Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Member since:22.10.2000
Reviews:425
Members who trust:85
When I got my first camcorder, I was very disappointed with it! It was cumbersome, heavy and awkward. Eventually we gave up using it, and it remains in our cupboard. Then came our trip to Disneyland-Paris, and how can you go there without recording Mickey saying good morning, or cuddling his Minnie?
So without further ado, I scoured the Internet in search of the cheapest priced camcorder, with certain conditions. Firstly, it had to be easy to use: Next it had to be from a well-respected manufacturer (no I am not a snob-just cautious): next it had to be within my price range, and lastly I wanted one, which you didn’t have to stick to your eye to catch the action!
After searching with a few price comparison sites,
I eventually decided that this sharp view cam met my criteria. Now I had to buy it. Luckily for me I got a sale brochure from a well-known catalogue company through the post. Guess what? To my luck the view cam I wanted was included in the sale, and I could have it now and pay later! (After all we needed some cash to go to Disneyland). So I placed my order and waited for delivery – which as a matter of fact took about four weeks.
Before I go one here is some things you might like to know about this view cam:
· Built-in 7.5 cm (3") fingerprint-reduced LCD view screen · 16x power zoom · User-friendly on-screen display · Title writer (customisable/standard message set) · Fade mode · Free angle recording and self recording · Infrared remote control · Quick review The camera: ************ The actual camera is quite light and very easy to use-it’d have to be with my brain not quite up to anything technical! It has a little screen that you can see exactly what you are taping, and the screen can also be used for instant playback of what you have recorded. It takes hi-8 tapes, which retail at about £3-5 each. You also get a battery (rechargeable): various wires and instruction manual (booklet).
How to use? ************ It couldn’t be easier. Once the battery is fully charged (about 3 hours) and inserted into the camera, you ready for action (don’t forget to insert your film though). Switch the camera on, aim at your action, and make sure the picture is okay on the screen, then press the record button once. To stop recording, simply press the button again. Alternatively, you can fade your end screen shot out and fade in again to another scene. The screen can rotate fully, and sit at the front of the camera, so if you want to be in the action too, then it’s not a problem. Watching on the big screen, is done easily and quickly via a cable, which is plugged into your TV, switch the TV to the correct channel (press AV on mine), and watch away! Or you can transfer to a video-tape (I haven’t yet done this). There is also a remote control for use with the camera when watching via your TV screen or taping. Carry straps are included also.
Problems? ********** With everything that is good there has to be problems doesn’t there? And with this camera, it has a few things. 1. The main draw back for this camera is the battery, it only last 30 minutes. You can obtain extra batteries (I got one from part master at a cost of £30). You can choose from 30 minutes or two longer length batteries, the dearest being around £70 (I think). 2. The screen is an added benefit for me, however it does attract (as you might expect) fingerprints, and quite a few of them. Wipe with a soft cloth to clean. 3. If you want a carry case, that’s an optional extra too: and one that I have yet to find! 4. Inserting the small battery for the titles, time etc is a little difficult.
Overall ******** A camera that is easy to use, simple to view playback. Ideal for home movies, holiday movies weddings, and movies where the whole family are required. The remote control allows you to be in the picture too! Reasonably priced, the camera comes with almost all the necessary things you need to get going, and no luxuries. No carry case is included (was in my last camera), only a short life battery, and but no tapes! If you are thinking about a Camcorder, and want something easy, reasonably priced, and from a good name then this could be for you. Recommended.
Thanks for reading – Dave.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Camcorder - Optical Zoom: 10 - Digital Zoom: 700x - Weight: 0.5 kg - Flash memory: SD Memory Card - Supported Media Type: Mini DV - Viewfinder: without Viewfinder
very interesting and helpful. i've got lots of old 8mm tapes and a broken fuji 8mm camcorder that i recorded them on. i've been thinking about getting a second-hand sharp viewcam, etc - whihc is why i read your reviw. i noticed that you refer to the camera using hi-8 tapes. the technical spec refers to video 8. do you know if the camera will play my old 8mm tapes?
todorvn 22.02.2004 21:55
it is good
Connoisseur_Haggler 04.02.2002 13:28
Sounds like an ideal entry level camcorder! Out of interest how much did this cost? sorry I couldn't see it in your opinion. Shame about the battery life those LCD screens take up huge battery power! (I've recently bought a camcorder myself about 3 months ago and still exploring all possibilties ..the functions and parameters are endless!) A useful insight -thank you.
Advantages: Easy to use menu displayed on screen, good quality picture, has optical zoom rather than digital Disadvantages: a bit large on size somewhat heavy, no viewing lens just a screen
softqwik25 06.07.2006 (06.07.2006)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Sharp Viewcam VL-A10H
Advantages: Easy to use menu displayed on screen, good quality picture, has optical zoom rather than digital Disadvantages: a bit large on size somewhat heavy, no viewing lens just a screen
softqwik25 06.07.2006 (06.07.2006)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Sharp Viewcam VL-A10H
very helpful by (97%):
helpful by (3%):
