Rating: 
Summary: Nice images-but be careful
Review: I really like this camcorder. Easy to use, crisp images. However, I didn't bother getting an extended warranty, and it broke after 2-1/2 months of light usage. Many of the buttons stopped functioning. I sent it in to the nearest Sharp authorized repair facility, almost 400 miles away. They were great. Replaced lots of parts and shipped back for free. I got it to them just in time. Warranty is 1 yr. parts but only 90 days labor. So, it works fine again, but if you get one, try to get an extended warranty with it.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor quality!
Review: I regret I bought this Sharp camcorder. I knew Sharp's quality if not very good from my past experience, but I just couldn't resist the low price and $100 rebate. After just about 1 month, it is already dead in water: the power just couldn't be turned on no matter what I tried. The worse part is that I found out the closest authorized service dealer is 300+ miles away from me because it is a "digital" camcorder. So, think twice if you want to buy a Sharp camcorder!
Rating:
Summary: Bottom line - Poor video quality.
Review: I too have been waiting for the price to come down on MiniDV camcorders. So when I saw this deal I thought it was time to upgrade from my old Sony ccd-trv16 8mm. Unlike many other people, the main thing I am looking for in a camcorder is great video quality. I couldn't care less about all the other bells and whistles. I used both video cameras to film the same scenes indoors with all the lights turned on and the shades open (from what I've read MiniDv's need lots of light). To my amazement the 8mm had a much better image. The colors were vibrant on the Sony. The colors on the Sharp VLNZ105U were washed out and the skin tones were greyish. I returned it and will probably look at a higher end Sony. The lesson I learned is that it doesn't matter what format the video is stored (MiniDV, Hi8, 8mm) if the optics are not up to par, you will not get a good image. I guess you get what you pay for.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Camera...Cannot be Beat for the Price
Review: I was at my friend's house and he had a nifty little camera which was about $800...Now it comes with all the bells, but I just wanted a simple camera that was easy to use, lightweight and took good quality pictures. I agree with another review which says..if you just want to tape your parties and life's moments, this is perfect. I downloaded Movie Maker 2 which makes making movies a breeze..Highly recommended. The rebate form too was extremely easy to fill out...No catches...Don't hesitate on this one!
Rating:
Summary: Can't beat this camera for the price!!
Review: 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).
Rating:
Summary: This beginner loves it!
Review: I'm not a film maker, I just want tapes of the kid that I can edit digitally. This is the best value out there, even without the rebate. I found it originally because of it's low price. After searching other low-priced MiniDV cams, I came back to this one since it has the features I need. It has excellent quality for me, and it plugged into my computer easily. Windows XP recognized it immediately and even started up the digital editing software for me. You will have to buy a Firewire card with cable to connect it to your computer, so add $$ to the cost (there's no difference in firewire cards, don't spend $$). My only complaint is that the camera is small and doesn't really have many places to hold it. However, because it's small, it's easy to take everywhere. If you're looking to get into digital video, this is a great way to start. Digital videos have the same advantage over analog that digital pictures have over film. You can archive them digitally so you can have a source that won't degrade over time. You can enhance them, correcting colors and brightness/exposure. You can burn them on a CD and send to family. Additionally, you can use it to digitize your old analog tapes. This is one of the few low priced MiniDV camcorders that has A/V inputs using standard RCA plugs. It does NOT have S-Video inputs, though. This allows you to output your VCR to the camcorder and either pass it through to the computer (for digitizing) or recording on a MiniDV tape. Either way, you will have a digital copy of your old tapes. So it serves as a video capture device for your computer. The digital still function is an added bonus, but the pictures are going to be pretty basic, worse than even the cheapest digital camera. Still, it's not bad for a few quick snaps to email around. Don't buy it thinking you'll avoid the need for a digital camera. You'll still want a decent digital camera. If you're looking to get into videos, this is the way to go. If you're already an expert, this may or may not be what you're looking for. For my everyday use, it's perfect! Russ
Rating: 
Summary: Great price for a BASIC model...but....
Review: If you're just taping your kid's play or the family vacation, this camera is excellent. Firewire capable, lightweight, and easy to use [although it will suck the camera battery dry with that huge LCD screen -- you'll need to buy a bigger, beefier battery if you want the camera to be on for more than 20-30 minutes]. I can't give it 5 stars, however, because it DOES NOT have a microphone and headphones jack. Believe me, if you ever think you'll be shooting at a wedding reception or party-type event, nothing beats having a simple microphone to give to people to say hello to the camera [pick up a nice microphone at .... for like $...]. But the price is so good....so tempting...
Rating:
Summary: Good choice, affordable DV cam
Review: It's pretty cool stuff for its price.
The quality of video & audio does not disappoint me.
I captured DV-tape images I've got and edited them
with Adobe Primiere, and it worked well!
There was no problem in doing that.
And it fits into the 35mm camera bag, I can carry it
everywhere!
Rating:
Summary: Adventure Perfect
Review: Just took another S. America adventure with my first camcorder. I love this camera. The large screen allows me to actually see what is happening while I am filming without having to put my face in the camera. You can see what you are filming out of the corner of your eye and are still able to see where you are going and not step on a croc or other teethy critters. The quality of the videos is incredible-and the still camera works great too. I like being able to get back to civilization and just plug it into the back of the tv, grab a glass of vino tinto, and watch that days takes. About the only problem I have with the unit is the microphone. Because it is built in with no ext. jack; and because it faces foward; when you need to whisper-as when stalking and animal-sometimes it won't pick up my voice. But you can always add sound later. One other thing. If you are going to carry the camera and the remote in the same camera bag, I suggest putting one or the other inside some sort of hard case also(like a cigarette pack holder). This way there is less of a chance of the camera being turned on accidentally and running the battery down-which I did three times before I figured out what was causing the heat and the dead battery. Anyway, it works for me and the price makes my.....never mind
Rating:
Summary: It Does work with Apple!!
Review: My main purpose in writing this review is to let customers know that this viewcam works with Macintosh computers. You must have iMovie and a firewire cable (not just USB). With the firewire, the movie you record on the DV tape is transferred right into iMovie for cool editing. It was easy even for a computer-idiot like me. Using the viewcam is easy, and the best part is the compact size. It looks just like a big digital camera, so no-one knows that you are actually filming. We use this to capture moments in our baby daughter's day-to-day life, and it works great (especially because you can so easily edit out repetitive sceens on your computer). Just remember to buy DV tapes, it does not come with any and you can't record movies without one installed. Enjoy!
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