Canon ES 8400V camcorder - received new - immediately had problems with poor quality recording

# 1 for July 16, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on July 15, 2003:

From:

RE: Canon ES 8400V camcorder - received new - immediately had problems with poor quality recording My husband and I recieved a Canon ES 8400V camcorder for Christmas. The purpose of the gift was for us to have to use to videotape our upcoming wedding ceremony. We did not use the camocorder until April 6, 2003 for my Bridal Shower. The second time we used it was on May 3, 2003 at the Kentucky Derby. We then used it on May 24, 2003 for our wedding ceremony and rehearsal. Finally, we took the camcorder on our honeymoon. After returning from our honeymoon, we attempt to view the tapes. To our dismay, the tapes lacked any type of visual quality and had no audio. The picture was so bad they we simply could not watch the videos. We took the videos to a local technician for review. We were advised that the tapes were the product of either a defective recording system in the camcorder or a dirty head (which should only happen after repeated use of the camera). Upon calling Canon, we were advised that our only option was to send the camcorder to the Canon factory to be examined. Each representative we spoke to consistently told us that there was nothing that they could do for us. Additionally, they were insensitive to our loss. We sent the camcorder to the factory with a note enclosed askiing them not to fix the camcorder, but to examine it and then advise us what the problem is. Approximately ten days later, we treceived the camcorder back, repaired. When we called the factory to ask why they had fixed it when we specifically asked them not to, they advised us that they do not keep records of the letters sent to them and the only people to see the letters are the technician who works on the product. Since then, we have spoken to numerous Canon representatives, managers, and supervisors still contest that there is nothing that they can do for us. We believe that, since the camcorder was defective from its onset, we are entitled to replacement. As I said, Canon does not agree. Please let me know what you reccommend we do. Thank you, Wendy R. Kalocay

Pittsburgh, Pa 15241