I'm considering whether to get our Panasonic NVGS3 camcorder repaired (it
doesn't seem to play back tapes although it seems to record ok - at least
the screen says it's recording!) or whether to just get a new one.
Are there any good deals out there (with dv in and out)?


--
I used to be indecisive but I don't think I am now. Well, maybe I am, just a
little, possibly. But on the other hand ..

Ray wrote:
I'm considering whether to get our Panasonic NVGS3 camcorder repaired
(it doesn't seem to play back tapes although it seems to record ok -
at least the screen says it's recording!) or whether to just get a
new one.
Are there any good deals out there (with dv in and out)?

I recently got an NV-GS5 on eBay. Before I went for that, the price point
for DV in/out camcorders was around 350 quid in the high street places like
Jessops and Argos. Maybe around 300 was doable, but I stopped looking when I
got the GS5 in mint condition, with tapes and a bag, for £180.

If repairing your GS3 is uneconomical and you end up chucking it out, you're
welcome to chuck it my way... :-)


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk

In message , Ray
writes
I'm considering whether to get our Panasonic NVGS3 camcorder repaired (it
doesn't seem to play back tapes although it seems to record ok - at least
the screen says it's recording!) or whether to just get a new one.
Are there any good deals out there (with dv in and out)?

You might try lurking on Ebay as I did. I've very recently paid £325 for
a "new" second-hand Sony DCR-TRV80E. Packed in its original box with all
the bits and pieces (some still sealed in plastic). It was claimed to
have only been used for one hour, and it certainly looks that way.

--
Tony Morgan
http://www.camcord.info

In message , SjT writes
Tony Morgan Kissed me, Licked me, then
left me a note:

You might try lurking on Ebay as I did. I've very recently paid £325 for
a "new" second-hand Sony DCR-TRV80E. Packed in its original box with all
the bits and pieces (some still sealed in plastic). It was claimed to
have only been used for one hour, and it certainly looks that way.

I notice on same cams you can pull up the counter function to see how
much it's been used, is there a universal method to show this menu on
sony cams?

I've never seen (or heard) of that facility.

The only remotely similar facility I've seen is that on Sony laptops
that uniquely identify each battery, and give the number of recharge
cycles that a particular battery has had. It's generally acknowledged
that the life (and "goodness") of LIon batteries depends on the number
of charge/discharge cycles.

This dialogue has reminded me that the TRV80E came (to me) with a
virtually fully discharged battery, which tends to support the claim
that it was only used for an hour. The Sony dry batteries in the remote
also showed (when metered) no use (I checked before I considered
refitting with new batteries).
--
Tony Morgan
http://www.camcord.info

"Tony Morgan" wrote in message
...
In message , SjT writes
snip
I notice on same cams you can pull up the counter function to see how
much it's been used, is there a universal method to show this menu on
sony cams?

I've never seen (or heard) of that facility.


Well it's a standard function on pro gear so I wouldn't be at all surprised
if a similar facility is available on domestic camcorders, although this
will probably be via the (supposed) dealer only service menu options.

On Thu, 24 Feb 2005 12:04:44 GMT, Tony Morgan
allegedly wrote:

It's generally acknowledged
that the life (and "goodness") of LIon batteries depends on the number
of charge/discharge cycles.

I guess that should be clarified as full cycles. So if you discharge only
half way twice, then that counts as 1 full discharge. Unlike Nicad, it's
not necessary to drain all the way.