How to solve Dew Detection Problem in Panasonic MiniDV Camcoder PV-DV203?

Question

Hi,
I have a Panasonic MiniDV Camcorder PV-DV203. I am getting a message "DEW DETECTED - EJECT TAPE". The camcorder shutts off after few seconds. I kept it open for more than 24 hours, still i get this message. How to solve it ?

Answer 1

I do not want to offend anyone, but the first two people who answered didnt even take the time to do research before answering your question.

A simple google search for "dew detected" will quickly tell you what's going on.
There is a VERY small chance that you can get your camera working again by opening the tape deck and blowing air inside with a hair dryer. (Not too hot!! you dont want to melt a ribbon inside)Also, try opening the latch that has the firwire output. There's a battery there. Right next to the SD card. Take the battery out(press on left and right sides, and pull out). Then blow air into the opening.

If that doesnt work, leave the camera in a dry place for a week. If you still get "dew detected" after a week, YOU ARE SCREWED. The real truth is, that these cameras have a faulty moisture sensor(factory defect). Some people get lucky, and they use their camcorder with no problems for a couple years untill their camera dies a horrible "dew" death.
Some are less lucky and their camera gets the "dew" a lot faster.

People tried sending the camera in for repair, but panasonic wants $200+ in most cases. (not worth it)

Some tech savvy people were able to open the camera, find the broken part and repair it by ordering a new one from panasonic. (according to one person it costs $25)
I wouldnt advise opening your camera because cances are you'll do more harm than good unless you know what you're doing.

Oh, and just so you know everything I told you is 100% legit and comes from forums, and people like you and me. I did not just make it all up.

ADVICE: If you are lucky enough to get the camera working again, sell it on ebay quick! Hopefully the buyer will get "dew detected" sometime after the sale, so he wont blame it on you. If you're lucky mabe you can get $200-250 for it which will go a long way toward a new purchase.

If you dont get the camera working, still sell it on e-bay and state what the problem is. Mabe someone who knows how to fix cameras will give you $100 for it.

Answer 2

If you live in an area with high humidity, condensation can build up in the camera. It must be a tricky little camera if it has a moisture detector in it.

Place a dry towel in the bottom of a container large enough for the camera, and place the camera on the towel with the cassette slot opened. Put a lamp above the camera to provide a small amount of heat to evaporate the moisture in the camera.

When not in use, I like to keep my cameras in an airtight container with several silicon packets inside to prevent moisture from getting inside, or at least keep several of them in your camera bag.

You can also place a silicon packet in the cassette slot when not in use. Don't forget to remove it before inserting a cassette, and NEVER leave a cassette in your camera when not in use.

Answer 3

You may have to keep it in a dry place for a week or more. Some type of condensation got into to one of the sensors.