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Camcorder Problems :-(

P

PBarton

Active Member
Original Poster
Hi everyone,

I know this is in the wrong place but I thought more people would be able to read it in General Discussion.

We are going to WDW on Friday. I was just checking all my things to make sure I have everything, and to charge my Digital Camera and DV Camera.

The thing is, after charging my DV Camcorder - A Sony DCR-HC14 I have discovered a problem :eek: :cry:

If I set the camcorder in the "Playback" mode it works fine, I can watch back old footage that I have taken. But when I put it in the "record" mode, the screen goes blank.. No picture whatsoever through the LCD or Viewfinder?? I have tried inserting a DV tape and pressing record, but all that happens is that it records the sound only and no picture. I HAVE removed the lens cover before you suggest that!

Seems really odd, it was working perfectly before - I used it 2 years ago at WDW, and also used it here to copy the footage onto my computer to burn to disc. It has never been used other than that, has never been dropped and is still like new..

I could get a new DV cam tomorrow but the problem is that I have an extended life Stamina battery for the Camcorder (about 10 hours recording) and it will be incompatible with any new cameras. I will do without the camcorder altogether if I can't get this sorted, normal batteries last for an hour tops- won't be worth bothering with.

I am really upset about this, was hoping to record all of our stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there must be something I have forgotten to do...

Any help would be great , thanks..
 
dbogue

dbogue

New Member
i'm really sorry to hear that. i'm mr. video nerd guy, and i can't figure out why that is happening either. Did you take it anywhere such as wolf camera or best buy (even tho they charge a bit much). PERSONALLY: i find it a hassle for the camera all the time, but i'll be doin' my best to figure it out, GOOD LUCK!
 
P

PBarton

Active Member
Original Poster
No, I'm in England, there is nothing like that here - I go the day after tomorrow anyway...

Guess I should have checked it out sooner, although there was no need to think that it would not be working.

Could it have something to do with when I had it connected to the PC? It was connected via Firewire, maybe there is a setting that I have changed?? Although it is a long shot :cry:

Anyone? Even the most basic of suggestions may be a help! I have removed the lens cover! When it is in record mode, it records the sound only, no pictures. When I alter the zoom, I can see the lens moving - so that works.

The LCD screen is blank, with maybe some moving black interference type stuff (hard to make out).

:( :cry:
 
TAC

TAC

New Member
Does it have a night shot mode ? If so, make sure it is NOT in night shot. I had that happen to me once.

If not, are there any error messages on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder ?
 
barnum42

barnum42

New Member
Either contact Sony Directly to see if someone has any ideas:

08705 111 999 (England, Wales & Scotland) 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Or check the yellow pages / yell.co.uk for any camera repair centres nearby. They may be able to help if it's something basic.

Or you may find a used camcorder that your can use the long life battery on.
 
P

PBarton

Active Member
Original Poster
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I have not got Niteshot switched on, I have tried that! When I switch it on the LCD displays Niteshot as normal..

This is really annoying me now...:fork:
 
P

PBarton

Active Member
Original Poster
barnum42 said:
Or you may find a used camcorder that your can use the long life battery on.
Click to expand...
Nope, we fly out on Friday morning... no time for that really.

Thanks anyway! :wave:
 
D

dac921

New Member
PBarton said:
Hi everyone,

I know this is in the wrong place but I thought more people would be able to read it in General Discussion.

We are going to WDW on Friday. I was just checking all my things to make sure I have everything, and to charge my Digital Camera and DV Camera.

The thing is, after charging my DV Camcorder - A Sony DCR-HC14 I have discovered a problem :eek: :cry:

If I set the camcorder in the "Playback" mode it works fine, I can watch back old footage that I have taken. But when I put it in the "record" mode, the screen goes blank.. No picture whatsoever through the LCD or Viewfinder?? I have tried inserting a DV tape and pressing record, but all that happens is that it records the sound only and no picture. I HAVE removed the lens cover before you suggest that!

Seems really odd, it was working perfectly before - I used it 2 years ago at WDW, and also used it here to copy the footage onto my computer to burn to disc. It has never been used other than that, has never been dropped and is still like new..

I could get a new DV cam tomorrow but the problem is that I have an extended life Stamina battery for the Camcorder (about 10 hours recording) and it will be incompatible with any new cameras. I will do without the camcorder altogether if I can't get this sorted, normal batteries last for an hour tops- won't be worth bothering with.

I am really upset about this, was hoping to record all of our stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there must be something I have forgotten to do...

Any help would be great , thanks..
Click to expand...

That happened to me... I forgot to take the lens cover off.
 
Uponastar

Uponastar

Well-Known Member
Before you give up altogether check your manual for a trouble-shooting guide.
If you don't have a manual, try the company website.
I asked my husband about your problem, he said it could be something as minor as the heads needing to be cleaned to something bigger like a blown lamp.
 
barnum42

barnum42

New Member
PBarton said:
Nope, we fly out on Friday morning... no time for that really.

Thanks anyway! :wave:
Click to expand...
Then it's down to phoning Sony if you don't have a nearby camera repair centre.

Phone the Dixons (or whatever) at the airport duty free and see what they are charging for a new camera. You may save a few quid that way.
 
no2apprentice

no2apprentice

Well-Known Member
M-m-m-m...since you can play back tapes, but no image when you record, I would take a wild guess (very wild guess) that there are two possibilities: (1) heads need cleaning or (2) heads need adjustment.

Any chance the camera has been bumped fairly hard or dropped? Little curious hands in your household? If there is a chance the problem is more than the heads, you would be better off (my opinion) investing in a new camera.

The real question is whether or not you can find a reliable shop that can look at it in the short time before your trip.

Good luck! I hope you find a solution.
 
dolbyman

dolbyman

Well-Known Member
you have any kind of reset button on your camcorder ? .. maybe using that might help


Turn off the camcorder.
Remove the battery pack.
Disconnect AC power adapter.
Move the power switch to the ON position for 15 seconds.
Move the power switch to the OFF position.
Reconnect the AC power adapter or reinsert the battery.
Turn on the camcorder.
Click to expand...
 
barnum42

barnum42

New Member
Well that's a pain. You going to get a new camera? Or any chance you can borrow a friend's for the trip?

Either way, have a great time in The World
 

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