PV-54D (9 year old analog) Battery Problems

I have loved my 8 year old PV-54D analog camcorder but it will not keep a charge in the battery. I thought it was the battery at first-bought a new one. Then bought a new charger and fully charged my new battery. Within 8 minutes of recorder the OUT OF BATTERY warning flashes and the camcorder goes dead. Even with out use, the battery seems to discharge within one or two days. I do not store it on the camcorder. Never have.

I have heard the new minidv Sony DCR-HC20, 30 and 40 have done the same thing within months and it is the circuitry of the camcorder. Sony can fix it for $219. Any idea if this too is my problem and if Panasonic can fix it and for how much??

Thanks.

I don't know anything about the 2nd part of your question but my money is on "another bad battery". I think there is a high probability that the new battery that you bought was bad when you got it. These things go bad just setting on the shelf. Perhaps it was made 5 years ago? Is there any chance you can get the seller to replace it or exchange it for a fresh one? Tell them that it only works for 8 minutes. That is the way batteries act when they go bad.

Dave

Good thought....I'll give it a try and maybe get lucky. I appreciate it!

I was albe to exchange my battery, fully charge the new one and within 30 seconds the camcorder read "battery" and promptly shut down. Doesn't this sound like a circuitry issue on the body of the camcorder? Anyone ever have a problem with a fully charged battery not able to power the camcorder? Is the cost of repair worth the charge. I did purchase and try a couple different mini DVs (JVC-72 and Sony DVC-H30) with the results not nearly as impressive as my old panasonic. Guess that's because it was top of the line when I bought it and still bets lower end 9 years later.

Thanks for any input.