Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot

At the time my purchase, the Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV camera was the least expensive digital camcorder on the market. Price was very important for me. Here's what I have found to be "important" aspects of the camcorder that I didn't know before I ordered it.

1. The camcorder can record video on miniDV tapes or take pictures and store them on SD (secure digital) memory cards. However, the camcorder came without either media. Silly me, I had expected that the camcorder come with one miniDV tape to get me started, but no. I had to run out and buy a miniDV tape in the evening.

2. The camcorder comes with 3 ways to "download" images or video:USB, DV, AV. The USB port allows the computer to download digital pictures from the SD card, the DV (digital video, aka 1394 port) allows a computer equipped with a 1394 port to download the video to the computer, and the AV port allows connection to a TV to show the video. The camcorder does not support USB streaming, so you cannot download the video through the USB port, it has to be through the 1394 (DV) port. The camcorder also does not allow for the camera to store video on the SD memory card. So pictures has to go on the SD memory card, and it has to be downloaded through the USB port. The video has to go on the miniDV tape and downloaded through the 1394 (DV) port. More advanced (expensive) camcorders support recording on the memory card, and/or USB streaming. For the price difference, I found that it was easier (cheaper) for me to add a 1394 card to my computer. It was also very easy to download the video and start making movies using the camcorder, the 1394 card, and moviemaker on WinXP.

Overall, I was quite happy with the camcorder. I still think that they should have included one miniDV tape, but that's just a nitpick.

I have only owned this camcorder for two days, however there's so few reviews, I thought I'd post one. I used to have my own video production company many years ago (wedding videos and such), so I'm somewhat experienced with videocams.

First of all, I bought this as a small and cheap cam. It fits the bill. I decided to go for the vlz3u over the vlz1u because I wanted the 16 bit sound, and the ability to digitize old vhs footage straight in.

I didn't get the 5zu because it was more money, and i heard that black and white viewfinders are more accurate than color. All told, I think it would have been better to go for the color viewfinder of the 5zu, and to get the remote control as well.

At first I found the camera and manual a little on the complicated side. However, after a little while, the camera modes and menus became more and more intuitive. This camera has a lot of features.

A few things to remember is you have to pull out the viewfinder or else you can't see anything through it (thought my viewfinder was broken). Also, when you play back tapes, the lcd monitor has to be pulled out in order to hear sound. ie if you only view the tape through the viewfinder, no audio. The Sharp customer service rep I called at their tech support line had less of a clue of how the camera worked than me. I think he only had the manual in front of him, and no camera.

One feature that is totally useless is the digital stabilization which is automatically turned on in automatic mode. At first I thought the camera had a really bad picture until I turned off the stabilization.

The video is average to good, depending on the amount of light. This is definately not a low light camera. Bright outdoors, or well lit indoors.

The LCD monitor is gorgeous, really high quality like a top quality laptop screen.

Ergonomically, the camera feels like it should fit a smaller hand than mine. It kinda sits in my hand like a firm lump of hamburger. The little switch used to change the camera to various modes is hard to use. The rest of the camera, including installing the battery, installing the tape, etc is very intuitive.

Another feature is the timecode. This camera allows you to record the timecode out, which is great if you want to give somebody a copy of their tape, and then they pick out the frames they want included in and out of their edits. I plan to do a little video editing of other people's work, and "striping" output is key. This camera does it.

All in all, a very capable little bucket. Loses some points on the low light performance, ergonimic handholding, and the mode button.

But gains points in that it packs a lot of features that you will really appreciate should you choose to explore the manual and try things out.

Definitely a budget camcorder for the tech afficionado!

Buy Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot Now

* This camcorder is one of the better buys for a cheap DV camcorder that'll give you solid performance and decent quality for the price. Don't expect it to blow away $800+ 3CCD high-end camcorders, but do expect about 350 lines of resolution under EIA 1956 test pattern tests.

* While video quality isn't the very best when viewed on a PC monitor (vs. high-end camcorders), watching the end results on most non-HDTV TV sets give you very good video quality and nice results.

* Menuing system and layout works well for me, and no manual needed. Overall, it's simple enough that my 3 year old niece took it from my hands and filmed her own birthday by herself. That easy to learn and use!

* A few manual controls such as manual iris, gain, white balance make this a nice beginner level videographer's camcorder as well -ie. good for learning, students.

* Stabilization isn't as good as on the more expensive, so tripod or simply hold it steady on wide angle. You can get nice results with the latter.

* Still pictures only 640x480 and grainy, but decent just to get a still image idea of what's going on for reference. Bring a digital camera if you really want good stills. Otherwise, works well and no real problems.

* Build is nice for the price. Solid and nice feel in hands. Comes with everything except a blank tape and perhaps a bag if you want to carry it in something.

* Battery lasts 1 1/2 hours or so -one battery, one tape. Just buy and carry one battery for every tape you expect to use easy to remember. Charges in about 2 hrs.

* Can't find a single big reason to return it for the price -just a nicely priced, beginner's DV camcorder that does quite a lot. A happy little toy!

* Sony DCR-HC40 is a big step up in build, image quality, stabilization, etc., but that's comparing a $600 to a sub-$300 camcorder now. Thus, 5 stars for the features & price. When compared to the very best camcorders costing $$$, it's only average but that's comparing the gold standard to something far cheaper. But if budget isn't a problem, the Sony is the better choice of the two.

* More accessories on Sharp Japan's website, but you'll have to find an importer for those items. Limited mostly to filters, extra battery, remote control (~$45), etc. Remote control is hardly ever used unless you're the type to plug the camcorder up to the TV far away from you because you don't have long enough cables to plop the camcorder in your lap for control.

* DV transfer to XP PC works flawlessly and w/o problems.

* Nice manual explains every feature in depth.

* Light and comfortably small! Almost like those smallest vertical camcorders. Can film for hours w/o weighing down the arms.

* A little bit of tape motor noise if the scene is quiet not like the Sony, which is silent but nothing noticed nor obnoxious when used in normal noise level scenes. Still, if you're filming something important, may get the Sony or an external mic & tape setup for the audio.

* Low-light performance is good. Grain level is decent and not glaring or bad although noticable, and you still can get a watchable image indoors at night. (again, not the best vs. $$$ camcorders, but decent for a consumer's level camcorder at this price)

* Overall, you can't go wrong with this low-priced, beginner's DV camcorder. Really nothing wrong with it, and if handled properly, it'll give years of solid use and fun w/o a problem. Don't expect the world from this camcorder, just a good average performance, and you'll be fine. (if you're picky, want the best/better, etc. get the Sony noted earlier, or any high-end 3CCD camcorder)

* Solid buy for beginner's, low-budget parents and kids, students gettting started, explorer's, teens, etc.

Read Best Reviews of Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot Here

When I unpacked my Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder, I was pleasantly surprised on how small the camera was. Sharp did a great job in designing the swiveling handgrip that allows you to shot ergonomically in almost any hand positions. The LCD is very bright and has a function that allow the user to turn off the backlight much like a Pocket PC to conserve battery when operating in well lit areas. The attractive feature of the camera that may be appealing to those that want simplicity, is the fact that the overall unit does not have an overwhelming number of button and switches and other thing that most laypeople will never use. Most of those settings can be found in the "Menu" that is tricky at first, but logical in design. Manual functions allow users to manipulate white balance, iris and gain, but to have to do this though non-designated function keys may deter people that prefer manual operation. The "Auto" setting does a very good job in evaluating white balance especially in indoor to outdoor transition shots and with incandescent lighting.

The most noticeable drawback to this camera is battery life, although it handles pretty good with the supplied 1000mAh Li-ion, the lack of the ability to use an oversized battery for extend shooting time is not possible since the battery compartment is enclosed within the fold-out LCD screen. This makes the LCD backlight override option even more attractive when trying to conserve battery. Most of my heavy use comes from my coaching position that requires me to recompose my shots almost every time I turn on my camera to take a shot. Even with the heavy use, the battery gives me about 1½ to 2 hours of standby and shooting time with the LCD on, a little less (about ½ hour) if I leave the LCD backlight on. I've bought 2 extra batteries which is more than enough, but highly suggested to avoid the dreaded "low battery" indication on those times that you wish you had a fully charged battery.

Over all I think this camera was a great purchase for the price that I paid. I have used more superior cameras before, and like most people, did not intend to spend over $400 even for a digital based camcorder. I and enjoy what sharp has put into this unit, especially the unique design for user-friendly operation.

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Update 6/7/05

After hundreads of hours of use, in all imaginable environments and places. This camera is still running strong and solid. Being that the CCD is so small, I didn't care all too much for the still images that it captures onto an SD card. But after using it to capture many enjoyable candid shots, espcially at 10X away, I have found a new love for this camera.

Using the with the free Movie Maker 2 by Microsoft, I am able to make some great highlight films of my athletes in action. The shutter speed is good enough on sport mode to accurately examine thier techniqe on film night.

I also want to again rave about the size of this thing. It is never a concern for space when I carry this thing along with me to my track meets or to my vacations since it is about the same dimensions as my digital still camera.

Want Sharp VLZ3U MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Memory Slot Discount?

When taking movies and living with a camcorder for more then a couple of hours or days you figure what is really important to you and the whole experience and what is not as important.

First I suppose is the format, digital is a given at this point, and mini DV seems to be a standard at this and higher price points. About price point, this camcorder is hard to beat there.

Then what are you using the camcorder for? To take digital still pictures? I sure hope not , judging this camcorder by that standard is unfair and for the most part irrelavent.

You are using the camcorder to take movies which this camcorder does a very nice job of and I would say a better then average job of. The viewscreen is much better then average and is bright and clear.

Ever use a camcorder for a while and even though there is more to shoot you still put it down because it is not comfortable to shoot anymore. Your hand or arm or whatever is sore. I think that has happened to most of us. The ergonomics and design of this camcorder goes a long way to help with that kind of problem. It is easier to hold and shoot longer with it. I judge that as very important to me. Probably more important then the particular low light performance characteristics of this vs. that vs.something else etc.

You can order a remote for this camera if you want and the battery life is good but an extra is always a good idea.

The menu controls and etc. take some getting used to, but I assume you are buying the camera for more then a days use. Once you use it a little while, it is very functional and thorough.

This camcorder takes relatively effortless, decent quality movies, in digital format at a very affordable price.