Great value for so many features!
Written: Nov 30 '01 (Updated Dec 09 '01)
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Pros: Low price, $100 rebate/free offer from Amazon, 26x optical magnification, ease of use.
Cons: Lower resolution than competitors, not as comfortable, and difficult to access controls.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a full featured camera but are sensitive about price, this is the one for you!
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| jamriner's Full Review: Sharp VL-WD255U Mini DV Camcorder |
I have to say the best thing by far about this camcorder is the low price - I ended up getting it for $349 after a $100 mail in rebate from Amazon.com, plus I got free shipping and a free Vivitar camera bag, tripod, and lens cleaning kit. I would say this is the ideal starter kit for someone who wants to get into digital filming, but is not interested in making a huge investment.
FORMAT:
The miniDV format is by far the most superior format - from both a tape/camcorder size perspective and a resolution perspective (vs. Digital 8mm, 8mm, or VHS). Similarly featured camcorders from Panasonic, Sony, Canon, and JVC in this format go from $500 to $750.
OPTICS/ZOOM:
The optical zoom of 26x is excellent. Coupled with 300x digital zoom, the total zoom capability is 780x! While image stabilization suffers a bit at higher magnification, it is still possible to film a great image from hundreds of yards away.
EDITING/EFFECTS:
I am told that multiple digital effects can be added within the camera, but I prefer to do digital editing on my PC. Scrolling through the menus to edit/add effects is impractical. I use a firewire IEE1394 cable (firewire - NOT supplied with camera) and a digital video editing program to do my editing. From there, I can download back to the camera, burn a DVD, or burn a VideoCD. The camera can also feed into your TV or VCR via S-video link, giving you the ability to play videos straight from the camera to the TV, and record VHS tapes for later viewing.
NIGHT RECORDING:
The camcorder also features a very effective cat's eye night recording feature that brightens the video without a need for illumination. This tends to reduce the colors, so I have yet to use it regularly.
STILL PICTURES:
The camera has the capability to take still 480,000 pixel image shots and store them on a Smartmedia card, though the resolution is not as good as a cheap digital camera.
CONTROLS/STYLING:
Controls and styling aren't as comfortable or attractive as the competition - check out JVC and Canon, specifically. It is very difficult to turn the camera on or off with one hand, and it is a thumb-numbing exercise to repeatedly press the record /pause button. Zoom is a bit of a stretch for the smaller hand, and the grooves for your hand are not comfortable at all. Contrast this with Canon and Sony and you will see the difference.
DIS DIGITAL IMAGE STABILIZATION:
This reduces the amount of "jerkiness" of the film, which becomes more necessary the higher the magnification. Works well, though a well known consumer reporting mag rated this camcorder the worst of 10 competing cameras in image stabilization. I have been very happy with it; and with longer distances I end up using a tripod anyway.
REMOTE:
Remote control allows playback/filming from a fixed location. Cute, and it works, but very small.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 350
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Epinions.com ID:
jamriner
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Member: John A
Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 2 members
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