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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Aug 2003. There may be newer versions available.
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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Question Answered!
Tracey Martin (tmartin) 0 pts
May 20, 2008 11:04 AM
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Can I record a movie longer than 30 seconds on the memory card?

I need to record for 3 minutes. I have a 2 GB new memory card and the camera stops recording, but I am able to record additional 30 second segments on the same card so I know there is room. I need to download the 3 min. movie to my PC for editing. Can I do this if I record to the tape instead of memory card?
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
May 31, 2008 2:38 AM
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You're much better that way, actually. the best utility I have found for this purpose is WinDV. It's free. And not only can you capture with it without dropping a frame, but thanks to the firewire interface, you can control your camcorder directly!

That's the way I would do it. Then import it into your editor.


As for the 30 second limit. Have you downloaded the latest firmware update? That may address it.
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Tracey Martin (tmartin) 0 pts
June 5, 2008 3:01 PM
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Thanks, I'll try that.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
June 5, 2008 4:20 PM
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BTW - Your camera was one of a host of cameras that suffered from a faulty CCD chip. Check out this 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


Now, this may not be an issue for your camera. But it's something to be aware of if the symptoms begin to crop up as it did with mine.
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Mike 0 pts
July 16, 2008 7:23 PM
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I am having the same issue with low recording time on the memory chip. It is a 1GB, but records only 10 seconds. My son is wanting to use the camera to make movies and put on the computer, but I see from an earlier response, that he should do it by taping the movie...then downloading it to the computer?? How would he do this? Downloading from the chip would seem easy...but not sure how the computer can interface with the camcorder tape? Thanks in advance!
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
July 17, 2008 1:05 AM
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Well for one thing, the ZR70 doesn't have a chip option. Secondly, you attach the camera to your PC via firewire. I recommend using WinDV to capture the footage and save it to your computer hard drive. It's free. Google is your friend.
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Mike 0 pts
July 17, 2008 6:31 AM
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Hi James...thanks for the answer. Guess maybe my terminology is wrong. Instead of chip I meant to say "multimedia card". A ZR70 does have a multimedia card...as I am looking at the camera right now. Thanks again for your answer.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
July 17, 2008 1:09 PM
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It may be a firmware issue. Check Canon's website for an update. But that may be all you get recording to the SD card - 10 second chunks.
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