I have a canon digital video camcorder NTSC ZR85. I am unable to charge the battery. I have changed the battery but still there is no charge for the battery. I am unable to see the charging light. What are the reasons for this?

SOURCE: Canon ZR85 camcorder won't turn on

Steps for removing the tape from a totally dead ZR85:
1. Turn camera upside down.
2. Move "Open/Eject" button to full right position (toward lens).
3. Manually push tape door open.
4. On the metal surface that sits between you and the tape, there is a very small screw. There is probably a yellow sticker next to the screw that says "Do not press on this part". With a small jewelry phillips screwdriver, remove that screw.
5. Push the metal plate (with tape) in the direction ofr the door and lift slightly. The metal assembly holding the tape comes loose, exposing the top of the tape.
6. Pull the tape upwards (out of the camera). At this point, the tape will still be engaged in the play heads. With the cartridge out far enough to see the heads, reach in with your jewelry screw driver and carefully lift the tape over the heads, and free from the camera.
7. Use the eraser on the end of a pencil to wind your tape back into the cartridge.
8. When re-assembling the mechanism in the camera, there are two curved slots on both sides of the piece you took loose. You'll need to thread these onto two posts inside before you place the top back in position and put the screw back in.

SOURCE: How do I transfer a recorded tape to my computer

You need IEEE (Firewire) or "DV" cable to transfer video from the camcorder to your computer. The connection is "DV" and is located on the front of the camera next to the "S" port. The marketing for this camera was deceiving...most customers thought they could hook up the USB to their computer and upload video...well you can't

SOURCE: ZR85

Hi! If you go to the Canon, they have a trouble shooting section. I copied and pasted some information below. Good luck!
Details Print Friendly Version Issue: How do I transfer video tape recordings to a computer via Firewire?
Solution: Transferring video recordings to a computer ZR80, ZR85, and ZR90

Transferring Video Recordings to a Computer You can transfer recordings to a computer using the IEEE1394 (DV) terminal. With the ZR85 and ZR90 transferring video recordings via USB is not possible.
Before starting the video transferring, make sure to prepare the following:

• A computer equipped with a IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or a IEEE1394 (DV) capturing board (the IEEE1394 protocol is frequently also called "Firewire" or "iLink").
• A DV cable (sold separately)
• Video Editing Software

• The appropriate driver

1. Start your computer.
   (If this is the first time you are connecting the camcorder to your Windows based computer your computer will display the "New Hardware Found" message while the driver is installed automatically.)
   
2. Set the camcorder to mode.
   
3. Connect the camcorder to the computer with the DV cable as shown below. Once the camcorder and computer are connected together the camcorder will display "DV IN" on the LCD/viewfinder. This message confirms that the camcorder is ready to receive or transfer video.
   
4. Refer to the instructions for your video editing software to download your video from the camcorder.
   Note: Because procedures for digital editing software applications vary greatly, Canon cannot offer any additional support or suggestions regarding downloading and editing your video. Please refer to the software publisher or your computer manufacturer (if the software came with your computer) for assistance in using the software.
   

• Operation may not work correctly depending on the software and the specifications/settings of your computer.
• If the computer freezes while you have connected the camcorder, disconnect and reconnect the DV cable. If the problem persists, disconnect the interface cable, turn off camcorder and computer, turn camcorder and computer back on and reconnect them.
• Before connecting the camcorder to the computer using a DV cable, make sure that camcorder and computer are not connected with a USB cable, and that no other 1394 device is connected to the computer.

• We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source while it is connected to the computer.
• Refer also to the instruction manual of the computer.
• The programs ZoomBrowser EX and Image Browser included with the supplied CD-ROM are intended for use only with images recorded on the memory card.
• Video recordings on the tape cannot be transferred to the computer using the software included with the supplied CD-ROM.

SOURCE: won't power with AC or Battery...no charging light...how can I get tape out.

ZR85 WILL NOT TURN ON WIT OR WITHOUT BATTERY?

SOURCE: Cannon NTSC ZR85 is unable to record video but can

canon has released a service advisory for this condition, its a bad ccd connection, and is offering to fix at no charge. contact canon in your country for details