Over the course of the past decade, personal video cameras have become nearly ubiquitous throughout the United States and the world. People use video cameras for a variety of applications, from filming a children's sporting event to producing a homemade feature film. Unfortunately, like all electronic devices, video cameras are prone to failure.
Instructions
1. Ensure the battery is charged and in proper working order. The most common cause of video camera problems is a battery issue. If the battery is old and well-used, there's a good chance it will no longer hold a charge, in which case it will need to be replaced. Inspect the contacts of the battery and the camera's battery slot for corrosion or dirt.
2. Clean the contacts with an electronics contact cleaner. This can be purchased from most electronics or department stores. Often, the bottle of cleaner will include a built-in brush you can use to scrub the contacts. If not, apply a small dab of the solution to a cotton swab and carefully clean the contacts.
3. Record video with your camera and play it back. If the picture quality isn't as clear as it should be, or you notice visual artifacts and freezes, the video heads inside of the camera are probably dirty. This can be remedied by purchasing a head-cleaning tape at an electronics store. Follow the instructions included with the device by running the tape in the camera, just as you would with a recording tape.
4. Use tweezers to remove debris from the transport. To access this area, you'll need to remove the carriage door, which is probably attached with small screws. If any debris remains, use a can of compressed air to blow it free. Keeping the transport area clean will prevent your camera from shredding tapes.
5. Consider replacing the belt inside of the camera. This will be necessary if the camera refuses to eject a tape. Power off the camera and remove the screws holding the camera together. Inspect the belt for damage or wear, and remove it if necessary. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the new belt, allow it to dry, and thread it through the pulleys.
Tags: video cameras, inside camera, your camera