JVC GY-DV300 - anyone familiar with it?

[mainstreetprod]

Someone gave me this camera. It has a problem with tape door/eject mechanism
(error code). Wondering if it is worth spending the $200 or so to fix it. Is this a common
problem that will just repeat itself?

[Capt Quirk]

For $200, that would actually be a decent camera. However, I have my doubts about the service side of JVC. I just had a rough time with them, but again, that is an excellent deal. If you decide you don't want it, I'll take it off your hands.

[combatentropy]

I don't know if that is a common problem, but one day I rented that camera. I thought that overall the picture was better than any other camera in its price range and size. It looked more like a broadcast shoulder-mount camera's image.

But ...

- overall the camera had a flimsier feel.
- there was an obvious hot pixel or two all the time
- raising the gain for dim scenes put in more noise than other cameras
- one of the XLR jacks is in a bad place: when you plug in a cable, it touches one of the lens rings, making it hard to turn!
- and this is not a high-definition camera. Can you even do widescreen?

[mainstreetprod]

Thanks for the replies. I have an HVX, but i'm thinking of getting this camera fixed due to a request for some "quickie" run and gun indoor videos for web advertisers that would require better low light capability. Sounds like if the repair were lasting, it might be a good idea. Anyone know the best place to send it?