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

Title : Sharp VLNZ105U MiniDV Compact Digital Viewcam w/3" Color LCD, MMC/SD Memory Card Slot & USB Interface
Author : Sharp HE
Release Date : 20020911
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $749.99
Amazon.com Price : $394.00 (47 %)
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Editorial Reviews :
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.

Buyer Reviews :
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).

(by Melissa L. Stinson)

Features/Technical Specs :
* MiniDV camcorder
* 10x optical, 300x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
* 3-inch color LCD
* Records digital stills onto included 8 MB SD card
* Digital effects include black and white, sepia, and negative shooting modes

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