Skip to product overview

Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

The Sharp VL-Z950/900 is a 1.33 Megapixels (1,330,000 pixels) 1/4 inch camcorder — with 720 x 576 (PAL) / 720 x 480 (NTSC) video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 MiniDV Digital Camcorder is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Sharp VL-Z950/900 sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Sharp VL-Z950/900 on GearFocus

Camcorder Overview — Sharp VL-Z950/900

The Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 is a consumer-grade MiniDV digital camcorder built for home video enthusiasts who want a compact, capable recorder in a lightweight plastic body. At the heart of the camcorder is a 1/4-inch sensor delivering 1.33 megapixels (1,330,000 pixels), capable of recording standard-definition video at resolutions up to 720 x 576 in PAL or 720 x 480 in NTSC, with frame rate options of 30fps, 50fps, or 60fps. Still image capture tops out at 1280 x 960 pixels.

The camcorder supports dual storage via MiniDV tape and SD card, giving users flexibility in how they save their footage. Autofocus is handled by a contrast detection system with a single focus point. For image stabilization, the VL-Z950/900 relies on Digital/Electronic IS to help reduce camera shake during handheld recording.

The 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD display provides a convenient framing and playback screen, while a Color EVF serves as an alternative viewing option. Connectivity includes USB output. The body weighs just 420g and measures 82.9 x 86.2 x 103.3 mm, making it genuinely pocketable for a camcorder of its era.

Power comes from a rechargeable Sharp BT-L226 Li-ion battery with approximately 1 to 2 hours of recording time depending on usage. A proprietary accessory shoe allows for accessory expansion.

Key Features — Sharp VL-Z950/900

MiniDV Tape Recording: Records standard-definition video to MiniDV cassettes, a reliable tape format widely used in consumer and prosumer camcorders of the era.

Dual Storage Options: Supports both MiniDV tape and SD card, giving users flexibility in how they capture and archive footage.

1/4-Inch CCD Sensor: 1.33-megapixel sensor captures standard-definition video at up to 720x576 (PAL) or 720x480 (NTSC).

2.5-Inch CG Silicon LCD: Articulating LCD screen allows for flexible framing from multiple shooting angles during handheld recording.

Color Electronic Viewfinder: Built-in Color EVF provides an alternative to the LCD for framing shots in bright outdoor conditions.

Digital Image Stabilization: Electronic IS helps reduce the appearance of camera shake during handheld recording.

Camcorder Specifications — Sharp VL-Z950/900

Sharp VL-Z950/900 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypeOther
Sensor1/4 inch
Resolution1.33 Megapixels (1,330,000 pixels)
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points1
Max Photo Resolution1280 x 960
Max Video Resolution720 x 576 (PAL) / 720 x 480 (NTSC)
Max Frame RateOther
Bit Depth8-bit
Image StabilizationDigital / Electronic IS
Display2.5 inches 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD

Description — Sharp VL-Z950/900

The Sharp Viewcam Z VL-Z950/900 is a consumer MiniDV digital camcorder housed in a plastic body weighing just 420g and measuring 82.9 x 86.2 x 103.3 mm — a genuinely compact form factor for a feature-equipped camcorder. Its 1/4-inch sensor resolves 1.33 megapixels (1,330,000 pixels), capturing standard-definition video at 720 x 576 (PAL) or 720 x 480 (NTSC) at up to 60fps, with additional frame rate options of 30fps and 50fps. Still photos can be captured at up to 1280 x 960 pixels.

Storage is handled via dual media — MiniDV tape and SD card — offering recording flexibility. The camcorder features a 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD display for live monitoring and a Color EVF as an alternative. Autofocus uses a contrast detection system with 1 focus point. Digital/Electronic IS provides shake reduction during handheld use.

Connectivity includes USB output, and the proprietary accessory shoe allows for additional accessories. Power is supplied by the Sharp BT-L226 rechargeable Li-ion battery, providing roughly 1–2 hours of recording time.

Pros — Sharp VL-Z950/900

  • ✓Compact and lightweight at just 420g with dimensions of 82.9 x 86.2 x 103.3 mm — easy to carry for extended shoots
  • ✓Dual storage options: MiniDV tape and SD card provide recording flexibility
  • ✓2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD display plus Color EVF gives two viewing options for framing and playback

Cons — Sharp VL-Z950/900

  • ✗No weather sealing — the plastic body offers no protection against moisture or dust
  • ✗Digital IS only — no optical or in-body mechanical stabilization, which limits shake correction quality
  • ✗Single contrast-detection focus point with no subject tracking or eye tracking

Videos — Sharp VL-Z950/900

Camcorder Graveyard The Sharp VL-Z950E — Geoff Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions — Sharp VL-Z950/900

What storage media does the Sharp VL-Z950/900 support?+
The camcorder supports two storage types: MiniDV tape and SD card. This dual-media capability gives users the option to record to tape for archival purposes or to an SD card for easier digital access.
What video resolutions and frame rates does this camcorder offer?+
The VL-Z950/900 records at up to 720 x 576 in PAL format or 720 x 480 in NTSC format. Supported frame rates are 30fps, 50fps, and 60fps, with a maximum frame rate of 60fps.
Does this camcorder have image stabilization?+
Yes, it features Digital/Electronic image stabilization. Note that there is no optical or in-body mechanical stabilization — the correction is done digitally, which is typical for consumer camcorders of this type.
What type of battery does the VL-Z950/900 use, and how long does it last?+
It uses a Sharp BT-L226 rechargeable Li-ion battery. Expected recording time is approximately 1 to 2 hours, though actual battery life varies depending on usage conditions such as LCD use and recording load.
Does the camcorder have a viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen?+
Yes. The VL-Z950/900 includes both a 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD display and a Color EVF (electronic viewfinder), giving you two options for composing and reviewing footage.
Is the Sharp VL-Z950/900 weather sealed?+
No. The body is constructed from plastic and has no weather sealing. It should be kept away from rain, moisture, and dusty environments to avoid damage.

Similar to Sharp VL-Z950/900

Loading similar products...