Right, I've dicided, after much thinking and asking lots of questions. I have decided that I will buy a Panasonic GS400. BUT whats this I hear there being a design fault, resulting is the mech being miss aligned resulting in a grinding noise? I have read that Panasonic are aware and wil fix the fault for free. I am right in thinking that the "newer" models from the factory should not have this fault? If so, how can I tell if my model will be free free from this fault, can i go by batch number?



Cheers all.

[videoman]

There has been a lot about this on USA sites in particular. I'm about to buy one & I am going to buy where I get a 2 year warrenty free.

Digiguy and Videoman, where are you buying and how much does the Panosonic GS400 cost?

Thanks

Tim

Its only a minor mechanical adjustment, idler not fully meshing with take-up spool, covered by warranty and not a major concern, not really a batch problem, some do, some don't, its only about 0.2 mm adjustment to idler stopper position, a quick fix, so no need to worry.

[videoman]

Hi Guys
Nomantica looks a good bet at £973 at the moment with a 2 year warrenty or for the Birmingham Guy Electrocentre at £968.49 with 1 free tape (big deal)

Dennis

Hi.

Thanks to those who repied. I intend to buy from Jessops with a price match. I keep hearing about a two year warrenty. Am I correct in thinking that this should be standard where ever you buy the camera?

I have a question about the warrenty card that you get with products. Is it worth getting it stamped by the shop? I've never bothered before as they seem to be a questionaire about lifestyle.

Cheers all

[videoman]

Hi Digiguy
Almost all warrenties are only for 12 months. What is "Jessop price match"

[Billy Hunt]

I enquired at Jessops about their price match it has to be a UK site selling genuine UK stock.But they didn't have any and would have to order it in.
So I didn't bother and got my from ebuyer instead for £880.
It isn't the UK model it's the international model, ebuyer offer their own 12 month warranty which I was happy to accept as I've returned a few things to them before with out any problems.Besides dealing directly with the manufacturer is a very slow process from my own experience.

As for the camera I'm very happy with it, I have a 36inch widescreen CRT TV and the pictures look stunning.You can get even more from it using the manual modes.
From what I understand the tape transport noise only effects a really small perecentage of the camcorders and I haven't heard of anybody having problems with recently purchased camcorders

[vulkan75]

I've had this camera for 3mths uk version no probs.....

Hi all.

Got myself a GS400 a few weeks ago. It's fantastic! Cant wait for the summer and see the results.

Cheers