Unusable, even after $200 repair
Written: May 16 '04
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Pros: Nice size, weight
Cons: Riddled with digital noise / pixel distortion problems, rendering camera unusable
The Bottom Line: Camera broke after a TINY bit of use, and even an expensive repair did not fix it. I'm out $1000 and many unrecorded memories of my kids' toddlerhoods.
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| catsav's Full Review: JVC Cybercam GR-DVL920 Mini DV Camcorder |
The camera has only worked properly for a few (less than 15) hours of the time we've owned it. After just a bit of normal use, it started to insert significant "digital noise" into the recording, the viewfinder blanks out entirely, it won't focus .... it's basically unusable.
I purchased the camera as a gift for my husband in July of 2002. As new parents, we expected that we would want a camcorder to record important moments in our children’s infancy and toddlerhood. We have not been able to do so, as the camera has been out of commission or in the repair shop for most of the time we've owned it.
In September of 2003, after less than 15 total hours of normal use, significant digital noise / pixel distortion and a “head cleaning required” message began to appear. We followed the prescribed procedure and cleaned the video heads with a MiniDV cleaning tape. The problem was not corrected, so we sought repair of the camcorder (to the tune of more than $200). A rebuild of the drum assembly, supply and takeup reels was performed by a JVC-authorized repair center.
Since then, we have recorded less than two hours of tape, and the digital noise problem has again reappeared. Some research suggests that we are not the only ones who have had this difficulty with our JVC camcorder. Since my difficulties, I have found hundreds of consumer comments that suggest that this and several other models of JVC digital camcorders and DV recorders are riddled with digital noise problems.
I have never been so dissatisfied with such a major purchase and am currently seeking a full refund from JVC. Wish me luck.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 750
Recommended for: Home and Families - Keep Memories of Family Vacations
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Epinions.com ID:
catsav
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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