gripping the camera. Recording is as simple as pressing the button located at your thumb, and the zoom is operated by means of a rocker switch under your forefinger. The zoom is variable, so the farther you press the rocker in a particular direction, the faster the zoom operates. In subjective tests, there seemed to be three different zoom speed levels. The surprisingly large 26x optical zoom lens (made by Canon) is paired with a digital image stabilization system. The image stabilization is relatively effective with slight hand-shake, but don't expect to walk around and have the stabilizer make up for your body movement. This system works by cropping the picture on the CCD and using the excess information as a buffer. Digital stabilization isn't as good a solution as an optically based system, but it's more compact and significantly less expensive. The digital image stabilization can be turned off through the menu system.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• Digital camcorder--uses Mini DV tapes
• 26x optical (30x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and viewfinder
• Still-shot capability on both Mini DV cassette and SmartMedia flash memory card
• Uses Sharp BT-L221 lithium-ion battery providing approximately 100 minutes of active recording/playback time (using LCD monitor); includes PixLab image-editing software, remote control, and zoom microphone

Reviews (96)

Good For A While...
I was extremely pleased with this camera when I first got it.It was a great bargain and I got a rebate, too!The features on it were amazing for the price and the video was quality was every bit as good as I expected, if not better.Then, after about a year of being exceedingly pleased with my purchase, my favorite toy started eating tapes.I get the famous EJECT CASSETTE message nearly every time I attempt to rewind now.About half of those times, the machine ends up messing up a part of the tape by getting it stuck in the mechanism.Then I have to carefully extract it myself and rewind manually.Even doing this causes some wear and tear on the tapes now because they just weren't made for winding and unwinding by hand and they sometimes end up getting stretched out a little too far in the process.If you've got the expendable cash and just need a full-featured camera to last you a little while, go for a Sharp.If you need something durable and want some actual bang for your buck, pay more for another brand.I'm waiting for the days when camcorders record onto hard drives...In the meantime, my next camcorder purchase for personal use will likely be a DVD-RAM model.Forget about tapes.But most of all, forget about Sharp.

Tape disaster- Sharp has worst customer service
All of the negative reviews of this product are true. It eats tapes, or makes them unusable at a certain point. I, too, was under warranty when this started to happen (after the first tape!). I had to send to to NY, and had to pay for the labor, which was half the price of the camera. When it finally came back, it did the same thing. I don't even know where to go with the lemon laws for this one.

good video and audio quality
although this camcorder is a bit larger than most minidv camcorders now, it is not bulky and the recording quality is really nice. the zoom mic is really a bonus. I've been using it for almost three years without any problems. the only problem I had was "eject the tape" messages, after the dv tape gets stuck. Some shaking of the tape helps but not always. I assume this might be because of the tape rather than the camcorder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450   

Features

• MiniDV

Reviews (3)

Worked 1 week fine
I liked the size and the quality of pictures. The digital pictures were good also. The problem is getting the pictures to play back. Seems the clogged head syndrome appeared. The picture was distorted and now after 1 month, I have to return the camera for repairs. For the cost of this camera, one would expect to use it more than once every month. I think the price of this camera should reflect that of one that has a manufacturers rebuild. Recent research shows we will be waiting for parts to get it fixed.

Get a warranty with Sharp camcorders
This one, and others break.They break without warning, and you are out 500 to 800 dollars. sharp minidv
Just got my sharp minidv and is a beauty, very simple to use, did not have to look at the manual at all, menu's are very clear and logical,is light and small, just a little bigger than my fuji digital camera, video recordings are excellent and sound is very good to excellent, depending on what mode you choose.Read more

Features

• HDTV Compatible (1080i, 720p, 480i/p)
• 4:3, 16:9 Aspect Ratios
• 1280 x 720 Pixels
• 800 ANSI Lumens Brightness
• 2600:1 Contrast Ratio in High Contrast Mode

Reviews (1)

Excellent DLP projector, easy to set up, 5 seperate inputs
I have this projector in my home theater and think that for the money it is one of the better buys out there.I compared it to the Infocus 7200 and decided that the features of the Sharp gave me more flexibility.
Read more

Features

• Hi8
• Hi8 camcorder
• 16x optical (25x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD monitor
• Can record stills onto tape
• Uses Sharp BT-H22U lithium ion battery pack, included; includes remote, battery charger, lens cap, A/V cable, and shoulder strap

Reviews (4)

Everything I Wanted In A Camcorder
I wanted a reliable, simple to use, high quality camcorder at a good price and the Sharp VLAH150 so far has met all my criteria.You can't go wrong buying this camcorder.

Two words to describe ease of use--Point and Shoot !!!
My wife and I looked at many camcorders and she instantly liked this one.I asked her why and she said the design(non-flip 3" screen) and the main reason was that there wasn't a million buttons all over it.Buttons scare the average person.Once we started using it she told me thats why she would not use our old one.This model is very simple and gives new meaning to 'point and shoot'.Personally I like lots of features and boy, does this camera have features!Letterbox recording, black and white, sepia, strobe, photo shot, pic-in-pic, awesome zoom. All this and lots more!!You can't beat it for the price (...).

took some getting used to
This is my second camcorder, and it did take some getting used to.I guess I was used to my older one, even more so than I thought.Once I played around with this camcorder for a couple hours I got the hang of it and started to really enjoy it!I love the photo shot effect, as well as the fact that I can shoot in black and white.At first, I missed my old camcorder, but now I love this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch   

Editorial Review

Sharp's CG30U is equipped with a 3.3-megapixel sensor that captures sharp, brilliant images with a resolution of up to 2,160 by 1,440 pixels. You can change the setting to lower resolutions to save memory space on the included 16 MB SD memory card. The lens has a 3x optical and 3x digital zoom to enhance versatility and give you the necessary range of shooting options.Read more

Features

• 3.3-megapixel sensor captures up to 2160 by 1440 pixels
• 3x optical and 3x digital zoom
• 1.5-inch high resolution CGS screen
• Included 16 MB SD memory card
• Connects with PCs via USB port

Reviews (9)

Major Problems
My relatively new camera suddenly shut off (with lens still extended) while I was shooting, and won't turn back on even with new batteries or adapter.Still covered under parts warranty (but not labor).The service center said this is a fairly common problem with this camera.I have to pay like $30 to have shipped back and forth from service center and fixed under an additional $80 flat rate--over $100 to fix! Great Value...
I bought this camera back a few months ago. Ididn't want to spend a lot so I took a chance on SHARP. I'm glad I did! Friends spent twice the $$$ on so called top of the line cameras. This SHARP camera takes great photos and looks like it will hold up mechanically as good as anything I've seen. You will be pleased if you buy.

Best Dam Digital for the price!
I was at Frys just looking at the digital cameras when the salesman shows me the Sharp, I did not like it at first and when I saw it was Windows download I nearly walked, but the salesman said that I could get a card reader ... and it would also save on battery life. I bought it to try for the 15 days Frys give you and it works like a charm, I also found out that I don't need the reader for Mac OSX! the camera just gets recognized by the OS and downloading is a breeze! The quality of the photos is fantastic, even in low rez!... and the ease of use is just perfect. I need Macro for my work and I am impressed with the detail and color of the shots.Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch   

Editorial 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.Read more

Features

• Easy touch screen operation
• 220x digital zoom
• Wide range of picture effects
• 3.5-inch swivel LCD screen
• Digital image stabilization

Reviews (4)

not the best product
for this price, i would recommend buying a Sony Hi8.

All You'll ever need
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 eveningrecording.It's all you'll ever need.

Response to the Con's of not having a light.
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 whyit doesn't come with a light from the factory. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders - Hi8 (Hi-8, Hi8MM, Hi-8MM)    2. LCD Viewfinder    3. Video Cameras (Camera)    4. VLH890U   

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 300x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD
• Records digital stills onto included 16 MB SD card
• Digital effects include black and white, sepia, and negative shooting modes

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450    3. VLNZ   

Subjects:  1. Camcorders    2. Video Cameras    3. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Editorial Review

The Sharp VLAH30U Viewcam combines Hi8 video quality with a power zoom lens and full-range autofocus.Its 3-inch onscreen display and high-capacity battery pack make it user friendly and efficient. It features a 16x zoom lens and digital gamma brightness compensation for clearer pictures. For unique and personal recordings, this Hi8 Viewcam sports a customizable and standard message title writer, as well as four digital picture effects, inlcuding black and white, sepia, solarized, and negative images. An infrared remote control is supplied so you have the freedom to sit back and watch while your Viewcam does the work.Its compact size and manageable weight make it ideal for travel. ... Read more

Features

• Hi8
• 16x optical zoom and 4 special effects
• 3-inch color LCD view screen with 270-degree rotation
• Hi8 recording for better color resolution
• Title writer with customized or preset titles
• High-capacity NiMH battery pack for longer recording

Reviews (9)

A great camcorder for a starter!!!!!!
After a lot of questions and reading I decided to go ahead and buy this camcorder. Before getting it I was worried about how complicated it would be to operate since I have never used one. Boy was I worried over nothing!!! The moment I opened the package the only thing to do was charge the battery and start enjoying. A great product, extremely easy to use and very easy to connect to a TV. As soon as the tape finishes I`ll try and record the Hi8 to my VHS for storage. VERY PLEASED!!!!!!!!!

First camcorder
I bought this as my first camcorder a year ago, it is fun and easy to use. With in the first hour I was filming happily with great results. Just hook it up to the TV to watch on big screen and it's easy to record onto a VCR. Although adding sound on it is a little harder. The main problem I expierenced was holding steady at 16xzoom...but it works fine if I hold it against something, a railing or table top etc...Also the LCD screen is not protected and I was worried I'd damage it at first, but a year later and its still working fine after many hours hiking in the woods and riding in the skiff, so I guess it's a pretty hardy viewing screen. Also I bought a 3 hour battery, the batteries need to be completely drained to re-charge and that is a drag but...it's still wonderful and I am very happy with it! A great camcorder for the money.

Great Camera
I didn't really need this camera, It's just another toy, but it is fun.Battery life is a little short and I could use a little work w/ steadiness, but other than that this camera is great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch   

Features

• Digital camcorder--uses Mini DV tapes
• 26x optical (30x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and viewfinder
• Still-shot capability on both Mini DV cassette and SmartMedia flash memory card
• Uses Sharp BT-L221 lithium-ion battery providing approximately 100 minutes of active recording/playback time (using LCD monitor); includes PixLab image-editing software, remote control, and zoom microphone

Reviews (2)

great camera nice start for a young filmmaker
Full Specifications
This is the Best Camcorder I have ever owned!
This is the Best camcorder I have ever owned, Read more

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450    3. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Editorial Review

With its full auto mode, the user-friendly Sharp VL-AH161U Hi8 camcorder enables you to simply point and shoot to capture hours of fun video memories. It also features a picture in picture mode, an extra-large 3.5-inch LCD, optical and digital zoom capabilities, and digital image stabilization.Read more

Features

• Hi8 Camorder
• 16x optical (400x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and viewfinder
• Digital picture effects allows you to select from six different effects to record the subject with a more dramatic effect.

Reviews (3)

Excellent value
I'm pleased with the camcorder so far.For the price, it has some nice features.The 3.5" LCD is nice and provides an excellent picture.The camera is easy to use and the menus are fairly intuitive.The one complaint I have so far is that there is not a dedicated button/switch for the digital image stabilization.You must navigate through the on-screen menus to find the DIS and toggle it on/off.This is inconvenient and cumbersome while recording.So much so that I think I'll probably never use it.But for what I plan to use the camera for, it works great and is a very good value.

Great Buy
This is a great camcorder light, compact and useful. The zoom function and pip are definite attractions.

Functional and Child Friendly
This versatile camcorder uses the Hi-8 tapes which is backwardlyRead more

Subjects:  1. Three inch    2. 450u, 450   

Editorial Review

With a free angle range of 225 degrees, you can easily swivel the Sharp VL-Z1U to shoot from a high angle, low angle, or even back at yourself without straining your wrist. The VL-Z1U is also a well-equipped digital camera that features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, and black and white viewfinder.Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 1/4-inch CCD
• 10x optical, 500x digital zoom with electric image stabilization
• 2.5-inch LCD display and monochrome viewfinder
• 225-degree free angle grip
• Lithium-ion battery fits inside camera

Reviews (5)

looking for a battery charger
Can some help me find a battery charger for my camcorder. I SharpVL-Z1U Digital camcorder with 2.5"lcd

This is a good buy
PROS - 1. This is a good buy in this price range. Not as good compared to Sony
I would give it three and a half stars.Read more