Brand New DVX Fault Checklist?

[LUCAS_HITCHBERG]

I've been reading the posts on problems some people have experienced with their brand new DVX camera. There seems to be a wide range of things that can be bad (as with anything electronic). I'm still holding off on such a major purchase for several reasons, the rate of defects being one of them. I have a couple of questions for owners of the DVX100a and I hope these issues of [potential] camera defects can be objectively addressed -and put to rest.

First, what is the defect rate of the DVX100a cameras as compared with similar makes/models of video cameras?

Second, it would be a good idea to do a *complete* check of camera operations to spot defects early and to differentiate between defects and limitations. I'd like to see the collective minds (sorry for the Borg reference) put together a comprehensive checklist of performance operations for the DVX. Along with the checklist a list of known characteristics (e.g. lens clunks when power is off) and settings to minimize or eliminate unwanted performance (e.g. blacks grainy).

Maybe this is too large a challenge, but if a list of things to check along with "it's a feature not a fault" were available all in one spot it would make it easier for those of us on the fence to decide.

Could dual lists of "FAULT' and 'FEATURE' be posted and periodically updated on a special page? I know it sounds like a lot of work, but even a small compiled list would be a huge start.

Thanks,

LHB

[magicdavek]

I got my DVX100A about 2 months ago. Other than the know issue of the hiss in the headphone monitoring (it doesn't end up on tape), I had no problems whatsoever.

[Steve Ogden]

Got mine just before Christmas - one of the first batches of the new 'A' in the US. Haven't had anything go on with it other than 'operator error'. But nothing that was the camera's fault. It's been flawless.

[24Peter]

I know you're asking about the "A" but FWIW, I've had my DVX 100 for nearly 15 months and I can't think of a more reliable, solid piece of equipment. :

[rocketscience]

'Cylinder Lock'
Tape wouldnt load on the 1st 100a I received. But they shipped it back and shipped a new one out all on their dime and it's been great since.

2nd one works flawless 1st time out.

[mjhardin]

I just shot with a new one [DVX 100a] in Africa. It hit the ground HARD 3 times and kept right on working.

My only recommendation is to read the manual very carefully. If you know what to tell the camera to do, it performs beautifully.

[phd]

Got mine for 6 month ago and have no problem. Let the manual be your bible

[aaandre]

Especially the "How to hit the ground HARD" chapter!

Sorry, couldn't restrain myself.
Maybe because I remember the feeling when my DVX100a fell of a table onto the floor (*carpeted* floor - thank God!) with its LCD screen open.

The camera was on, left on the table for 30 seconds to pick something - just enough for an actor to trip in the powerstrip cable (ran out of battery power - don't ask).

Picked it up, the LCD was ok (impact was on other side) but the lens was out of focus and could not focus no matter what.

Turned the camera on and off, focus and autofocus worked again.

Camera is and has been working flawlessly before and since then. Only gripe is that the zoom and autofocus rings feel too loose (not enough friction to add smoothness to manual control).

Cheers
-- Andre

[bryster]

I got mine just before Christmas. I has worked flawlessly not problems what so ever.
I do have one issue though... The LCD screen has two smudge marks from the camera, top and bottom. You cant see them with the camera on just when they are off. Do you know of any good cleaning method for the screen? I don’t know if it is scratched... It just looks smudged.

[LUCAS_HITCHBERG]

I've been knocked off my regular routine after staining my lower back moving boxes filled with VHS tapes, so forgive my delay in responding.

Your replies have been interesting, as in first camera was bad, but the second one works flawlessly. The trouble with this kind of anecdotal evidence is that it could appear the DVX has a 50% fault rate. (Although dropping the cam hard and it still works is quite a testimonial!) A better measure would be like how Consumer Report magazine publishes a list of comparable items separated by brand and indicates which ones have more or fewer repairs as an indicator of quality.

I was hoping there is an objective comparison of the DVX and similar camcorders in regard to repair rate segmented either by individual model or at least by brand. Reading the experiences of DVXuser members with their cams, as I have here, _could_ give the impression of high rates of defects with the DVX100a. This may or may not be true. Maybe no objective numbers are available. Maybe only Panasonic knows and wants to keep them confidencial!

Since I have not yet purchased a DVX unit (for several reasons some having nothing to do with the camera itself), the idea of a brief checklist of things to test came to mind.




Audio check: mic noise, headfon noise, RL track function, etc.

Video check: bright light grain test, low light grain test, blacks grain test, etc.

Other check: OIS function test, focus test, etcetera

What's normal: non-powered lens clunk sound, etcetera.

I'm just not that familiar with the ins and outs of what to include in the tests and what to list on the 'it's normal' side. Especially since I have not even seen one yet.


Maybe I could talk Jarred into creating a page for posting both a testing protocal and a running tally of defects?

Then again, I could just buy a unit from EVS, spend a couple of days playing with it, and exchange it if it's faulty! Nah, sounds to easy.

LHB