Sharp VL-H860U Hi8 Viewcam Camcorder

The Sharp VL-H860U combines an easy-to-use, unique design with a super-close-up zoom and special effects to create a camcorder that's both fun and powerful. Its high- quality Hi-8 format ensures that your videos will be extra sharp and clear. This camcorder is a great choice for family use.

The Sharp VL-H860U's design lets you hold the camera above your head or facing you while you swivel the main screen portion toward you. This design is even more intuitive than the flip-out LCD screen used in most camcorders. The only drawback to this design is that the Sharp VL- H860U doesn't have an additional optical viewfinder. It was exceptionally easy to hold and point, however, feeling more like a large, square film camera than a bulky, oblong camcorder--plus it is quite an eye-catcher.

The Sharp VL-H860U's Hi8 format, a better-quality version of 8mm film, records clearer, sharper and more colorful videos than those recorded on VHS, VHS-C, or traditional 8mm tapes. Hi8 is the best-quality video you can get short of going digital.

The Sharp VL-H860U has up to 22x optical zoom and a whopping 200x digital zoom--useful for filming sporting events and other long-distance views. However, raising the magnification reduces the quality of the image. This camcorder comes with a wide range of exposure and special effects options, including backlight compensation, fade, strobe, and picture effects. It also has digital image stabilization, useful for shaky subjects.

Another feature we liked was the Sharp VL-H860U's single-shot camera ability, which lets you take snapshots accompanied by sound. Although this camcorder doesn't have the computer-transfer capabilities of a digital camera, it is still fun to take photos on the tape as well as video.

Pros:

• Unique, easy-to-use design
• Large 3-inch LCD screen
• Wide range of exposure and picture effects
• Still-shot capability
• High-quality Hi-8mm format

Cons:

• No optical viewfinder