Mini DV Camera problem

[PhotogsLounge]

Hi folks. I have a little problem and was hoping to get some advice.

I've got a Panasonic PV-DC252 MiniDV camera that I use for personal stuff. It's still under warranty.
I went to Niagara Falls on vacation (Loads of fun) and while riding on the Maid of the Mist boat at the falls my camera got wet. My wife warned me this would happen and I said..."silly woman...I'm a professional."

Now the camera reads..."needs service". It seems to not be able to grab an auto-focus...or zoom and then shuts down. The thing is: I got this thing at a great price. I called Panasonic and they said no problem...if it's under warranty...just send it in. Unless of course..."it got wet".
How can I get this thing serviced without having to pay up and without having to say it got wet. It did read: "dew problem" once. I'm thinking I can say it was a "dew" problem. Anybody have any experience with this?
As always...thanks in advance.

[<Mr. Burns>]

I once left a mini-dv tape in my pocket through the washing machine. I put it on top of a air purifier to dry it out with clean air. The tape worked fine.

Otherwise...Use the "I don't know" method.

Homer: "Hello, my name's Mr. Burns, I believe you have a letter for me."

Mailman: "Alright Mr. Burns, what's your first name?"

Homer: "I don't know."

[<geek>]

well dehumidifier for an extended period of time. I mean like days and days. some air conditioning sevice centers have a enviroment chamber that deep freezes dehumidifies and vacuum. this is used to clear out microscopic mineral contamination in the water that causes the failure. much like the clean rooms used to make the parts in the first place.