Sharp VL-Z1H

I have 2 of these Camcorders and both encounter the same problem with dew. 1 is only 15 months old and is constantly going onto dew in any conditions. The sharp information line does not want to know and informed me that they have never encountered this problem. Therefore I do not recommend the Sharp VL-Z1H.

The Sharp VL-Z1H was great easy to use camera when purchased in 2003. Trouble free for first three years or so. Now hardly works at all as DEW problem appears when camera powered up and then shuts down. Now totally unreliable.

I have encountered DEW defect. Very unreliable. Go 3 years of problem free use before this occurred. Not worth risking being let down

If only I had done more checking before I decided to buy the Sharp VL-Z1H Camcorder. It looks like a very common fault. It detects Dew and shuts down. At first not very often, but now it works 'Not very often'. If you travel with this Camcorder, take a hair dryer with you to get it working again.

Apart from the firewire breaking on a number of Sharp VLZ1H cameras, the camera is very good for the lower end of the market and can now be picked up for under £300.