So my camcorder is not operational at the moment. It records sound but no video. When using the zoom feature i can see the lens move back and forth, but all i see is a black screen. One day it worked for like 5 minutes, then i turned it off and it wouldn't work again. This happened after my cats knocked it off a shelf about 2 feet off the ground. I don't think the lens broke since it worked that other day, but I'm thinking maybe a wire came loose. I tried to open it up but the screws don't come out very easily. Anyone know of a camcorder repair shop in wisconsin, or a reputable online one?

so an online quote was 120-150, canon gave me a quote of 157 bucks as well so I'm guessing that's about standard.

Sorry to say this but these camcorders are very sensitive and they do need a specialist to repair.
\if it's old you can give it a try, knowing the problem could get wurs and having a small chance to fix the problem.
If its a new camera better send it in to be sure.

Hendrik from scuba vision films Bonaire

I've known of 3 sony video cameras that decided on their own to malfunction.

First one I paid a fortune for it, but seldom used it. Gave it to my parents, and it quit shortly after. Recorded a jumbled mess on the tape. >3 years old but seldom used, never dropped.

Next one just turns itself on with all the switches off and runs the battery down. It sometimes enters this mode while it is on and the record buttons and display doesn't behave the same. Never dropped.

The other one malfunctions in the playback menu area. Never dropped.

Always > year old and actually obsolete by then.

Next one was a JVC, goodbye to sony.

Who knows, is JVC owned by Sony or vice versa?

Any preferential brands?