This is the first camcorder I've owned, though not the first I've used. I'm very happy with my purchase. I think it has excellent video quality, much better than others in a comparable price range. It does have a compact battery (for a reason), and hence a shorter recording time. I have recorded for over an hour straight with one battery. But you can purchase extra batteries if necessary (I bought one on ebay for $20). brIt has tons of features and options, more than I will probably use. The manual provided is extremely helpful in guiding you through the many features. I was recording within 10 minutes of opening the box.brI have read negative reviews regarding the on screen menus, the manual, still images; let me just say that I have not had any problems with any of those. I find the menu EASY to navigate. And the manual explains everything. I read it from front to back without ANY confusion. It does not have an index in the back, but it has a table of contents at the beginning if you'd rather just browse. I have not seen a CAMCORDER that has better still images than this one. I have seen better pictures from a digital CAMERA. I suspect some people may not have the patience, or interest, in learning how to utilize all of the features that may yield the best quality images. Or, perhaps they're just used to a different product.brSome of the most commonly used features like playback on TV, downloading to PC, editing, I think are easy to use and just plain fun!brAnyway, I must emphasize that the overall quality of this camcorder is great. Every product is different, we pick and choose. I use mine for recording life's little (and big) events.brIf you're still comparing camcorders, be sure to consider this one.

I teach video productions and I've tried many camcorders. I like the Sharp's ability to rotate the body of the camera with my hand and still be able to get good shots at various angles without putting my wrist in traction. The drawbacks I've found are the lack of an external mic input (which isn't usually a requirement for most family videos) and a small button to control tape playback. This is a problem with us fat thumbed people. I would recommend buying an additional battery since there isn't an external charger available. Other than that, I think the camera has excellent video quality and a nice compact body yet still large enough for larger hands to operate without problem.

I found that Sharp VLz7u is good enough for me. I normally use it for record the activity around my house. I chose this model because of its swivel grip. It gives me convenient in many recording angle (e.g. over the head and low angle view). brThe thing I like about this camcorder are:br - 1.3MP photo shotbr - built in flash (for camera mode)br - terminal for Zoom mic (though I cannot find Sharp's Zoom mic available anywhere at this time)br - and other features that should be available in other camcorder (e.g. 10x zoom, digital effect, stabilizer, etc)pThe things I want to have in the camcorder (though it's not a big deal to me) are:br - Microphone inputbr - night shot modepSince this is my first camcorder, I don't know if other camcorder have better picture quality or not. But it looks good to me both on TV and after captured onto computer. pFor home movie, outdoor/indoor activity, events, you will love this camcorder. For those who look for high quality picture, or professional movie, you probably should go for other model.

very satisfied. that is how i would describe my experience up to this point with the sharp vlz7u. i bought mine for [$$$] in may of 03 and for the price i am very satisfied. no where else will one get the still picture quality in a camcorder for a comparable price. the recessed mic is nice and the swivel action is priceless. who hasn't had to hold their arm, elbow and wrist in that uncomfortable vertical position for extended amonts of time in order to capture that killer shot? you know, that shot that in retrospect [was bad] due to fatigue. the flash is a flash for picture mode, not a light like i thought but it is still a handy option. TWO downsides. night mode [is not good] because there is none. you can shoot in low light but the low light mode is only for low light, not no light. and the worst part about it is that it turns itself off the second you pan across light, so you have to keep turning it on when your in a low light room lit by a single light. the other down side is that the battery is recessed in the body of the camera which equates to a somewhat limited battery life. don't expect any upgrades either says the sharp rep i spoke with. so buy 2 or 3 spares. that's it. enjoy because i really do.

I had high hopes about this camcorder. It was cute, lightweight, the 1.3Megapixel CCD and everything appeared to be great. But once I shot the video and reviewed it on my TV. ***TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT***. What can be more important than video quality? It just sucks big time. My old Panasonic VHS camcorder has better video quality. Also, the camera picked up extremely high motor noise when ambient sound level was low or silent. NOT a good design. I read several reaviews prior to buying to camcorder and I must agree that WAIT for the next revision. Video is extremely NOT SHARP!!!

First Off this Camera Is not State of the Art (maybe in 2002-2003 but not in 2007), but still it is a good value. Not only is it a Firewire DV camera that works with my Mac (iMovie) it offers a Digital Camera (8mb SDcard) and it can be used in reversed fashion to convert Analog signals (Composite SVIDEO) to Digital. The video Features are ok and nothing to write home about. For a student this is a good camera to start off with. Well hope that helps.

I REPENTED MYSELF OF THE PURCHASE, CAMERA WITH DEFECT, AND LACKING SOME ACCESSORIES, ALSO THE REMOTE CONTROL, I DO NOT INDICATE THE PURCHASE

just don't know where on earth to buy the spare battery????