DentSim (dentsim) 3 pts

May 13, 2007 7:01 PM

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My computer is not recognizing the camera as being plugged in.

I have had this camera for 4 years and this is a recent problem. The wire is fine and the firewire in the computer are fine, so it has to be the connection in the camera. Is there any other way to tranfer the video to my PC? Is this a known problem with a known fix? Thanks!

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

May 14, 2007 6:03 PM

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You may wish to check and see if there's a firmware update. You can also check for conflicts, spyware, that type of thing.

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DentSim (dentsim) 3 pts

May 17, 2007 1:52 PM

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I don't think so. I think it may be an internal camera issue. For a while the connection would flicker back and forth, but now nothing. I may just open the camera and tighten everything up.
Does anyone know of any other way to transfer mini DV's to PC w/o a camera?
Thanks!

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

May 18, 2007 1:46 AM

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Hmmm. I'd also check the driver section to see if you can't troubleshoot it from the device manager. If you notice a yellow triangle and a black !, then you have a problem there.

You could try and borrow a friend's miniDV camera and see if you can duplicate the problem. If so, you've eliminated the camera as the culprit. If not, then you know it's a camera issue for sure.

Also, Perhaps it's the software you're using? try capturing using WinDV, it's free from Google.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

July 19, 2007 3:13 PM

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Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!

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Stephanie (canadastefer) 0 pts

September 11, 2007 10:07 PM

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This may be a stupid question... Can you upload video from the tape onto the computer or just from the card? Thanks!

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

September 12, 2007 12:05 PM

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Well, for one thing, your camera was one of a host of cameras that suffered from a faulty CCD chip. Check out this service advisory from Canon regarding it.

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(*)

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.

So the good news is that Canon will fix it for FREE:

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

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Stephanie (canadastefer) 0 pts

September 12, 2007 1:19 PM

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Thank you, we will follow up on that.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

September 12, 2007 6:11 PM

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We're happy to help.

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Stephanie (canadastefer) 0 pts

September 13, 2007 10:02 PM

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I spoke with my husband, and apparently it's not that the camera won't connect, rather the computer only recognizes the memory card. What I was wondering is it it's supposed to recognize the tape as well as the memory card, or if the problem referenced above is related to the tape only? This seems to be confusing to explain... I hope you understand what I'm saying... Basically, when we hook the camera up to the computer, it recognizes only the memory card, not the tape and I'm not sure if that's the same issue as above...

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Stephanie (canadastefer) 0 pts

September 13, 2007 10:05 PM

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PS: The service advisory talks about the view finder, our view finder seems to work fine, the computer just doesn't recognize the tape.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

September 15, 2007 1:31 AM

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It's not, but in my mind it's a larger issue. You can always check with Canon for a driver update. Also, when you say it doesn't recognize the camera, what do you mean? You don't have an icon for the camera in MY COMPUTER? What OS are you using?

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts

September 27, 2007 2:12 PM

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BTW - I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days.

If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will close out the question. Thanks for posting it and Good luck!

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Christine 0 pts

February 13, 2008 8:36 PM

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Stephanie, did you ever figure out how to fix your problem? I'm having the same problem - after updating my driver, my computer only recognizes my camera when I have it switched to "card" and not "tape" - of course all the videos I'm interested in dumping onto my computer are on "tape".

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

May 3, 2008 11:28 AM

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Well, ours has developed very similar symptoms.

When my Mrs. plugged the ZR70 into her XP machine's USB port - nothing. I tried it on mine - nothing.

Do the camera's USB ports die from being unused? Is there a reset procedure that might help? Am I under a false impression that even without camera specific drivers, the PC should recognize that some sort of USB device has been connected?

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

May 8, 2008 8:03 PM

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I can't get my zr90 to download tape to computer. I've tried three different miniDV cables and two different computers, so I'm sure it's the camera. I called CAnon and was told to return it. Don't know if the repair is free. The link to the form is:

http://www.usa.canon.com/app/pdf/dealer/FSC.pdf

I also have at least one extra miniDV cable I'll sell cheap. I live in Las Cruces, NM

I hope this helps someone.

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

May 9, 2008 4:01 PM

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Las Cruces gal,

When you plug in the cable, does Windoze *at least* react as though it recognizes the camera?

Please do let us know what Canon says.

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

May 13, 2008 1:46 PM

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No, there's no recognition. I've tried various device searches, software updates etc. I've used both XP Pro and Vista and rechecked the ports on my computers. They're hot, but the camera isn't. I can transfer images from the memory card, but nothing from the miniDV port.

I sent the camera to CAnon last week, so we'll see.

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Paul 0 pts

May 26, 2008 6:00 PM

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i need help. I have a ZR70MC Digital Camcorder. I recorded a video on the tape and i am trying to upload it on my computer. nothing is happening when i plug it in. when i switch the camera to the card instead of the video the computer reads the card's photos, but when i put it back on video nothing.. can any one help??

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

May 28, 2008 10:56 PM

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This is an update on my ZR90 problem--failure to recognize a firewire link to a computer. After I sent a RMA request to Canon, they said they'd fix it for a flat fee of $145 plus SH, so I authorized it. They repaired it, saying the port wasn't wired correctly, which to me is a warranty problem, but dumb me, I didn't try to transfer video from tape during the warranty period.

Trouble is, I still can't get it to work. I have tried three different mini-DV cables, but need to try another computer before I tear out the rest of my hair.

I intend to ask for a reduction of the $145 since a miswired camera isn't my fault.

I hope this helps someone else. Seems like Canon needs another recall!!

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Anne 0 pts

June 26, 2008 11:27 AM

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Seems like Canon needs to relearn how to make consumer camcorders! My ZR70 MC camcorder is having the same problem...the screen flashes "DV IN" on the camcorder flip out screen but my computer recognizes nothing. Obviously everyone is having the same problem... and there is no answer yet?

Here's my question... I have access to another camcorder, but it doesn't use tapes, it uses a Hard Drive. Is there anyway I could transfer my tapes onto that hard drive through a TV or something? maybe run my camcorder through the other camcorder to my computer? I need to get this footage onto my computer!!

Thanks!

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

June 29, 2008 9:28 PM

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Here is an update from the newly bald Las Cruces Gal. I returned my ZR90 at their cost since it still didn't work. After a while, they returned it with an ambiguous comment about rewiring the port and next time call Technical Support, try another computer (I've tried 2), and/or try another cable (I've bought three for a total cost of over $100.)
I still get the same "DV IN flash. I believe I've exercised considerable restraint by not throwing the **** thing against a concrete wall.
My next project is building a new computer that has a legacy miniDV port on the motherboard.

I'm not buying another cable. For Canon not to include a cable with the original package is Stupid!! How greedy can they be--charging $50.00 for a needed cable.

If that doesn't work, my last hope is a workaround I read about in the manual--recording from the tape onto the memory card.
I've tried using the S-Video out port on the ZR90 and transferring it to my computer via the graphics card, but that didn't work.

I read someone recorded to a VCR, but that seems so last century!!

Canon sent me a followup customer survey which I enumerated my problems and opinions of their products. The reason I bought a Canon camcorder is I have a Rebel SR camera which I love. It's durable, I've traveled everywhere with it. I love it.

But my next camcorder won't be a Canon and I will demand a demonstration about video transfer before buying it. I bought the ZR90 from a mortar and brick place, thinking human input would be better than just choosing the cheapest place on the web.

I really hope one of us can get this dog to hunt. Good Luck to all.

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Football Coach (Frustrated) 0 pts

August 31, 2008 9:26 PM

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Football season has just started, I've started taping with my Canon ZR600. I was transferred from my MiniDV to the computer when I ever so slightly touched the firewire cable. Computer no longer recognizes the camera as the camera flashes "DV-IN". A new $30 firewire cable gets me nowhere. From the above conversations it doesn't sound like this dog will hunt and I don't have time to send it back now. Anybody have a recommendation for another camera to tape games?

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

August 31, 2008 10:26 PM

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Dear Football coach: Sorry to hear of your troubles. I sent my camera (ZR90) back to Canon twice and each time, the repair report said the DV port was rewired. Must be an malfunction in the camera.

BTW, I finally got my ZR90 to work by building a new computer with a 650 watt PSU, a Gigabyte 770 mobo with an onboard DV port, a 6000 mhz AMD CPU. The systems that it didn't work on had a 500 PSU, a 5000 mhz AMD chip, a DV port on the video card. The other one had 450 PSU, a 3200 AMD chip and an add-on port.

Lots of luck to your team. My nephew is a HS football coach, three small children that he sees once a while, and a very patient wife.

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Reinier 25 pts

September 16, 2008 4:28 PM

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Well this is discouraging to learn that this is a common problem that Canon doesn't support. I'm having the same problem. My computers (I've tried 3) won't recognize the camera. When the camera is plugged into a USB drive, nothing appears under "My Computer" when I have my camera turned to "tape." It will recognize my camera when I have it turned to "card."

This is so frustrating. I have tons of tape of my toddler that I wanted to upload to my computer. Looks like I'll be tossing this camera and buying a different brand.

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Las Cruces gal 0 pts

September 17, 2008 10:09 PM

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Dear Reiner, yes Canon's non-response is frustrating. There is an interesting sentence in the manual that reads Transfer of the videotape may not work with certain computers. That's it!

Can you find someone to upload your pictures? I'm retired and would be glad to help you gratis if we could arrange the logistics. I don't have kids, but I know how important photos are.

If you'd like I can provide specific information of the components in my new computer which I built myself. I think the big difference was the dv port that's part of the motherboard, possibly the increased RAM-I increased the memory from 2 gigs to 4 gigs, and possibly the increased power supply, because the other two computers that didn't recognize the "dv in" port had 450 watts PSU and around 1 to 2 gigs of memory. Two of the computers had XP Pro and the third had Vista. I'm using XP Pro on the unit that recognizes the DV In port.

The Gigabyte 770 motherboard that I'm using cost less than $100 from Amazon. You might be able to upgrade the mobo, chip, and RAM and have a system that recognizes the Canon.

I can promise you, my next camera will not a Canon. Selling video recorders that can't upload taped images to all computers is RIDICULOUS. And trying to escape responsiblity with an one sentence disclaimer in a manual, which you can't read until after you buy the camera, speaks volumes about their attitude toward their customers.

I used to live in San Jose, Ca and back in the late 70's, maybe early 80's, I attended a technology conference. One of the speakers, an early personal computer manufacturer , forecasted that computers would make mass produced items obsolete, because production lines could be modified to manufacture items, such as clothes, for individual. He visualized a man sending in his arm length , neck measurements etc to a shirt maker, who would then produce a shirt based on an individual's measurements. Instead look what we have now. No more store owners who know their merchandise and take pride and stand behind the products they sell. Just huge brick and mortars staffed by gofers who have little knowledge of what they sell or little pride in their jobs. How did we get so screwed-up?
Enough, I'll throw away my soapbox.

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gordon (34360) 0 pts

October 23, 2008 2:50 AM

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I too have the problem of not being able to upload videos from my ZR70 to my computer. it is frustrating I had a pinnacle studio version 9 card and program which was working well with windows xp home. However I changed to Vista ultimate and my ZR70 stopped downloading from the tape card ok. Pinnacles website told me that version 9 wasnt supported for Vista. Canons website told a similiar story about the ZR70. I had version 9 removed and replaced with a supposedly Vista compatible firewire card it still doesnt work. Im not happy and canon is not a company I intend to trust in future. I would be pleased if anyone can suggest a way around this problem.

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anne 0 pts

November 20, 2008 12:25 PM

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I have the canon zr65, it appers that the tapes I have made cannot be uploaded to my computer because, the usb cord that came with the camera only transfers from the card to the PC. The card that came with the camera is too small to hold video, the manual states 15-30 seconds when disscussing tape to card transfer. I have no firewire port on this camera nor on my computer. Nor do I have a video card in my computer that supports audio/video jacks. So I am thinking that my solution would be to buy a new sd card capable of holding the contents of the tape and doing a tape to card transfer (which the manual says can be done.) My question is is this corect, and do they make a card that would hold the equivelent of a fully recorded mini tape?
Another possible solution I am thinking is the DV connection that others had mentioned. I do have that port on the camera, although not the cord. I would have to check to see if the computer also had that port. But even so, If I could make that connection, will I face the same proble as the others with the faulty port wiring? My camera has already been to cannon for repair free of charge because I had a black screen. (missed filming my neices first trip to Disneyland...ARG!)
What other possible solution is there?

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

November 20, 2008 3:12 PM

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Anne,

Before spending another dime, verify your camera's SD card capacity. The SD "standard" has evolved since the ZR65 came out. I'd hate to see you buy a huge card that you can't use.

If the DV route wil work, do it! Any direct transfer method will be faster and more conveient.

Steve in NM

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anne 0 pts

November 21, 2008 1:49 PM

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Thanks Steve,
I think you are right, after doing more research, I beleive the Dv way IS the way to go...just ordered my ieee1934 card & cord.... fingers crossed....
Anne

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Shaz 0 pts

November 22, 2008 7:27 AM

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I am astounded by how many people are reporting the same prob I am having with th Canon but my vers is MV85oi. I saw in one post that someone was talking of a work around from the tape to the memory card and because I need to do this tonight for an assignment I think I will give it a go. I will let you know if that works.

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

November 22, 2008 10:50 AM

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Yer right, Shaz. It's bizarre. And please do let us know what happens.

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

December 16, 2008 1:37 PM

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This has been nagging me since I made my first post here. I feel pretty stupid, but I finally resolved it. Canon did not include a Firewire (IEEE 1394) cable with my ZR70, so I didn't recognize it. I stumbled onto the correct cable in the bottom of my camera bag. On the front of the camera, Canon has the port marked as "DV". It's a 4-pin Mini-DV port. My cable looks like this: http://www.dcables.net/Canon-Compatible-4-pin-to-6-pin-DV-Cable-3-Feet.aspx

After connecting the cable and setting the camera to PLAY, Windoze recognizes the camera and suggests opening Movie Maker.

Ultimately, this link is what helped jog my memory:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080523144628AAUgKQ6

Bottom line: Think IEEE 1394. *NOT* USB.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_1394_interface

"Standards are wonderful. There are so many to choose from."

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Monica 0 pts

March 9, 2009 1:06 AM

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Steve, you're lucky if yours works with the IEEE cable. After figuring out what I needed I bought a firewire adapter card for my computer and a firewire cable and am having the common problem as in the posts above. The "DV IN" light flashes and my computer will not recognize the camera. I hope the only solution is not rebuilding a computer or purchasing a new one that can handle my camera. Seems cheaper to buy a new camera, which I would rather not do. Has anyone figured out any other solution??

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Rudy 0 pts

March 23, 2009 9:10 PM

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I have the same problem. My ZR70MC flashes DV IN but my Pinnacle Studio 9.4.3 never recognizes the camera..... Ugh....

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Steve in NM (sweller) 3 pts

March 24, 2009 9:06 AM

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Rudy, Back up half-a-square. Does Windoze recognize the camera when you plug it in? Through the USB port and/or through the firewire port?

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Pamsvette (Pamsvette) 1 pts

April 14, 2009 3:05 PM

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Boy, after reading allllllllllll these comments I can't believe all the problems....MINE included! I am having the same problems with my ZR600 camera of not being able to upload the video. This past Christmas I had no problem uploading using a firewire cable, then my computer crashed and I had to install a new h/d and reinstall windows XP (I was previously using Windows XP Movie Edition - what Dell had installed), and now I can't get my camera to upload. I get the error msg that USB Device is not recognized. One of the USB Devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it. I thought it might be the cable so I tried another and still the same problem. My firewire port is recognized so I know its not a computer problem, and I know its not the cable since I tried two. But when you go to the canon site to see if there is a driver, they say that Windows xp has it built in so you can't d/l one. My son has the same camera, so I am going to try his in the next day or so and see if I can upload from that one. Maybe its my camera that went poop. I hope not as I really do like it and up until the new h/d I had no problem. Anyone have any other ideas that I could try? Thanks

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My computer is not recognizing the camera as being plugged in.

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