Need some reassurance on the Panasonic GS400, please.

[geostott]

Looks like with my budget and need, the GS400 is the camera I want. Just that darned tape transport problem bothering me. A site called OneCall .com have the lowest price I've seen. Though it is not in stock they are taking reservations at the price. I'm afraid that if I get a defective one It will be a real hassle returning it, etc. The other choice is to pay $150 or so more with a more local place like B&H (I'm in NJ) so returning it won't be as much a problem. It sounds crazy to be buying a camera with already having thoughts about returning it but I've read the reports on some websites and it sound like it could happen. But it it I asked OneCall and they say they've never had one returned. Do I just go for the price? Has the problem been over exagerated (I don't mean the severity of the problem but the number of units with the problem)? Sound to me like the camera to get for the features at that price range. ANy input would be appreciated.

George in NJ

[Skith]

A few things to consider:

Most people post reports/complaints when things go wrong, not when everything is fine.

Buy from a place that has a clearly written return and exchange policy. See if the company is registered with the BBB, if so, you can check their history at the www.bbb.org. Check sites like www.resellerratings.com to get an idea of companies history. Read the comments that give poor ratings.

IMO, spending a few dollers more to buy from a reputable dealer is well worth it (there are many reputable online dealers).

***Be double and tripple sure to read and reread the return/exchange & warranty policy!!! Many companies exclude or have different policies for select items.***

[edDV]

The entire GS line has gone up in price due to popularity. Don't take too much risk to save a couple of bucks.

[proxyx99]

Seems their return policy is for credit only.
read here:
http://ww3.onecall.com/Policies.mpt?Pos=122&L_TK=5_4_0_277_0_0_0_15_0_0 otherwise I ve seen ppl quite happy with their service and prices. Know what you want and how you want it.

[geostott]

Thanks for your input. It seems Onecall is an authorized dealer and their return policy reads as follows: "OneCall allows you to return defective merchandise within 30 days of your purchase date. You may choose a full-credit product exchange or a full credit by the same means payment was made. Please include a detailed written description of the defect and how to replicate the problem. Merchandise found to be non-defective will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Additional fees may be assessed for missing hardware."
Sounds reasonable and they have a good price - it's just not in stock. They say they expect them in 2-3 weeks. My big concern is if I had the noise problem that I might have a problem exchanging but, that doesn't seem to be a problem. Price is $1239.99.

[Red96TA]

When I first got my GS400, it made the transport noise for about five minutes and then went away and it hasn't come back. From what I've read in various forums, it isn't a BAD transport, just noisy. Even if the noise comes back, it doesn't really bother me since I only use wireless lavalier mics anyway.