Avoid JVC camcorders!

I recently bought a JVC mini camcorder that broke after limited use. So I went to one of their factory authorized repair places only to find that JVC will not allow anyone to repair my model but themselves. (God only knows if your model falls into this category).

So I shipped it to their repair facility in New Jersey. I got back the repair estimate for $493.00 to repair a simple "playback" button that no longer works. I paid about $850.00 for the unit when new a few years back. They charge $50.00 just to look at the unit plus shipping. So I'm out $90.00 for nothing.

I could get a new Canon Optura S1 which is a much better camcorder with more features for $558.00 online at Beach Camera. So why have a piece of junk repaired for the price of a better new camcorder?

My experience is that JVC camcorders are cheaply made, and when they brake they are throw-away useless. Buyer beware!

And for some reason their models don't have a night mode. I also like to have the mics in the front of the camcorder like the Canon S1 instead of on top so they you don't have to hold your breath while shooting like on my JVC model. (It will pick up any of your breathing sounds).