Camcorder problem

MissShal

Hi, we've got a camcorder, it was bought around August '05. Hasn't been used a lot really, just for christmas and our daughters birthday etc.

I took it out of the cupboard a few weeks ago and switched it on to find that the screen stayed black. When I switched it onto playback mode it worked fine, then when I switch it back to record mode the screen is showing a picture, but there is a horizontal line through the middle and it is light at the top, and darker at the bottom.

I left it alone for a bit to see what happened, but nothing changed. I tried pressing the reset button, and then when I switched it on the picture was all screwed up - it looked like a barcode!

I tried it again yesterday and now no matter what I do the screen just stays black. It's looking like I need to buy a new one in time for christmas but does anyone have any tips to try before I pay out for another one?

BillScarab

The make and model would be a help. Can you record using the viewfinder? If so at least you won't have to rush to buy a new one.

MissShal

Hi, it's a Sony DCR-HC18E. It doesn't show anything at all, not even on the viewfinder unfortunately! Last time I tried it recorded the sound, just no picture

BillScarab

Doesn't sound good then. I would have thought the only option is to take it somewhere and see if it is repairable. But depending on the cost of a repair it's may be easier to and as cheap to buy a new one. I did a quick google and found this site hich seems to mention a couple of similar problems

http://www.fixya.com/search/p398756-sony_dcr_hc18e_mini_dv_digital_camcorder/dcr_hc18e

but no solution unfortunately

MissShal

That website has links to a page which shows that my camcorder is part of a faulty batch...have found the same information on the Sony website and after a quick call to Sony I'm just about to package it up and send it back to them for a free repair!

Thankyou so much! Might not have it back in time for Christmas but you've just saved me over £100! :beer: