JVC Camcorder Question

[Bekki]

Hi Everybody

Last year I brought a new JVC DV camera for our July trip, when we was out there we had numerous troubles with condensation, everyday I would go to put it on and it would come up with the error message and we had to wait until it had cleared itself which normally took up a lot of battery. When we got home we went to play back with tapes and we had another error message which ended up having to go back to Curry’s for repair. Luckily the tapes played back okay but some in some parts the sound is very crackly. Has anybody else had this problem and what can I do so we don’t have this problem again in October?

Thx
Bekki

 

[Dimplenose]

We had the same problem in August. It needed a couple of hours to "acclimatise" to the outside humidity after being in Air conditioning. It refused to work unless we cleaned the head regularly, unfortunately it was new and we hadn't thought about getting a cleaning tape. Luckily we got a cleaner from a shop in Crossroads, but it was very frustrating.

Libby

 

[matty624]

Our JVC mini dv camcorder has only come up with the dew problem a couple of times in 3 visits to Orlando so far.
We have found that the sound is pretty poor though, especially when filming the fireworks, every bang completely upset it, and the sound disappeared altogether!
It's also completely awful when filming in anything other than really good light. Unfortunately dw won't agree to buying a newer model for this year's forth coming trip! She will insist on buying the children clothes, you've just got to get your priorities right...
Ian

 

[poohstix]

Sorry you had this problem.

I too use a Digital camcorder. Although mine is a Sony I have never had any problems with it.

Our last visit to Dis was in Late October and it was fine. The humidity is lower at this time than in July so that might be the reason why.

Having said that I have also taken it to Hong Kong which in my opinion is even worse. So sticky sometimes you can not stand it and had no probs.

I can not offer any help except not sure if this helps.

I keep the camcorder in its carry case in the hotel room. It is well padded and black with good lining.

Put it in the car and normally do not use it for an hour or so once it has left the hotel.

This gives the camera a little time to get used to the change in temperature and so reduce the condensation.

I am making a stab in the dark but only a thought.

You may find October it will work fine as I said less humid.

Anyway have a great trip (Going late October again this year )
Can't wait

 

[mike230652]

Bekki

We had a similar problem.

Cured it by:

leaving the camcorder in pool area ( no air-con. ) Leave it out of its case and take out the tape. When travelling leave it in the boot , again out of its case.

The nearer it is to the air temperature the better.


mike230652

 

[poohstix]

Hi Again

Mike is correct but we do not wish to confuse you.

If you DO have a private pool that is the best thing to do.

However, if you use a public pool you will not be able to do this.

It is all about trying to keep the camera at a steady temperature.

And not move from one extreme to another.

Always keep it in the boot of the car for security. also as Mike said it will be closer to the outside temperature.

Regards

poohstix

 

[Nick The Cat]

Bekki,

I have a much simpler, and well used solution.

When you go out of an air conditioned / cool and dry environment to a warm and humid one - put the whole camcorder inside a polythene bag, making sure it is sealed airtight. Do this BEFORE you go out. Then, after you've gone outside, wait for (approx) 30 minutes before taking the camcorder out of the bag. This allows it to heat up to the ambient warm temperature while remaining in a "dry" environment. As it's warm when you take it out, you don't get any condensation !

Also works a treat at Center Parcs when you go into the tropical swimming paradise ! (That's where I found out about this trick).

For best results leave as little "spare" air in the polythene bag as possible (squeeze as much as possible out). Everthing in the bag has to be warmed up - so ideally just the camcorder. Air in the bag just means you need to wait an hour rather than 30 minutes.

(Ziplock bags are great for this).

Good luck !

Jack

 

[Bekki]

Hi,

Thanks very much for all your suggestions and I will try them all. Hopefuly we will enjoy using the camera more this year.

I nearly left the damn thing there last year as we thought it was more trouble than it was worth!! You just never (well we didn't ) think that humidy can cause so much trouble and inconvenience.

Thanks again.
Bekki