New Digital Camcorder Features a Touch Screen for Digital Ink Annotations

Sharp's new Model No. VL-FD1U mini DV camcorder is a tiny 1.2 pound movie maker that measures 5 1/2" (W) X 1 7/8 " (H) X 3 3/8" (D) and fits easily into a backpack, briefcase or purse.
It's one of a kind new onboard editing features include touch screen operation and ink annotation input that allows users to write and "doodle" directly on screen. With a provided pen stylus, users can customize video footage using a variety of shapes and colors, along with preformatted titles and background designs to further enhance original movies. In addition, the VL-FD1U offers thumbnail indexing for quick and easy editing. Instead of searching an entire tape, footage is divided into snapshot images to allow users to instantly identify and return to specific video segments.

The VL-FD1U also boasts Sharp's exclusive Digital Gamma Correction technology, that minimizes dark areas in a video by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portion of the image unaffected, significantly improving video quality.

Capture Still Images
The VL-FD1U's photo mode uses Sharp's Still Frame Technology to deliver high quality still images. Even fast moving objects can be captured faithfully, providing consumers with images clear and free from video noise.

Quick Connection to a PC
Transferring still images to a PC is easier than ever with Sharp's VL-FD1U Digital Viewcam. Utilizing IEEE-1394 (i-Link) technology, users can download video images from their Viewcam to a computer and vice versa, thus offering greater editing freedom. For quick, easy video connections to PCs, TVs and VCRs, the VL-FD1U has all output jacks--including DV, RS 232 communications port still-image transfer, S-video, composite video and an audio out--built right into the main unit.

Video Capture Software
Users of Sharp's VL-FD1U have the option to purchase a PC Connection kit (suggested retail price of $129.00), which makes it easy to transfer digital images from a camcorder to a PC via an ordinary RS-232C connection to edit, process and create customized images. The package contains versatile software, including PixLab Browser, Photo Suite 8.0 and a special cable to facilitate the image transfer and connection. Once loaded, the PhotoSuite 8.0 software enables you to manipulate images using more than 20 special effects filters to make creative and personalized greeting cards, stickers or calendars, for example. Files can also be saved in various formats, allowing users to create screen savers and slide shows, or use the video images for business presentations and professional documents.

The VL-FD1U is also outfitted with the following key features:

• Long Play/Recording -- The unit offers up to 50 percent longer recording time in LP mode; for example, a 60 minute DV cassette will record for 90 minutes in LP mode



• Digital Image Stabilization - To prevent uneven footage, the VL-FD1U compensates for unexpected motion and shaking associated with filming



• Zooming Capabilities - The Viewcam boasts 10x optical 200x digital zooms for up-close image recording



• Self-Record Mode - Sharp's LCD rotates 270 degrees so that the person recording the video can easily become the subject as well



• Still-Image Overlap - As one image fades out, another image fades in, creating more artistic video images

Supplied Accessories
The VL-FD1U also is equipped with a variety of accessories, including an AC adapter/charger for easy connection to other audio visual equipment, pen stylus for use with ink annotation feature, battery pack, DC and AV cable, shoulder strap, lens cap, tripod adapter and two lithium ion batteries for extended viewing and recording.

The VL-FD1U sells for $1599.95.

For more information on Sharp's VL-FD1U call 1-800-BE-SHARP or visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.

Source: Sharp