Warranty

Standard: Parts and labor, 90 days; parts only, one year.
Extended: For $80 to $200, you get two to three years’ extra coverage for mechanical malfunctions. Most plans offer battery replacement. Damage caused by dropping the camera or spilling liquids on it isn’t covered.

Common Problems

“The most frequent problem by far is damage caused by dropping,” says Mike Abt of Abt Electronics, in Glenview, Illinois. Repair costs usually run $100 to $300. Other common repairs are motor replacement ($100 to $200) and fixing a jammed tape carriage (about $145).

Is It Worth It?

Yes, especially if you’re buying a unit for $500 or more. Although you won’t be covered for damage caused by dropping the camera, other common repairs are expensive enough to make the warranty a good deal.