Sony HDR CX550E AUTO FOCUS PROBLEMS

[The Pipster]

Sony HDR-CX550 Hi guys, I'm having terrible trouble with this auto focus. Does this sound like a fault to you? It often gets frozen at one focal length (with AF on) and I have to zoom in to reawaken it. It also fails to find focus even where there is lots of contrast in the frame. It bobbles around trying to find its length all the time and looks rubbish. It's been a nightmare filming indoors. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Doughie]

Really that sounds like a fault. I have a similar generation cam to yours and its never had any auto-focus problems.
I would return it to the dealer that you got it from. If it's an online store, then call them to check return policy. It doesnt' sound normal at all so i suspect that it is probably defective. Rare, but it can happen.

[The Pipster]

Thanks Doughie. I tend to agree with you. I did phone the online dealership (CameraBox) and they said because I'd had it more than 30 days they couldn't just exchange it. I pointed out that they have statutory obligations to supply non-faulty goods but they said it has to be sent back for assessment first and then sent to Sony IF it has a problem ... and this could take 6 weeks! I need it for work so this is a major problem. I think an independent assessment and a strong letter rejecting the goods would do better, insisting they replace it immediately ...