20 Most Recent Canon ZR70MC Mini DV Digital Camcorder - Page 4 Questions & Answers

See this link. Canon has issued a world wide service notice regarding the CCD image sensor. If they determine that this is your problem (and yours are the symptoms of this problem), they will repair your camera at no cost regardless of warranty status.

press eject!!!!!

The capstan motor is broken and needs replacement. You could send it in for repair but it wouldn't be cheap.

I think you have two different issues here. The black screen may be due to a CCD failure. Canon has a worldwide service notice regarding this issue, and will repair your unit at no cost if they determine this is the problem (it sounds like it is).

The little red symbol indicates your backup battery (or date/time battery) CR1616 needs to be replaced. It is located behind a small square panel which you can see to the left of the menu buttons when you open the LCD panel.

For all of you with the same problem my zr70 has, I have good news. There is a service notice by canon. Please read below and contact Canon. They will repair it or replace for free. Good Luck!


This Service Notice will update Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s previous CCD Image Sensor Advisory, dated October 6, 2005.
It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Notice of Additional Affected Products:
As a result of our continuing investigation of this malfunction, we have determined that the 11 models listed below, in addition to the 16 models listed in our Service Notice concerning this malfunction, dated October 6, 2005, may be affected.
Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006
Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.
Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]
This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products

Yes. Using a DV or firewire cable and the right software you can record to DV tape. I know Pinnacle Studio software is capable of doing this and will even control the recording of the taping as well through the sofware.

If you have the idiot proof switch on, it makes everything AUTOMATIC and drains the batteries fast. Open the LCD door and check if the switch is in the wrong position and change it. Go into the menu and set thing s the way you want them. The more Auto stuff you have on, the faster the battery goes. Are you using a light? Even using the LCD uses more power than the viewfinder. Also, batteries do go bad. It's best to run them all the way down and recharge, if you haven't been doing that, short life. I buy my batts on ebay. Instead of one for $150 I get 10 three hour batteries for that.

The USB connection is for getting still images (photos) off the camcorder. To get moving images (video) off the camcorder, you must use a FireWire cable (IEEE 1394). The cable only costs about $15. But you need to have a FireWire port on your computer to plug it into -- if you don't have one, you'll have to install a FireWire card. Check someplace like TigerDirect computer parts supplier, they are only $15 to $60 now.

Or, if you don't want to open up your computer to install a FireWire card, you can buy a Pinnacle MovieBox for $120. It just sits next to your computer, not inside. It is very easy to use and comes with great video editing software. You plug the FireWire from your camcorder into the front of the MovieBox, then plug the back of the MovieBox into your computer with USB.

Plus, you can use the MovieBox to record from your VCR or DVD player into your computer! For that, you'll need the standard red/white/yellow cables.

In fact, if your camcorder has those cables, you can use them to go thru the MovieBox, and save yourself the cost of the FireWire cable. But I think FireWire will give better quality than the red/white/yellow cable.

Do you have a picture showing in the viewfinder when the LCD is closed? If not, it's a bad CCD and I believe Canon will fix that for free if you call customer service.

This is an easy one. It took me a while to figure it out too. You are on the right track but you need to use the remote control. You will go from record/pause to record and of course you have to use the mini to triple RCA cable that comes with the camera. I can't remember if there is an internal setting in the menu that needs to happen but I don't think so.
Videoteacher

You use the mini to triple RCA cable with the camera and go into the menu and make sure you are on A/v out instead of headphones. You just hit play on the camera and record on the VCR and Whala, it's done.
Videoteacher

You can use the sample images to overlay your video and create frames, etc (Card Mix, page 122 of your manual); or possibly for various "My Camera" settings (page 50 of your manual).

Try a different firewire cable, and check to make sure the connection is not loose. Sometimes pins get bent in the camera where the connection is made. Check it out. They can be bent back gently.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

go to canon website there is a recall for zr65 camcorders, they will fix it for free

Try the most obvious solutions first; making sure the AC adapter for the camera is plugged into the camcorder-- and the plug orientation is correct if applicable, and it is in turn plugged into the wall.
Is the wall outlet working? Try another location in your home to be sure. Is the AC adapter working? If you have a battery, attach it to the camera and see if it charges. Next, look for obvious outward physical damage to the camcorder that could cause it to stop working.
The thin battery you speak of if generally just for backing up the time and date, and is not needed for operation.
The power switch on Canon models is usually a slider that goes from Manual to Auto to VCR mode. If it is dirty or wearing out, move it a small amount to one side or the other, while watching the LED power indicator. If you see it flash, or light dimly, the switch is bad.
Read the manual-- the unit may have a reset function you can access, or require a tape in it to power up. Hope these help.

I dont know how much water it took but it got some and that is bad,corrosion is only part of the problem,the link is most likely damage,The suggestion is to take it to Service center just for an estimate!!!!

I'm having the exact same problem! Have you found any solutions in the past year?

Hello, Sorry to hear that your Canon ZR70MC is not functioning. It would be our pleasure to assist you in being able to capture your once in a lifetime memories again. What is the estimated purchase date of the camcorder? If it is still under warranty the repair will most likely not cost you anything. Camcorder Repair http://www.precisioncamera.com/

I have the zr850 which I have used less than a dozen times, and it does the same thing as you describe. Was told by canon tech people to try a maxell brand tape and a head cleaner tape. Have not tried their sugestion yet. camera is 3 months old.