Problem with Sony DCR-HC20E

Hi Guys,

I have recently had to take my DV camera (above) back to the shop to get repaired. The DV out stopped working, and would only work intermittantly if I jiggled the cable in the socket. The camera is only about two years old, and is not really used all that much - so there's really no reason why there would be excessive wear or tear.

I was told there was 'corrosion' on the various parts, and quoted $1,423 (Australian) to repair/replace the DV socket ($30), the Main PCB ($915) and the Regulator PCB ($295). I found this to be ridiculous considering I only paid around $750 for the camera - so obviously I told them to shove it.

First of all, I don't know too much about how these things work - so I don't know what these parts do, if it is actually necessary to replace all of them, and whether or not they could just be repaired instead. Second of all, how in the world can individual components cost more than the whole camera itself? Am I getting ripped off here?

I'm not sure what to do. Obviously I'm not going to pay that much when I could get a brand new camera for half the price. If I don't fix it though, I'm stuck with a camera that works fine, until I try to dump my video onto my computer for editing... I'm also not satisfied that I should have to cough up another $750 for a new camera if that is the cheapeast alternative.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!

Sony seems to only replace major assemblies rather than repair. Here they have a flat repair rate program for consumer camcorders.