Panasonic Video Camera

D

doug748

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A lot of people have this, or similar, camera for use on the boat:

View attachment 57369

I think mine has had it's chips. Just a black screen, the menus work but it records nothing and won't take stills. The audio recording still works though.

I have tried a new battery and leaving it to reset.

Anyone had similar or can suggest anything before it goes in the bin? Very annoying as it has not lasted long and never been under water. Thanks
 
doug748 said:
Just a black screen, the menus work but it records nothing and won't take stills. The audio recording still works though.
Click to expand...

black screen, will not take stills? Sounds like someone has left the lens cap on ;-) - Remembering some black screen and audio from Uni Sailing nationals more than a decade ago.

ME: "Is everyone having a good time" DRUNK SAILORS: "YESSSSS" ME "Oh I have left the lens cap on"
(The audio recording still works though.)
 
your plan to run the battery completely flat is a good one

you could try changing the sd card

have you looked at the menu to see if anything in there has been re-set

have any kids played with the camera

I have found mine to be incredibly reliable

I have dropped the camera several times, it has lived in a wet pocket

if mine wet zip I would buy another from ebay the very next day

best pocket camera I have ever had

D

this was shot on the little camera

 
Have just checked through the manuals and menu's on both of mine with no immediate answer to the problem. The only thing I can think of is that somehow the camera has been set to the Webcam mode which, although I haven't tried it, could well blank out the screen. However this mode would only normally be activated when the USB able is attached. However if the menu's are shown I don't think the screen is the problem.
 
Thanks for the suggestions have tried the lot, it looks like the sensor has had it.

Has anyone any suggestions for someone who might look at it? Usual problem, it is probably cheaper to get a used one on the 'Bay.

Failing that.... I will take it to bits and see if some ribbon connector has come apart

Failing that....is anyone au fait with the newer, similar, model designations that use the same batteries and card storage and are waterproof? Mine is the
HX-WA2.
 
Thanks Giblets, they were very helpful and agree these cameras are generally reliable.
However it may be an Imager or Lens problem and it looks like £110 + VAT, which probably puts it well inside the E Bay used envelope.
 
I bought a new-used one in the end. The old one is as dead as a doornail, I keep trying it hoping for a miracle.

It seems the new model (WA3) is not going to be officially marketed in the UK, maybe due declining sales of dedicated video cameras. There is a used one on amazon for 500 quid!

Prices are, as usual, zany on E Bay. This one went for a wopping £273:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131810520630?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Whilst this example of the very latest update fetched only £83:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121988403320?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 
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