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Canon ZR70 MC
Canon ZR70 MC
  • 3 out of 5
"My screen is blank"
  • 3 out of 5
"Blank screen for the last 6 months. Worked well prior."
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Margie (mcintyre) 5 pts
April 15, 2007 10:34 AM
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When I turn on my ZR70MR, I only get a black screen, and I am not able to see what i am trying to capture. Any suggestions?

when i tun on my camera, i only get a "black' screen. Camer appears to be working, but you can not see the image you are trying to film.
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Answers This question has been answered!
Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 11:38 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Hey, Margie.

I think you mean ZR70MC not ZR70MR, MR model doesn't seem to exist. This problem seems to be common with ZR70, ZR80, ZR90 camcorder models.

All manufactures really don't like to acknowledge problems with their products, but they will sure have a solution to charge you for service.

Here is a direct link to Canon service support:
Sometimes if you are persistant and polite, you might get lucky with a solution.

Canon technical support by phone:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2110&fcategoryid=227&modelid=8619

Main Support Page for the ZR70MC:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=SupportDetailAct&fcategoryid=227&modelid=8619
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 11:41 AM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Margie.
Is this black screen problem with just the LCD screen or also the viewfinder.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 11:55 AM
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Margie.
Its been really strange lately with this black screen issue. Its not just Canon with the later models, but also with Sony. Panasonic including Sony seems to also have a blue screen/video issue with a couple of models. Maybe its an environmental issue that's creating some these problems.

Good Luck!
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Margie (mcintyre) 5 pts
April 15, 2007 1:19 PM
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You are absolutely correct, the model number is ZR70MC, not MR as I typed.
The problem is with both the viewfinder as well as the LCD screen. I have looked thru the manual, and I am not able to find a solution.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 1:29 PM
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Hey, Margie.
Unfortunately, you will not find anything in the manual about this because its a repair issue and not a trouble-shooting solution.

The camcorder has to be sent in for repair service. The other problem is that the repair on these types of camcorders can cost as much as the price of a new camcorder.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 1:33 PM
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Margie.
If the repairs are going to cost around $200, this what I recomend to do. You would be better off getting a new up-to-date camcorder with many more new features and with a warranty.

The ZR700 offers allot of nice features in creating home movies. The ZR700 is a miniDv tape camcorder which not only works well with PC or in iMovie on a Mac, but the miniDV tapes is the best system for downloading video to a computer, editing, burning good quality DVDs, burning CDs, for converting movies files for QuickTime movies, and emailing. The ZR700 records video at full video resolution without an MPEG movie compression, which means no loss in quality when you transfer video. Plus, miniDv tapes are cheap and can be reused a few times after transferring the recorded video to DVDs.

The ZR700 offers nice features like, external mic option which is great for recording better audio for, concert recordings, theater/plays, fire works diplays, wildlife, and etc., plus, with the audio dubbing feature you can record voice over or singing through a mic directly on miniDV tape. The ZR700 also offers "Analog to digital pass through", this feature is capable of transferring your analog VHS/Video8 tape collection to digital for making DVDs. These features alone are not even available on some higher-end camcorders.

The ZR700 has some manual controls and some cool in camera video effects for creative fun. This camcorder includes an SD memory slot for still photo mode so that you can create your personal digital photo album which can also be used for emailing. The SD memory card can also be used to record small jpeg movies for easy downloading and emailing. The ZR700 has an "EasyMode" selection button that makes the camcorder a fully automatic point-and-shoot camcorder that can be easily operated by even an eight year old or an adult that has had to much to drink. When you want to have some experimental fun, then flick the switch off the "Easy Mode" selection and use the override controls.

The ZR700 is a great inexpensive value for the best overall performance for Mac and PC in its class, undisputed. This camcorder is a "steal" for around $250-$275. The ZR700 has many of the same nice features as of the ZR70

Happy Shopping!
Best Answer
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Margie (mcintyre) 5 pts
April 15, 2007 2:06 PM
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Thanks Piero!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 2:10 PM
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Margie.
Since this is a repair issue and not a simple solution that can be resolved by an internet response, has your original question been answered with suggestions as you requested. If so, than select best answer, we will be more than happy to answer any new questions you post.

Thanks!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 2:22 PM
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One more thing Margie.
Give Canon a call tomorrow during business hours and see what they have to say, its worth a shot.

For toll-free technical support, please call 1 (800) 828-4040 during regular business hours (currently Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. EST, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays).

I hope everthing works out!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 15, 2007 2:53 PM
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To give you a direct answer to one of your responses:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are absolutely correct, the model number is ZR70MC, not MR as I typed.
The problem is with both the viewfinder as well as the LCD screen. I have looked thru the manual, and I am not able to find a solution.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since both the LCD screen and the viewfinder are blacked out, then its not a problem with either of them and its an internal circuit issue in relaying the video picture information to the LCD and viewfinder screen for monitoring.

I hope this concludes your question.

Good Luck!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 16, 2007 12:29 AM
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Hey, Margie.
Your timing could not be any better. About an hour ago I came across a digital technician on a professional camcorder website that has a cure for this black screen issue. He claims that he has an electronic digital gizmo that connects to your camcorder and resets the internal circuit to factory settings, and "Presto", the screens come back with a video image like new. He says that he programs this gizmo according to your camcorders model number before he ships it out to you. Based to his description, this gizmo is about the size of a miniDv tape and is used with your camcorders "i.Link" cable. You then turn on both devices and about 20 minutes later its all reset. The red LED light supposedly indicates that its in the process of resetting and the green LED light indicates the restting process is completed.

It sounds very simple to use.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 16, 2007 3:57 PM
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Hey, Margie.
I fortgot to give you the price. Its $39 if you want it. He has the program setter that set this gizmo to either the ZR70 and the ZR90.

I was not quite clear if he had one left to sell, but it was clear to me that he was planning to order more.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 17, 2007 3:36 PM
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Margie.
I got someone to order it for the same problem. We will see if it works. If you are interested to know, drop me a line, if not, I hope you have some how resolved it.

I am surprised you have not shown any interest in fixing this black screen problem. That was your intentions of posting your question, wasn't it?

Just to let you know, I am not employed by Camcorder HQ and I respond with answers on my time to help consumers like yourself in need of digital advice. There is absolutely no financial reward for me in doing this service. I hope there is Least some satisfaction in helping someone.

Thanks.
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Paul 0 pts
April 22, 2007 8:54 AM
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Thanks for the reply/answers...I have had the same problem and am interested in the gizmo claim. Anymore information on that i.e. contact?

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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 27, 2007 5:23 AM
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I hope that this can be appreciated by all.

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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 28, 2007 8:10 AM
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Hey, Paul.
What camcorder do you have.
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Bordercrosser (Bordercrosser) 0 pts
May 8, 2007 1:17 PM
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Hello, I have been in search for the answer to this problem for about a year now and was never willing to pay to diagnose the problem. Now someone else has the same problem as me!

Piero Foto,

I have a ZR65MC and have the black screen of death in both the viewfinder and the lcd screen. It records a black screen but all the sound is still there. It also playsback all the video I successfully took prior to this malfunction in the veiwfinder and lcd screen.

I believe that the only difference between the ZR65mc & ZR70MC was that the 70 could take digital video on the SD multimedia disc and maybe one other feature I do not remember. But what I am afraid of is that the 65 does not have an "i.link" cable because I dont recall ever hearing that before. what is that?

Do you think your professional still has a gizmo that could solve my problem?

Thanks for all your help in advance!
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Rahul Patel 1 pts
May 25, 2007 9:41 PM
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Hi Piero Foto,

Can you post more information indicating if the gizmo works or not? I am having a similar problem with canon zr70mc. I haven't even used it for more than 3 times in 2 years.

Appreciate any help you can provide.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
May 25, 2007 10:10 PM
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To, Rahaul and Bordercrosser.
Canon has a recall for this problem. Its a CCD sensor issue, Canon should fix this problem for free.


Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated 10/31/2006)

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 carecenter@cits.canon.com

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.

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Rahul Patel 1 pts
May 26, 2007 4:17 PM
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Thanks Piero Foto.
I just contacted Canon and they asked me to send in the camcorder and they will daignose the problem for free. Regardless of what the problem may be s&h is free. And, if it is the CCD problem, they will fix it for free.

Thanks again.

-Rahul
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
May 26, 2007 11:34 PM
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You are welcome Rahul.

Margie.
Please close your question so it can be moved to the answered question section. There are others that have the same problem and I know they are all not going to find this answered question if its not concluded.

I personally don't care about the points, so please just pick the best answer or any answer and close the question.

Thanks!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
May 27, 2007 4:31 PM
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Bordercrosser.
iLink is Sony's version of Apple's firewire(1394), its exactly the same thing, same cable.
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Tzvi 0 pts
July 6, 2007 1:53 AM
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Piero- I have been trying for a month to resolve the blank/distorted image issue on my ZR85. Thank you so much for giving guidance on this
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
July 6, 2007 10:52 AM
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Margie.
Please select the best answer above.

More people will find this answer when its concluded and move to the answered question section.



For some reason, margie has not selected or refuses to select best answer, maybe she died. If anyone can re-ask this question as new one, I can re post the correct answer.

Thanks!

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Roger 0 pts
March 9, 2008 2:53 PM
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Wow - I have had this same problem for months and the only answer I ever got was get a new camera. Went to camera shops and they no longer repair camcorders so I did not know where to go. Thanks to Piero Foto he has answered my problem and I will now contact Canon about this recall and have them repair my camera.

Kodos to Piero! Many thanks.

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Steve 1 pts
March 15, 2008 3:02 PM
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Wow. Thank you so much for this info. I have not used my recorder for 6 months because of this problem. Took it to a local repair shop and they said there was nothing they could do. Debated getting new recorder. Just found this site and all the people having similar probs. Called Canon and they were great. Customer service sent me instructions and UPS prepaid shipping label. Took about 5 minutes to handle problem. They said I would have my camera back in about 10 biz days. All for FREE. This just save me big $$$ from going out and buying a new one. Thanks to the group that provided all the info.
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Chuck 0 pts
April 14, 2008 7:48 PM
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Piero Foto--------Thanks, for your help!!! I am having the exact problems with my ZR70MC that you have described. I really appreciate what your are doing to help everyone.

You're the Camcorder Answer Man!!

Chuck in Chattanooga

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enoch 0 pts
May 11, 2008 12:00 AM
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Piero Foto - thank you sooo much for this information! You rock. I just experienced this issue recently and you've resolved my problem by the information you provided about the recall.

thank you!
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Roger 0 pts
May 12, 2008 4:13 PM
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Kudos to Piero and also to Cannon for their great service - they were awesome. However, how come I went to Ritz camera and to Best Buy and neither of them knew anything about the problem - which I understand now was not just me.

Think the Canon dealers needed to have more awareness then just trying to sell another camera.

Roger
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Eric 0 pts
August 30, 2008 12:06 PM
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I just called Canon also - great service, they'll take care of shipping cost. As advertised above. Thank you so much for the helpful info people!
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Cheri 1 pts
January 23, 2009 9:35 AM
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Thanks to Piero!! I also just contacted Canon and will have this taken care of free of charge. Thanks!!!!
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