Sharp VL-SD20U

Used to have a cheap as dirt JVC camcorder and wanted to upgrade it and buy a digital camera. I decided to buy something for all in one. The best reviewed unit I could find was this one. I found a online dealer that was selling them for $649 (cheapest at the time). Overall, its a durable little bugger. I don't use it much because of the length of battery life. The video is great, the digital stills could be somewhat better. Overall, I think I would have been happier with a good digital camera and a upgrade in my 8mm issue. ;)

Ease of use. Options avaliable for computer/vhs converison. Various internal features that are pretty sweet.

LOW battery life. You can disable the screen to save a bit, but why?! The low level pixels for stills kinda blow. Fine for webpages, but this is NO megepixel unit! hefty price tag, although now you can find them pretty reasonable in cost.

Eh, not much.

Slow to respond via web.

I found this Camcorder online for around $570. I had a Sharp 8mm camcorder beforehand, so I had a good idea of what to expect. I was blown away by the quality the digital produced. The quality can easily be compared to seeing a DVD after years of watching VHS. It is a small, lightweight unit. It is very user friendly. The Sharp features S-video output as well as composite (RCA) and firewire. There is a PC connection for transferring digital photos, which the unit can take at about .6 megapixel. I see no need for this PC connection. It connects to a serial port and is sold separately. However, the firewire takes care of this. The firewire will require one to by a card to put inside of their computer, unless you can afford a digital VCR. Firewire enables video to be transferred at very high rates. One can buy a card with editing software for under $100. I have my sharp together with the firewire to put movies of my daughter on the web for family to see as she grows. I have also taped a graduation ceremony, downloaded it to my computer, edited it, sent it back to the Sharp camera through the firewire (two-way port) where I was able to connect to my VCR for a first generation tape. It came out beautifully. $3000 digital camcorders are surely better than this camera, but if you even thought to look into buying this, I am sure you will love it.

This Camcorder is very easy to use and get started with. Low price for high quality.

3 ccd camera would be superior.

Sharp 8mm.

I have never needed customer service. This worked perfectly from the moment I opened it.