An unexpected symptom happened when I was filming the first episode of the BronyCAN behind the scenes series: My pro Sony camera's LCD shut off, then came back on if it was even slightly shifted. This persisted for a week, even during the first few days of VancouFur, and then I finally decided to take it in for a repair.

Looking online, I found a person that had identical symptoms from a used camera purchased off of the camera forum I frequent's classifieds. The problem there was the LCD sensor board (to detect which orientation the LCD was in) was starting to fault.

I've applied similar logic to say replace that board no matter what. Though when the technician checked, the symptom stopped appearing. I said go ahead with it anyways so it's going to be done.

Final cost? $270 after taxes. The majority of my current budget.

I still need a portable digital audio recorder for panels in case the whole video setup goes south at BronyCAN. That will add another $300. Currently looking at the Zoom H5, but a producer I'm working with says his sound guy could get me something better for cheaper.

Add on top of that, there's another $300USD expense that may be required for another converter box for the video setup, mostly for taking unpredictable computer inputs.

Then there's Hotel/Food at BronyCAN, Hotel/Food at RF, and potential Hotel at Howl.

I don't have enough for everything! If there was one thing I'd trim is the converter box, but it is pretty important to the workflow for live video stuff at the local cons...

Edit: Good news Everyone! The repair cost is now only $201. Bad news is the producer was suggesting something without XLR inputs. So the H5 is my next purchase after this servicing run.