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Sharp VL-Z5 ViewCam Digital Camcorder

The Sharp VL-Z5 is a 680,000 pixels (NTSC), 800,000 pixels (PAL) Other camcorder β€” with 720 x 576 (PAL) / 720 x 480 (NTSC) Mini DV video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sharp VL-Z5 ViewCam Digital Camcorder

Sharp VL-Z5 ViewCam Digital Camcorder

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Camcorder Overview β€” Sharp VL-Z5

The Sharp VL-Z5 ViewCam is a consumer-grade digital camcorder built around a CCD sensor capable of 680,000 pixels in NTSC mode and 800,000 pixels in PAL mode. It records Mini DV tape format at resolutions up to 720x576 in PAL or 720x480 in NTSC, with frame rates of 25fps and 30fps depending on the region. Video is captured at 8-bit color depth with a Standard color profile.

One of the standout hardware features is the 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD display with 215,000 pixels of resolution, giving shooters a generous and clear framing surface. A Color EVF is also included for shooting in bright conditions. The camcorder supports Digital Electronic Image Stabilization to help minimize camera shake during handheld use.

For stills, it captures images at 640x480 (VGA) resolution directly to an SD card, with Standard and Economy color profile options. Autofocus is handled via Contrast Detection, and Manual Focus is also available. Connectivity includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB, though no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is present.

The body is constructed from plastic and weighs 510g, with dimensions of 82.8 x 86.2 x 103.5 mm. Power comes from a Lithium-ion snap-in battery rated for approximately 1 to 2 hours of recording time. There is no weather sealing.

Key Features β€” Sharp VL-Z5

Mini DV Tape Format: Records standard-definition video to Mini DV tape at up to 720x576 (PAL) or 720x480 (NTSC), a reliable consumer format from the early digital camcorder era.

2.5-Inch CG Silicon LCD: The 215,000-pixel flip-out display gives shooters a clear, large framing surface β€” a defining feature of the Sharp ViewCam lineup.

Color Electronic Viewfinder: Built-in color EVF provides an alternative framing option in bright outdoor conditions where the LCD screen may be harder to see.

CCD Sensor: Consumer-grade CCD sensor captures 680,000 pixels in NTSC mode and 800,000 pixels in PAL mode, typical of camcorders of its generation.

SD Card Still Capture: Saves VGA (640x480) still images directly to an SD card, offering a secondary capture option alongside tape video recording.

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

Camcorder Specifications β€” Sharp VL-Z5

Sharp VL-Z5 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypeOther
SensorOther
Resolution680,000 pixels (NTSC), 800,000 pixels (PAL)
AF SystemContrast Detection, Manual Focus Only
Max Photo Resolution640 x 480 (VGA) stills to SD card
Max Video Resolution720 x 576 (PAL) / 720 x 480 (NTSC) Mini DV
Max Frame Rate30fps
Bit Depth8-bit
Video Color ProfilesStandard
Image StabilizationDigital / Electronic IS
Display2.5 inches 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD

Description β€” Sharp VL-Z5

The Sharp VL-Z5 ViewCam is a compact consumer camcorder that records Mini DV tape at 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL) resolution at up to 30fps, with 8-bit color depth. Its CCD sensor delivers 680,000 pixels (NTSC) or 800,000 pixels (PAL), and the camcorder also saves still images at 640x480 VGA resolution to an SD card in Standard or Economy color profiles. The eye-catching 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD with 215,000 pixels is complemented by a Color EVF for versatile framing in any lighting. Digital Electronic Image Stabilization helps reduce shake during handheld recording.

Autofocus operates via Contrast Detection, with Manual Focus also available. Connectivity includes USB and a 3.5mm headphone jack, though Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are absent. The plastic body weighs 510g and measures 82.8 x 86.2 x 103.5 mm, with no weather sealing.

A Lithium-ion snap-in battery provides roughly 1 to 2 hours of recording time.

Pros β€” Sharp VL-Z5

  • βœ“Large 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD with 215,000 pixels provides a clear, sizable framing display
  • βœ“Dual storage support β€” records to tape media and stills to SD card
  • βœ“PAL sensor resolution reaches 800,000 pixels for improved image capture

Cons β€” Sharp VL-Z5

  • βœ—No weather sealing β€” the plastic body offers no protection against moisture or dust
  • βœ—Digital IS only β€” no optical or in-body stabilization system is present
  • βœ—VGA-only still photo resolution (640x480) is very limited for modern use

Videos β€” Sharp VL-Z5

πŸ“ΉπŸ“Ό Sharp VL-Z1S (2003) mini dv β€” М.И.Π .

Resources & Downloads β€” Sharp VL-Z5

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Sharp VL-Z5

What recording format and resolution does the Sharp VL-Z5 support?+
The VL-Z5 records in Mini DV tape format at 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL) resolution. Frame rates available are 30fps for NTSC and 25fps for PAL, with 8-bit color depth.
Can the VL-Z5 capture still photos, and where are they stored?+
Yes, the camcorder can capture still images at 640x480 (VGA) resolution. Stills are saved to an SD card, and you can choose between Standard and Economy color profiles.
Does the Sharp VL-Z5 have image stabilization?+
The VL-Z5 features Digital Electronic Image Stabilization. There is no optical or in-body mechanical stabilization system included.
What display options does the VL-Z5 offer for framing shots?+
The camcorder includes a 2.5-inch CG Silicon LCD with 215,000 pixels of resolution, as well as a Color EVF (electronic viewfinder) for use in bright lighting conditions.
How long does the battery last, and what type does it use?+
The VL-Z5 uses a Lithium-ion snap-in type battery, rated for approximately 1 to 2 hours of recording time per charge.
Is the Sharp VL-Z5 weather-sealed or suitable for outdoor use in wet conditions?+
No β€” the VL-Z5 has a plastic body with no weather sealing. It should be kept away from rain, moisture, and dusty environments.

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