Sony DSR-PD170 Camera Problem - HELP!

[NVP5White]

This is way off topic but I know there are some videographers around.

Problem: I mis-aligned the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) connection on my PC's mainboard. This error sent 12V power from the PC to signal on the camera. There was a puff of smoke as soon as I connected the camera to the PC. The camera works 100% except for the Firewire I/O.

Obviously this will need to be repaired since the camera is worth several thousand dollars (but is out of warranty, BTW) and is needed for production work at work. I have received a quote from Sony who says they work on this model camera for a "flat rate of $625...) Not sure if this means they'll look at it for $625 or fix it for that price.

How you can help: The other option I want to consider is a local repair. The camera is located 6 miles outside of Washington DC and I got to believe there are a number of qualified repair technicians in the area. However, I am having trouble locating people so is there a resource listing Sony trained techs? Sony certainly doesn't provide that information...Anyone know of where I can find this type of information?

Also, are there forums for users of pro DV cameras where I could search for users with a similar situation? I'm definitely not a video professional...where do the pros go for information?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

www.simplydv.co.uk

 

[girth]

If it costs $700+ to fix you might as well just buy a brand new one for another $400.
http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=192986

 

[NVP5White]

If it costs $700+ to fix you might as well just buy a brand new one for another $400.
http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=192986

Girth,

I really appreciate the recommendation (same to you Funky) but the camera is basically a broadcast quality standard definition DVCam which retails new for $2,800. Getting it repaired for 25% of its replacement value is not fun, but it makes more sense then scrapping the camera.

Note that while the Firewire I/O is not working we have been using a $400 miniDV consumer camera to get video shot with the Sony onto my PC for editing.

 

[girth]

Girth,

I really appreciate the recommendation (same to you Funky) but the camera is basically a broadcast quality standard definition DVCam which retails new for $2,800. Getting it repaired for 25% of its replacement value is not fun, but it makes more sense then scrapping the camera.

Note that while the Firewire I/O is not working we have been using a $400 miniDV consumer camera to get video shot with the Sony onto my PC for editing.

I'm not following you....the link I posted is for the exact same camera you're talking about -- for $1099.

 

[NVP5White]

I guess I misread your post by omitting the word "another"...in any event, I think repairing the current unit for $625 and purchasing another [refurbished] unit may be the way to go. Have you ever purchased from that website?

 

[girth]

No I haven't ever purchased from that website....and I do agree it seems a little odd that they are selling the cam for 1/2 the price of all the other places.

Is it only the firewire port that's bad? If so maybe you can find another lower-end cam that has a firewire output that you can use just for playing. Since the camera records fine and all of that it would suck to have to pay that much just for the wirewire output IF there is a cheaper alternative.