Sharp VL-Z950S User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

S
smithmichaelJul 31, 2025
Why is my Sharp VL-Z950S not turning on?
- M
  Megan HernandezAug 1, 2025
  If your Sharp Camcorder isn't powering on, several factors could be at play. First, ensure the power source is correctly connected. If that's not the issue, the battery pack might be depleted, so charge it fully. Another possibility is dew inside the camcorder; if so, wait for it to dry. Lastly, a safety function might be active. To resolve this, turn the power switch OFF, remove the battery, wait two seconds, then reinstall the battery and turn the power back on.
C
Christopher SmithAug 7, 2025
Why doesn't the auto focus work on my Sharp VL-Z950S?
- S
  Sandra RamosAug 7, 2025
  If the auto focus on your Sharp Camcorder isn't working, it could be due to a few reasons. Check if Manual Focus mode is engaged and, if so, switch to Auto Focus. Also, if you're zoomed in too closely on the subject, try zooming out. Finally, the subject might lack sufficient contrast or have distracting patterns; in this case, try focusing manually.
T
Tanya CarsonAug 14, 2025
How to turn off demo mode on Sharp VL-Z950S?
- J
  jaredsmithAug 15, 2025
  If the display on your Sharp Camcorder automatically changes in Camera mode, the camcorder might be in Demo mode. To fix this, set the DEMO MODE menu item to “OFF”.

Sharp VL-Z950S Specifications

General

Brand	Sharp
Model	VL-Z950S
Category	Camcorder
Language	English

Summary

Operation References

Warning Indicators

Table detailing warning indicators, their display, and suggested solutions.

Memory Card Warning Indicators

Table detailing memory card related warning indicators and their meanings.

Preparation

Attaching and Removing the Battery Pack

Step-by-step guide on how to attach and remove the battery pack.

Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet

Guide on how to operate the camcorder directly from an AC power outlet.

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Detailed steps for inserting and removing Mini DV cassettes.

Inserting and Removing a Card

Instructions for inserting and removing SD/MultiMedia cards.

Installing the Lithium Batteries

Guide for installing the memory battery and the remote control battery.

Notes on Lithium Battery Use

Important notes and precautions regarding the handling and use of lithium batteries.

Setting the Date and Time

Basic Operations

Selecting the Camcorder Mode

Guide to selecting between Tape Camera, Tape Playback, Card Camera, and Card Playback modes.

Easy Camera Recording in Full Auto Mode

Step-by-step guide for recording video in Full Auto mode on tape.

Zooming

How to use the optical zoom to enlarge or reduce the subject visually.

Power Standby Mode

Auto Focus

Explanation of the auto focus feature and when manual focus might be needed.

Macro Shots

Using Earphones

Adjusting Phones Volume

Tape Playback

Instructions for playing back recorded video from a tape.

Volume Control

Still Playback

Video Search

Watching Playback on TV

Useful Features

Using Mode Screens

Using Menu Screens

Setting the Digital Zoom

Backlight Compensation (BLC)

Using BLC to brighten subjects against dark backgrounds.

Gain-up Function

How to use gain-up to record brighter pictures in low light conditions.

Fine Picture Adjustment

Adjusting brightness for better subject detail, especially in backlit scenes.

Using the LED Video Light

Selecting LED Video Light Mode

Fade In and Fade Out Effects

Quick Return Function

Edit Search Function

Still Recording on Tape

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS)

Stabilizing images by electronically compensating for minor camera shake.

Wide Mode Recording

Power Save Mode

Self Recording

Self Recording with Reversed Grip

Recording in LP Mode

Selecting 16-bit Audio Recording Mode

Mounting the Zoom Microphone

Selecting Zoom Microphone Mode

Windbreak Function

Playback Features

Overview of playback operations using the remote control and on-screen menus.

Using the Remote Control

Tape Playback Functions with Remote Control

Picture Effect Playback

Rotate Playback

Fine Picture Playback

Copying Image from Tape to Card

Stretch Playback

Advanced Features

Advanced Camera Recording Features

Advanced settings and techniques for camera recording.

Manual Focus

How to set the camcorder to Manual Focus mode and focus manually.

Returning to Auto Focus

Switching back from Manual Focus mode to Auto Focus mode.

Displaying Manual Setting Screen

Adjusting White Balance

Selecting appropriate white balance settings for different lighting conditions.

Locking White Balance

Fixing the white balance setting to a standard balance (White Balance Lock).

Manual Iris Adjustment

Manually adjusting the iris value to correct exposure in high contrast scenes.

Manual Gain Adjustment

Adjusting gain manually to record dark scenes or backlit subjects brighter.

Setting the Shutter Speed

Manually setting shutter speed for high-quality pictures in various lighting conditions.

Setting Camcorder to Full Auto Mode

Setting all camcorder functions to Full Auto mode in one operation.

Scene Menu (Program AE)

Selecting scene settings for optimal picture quality in specific situations.

Digital Picture Effects

Advanced Playback Features

Advanced playback options including time code and audio features.

Using the Time Code

Audio Dubbing Feature

Audio Recording Modes

Audio Dubbing Operation

Selecting Audio Playback Mode

Editing Videos

Cutting Unwanted Sequences

Recording from External Source

Editing with DV Terminal (IEEE1394)

Using Camcorder as Converter

Digital Still Camera Features

Camera Recording

Features and operations for recording still images on a card.

Selecting Picture Quality and Image Size

Choosing image quality and resolution for still images.

Selecting Image Size

Choosing pixel count for still images to balance detail and memory usage.

Card Recording

How to take and record still pictures on a memory card.

Selecting Flash Mode

Red-eye Reduction

Recording with Self-Timer

Formatting a Card

Procedure to format memory cards before use or when encountering errors.

Setting File Numbering Method

Playback

Playback operations for still images recorded on a card.

Card Playback

How to play back and view still images recorded on a card.

Delete Protection

Preventing accidental erasure of important images by protecting them.

Deleting Stored Images

Deleting individual unwanted images to free up card memory.

Deleting All Stored Images

Deleting all images stored on a card in one operation.

Print Order (DPOF)

Assigning Print Order to an Image

Assigning Print Order to All Images

Direct Print

Calendar Print

Transferring Data to Computer

System Requirements for Software

Minimum system requirements for installing the camcorder software.

Installing the USB Driver

Step-by-step guide for installing the USB driver for PC connection.

Transferring Card Data to Computer

Steps for transferring data from card to computer via USB cable.

Disconnecting the USB Cable

Squeeze Playback

Slide Show Playback

Appendix

Picture and Backlight Adjustments

Setting Camcorder to Factory Presettings

Restoring the camcorder to its original factory default settings.

Precautions for Mini DV Cassette Use

Protecting Recordings from Accidental Erasure

Precautions for Memory Cards

Protecting Your Images

Cleaning Memory Cards

Condensation on Memory Cards

Removable Storage Care

Battery Pack

Information on charging, using, and storing the camcorder's lithium-ion battery pack.

Charging the Battery Pack

Instructions for charging the battery pack between 10°C and 30°C.

Using the Battery Pack

Cleaning the Camcorder

Troubleshooting

Table of common symptoms, possible causes, and suggested solutions for camcorder issues.

Camcorder Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the camcorder and its AC adapter.

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