How to run diagnostics tests on camcorders?

[lebroz]

I know camcorders have proprietary connectors hidden, and some also have a diagnostics program built in that are accessible with a combination of key pressing. Anything else out there?

What do the pro's and semi pro's use to test equipment?

power on time, time on heads, playback and recording done...

Way to check usage and condition through firewire? (I'm a programmer so it should be possible) Any freeware programs in early stages? Any commercial programs?

[galt]

Hey good questions, probbaly camera specific. I am thinking about buying a used DXV100. What kind of things should I do or check prior to purchase?

[lebroz]

Yeah and no, people always talk about how they have this and that amount of hours on their camera? so how? if taken to a tech place then how do they do it? I have seen the specialty connectoors from different brands usually hidden by a plastic clip or mostly by a peice of plastic with one screw removel.

This would be really sad if no one knows this here considering people here (most) spend more than $3000 on equipment?

Do all of you semi pro's really depend on service centers for diognosis of your camcorder equipment. or a few people just being a little lazy
:-X

[PanasonicNZ]

Only useful information is the hour meter that is accesible through the menu. Power on time is not relevant and head hours adds up either way (rec or pb). What else do you nned to know? The hidden connector is for service only, which is done via a special jig and a pc. Nothing a user can do (good) through there, no matter how good programmer he is. I suggest leave it to the experts.

[lebroz]

leave it to the experts?

It is harder to be a cameraman on the fly, making adjustments understanding lighting and taking directions from a director.

That is your professional answer? It says your a professional. That is the first reply that actually ticked me off. It wasn't an answer, it was a deterrent. Why wouldn't an option like this exist(It does) People here collectively spend thousands on pansonic products and there is no way to do a self check up?

You work for panasonic dont you ;)

[HorseFilms]

I think the best way to judge whether or not a camera is functioning properly is to run it through a few practical shooting tests. Different lighting setups, etc. Besides head hours, there's not much else I'd need to see besides the actual footage that comes out of it.

[Barry_Green]

Er, Lebroz, yes PanasonicNZ does work for Panasonic! :) He's the boss of all things DVX for the territory that includes New Zealand.

[PanasonicNZ]

Hey, Lebroz, I'm sorry you got angry, but THAT connector is a SERVICE connector. You will not get useful information through there unless you have the service jig, the service software and you are VERY familiar with DV format. You can change settings in there that cannot be restored by anyone else than the factory itself. There's no useful information with regards of camera functionality. Camera settings can be done through menu and beleive me, there are no hidden tricks (other than your talent) to get that look out of it. You don't need much to tell if your camera has 5000 hours on the heads, if the white balance works or the iris is stuck. If some people prefer a service person to check their camera, it's his option, but noone will go into service mode for that. And yes, it's a deterrent, because I know lots of inquisitive people who can create chaos with a small screwdriver.

[lebroz]

My apologies pananz, your just doing your job, and i know what you mean, havoc with a screwdriver. I'm sure a few people will do more harm than good with this.

It would be a nice feature, although it would be harder for liars that sell used out cameras to people and easy for panasonic to overcharge for repairs, other than the above still would be a nice add on,

Do any pana pro products have self diognosis? $10,000+ range

Also can a consumer become pana certified and purchase the special software and connection kit
thanks L.J.

[PanasonicNZ]

You should thake the matter further with Panasonic US. You're out of my league here.