Sharp VL-Z7U Review

One of the key features of the VL-Z7U is the still camera mode with built in Multi-media card/ SD memory card slot and electronic flash. Read on as we put Sharps MiniDV camcorder to the test.

Summary

The VL-Z7U is a very interesting digital camcorder. The video quality under most circumstances is quite good, the LCD is clear in daylight as well as with the backlight on for indoor use. However, the overall perception is compromised by the execution of several features. The menu structure is confusing, low light video performance is only fair, and the still camera feature is quite poor.  The size of the VL-Z7U’s and its unique swivel body are it’s strongest attributes.

Introduction

The Sharp VL-Z7U is a small camcorder with plenty of features. At 3 5/32” x 3 13/32” x 4 1/16” and 1.12lbs it fits nicely into the hand with little noticeable weight.
 
The VL-Z7U is shaped similar to other compact hand held camcorders, but with one difference. The lens, LCD, and battery are contained in one physical unit while the cassette drive and recording controls are in a different unit. The two units are attached through a 270-degree swivel mechanism that allows the VL-Z7U to be held at a comfortable position for most shooting situations. The VL-Z7U uses a 10x (F 1.8, f =3.8 – 38mm) zoom lens. 

The camcorder fit in my hand quite comfortably. The only complaint would be getting the strap adjusted properly so that the fingers align well with the zoom control and record button. Someone with large hands might prefer that the camcorder body were taller. The VL-Z7U should fit easily into a jacket pocket or a purse.
One of the key features of the VL-Z7Uis the still camera mode with built in Multi-media card/ SD memory card slot and electronic flash. This feature enables the camcorder to double as a still camera.

Camcorder Operation

The VL-Z7U was easy to use with the default settings.  But once past the basics, the more advanced features require perusing the menu structure, which was initially confusing.

Unfortunately, a couple of frequently needed features such as the wind filter and display stabilization on/off required navigating the menu settings. Preferably the most common functions would have dedicated buttons that can be operated easily while filming. It’s not uncommon to discover that the wind filter is needed after filming begins.    

The menu is activated with the display button above the battery compartment. Once activated, the miniature joystick scrolls through the menu and selects options when depressed.

The connectors under a cover on the back of the VL-Z7U are clearly marked. Connection of the VL-Z7U to a television, VCR, or PC was quite straightforward with the included USB and analog video cables. A miniature IEEE 1394 (DV) connector is also provided without a cable. This connector and a cable will be needed to transfer digital video to a PC for editing and recording onto a DVD. The VL-Z7U can also be used to transfer older analog recordings from a VCR into digital format using the internal A/D converters of the VL-Z7U.

Battery life is specified to be about 1 hour – more if you use the viewfinder often instead of the LCD. The LCD backlight is not needed outdoors in sunlight, which should help extend the battery life somewhat. In order to provide a compact package, the VL-Z7U mounts the battery into a compartment behind the LCD display. Unfortunately, this means that the battery compartment defines the battery’s physical dimensions. Unlike many other camcorder designs, a larger battery with higher capacity cannot be added.

It would be a good idea to carry a couple of spare batteries when using the VL-Z7U; however, this points out another peculiarity of the VL-Z7U. The battery charger is built into the VL-Z7U, so it is not possible to charge a spare battery while recording unless the AC adapter is attached.

There was only one peculiar behavior that I experienced while using the VL-Z7U. While playing back test recordings on a television, occasionally a click could be heard in the audio. After observing the recording several times, it appears that the VL-Z7U emits an audible click when the optical zoom reaches the end of its travel in one direction. The built-in microphone is able to pick up this sound. The sound of the click was easily masked by nearby sounds, but is slightly noticeable when using the zoom in a relatively quiet ambient situation. On the other hand, the VL-Z7U exhibited no undue sensitivity to other internal sounds generated by its drive motors.

The remote control unit that comes with the VL-Z7U includes the expected playback buttons plus buttons to select between tape or memory card playback. During memory card playback the zoom control on the remote can be used in conjunction with the remote shift buttons to navigate across a picture and zoom in.

Performance

Sample shots from the digital still camera function:

This first shot is an example of the “fine” setting 
Click on the screenshot for a larger image

This second shot is an example of the normal mode
Click on the screenshot for a larger image

This third shot is with all modes off and BLC Gain on
Click on the screenshot for a larger image

The video quality of the VL-Z7U was quite good under most conditions. In addition to the default automatic settings and the manual settings, there is a scene menu with six preprogrammed recording modes. Each of the scene modes automatically sets the exposure, white balance, and shutter speed for the type of scene being recorded.

·                     Sport: Scenes with a lot of motion such as sporting events.

·                     Dusk: Twilight and sunset

·                     Sunlight: Scenes with bright sunlight

·                     Party: Variable illumination