Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still Mode
[Archived in $400 - $500, All Camcorders, All Digital Camcorders, Digital MiniDV, Products, Sharp, Sharp HE]
Manufacturer: Sharp
Price at amazon.com:
- MiniDV
- MiniDV camcorder
- 26x optical, 780x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
- 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
- Photo mode records still images onto tape or SmartMedia card (not included)
- Uses an included lithium-ion battery; package includes remote control, battery, charger, lens cap, serial cable for still image transfers, and video cables
Product Description:
For great video you need a couple of things: a good lens and high video resolution. The Sharp VL-WD255U provides both. The standard MiniDV format offers sparkling video resolution (just compare it to the "low-tech" VHS-C), and a powerful 26x optical zoom. The optical zoom is augmented by the 780x digital zoom and digital image stabilization, but both come at the expense of a little resolution, so use with caution. For those interested in still pictures, the VL-WD255U comes with the capability to record digital images onto either a MiniDV tape or SmartMedia card (not included). The camcorder comes equipped with four autoexposure modes that help make sure all your camera settings are correct. A 16:9 mode lets you shoot video in the same aspect ratio as feature films. The VL-WD255U comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and remote control.
Description from Manufacturer:For great video you need a couple of things: a good lens and high video resolution. The Sharp VL-WD255U provides both. The standard MiniDV format offers sparkling video resolution (just compare it to the "low-tech" VHS-C), and a powerful 26x optical zoom. The optical zoom is augmented by the 780x digital zoom and digital image stabilization, but both come at the expense of a little resolution, so use with caution. For those interested in still pictures, the VL-WD255U comes with the capability to record digital images onto either a MiniDV tape or SmartMedia card (not included). The camcorder comes equipped with four autoexposure modes that help make sure all your camera settings are correct. A 16:9 mode lets you shoot video in the same aspect ratio as feature films. The VL-WD255U comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and remote control.Average Customer Rating: 
Comment: Great value for my needs Sharp VL-WD255U digital video cam Rating:
The other reviews for the Sharp VL-WD255U made me hesitant about ordering, but I decided to try it to see if it fit my needs. I take photos for a local internet news site and I need acceptable resolution and all the zoom I can get. The Sharp gives me both. The 640 X 480 size is not the sharpest but with image enhancing programs it is more than acceptable for internet use. The FREE program DCENHANCER.EXE from MEDIACHANCE.COM is nothing short of fantastic for improving low light (high noise) digital pics. I bought the 64K card for still shots which gives me over 500 pics of storage. The miniDV tape (which does not come with camera) lets me shoot difficult situations (fireworks, dancers, etc) and lets me 'grab' a frame with included software. Serial cable is included which proved to come in handy with my antique (non USB) computer. The eyepiece viewfinder and LCD screen allow me to shoot easily in almost any circumstance. The powerfull 26X optical zoom is an absolute joy to use. It's bigger in size than regular still digital cameras and I love it. I grew up on older large 35mm and the bigger size of the Sharp is a blessing. I'll still use meagpixel cameras when I need 8X10s, but for my internet work I will almost always uses the Sharp. I don't know of any type digital camera with the features and zoom power of the Sharp for a truly great price after rebate. I ordered on a Sunday and received it on Tuesday.
Comment: Awsome camera for the $ Rating:
If you have priced digital cam corders or cameras for that matter, you know you cant touch a good one for under 6 bills, untill now. Got this sharp viewcam about 2 weeks ago and I feel like a one man movie crew.
I spent about an hour and a half reading and the same amount of time playing and now feel very farmiliar with it. The features are awsome. This model has a GAMMA BRIGHTENER which allows you to film in low light without the need for external lighting, simply hit the GB button and it lightens the whole picture while keeping great color. The CATS EYE feature is similar but allows you to shoot in NO light situations, awsome! The digital zoom is incredible! Look at the lunar craters through this camera (while using a tripod) it's that good.
The different film options B/W, sepia, etc. are neat features although I don't see alot of use for them personaly. Install the smart media card and snap pictures galore, with the card I purchased I can take upto 265 pictures!
The only thing I feel is missing is image stabilization, hence the need for the tripod when looking at the moon. If you plan on taking as I do, artistic photographs do not plan on doing that with this camera. As most camcorders this one takes still shots but not high quality. My old Richo 35MM still has it's job.
Overall for the price this thing is unbelievable. Highly recomended. Dont waste your money on a 8mm or Vhs when you can be digital. Buy this Sharp!
Comment: Please don't buy this piece of Junk... Rating:
I bought this in summer of 2001, it worked fine for a year and then it started giving garbled play back, Eject tape and eating tape.
I wish I had these reviews before I bought this junk. This is my first and last Sharp product and sharp was not helpful at all when I explained what was happening. Please don't waste your money on this piece of Junk.
Thanks
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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