My LCD viewfinder (not screen) also has gone black

change the ccd

Did you solve this? Also, could you be more specific? No video on either the LCD or in the viewfinder? Both when trying to record and when playing back a tape?

LCD cable is damage so that lcd is white it need to replace

There was an earlier post that explained the black ribbon between the LCD viewfinder and the body of the camera is split. You would have to buy a new LCD viewfinder for about $90 or send it back to them to fix for around $250. The same thing happened to my camera and I can actually is the split. If you close it down more than half way the picture shows up. I called Panasonic and they said you have to buy the whole LCD, that you can't just buy the ribbon. They don't even have a part number for just the ribbon. Good luck.

Could be you ccd, charged coupling device, eye of camera. May be pricey to repair. go to panasonic on line for quote

it is more than likely the flex in the hinge for the lcd. the hinge might need changing. suggest the camera be taken to a qualified panasonic tech.

the hinge is definetly damaged and is going to need replacing. these hinges do need replacing if used allot because this is a moving mechanical part. This is not a easy thing to do, it needs to be done by a panasonic technician.

look for a tiny pinhole and insert a pin while powered up to reset

The panasonic camcorder does not use the Sony CCD element. If the small viewfinder is showing the camera video, there's nothing wrong with the CCD imager. We have had numerous problems with the switch that controls the activation of the large LCD and the backlight inverter that powers it. When you open the LCD the small viewfinder should power down to conserve battery power. The large LCD should then illuminate, if not, shine a flashlight at the surface of the LCD and notice if the video is present, if so, the backlight or LCD harness is defective. Joe Weibel Custom Electronics (customelectronics.org)

Important Notice
Digital 3CCD Camcorder


Panasonic has discovered a premature component failure with a limited number of PV-DV953 (2003 Model) and PV-GS200 (2004 Model) 3CCD camcorders, which may cause an abnormal camera picture (incorrect color reproduction, reddish, noisy image, etc). This anomaly is limited to a specific range of serial numbers listed below.

If your camcorder demonstrates the specific symptom and falls within the serial number range, Panasonic will repair the camcorder free of charge.

Please call the following toll-free number for assistance in receiving a free repair:

Panasonic Call Center: 1-800-973-4264


Model # Serial Number Ranges

PV-DV953 (2003) E3Hxxxxxx, F3Hxxxxxx, G3Hxxxxxx, H3Hxxxxxx, I3Hxxxxxx, J3Hxxxxxx, K3Hxxxxxx, L3Hxxxxxx and A4Hxxxxxx
PV-GS200 (2004) C4Hxxxxxx and D4Hxxxxxx