PROS (+)
Excellent quality footage
Streamlined
Usability
Big buttons, easy with gloves
CONS (-)
Camera appears UNREPAIRABLE
Oregon cannot help
No spares------------------
Where my review is not going to be the most positive of reviews, I will try to be as balanced as possible.
Date Purchased: June 12th June 2011
Vendor: www.actioncameras.co.uk
Use: Document motorcycle trip from Isle of Man to Malta
Problem: Glass cracked during Day 1 of trip
 |
| Cracked Glass |
OK, these things happen. I totally expected that after extreme use the camera would break eventually, requiring me to have the camera repaired - albeit, the breakage here was not not from extreme use.
Customer Service - www.actioncameras.co.uk
Initially, I posted my compliant that the camera had broken to actioncameras.co.uk. They simply told me the camera damage is not covered by guarantee. I expected this response because to me, it was reasonable.
They told me to speak to Oregon Scientific directly.
Customer Service - Oregon Scientific (UK)
Oregon Scientific (uk) customer support is good! They were quick to answer me and pretty helpful. The only issue is that they actually were not able to solve my problem, which Im sure given online trading laws they are not obliged to.
But, customer service is customer service and keeping one happy is good for repeat business, and losing one...well... breeds the publication of a review, highlighting the products weaknesses to hundreds if not thousands of potential buyers...
Only, because I care and do not want others to be stung by these ‘throwaway (when damaged) £200 cameras’
I contacted Oregon Scientiic (uk), they were willing to listen to my case and explained that the camera is not covered by guarantee. I was expecting this of course.
Having read the guarantee which mentions not to quote directly:
Having read the guarantee which mentions not to quote directly:
“The guarantee is void if repaired by a ‘non-authorised’ service agent”
To me, this highlighted two things:
- Oregon Scientific have a list of ‘Authorised Service Agents’
- Therefore, camera can be fixed – especially the lense glass.
So, I ask Oregon Scientific (uk) for a service agent that can fix the camera for me. The reply was as follows:
HI Kriston,
You will be able to take the camera to any good camera repair store.
There are no ‘authorized repair centres’ however there are many repair specialists based in Tottenham Court Road who offer a mail order service.
One such centre is listed below:
http://www.cameraclinic.co.uk/camcorderrepair.asp.htm
Kind Regards,
Oregon Scientific (UK) Ltd
Camera Clinic and 5 other centres all advised me they cannot repair the ATC9K.
I am now stuck with a non-waterproof camera that offers images like this in humid condition:
Spares anyone? HELP?
Given my dilemma, I am prepared to try and fix the camera myself. So, I email Oregon if they can tell supply me with a glass lense. But, now they refuse to contact me. They never even attempted to close the argument. Left me hanging! I am still emailing them, but with no reply. Maybe they are going out of business because of similar experiences? I don't know.
Oregon did send me a closing email, only because I raise a different subject:
Hi Kriston,
Unfortunately at present we are still in the process of attempting to finalize a deal with several stores to operate as Oregon repair centres. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
At present the only way to repair this item would be to ship the product to our factory in China. However the cost of shipment and repair would equal the amount for the value of the camera.
We can however offer a new ATC9K product at a discount of 25%.
We hope this helps and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Kind Regards,Oregon Scientific (UK) Ltd
Since they cannot repair their cameras, I declined the 25% offer.
Their customer service in general is good, but the product servicing is poor.
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