Both the DS33 and the DS55 (the only difference being the 55 has a multi media card slot) have a very common intermittent fault that starts after about 2 years old.
You will find both camcoders come up with the fault code F03 on the LCD. The tape wont load correctly into the mechanism and the reels just spin and make a shizzing noise.
Ive had both the 33 and the 55 and both these have had the same problem, i also have a friend that has the 55 and has just 2 months ago got the problel.
It is an excellent camcorder apart from this fault.
If the untis 3 or 4 years old (it was released in 2001)then ide stay well away from it. If its been purchased "new" recently as new old stck then its worth getting it , youll get a good 2 years out of it.
Ide pay no more than £300 for a " new" and wouldnt even entertain a well used one.
link of one persons problems
http://www.digital-world.info/viewto...c/start-9.html
hope this helps
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