Hey everybody I could really use your assistance. I am going to buy my JVC GY HD200 tomorrow and I need to know what to look for in a used camera. Are there an red flags I should be aware of. If you could provide a quick checklist of things to look for I'd really appreciate it.
e.g. 1. Firewire ports
2. Drum hours, etc.

make sure there are no dead pixels ( white dots in the viewfinder and lcd). Make sure all movable robotics are running smoothly. Make sure it is clean, and has a scratch free lens.

Dont hurry into buying anything! Test it out first if possible.

make sure there are no dead pixels ( white dots in the viewfinder and lcd).

remember there is a pixel compensation routine that you can run on the camera to eliminate dead pixels

yeah but sometimes pixel compensation does not work such as in my hd100. Have not had any problems with the 200

Make sure you pick one with low mileage - there's plenty around. Also, check the firewire port works. Check all the connections work. Check the lens can detach and attach cleanly - obviously check for scratches, dents and all the usuals and make sure it doesn't have a sticker that says "Property of US Marine Corps". Other than that you should be fine:)

Make sure you pick one with low mileage

What would you consider low mileage? I believe it has 40 drum hours.

40 hours is what I'd call relatively low mileage.

What would you consider low mileage? I believe it has 40 drum hours.

check that FW port! dv and hdv!

Thanks for all of the good advice. Just purchased the camera.
I went in there armed with a page full of notes of questions to ask him about the camera; ready to negotiate... The moment he opened up that pelican case and I saw that JVC GY HD200 I LOST ALL CONTROL. I began to salivate as I immediately said, "I'll take it". I couldn't resist all of the buttons and controls at my fingertips...
I had a prophetic flash of me presenting my academy award speech (thanking all of the little people at DV Info).

He went though some of the functions of the camera and showed me that it was operable. But, he sounded like the teacher from Charlie Brown (wah-wah-wah).

I just hope it works... Wish me luck!