Test Bench: Sharp VL-Z7U Mini DV Camcorder (page 2)

The I/O jacks on the VL-Z7U are suitably clustered in the back of the camera body. USB, headphone, FireWire, A/V and DC complete the array. The A/V jack is a proprietary all-in-one jack that terminates in RCA stereo audio, composite video and S-video Y/C signals. Like other cables that share this design, you need to use it carefully, seeing as it originates from such a tiny jack and plug at the camera. Also keep it safe, since it's not an item you can pick up at the local electronics store.

The on-camera stereo microphones are on the lower front of the VL-Z7U and record ambient audio well with only small amounts of motor whir audible when sound levels are very low (Automatic Gain Control cannot be disabled). Like most other consumer cameras we've tested, the audio defaults to inferior 12-bit quality. (Please change this to 16-bit on your current camera right now, unless you actually use the audio dub feature.) There is no external microphone jack. Instead, there is a Hot Shoe mount that will accept a proprietary directional microphone from Sharp, that should be an improvement over the stock microphone capsules, but we were not able to test the unit with the accessory mike.

Above all, the VL-Z7U Viewcam Z meets the requirement and expectation of its target user at a price that fits. The ease of use and design make the VL-Z7U a good choice for a small footprint Mini DV/Still cam. Although more advanced users and hobbyists will want more (and more accessible) manual features, we like the design of this camera and the no-nonsense point-and-shoot quality of its video.

Format: Mini DV
Lens: F/1.8-19, 10X Optical Zoom/ 500X Digital Zoom
Image Sensor: 1.33 megapixels
Viewfinder: 2.5-inch LCD
Focus: auto, manual
White Balance: auto, manual
Digital Effects: Fade, B&W, Sepia, Solarize, Negative (still mode only)
Audio: 12- or 16-bit stereo
Inputs: FireWire, A/V; S-video
Outputs: USB, FireWire, A/V; S-video, headphone
Edit Interface: FireWire
Other Features: 8MB SD media Card, built-in flash
Dimensions: 3 5/32" x 3 13/32" x 4 1/16"
Weight: 1.12 lbs.

Performance
Tested Horizontal Resolution: 450 lines
Field of View: 36-degrees

• Easy to use and hold
• Excellent Macro functionality
• Great digital still performance
• Flash

• Manual focus
• Battery options

A no-nonsense point-and-shoot camcorder for casual shooters.

$900
Sharp Electronics
Sharp Plaza
Mahwah, NJ 07656
(800) BE-SHARP
www.sharp-usa.com

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