Expert: John Oliverio - 7/30/2004

Question
Thanks for your reply. The camera is only 2 years old and it was used only a few times and I haven't used it in a more than a year... Is it possible that something else is causing a problem? Is it worth fixing?

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Followup To
Question -
Hi,

I have a Panasonic Camcorder VHS-C (model PV-L352) I turned it on to record something and it didn't have picture in EVF or LCD monitor, just a black screen. I tried to record and then played back and it does record the sound just no video. It does play already recorded tapes. Have any idea what could be wrong? Thanks
Answer -
Sounds like the CCD is bad.  But it doesn't matter what is wrong with it.  Unfortunately you won't be able to fix it yourself.  If the camera is more than a few years old, it probably won't be worth fixing.

John

Answer
RJ,

Yes, it is possible that it is something else.  I mean, you can't really troubleshoot a camera very well over the net.  However, I'm pretty sure I'm right.  It plays video, so it's not the play-back head or the video output system, or even the monitors.  It records sound, but not video so it is unlikely to be the record part of the heads.  Must be the CCD.  It doesn't really matter though.  You seldom see electronics repairs of this nature for less than $150.  New analog video cameras start around $300 and digital for around $400.  I personally would just buy a new one, but you'll have to make that decision yourself.  

John