Canon ZR500 MiniDV camcorder died...any suggestions?

[ecuagoddess]

Hi all-
I'm not a photography buff by any means, so forgive my ignorance in advance please.
I bought a Canon ZR500 camcorder in January 2006. It worked like a dream until last Friday. I used the camcorder indoors Saturday May 17th, played the video back on our TV that same night, then turned it off and put it back in the case. Friday the 23rd, my husband tried to use it, and it wouldn't turn on. Tried to charge it- nothing happened, the little red lights were not blinking. Bought a new battery pack ($50), still nothing.
Luckily, there is a Canon office here on Oahu, so my DH took it over there this morning. They couldn't tell him exactly what was wrong, but said it would cost about $154 to fix it, and it would take 10-20 business days since they had to send it to California.
Does anyone have any ideas/experience with a camera dropping dead in less than 1 week while sitting in a padded case? There's absolutely no chance that it was dropped, dripped on, etc. Is repairing it worth it at all? If I go the repair route, should I do it through Canon or maybe try a local camera shop?
Thanks for any advice anyone might have.

 

[ghost1000]

I would say it isn't worth getting fixed since it is an older model and that is what a new one would cost these days (and their estimate might be wrong).

I just checked and buydig.com has the Canon ZR800 for $154 with free shipping, and they have several other models to choose from for a few dollars more. I believe the ZR series all use the same batteries so you can use the new one you purchased also.

 

[dr_zero]

I would say it isn't worth getting fixed since it is an older model and that is what a new one would cost these days (and their estimate might be wrong).

I just checked and buydig.com has the Canon ZR800 for $154 with free shipping, and they have several other models to choose from for a few dollars more. I believe the ZR series all use the same batteries so you can use the new one you purchased also.

That is a good deal we paid close to 3 for our cannon a couple years back!

Check Beach camera also they might have it for a little less.

 

[MICKEY88]

I would say it isn't worth getting fixed since it is an older model and that is what a new one would cost these days (and their estimate might be wrong).

I just checked and buydig.com has the Canon ZR800 for $154 with free shipping, and they have several other models to choose from for a few dollars more. I believe the ZR series all use the same batteries so you can use the new one you purchased also.

LOL

I was reading your post, and noticed there was an add at the top of the page for the Canon ZR800...Office max has it for 149

 

[awoltoday]

B&H also has it for 149 & free shipping (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478924-REG/Canon_1880B001_ZR800_Mini_DV_Camcorder.html)

 

[ecuagoddess]

Thanks everyone! We are leaving for Disney next week, so I already purchased the ZR800 from Beach Camera for that trip since I needed another one right away. Should get here on Friday! I had limited options because of my location- the Office Max here doesn't sell videocameras at all, other sites don't ship to Hawaii at all or not fast enough, Free Shipping rarely applies here, etc.

I was just wondering if it would be worth it to fix the ZR500and give to my DD as a "starter" videocamera. I guess not.