JVC repair
 

Our company has 2 HD100's and after having someone drop it on it's first trip out we have learned that these things just aren't as durable as you may think or how they even appear. The production was insured (something we make sure of before renting anything) and we hended them a bill for about $900, from JVC. The fall was much the same from what they told me too, not locked into a baseplate on a set of sticks. It also took about a month for us to get it back that time because they were busy, otherwise we've sent one again to replace the compostie out connector and got it back in a couple weeks.

From time to time we all bump into anything I suppose. I haven't dropped a cam yet, but hit a lot of things (walls, people, stands, ...) with it already - never hard but still...

The best you can do is being careful, but even that isn't full proof. And don't rush: Everytime I hold the cam in one hand and a cigarette in the other, I know I shouldn't do that (you can drop ashes everywhere) - but I just don't take the time...

It isn't just the camera also: I spilled some beer over my NLE system... I still works but the front is still somewhat sticky...

On the other hand, Neil, apart from the viewfinder and the cassette door when it's open, I'm quite happy with the sturdyness and ruggedness of this camcorder. It's pretty much the same as all other broadcast equipment I've had...