When i first got it i was pumped it worked awesome. Then the screen went. I had a difficult time getting a straight answer from canon on what was wrong, if it was covered under the warranty, or where to take it to get fixed. Once i got it fixed and started really using it i didn't like that if i was recording to the tape and then to the computer via a fire wire cable, is real time. Also the battery doesn't last very long at all so it's crap for trips.

I do not have a good experience with piece of junk. From day one, I did not like it. The still picture quality is absolutely disaster. You cannot possibly get a good still picture. Extremely weak during night or indoor recording. Always blurry and snowy picture. I personally do not rcommand it to anybody.

My computer is unable to recognize my ZR70MC when I plug it into the USB port. I reinstalled the drivers on 3 computers only to learn that this is an all too common problem for this camera. It's pointless to take video that can only be played on the camera. Canon wants $145 to fix so anyone considering this product should add $145 to their purchase price when comparing products. I don't recommend this product to anyone.

Im using this videocam for several times only... i dont know why the screen became black? i saw this website to check how much is the price for this canon ZR70 and i read all feedback from other customers? can you help me? can i get also free repair like the other customers... i live here in the philippines.

Yes Fellow Canon ZR victims, it is true. I had recently received my ZR65 back from Canon and it is now working perfect again after 3 months of recording nothing but a black screen. Their website is true and they are very serious about keeping you as a customer. They were very quick with the repair and cost me nothing. I am staying with Canon just because of their drive for Excellent Customer Service.

Good thing I found this site. I will call canon tomorrow. I will keep you all posted.

Thank you guys so much for mentioning Canon's free fix for the black screen! You just saved us a bunch of money; I only got on the internet to find out how much the camcorder cost (got it as a gift when our son was born) and I wanted to know the cost so when we paid to get it fixed we'd have a "nevermind, we'll buy a new one" number. Now it appears I can get it fixed for free! Iwent to Canon's site, and they say the same thing. I'll call them Monday. The internet is a wonderful thing! :-)

I always liked the feel of the Canon most of all and was very satisfied. Suddenly the screen went completely blank. I didn't bother with it at the time because I had just bought a digital camera and was having fun with it. Well now I decided to have it fix in time for vacation. I'm glad I found this site. I called the listed number, no questions about receipts, maintenance or anything. They stated they would send me postage information for ups via email at no cost to me. Well if everything goes well I just may consider another Canon in the future.

Our ZR70 MC has worked great for the past two years. Now it won't record as it only shows a black screen and nothing in the view finder.

I called that Shelley recommended below and Canon WILL fix it for free and pay postage both ways.

Wow, now that's customer service!

The video heads need to be cleaned.

I am not sure if this is a camera defect or tape manufacturer defect. It worked fine with exceptional treatment in care and comfurt. (those who are obsesive like me about my electronics know what i mean) Than one day I took it out of its KUSH enviorment and just simply turned it on and pressed play in the VCR mode. Now a tape that looked fine before now has blue screen beams going horizontal, top to bottom. So you only see "beams" of the real video. Like I said it may be a camera defect and it may not. Just ask at the store you go to if they have any issues and why the "next model" was created....there is usually a reason. Phillips seems to have alot reasons too.

Not too bad to use ,fair pic, but one day just quit working. Very little use on the camera. Just quit. Don't buy

The camera is good as long as you have an extended warranty!!! Just after the warranty ran out, the rewind button stopped working. $260.00 to repair, 14 days later the same problem occurred. I was told not to push the rewind button so hard. It has now died a third time. I am now using the remote to rewind it. I am looking for a parts supplier for Canon parts. I live in Western Canada.

Thanks, Shelley, for the number to get the blackout problem fixed! The CSR stated that the cam has a service order posted b/c of a bad chip that seems to have caused alot of strife.

Again, the # to call is 800-828-4040. They will get you access to free shipping via UPS and fix the prob for free or give an estimate if the problem is of another cause...

Since that I bought this camcorder ZR60, I never obtained to film with it because always when I open this camera to film only seems the dark screen and nothing more, but, it can records the sound. What can be the problem and that soluction I can have of it?

if your LCD screen goes black, call CANON at 1-800 828-4040 and they will send you the labels to have it shipped or free and fixed for free. Apparantly it is known problem in which Canon is fixing or free for your camera no matter ow old.

I bought my ZR70 about two years ago. Used recorded 5 full 60 mins cassettes with it. It started showing some some white and black lines, on and of screen. I planned to record my children's presentation on stage in school. At the very moment I was to record them on stage the screen went black. I felt like smashing the dam mass. After the programme other parents came congratulating me for the performance of my two daughters. I have decided to keep away the thing to avoid reminding of that terrible incidence. Is there someone out there that will like to buy the junk for parts or recycling?

Mine has also blacked out. used it occasionally and have been happy with it. Since yesterday, the black out on the recording side started to happen. A couple of times the black out sorted itself for a while but then it came back. Play backs are ok. And it records sound.

Hi, Good gear this Canon kit but mine has blacked out - similar description to most of the reviews here. Trouble is I live in UK and the ZR was bought in FLA - Canon UK have been very poor! All I need is a contact that I can use to talk to Canon US - none of the email addresses or the phone numbers for Canon US are available to the UK. I can see that I would pay postage etc but without a US service point the ZR is dead - as no one in the Canon UK centres will touch it!

The camera was working great, then one day it stopped recording video, although it kept recording the audio. The screen is totally black. I hardly used the camera since I bought it, and am very suprised to have this happen.

At all the sudden the screen and view finder went black, now I can not see anything when to record. To play back a pre-recorded tape the picture look like the head is dirty, but it is not.

in moments the camera go in black and dont recor the image only get the audio.if i get the zoom to the end 2 or 3 times come the image and star recorder

I cant take movies or take pictures. I can play what I recorded initially but now I cant take anything. Yet I can still play the movies and look at pictures that are on the memory card. when camera is in tape mode the LCD is blue and cant see anyting through view finder. When I have it on card switch, all I see is black and yes the cover is off of the lense. I dont know what the problem could be.

Was a great day, i just got my free MArlboro tickets to go and see a Indy race for free at Sonoma Infineon raceway, when i got all the blank tapes ready and turned on my Cam Black screen (grey) couldnt see anything, read some reviews and found out that was a manufacturer problem called canon and they quickly changed it for free, couldn't record the Indy race and I think that was my only chance in my lifetime.... I feel so bad.. Next will be a Sony

My ZR70MC camcorder screen went blank in April 2005, I just waited until they issued a free fix and Canon did. I live in Canada, but I have to pay for my own shipping to their Repair Depot, unlike Canon U.S, where they send you a free shipping label.
I also own a Canon Digital Elph, I've read reviews that their LCD screens crack prematurely, I hope that is not the case!

some pore pictures, most goog,& now I have no screen and the video card does not lock!

PS ware can I get My camera fixed???

Please Help

I also had the blank screen problem.. I am SOOO glad I looked this up.. I called CANON and they are sending me a shipping label to fix it free.. VERY good service ..

Sound like most of the other cameras listed here. The black screen of death. I wrote to Canon, but haven't heard back from them. I took it in for repair, charged $60 and was told to go buy a Sony. I have a full size RCA VHS camcorder, with a character generator built in, from the 80's and that still works. I will not buy a Canon again!

Pulled out my Canon ZR70 the other day to get some videos of my daughter. Turned it on and got nothing but a black screen on viewfinder and LCD screen. Checked the lens cover and everything else I could think of, but nothing worked. I've always been a fan of Canon products because of their quality and couldn't understand how a camcorder that I've only run about 4 tapes through, and was very well cared for,could die at such an early age.
Reluctantly, I brought it to Circuit City for repairs. I was charged a $40 diagnostic fee and was told that I would be receiving an estimate for the complete repair in a couple of weeks.
Fearing a repair bill that would be higher than purchasing a new camcorder, I began searching the web for a new one. Then I found this review sight. I called Canon and they were well aware of the problem. In a nutshell, they're going to fix and ship my camcorder for FREE! Even though it's 2.5 years old and the warranty is long expired. Now that is a company that stands by it's prodducts! I will continue to be a lifelong Canon customer!

I bought my ZR70MC camcorder 2 and a half years ago. It has been flawless, until on vacation in Australia the LCD/screen went blank, dead. it would record audio, but recorded no video and display nothing in the viewfinder.

Luckily I read the reviews here and recognized the issue straight away.

Called Canon customer service (1-800-828-4040
) on a Saturday. Within 20 seconds of describing the issue the knew it was the CCD issue and offer to repair it free of charge.

Now - this camera is way out of warranty. Canon have absolutely stepped up to the plate on this issue.

I am a big fan of Sony product, however given Canons obvious amazing commitment to customer service - even outside of warranty - I guarantee that I will be buying Canon from now on for all my future camcorders and cameras and anything else where they make a product I need.

Congratulations to a huge corporate for doing the right thing. Very rare in corporate America.

The best day of my life and was to be captured for us to have and cherish for life only to have a black out in my Canon ZR70 just before the climax was to happen. It was a monday morning, a bit brisk for even a Norwegian. I had gotten the call from the physician that were going in. It was time and we were ready. Anxious thoughts ran through my head, "Is this the last?" "This is another change in our lives." you know the typical things you ask during such a momentous event. So then my spouse is recording the whole thing and just when the main moment was to hit BAM the camera went black. My spouse screamed "No", the doctors and nurses got sidetracked. It threw the whole room in a frenzy. THe result was a severly botched vasectomy and we have none of it on tape. My spouse wanted to have it just to show me a lesson as to how rude it is for us husbands to jam the camrea down in the area where the kids cme out while our wives are screaming "Bloody Mary get this thing out of me!" So unfortunately my wife did not get the video she wanted and worse news is the distaction caused the doc to lose his concentration and not tie it up well enough. So magically 10 montrhs later we now have another child. I'd like to sue Canon for emotional damages, If Jonny Cochrane was around he'd take the case I know it. Anyway my wife wants to video tape the next event cause the hospital will do the next one free. Gee, thanks. I guess we'll have to get it fixed in time or else have a back up camera ready.

Don't buy this camera. My screen also went black. It's been used about a dozen times since purchased. Prior to the screen going black, there were grainy lines lines that appeared in the viewer window nad on the video. The menus are "TERRIBLE" and it shoots poor video at night. The cameras viewable width is so narrow, that it is almost worthless without the screw on wide angle lense. I'm very computer and electronic savey and I hate this camera.

I bought this a couple of years ago, and have only had the chance to use it a couple of times. It's practically brand new. Last night, I went to tape something, and the screen was black. I called Canon customer service, and they send they will send me a shipping label to send it back to them and they will replace the faulty sensor for free.

Thank god for forums, if we didnt have them would we ever know that Canon has a problem and they are offering free repairs or would Canon just hope we think we are unlucky ones and bought a camera that just stuffed up and pay the 150 for repairs. No wonder there isnt a forum at Canon, lol. Yes I had the same problem Christmas Day, what a pain, rang Canon they offered to fix it for free but havent got the part, therefore offered me new camera for $150. Must be alot out there need fixing. Bloody Sony, can they ever build something right.

So I bought the camera in the US, and now that the CCD problem has occured, Canon SA say that they do not carry spares for NTSC - thus they cannot help. Lovely. I spent hours making sure that settings were all ok and that it was not finger trouble, so was relieved to find this thread. My hoiday in Mozambique was not captured though - annoying. Plus now I have to figure out how to get this thing sorted.

I had a suspected CCD problem with my ZR 65. Sent it to Canon for repairs. The $285.00 repair cost was covered by Canon. Great service.

I didn't use much but every time i used i was happy with it, until one day in the special meeting the tape run out and i cannot get the cassette out .The next day i try again and it opened. Two months later i use it again everything fine i thought problem go away . I want
to get ready for the holiday i bring camera out and it nothing . But after i read all the review from everyone it's just suprise me .

I've had the Camera for 2 years and went to use it to capture my family putting up this years Christmas tree.Had to use my digital camera instead(not Happy). I really like my camcorder and hopefully they will fix it for free because i didn't take the extended warranty.Office isn't open on the weekend so i'll phone monday for help.

yep but they will fix it. wnot have it for xmas 2005 though

When the camera didn't show video one day, I was surprised. It was old, but I didn't want to buy another during the holidays, so I searched the web (like you are doing now?).

Go to the Canon website, find your model, and look for the "Important Information About Your Product" box. I called the 800 number, and the voicemail system was, dare I say it, pleasant to use! The calltaker was helpful, and logged the trouble report. I sent the camcorder in, and they kept me updated by email, confirming receipt, and then the failure. (They even sent me a UPS shipping tag, so it wouldn't cost me to ship it...but I was impatient with the holidays coming.) They fixed it faster than they estimated, and they shipped it back fast, so I can still get footage through the holidays. I was disappointed to find the sudden failure, but I'm very happy how well, and how fast, this problem was being resolved by Canon! They met or exceeded my expectations, once I got in touch with them.

I bought the ZR70 1.5 years ago. I didn't take out the extended warranty because I take care of my stuff. The extended warranties are usually a way of somply getting more money. I needed the camera recently and noticed a black screen only. Of course I couldn't use it and found out about the CCD issue. Canon said they will fix it for free, but I will not be recording Christmas this year.

I wished I had read reviews before getting mine fixed at cost of $290.00. For that money I could have bought a brand new JVC

I liked the camcorder, was my prized possession since feb 2004. recording and playback good..however, went blank screen in June 2005. I am in India now. Hope Canon will fix it for free when i get to US. From a lot of reviews, i see that they have fixed it for free for many people.

I purchased it via website and worked great. Used it for travel and raise our kids. On October 2005, when I turn it on (camera recording) It went black for no reason. I tried everything to make sure its in working order. Decided to check check on internet to see if I can find one and realized everyone who own this got the same problem. So I called Canon Service Center and explained. They said that they are aware of it. It will be NO charge for shipping and repair. What they do is just to replace the CCD board with a new better re-designed CCD board and it will not be a problem for years to come. No charge even its out of warrenty! I was told it will take about 10-15 business days. I had no problem getting through into Canon Service Center. Make sure you get into Tech Support Dept that is the only way to speed up. Regards

I purchased the ZR65 just before my first child was born 2 years ago. I have used it possibly 15 times over the last 2 years and I keep very good care of it. Last week I decided to take it out and get it ready for the birth of my next child and just like everyone else the screen went black. When I brought it into a store to get it fixed, they told me that it would cost almost $500 canadian dollars to fix it and it probably wasnt worth trying to fix it. I felt totally ripped off when I heard this and I told him not to fix it. Now I am forced to borrow someone elses camera for the short term and I certainly will not be purchasing any more Canon Video Recorders!!!!!

I was always carefull and did not abuse or misuse the camera, the power supply board went bad.It will cost $600 to repair the camera and Canon will not cover any part of the repairs.The camera is less than 2 years old and doesn't work. I do not recommend this camera.

Canon has announced that they will fix the cameras on the list that have the Sony CCD chip in them. October 6, 2005

I got mine at BiMart on closeout for under $200. So far it's worked well. I bought it to record 8mm movies so I could transfer them to DVD. I've done about 5 hours of transfer so far. The price I've paid is still less than having someone do it for me.
The 22x zoom is too much for handheld recording. Gotta have a tripod to use the zoom to it's extents. The features are great overall.
From the reviews, I guess I will probably get this "blackscreen" on mine at some point, then I too will be calling Canon.

Camera worked well in a number of environments until the black screen appeared on my vacation in Europe in September. Dealer told me it was a $300+ repair. Saw an article in the Wall Street Journal last Thursday that showed all of the cameras that were having problems. Called Canon and they are taking immediate action to get my camera returned to them for repair or replacement. Great customer service - they were very responsive!!

Ya-da Ya-da Ya-da same story as everyone. Bought the camera before my daughter was born—took it out to record her 2nd birthday party only to find the blank screen everyone in the world seems to know about but me, despite my extensive reseach before buying. I'll be calling Canon tomorrow. now that I know what the problem is.

I'm very Sorry to hear that sooooo many have missed recording precious moments in thier lives...births, birthdays, weddings, reunions...and much more I'm sure! I too have lost the opportunity of preserving memories which can NEVER be replaced...my son's first day of kindergarten and having his first tooth pulled. No amount of free repairs, free shipping or any other compensation could make up for these losses...however I highly suggest Canon start trying!!!

I had the same CCD problem that others above have experienced but Canon recently replaced the chip at no charge. I read an article by the Associated Press today that Sony has acknowledged a defective chip (manufactured Oct. 2002 to Mar 2004). This chip was used in more than 80 models, including the Canon line of camcorders. The defect in the chip apparently occurs under hot or humid conditions. Check with Canon if you're experiencing CCD problems.

i looked at many different cameras before i picked this one. It it a very good camera for it's price.PS: It won't likely come with the cord you need to put the video on your comp.(firewire)

Have the same problem with black screen during recording. Bought this one for its reasonable price (buy on-line, it's cheaper),for its features and for the brand name. Didn't expect it to have this problem but called Canon about it and they will fix it for free including S&H.
Canon's website tells you that they've been getting similar complaints, hence the free repair. It's just their way of telling us they messed up and will fix the problem for free.

i'm a very poor student who saved up money to buy a camera and this one seemed to be a good deal, so i bought it. and now, i turn it on to record something for a class assingment and i get the black screen like so many reviewers here. how can this happen? it's unbelievable! i've taken excellent care of this camera because of how much it means to me. even though the warrenty is over, i feel canon should pay for the repair because there is nothing i had done to cause this problem. i'm very very sad, and dissapointed and i would not reccomend this camera to anyone

After 1 year and 9 months, my ZR70 got black screen in June 2005. Tapped it, shook it, checked battery, checked cap, etc and light came back on the screen intermittently. So I thought it might have some minior problem until 2 weeks later I found myself not being able to take the cassette out as the compartment only moved up and down slowly with pauses but did not open. When trying to find a repaire shop online 3 weeks ago, found this review site and realized it is a common issue, so I contacted Cannon and found a Cannon server center 11 miles away from home. Drove there and pointed out the two problems. They said they would fix it for free. Got a call Friday for pickup.

I bought this camcorder on April 2003 at circuit city for $770. That time i was planning to buy either Hitachi (DVD model only for 30 minutes picturisation) or Canon ZR70MC. I chose Canon because of its quality and good 22X optical zoom. I have taken my son's school programs and also some cultural programs. The quality was realy good. When opened this to shoot my son's Birthday party i saw this Black screen problem. CC chrged me $40 to see what is the problem. They told me that it is CCD and they will charge $125 to fix it. THIS FORUM HAS HELPED ME TO AVOID IT. I called canon and they have told me to send the camera and will be fixed for no charge. Hope i get my camcorder back good and working condition for more time. Thank you

camera work perfectly. then one day picked it up and tried to use and BLACK screen as if I have the len cover on it. I took it to the camera shop and they sold me a $25 head cleaner and told me if that didn't work, my video header had gone bad and it would be cheaper to replace the camera then to repair it. I explained to him the camera was not that old and we had only recorded 3 tapes. How could this be? I am glad to have found these reviews — I will be calling Canon.

yep, same problem - ccd failure I believe - at first (during my wife's first baby shower!) the video started to get scratchy intermittently and now no video. I couldn't even use it during the birth on my first child (boy btw)! I have barely used this camera up to this point. Ridiculous. Never will canon site on my shelf again.

One more here guys!
2 years, perfectly fine, took care of it
One day, on a very importante date, turned on and got a black screen
Calling tomorrow Canon and demanding my free service.

I have ZR 80, and have the same problem. They told me the samething....mail it in and they'll let me know how much to fix it. Not sure what action to take to get this crap recalled.

I can't believe this has happened to so many people. I was at my brothers wedding with my other two brothers and my two sisters, some whom I haven't seen in fifteen years, only to see a black screen. I didn't have any other problems or warnings until that day. Unbelievable.

I had the same CCD issue. I didn't know that this was such a widespread problem when I sent the camera in for repair. I was willing to pay the $157 to get it fixed because I thought it was a fluke and I knew that a replacement would cost about twice that.

I was somewhat surprised that Canon then offered to fix it at their cost (other than my shipping costs) but after reading that this seems to be a universal problem with this camera I am not so surprised (or as impressed).

I only hope that they figured out what the problem was with the original CCDs and are replacing them with more robust parts.

So, my advice to those having this problem is to call Canon and schedule a repair and hope for the best. Were I to contact them again, I would ask them if they know why this was such a problem and if they had remedied it. If anyone else knows, please post.

I was just with a friend who has the same ZR70MC as me. His screen and viewfinder went blank - then, I found this website.

I hope he can get the cheap fix as well! I've gotten my money's worth out of this camera, but hope I don't experience the same problem everyone here has. Yikes!

Same here,black screen. Called Canon services, no free replacement of CCD. Do not buy canon product!!!

I've owned my Canon ZR70 MC for 2 years 4 months and and the recording function failed during a recent trip to Hawaii. I suspected the CCD and after reading all these reviews, I'm sure of it. I'll call Canon about it tomorrow and if I have to pay them to repair it, I'll be buying a replacement miniDV but it won't be a Canon. Don't buy this camera!

Bought this 2.5 years ago when our daughter was born and it's worked beautifully up until last week. When getting the hospital bag ready for the birth of our second child we discovered the dreaded black screen. We don't have time to send it in for repairs if we want to record the early days of our child's life so I guess we'll be buying a new camcorder this afternoon. I am very disappointed in Cannon - this is obviously a widespread problem and they need to do something about it...

Although I was upset as many other people on here, I wrote Canon an email and after being very stern and expressing my disappointment in their company, they ended up fixing my camera FREE of charge and they paid for the shipping as well. Now it is working fine. Thankyou Canon!! Don't Fret folks, call up canon!!! I emailed, called and faxed them my email to get my point across. haha.

This Canon camera was purchased for the sole purpose of recording our children as they grew up. I had one of those heavy shoulder models that, after 10 years, suffered a battery failure so I decided to upgrade to this new Canon camera and discard the old one. What a mistake! The new camera has now developed the dreaded black screen and I am livid. After only 2 years and 3 tapes this thing has failed and I can't believe it. Never again will a Canon product be purchased by my wife or myself. Guess I should have bought a battery for the old one!

It was working fine until the screen went black suddendly. I could not believe something is wrong with the camera. I kept checking settings. Until I finally found these reviews. On the same boat.
DO NOT BUY.

Same problem here as everyone else described. Hardly used this camera and took good care of it — turned it on and the viewfinder was dead and I couldn't record anything. Playing back previously taped items works fine. Glad to see others are having the same problem so I know I'm not going crazy. Ugh.

I was willing to overlook the grainy pictures and other performance quality issues this camera seems to have, however, my camera also went "black" after just 15 months of ownership. Canon did tell me if it was the CCD chip, it would be repaired for free — if it's not, I have to pay for it out of pocket and they would not provide an estimate until I sent the camera in to their factory.

I have the same problem with the CCD chip going bad. I just mailed it for repair. The black screen was intermittent at first then finally quit working. All of the other non-recording functions still worked. Called Canon customer service and they said they knew of the problem and would fix for free but didn't offer to pay for shipping getting there. I asked why they didn't recall the camera and he replied with nothing. I wonder how long the new chip will work?

I have a canon ZR65MC that just died yesterday. So it is common to more than the 70. Class Action suit anyone?

it worked fine until i really need it to capture my holiday locations. It only shows me a black screen. any pointers to get this resolved would be highly appreciated.

Same issue as thousands of others. Canon must be feeling this in their pocketbooks because it sounds like they have many unhappy customers purchasing anything but a Canon, including me! Admit responsability Canon, and fix your expensive mistake.

Died within two months of each other. Same exact symptons as mentioned in previous reviews. Don't waste your money. I currently own 7 canons and these two are my last.

I hope these other posts are right that Canon will repair this thing for the cost of shipping. Mine just stopped working, can't afford another one for a little while. Meanwhile, my daughters are growing up and we're missing some pretty important memories that we bought this thing to record...

Well, sounds like we've ended up with a bad CCD chip too.. just turned it on one day adn all we can see is bluey green streaks. Pretty disappointing for a $900 item. Plan to call Canon and complain seeing all the reviews above.
Anybody else try this?

The camcorder "died" suddenly with very little use. I cannot record but can still play pre-recorded tapes. I am still trying to find out the problem, and debating whether it is worthwhile to get it repaired. Canon should be responsible for this defective product.

Worked fine until my screen went black suddenly.

Seems to be a common theme for this camera to lose it's recording capability. I purchased this camera less than 18 months ago...use it mainly for taping holidays, and other special occasions. Tried to video tape my only son's 1st day of kindergarten yesterday, and all I was able to see was a screen full of vibrantly colored vertical lines. Festive as that may seem, I'd rather have taped my son's 1st day of school...how truly disappointing that was. I purchased the extended warranty from Circuit City, so I'm hopeful that this won't be a sunk cost. Guess I know where I'll be spending my Saturday morning.

Had cameras for less than 2 years and 1 failed and while I was trying to figure that one out the other died within 2 weeks of each other. these two units were purchased at the same time and died almost together? Better business bureau here I come.

I have experienced the same problem as many other ZR70 buyers. I get a black screen when I turn on the camera. I've reset the camcorder and the problem still occurs. Obviously there is a problem with the camera and Canon should do something to make things right with the folks who have purchased the defective product. Canon is now producing 200, 300 and 400 of the ZR class of camcorders. Do you think I would ever take a chance on upgrading to any of the more current models. Never ever will I buy a Canon product again. My advice to anyone looking to purchase a camcorder... don't buy a Canon

At first it was intermittent, then became regular. The view screen and eye piece are black, but there is audio during record. Same on playback.
I thought it was unique to my camera, but after reading the other messages I find I am in similar company.

This review is in reference to the black screen issue and Canon's response to the problem. I called at 8:30pm PST and explained the problem. They said there is an issue with similar symptoms which are being handled free of charge. If in fact my problem is not related to the common problem, I would receive an estimate of repair. If I refuse repair, they will send back at their expense. My only risk is the shipping TO the repair facility ($5). I think they finally realize this is a widespread issue and have taken the right steps to perform like a good service company.

ZR80-CANNON
After using one year, I got a big problem. No picture on the screen or viewfinder. Why the company did not recall for free repairs? If they not, Never buy CANNON.

Same story. Not used very much.. Black screen, can't record. Sent for repair at a cost of $35 including shipping. Used once or twice and back to Black Screen. Canon still won't acknowledge a problem. Pursuing with Canon and further if necessary. "free" fix may not be worth the shipping cost!!

CCD died, no video in in camera mode, playback works fine. The camera gets very little use. It worked great the other day, turned it on today, nothing. This one is about 3 years old.

Now I can't believe after thinking Canon was the best, to now discover that they suck. If everyone is having these problems, shouldn't they do something about it. I just had the same thing happen to me. Screen went black while recording and I could still record.. but it was just audio. I too took really good care of my camera and didn't use it a whole lot. I'm going to send them this page of reviews and see if they will respond to that.

Same story..... Canon says there is no known problem. This is the last Canon for me.

I bought this unit in Jan. 04, got very good quality images and was pleased until without cause or any warning took out the camera to record and found it to have a sudden loss of image similar to the many other reports. This is a system wide problem and sounds like an manufacturers defect.

I thought everyone here was crazy because I never experienced this problem... until this weekend!!

My fiance went to Maryland for the weekend to look at several locations we were interested in having our wedding / reception, but I was unable to go with her due to work obligations. I thought she could take the camera with her to video tape the locations and review them with me when she returned..... Well, it never happened because the camera would only record a BLACK SCREEN!!!!!!

I'm EXTREMELY upset about this because now I'M in hot water for it because I told her NOT to bring the digital camera!!

Garbage, complete garbage! Never again will I purchase a canon product.

Same problem as so many others. CCD died from one day to another. If I take the advice of so many others to not buy Canon products any longer (which I will) extra money is wasted for the extra battery pack and other supplementalings.

I bought this Canon Digital Camcorder ZR70 model last year from BestBuy. I could make 4 video tapes out of it and suddenly one day it started showing a blank screen on changing to Camera mode. I showed it to a store and the cost for repair was coming around $160. If there is any cheap resolution to this problem.. please let me know. I am very much frustrated to see this.

Since my original comments, I have contacted Canon and they have agreed to repair the CCD at no cost to me other than shipping it to them. I will update this forum with the results when I recieve my camcorder back from Canon.

Owned Canon camcorder for only 19 months. One week before a holiday of a lifetime I found out that the CCD had failed! Wrote to Canon UK but they are not interested - offered to fix it for £144! You know what? I took my in-laws Sony on holiday instead. Until Canon admit there is a problem DO NOT BUY.

I have had this camcorder now for probably a little over a year and until now it has worked perfectly. The issue we have recently come across is that when we turn the camcorder on to camera option to record, the LCD and viewfinder screens are black. If we try and record the recording is black, but it records audio (and yes, the lens cap is off).
Any idea where to contact any mail address please...

I was shocked to see the volume of negative emails regarding the sudden loss of any video function in the LCD or Viewfinder. I also have had great results until the camcorder suddenly stopped displaying any video image "conveniently" after the warranty has expired. This should become a class action lawsuit if Canon does not address this problem.

This camera was great until one day I switched it on and the viewfinder showed a whole screen full of pretty colours. When recording, the footage is of the streaks, not whatever you're shooting, suggesting it's not a display fault. I always treated the camera with care and I'm not pleased to find others have the same problem. Come on Canon - sort it out please...

Just like all the rest.. No video through the view finder or LCD.
CCD Chip failure.

Lessee....owned product for just over 2 years. No video through viewfinder. And I found this out now that I really need to capture some footage. After pouring through the (almost useless) manual and trying their "troubleshooting" website...the only solution I find here! Thanks Canon...don't expect me to sink my money in your cameras again!

Same problem as all these other people. I used the camera, took care of it, and it held up for 2 years. I bought the ZR70 for 500 USD on ebay, new. It makes me angry because money like that is a lot for a teenager and now I dont have the money to replace/repair it. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Never buy Canon again.

Well, I didn't have any problem until a month ago. Now, after reading these reviews, I think I'm in the same boat, and Canon wants me to send the camera in for repair. I think I'll e-mail them and ask what the cost will be right now to replace the chip. I have a feeling I'm in the market for a new camera...not Canon!

I too only had this camcorder for less than 2 years and the CCD Chip has failed. I use this camera for special occassions, I just used it to shoot my daughters B-Day party and 2 days later I went use it and there was no video through the view finder. I was greatly dissappointed to find this is a inherent problem with this camcorder and Canon won't stand behind the product after so many of Us spent alot of money for these products.

Use of the camera - infrequent. When it worked well, it was really good. Took the camera out today, the picture failed upon trying to use the camera function. I am not happy!

My $700 ZR-70 also failed within 2 years. Estimate of repair is $240. Even if I have the camera repaired, what assurance do I have that they will replace the CCD unit with a similar faulty unit that will also fail within a short time? Since the company fails to acknowledge their responsibility, as a consumer I have no choice but to buy better quality products from manufacturers with integrity.

Had the thing for about a year and a half took great care of it and the CCD went bad. Seems like Canon does not care about thier customers.

Within 2 years of purchase and CCD circuit failed for no reason. Did not expect from a company like Canon to produce such a horrible circuit and later on charging customer around 150 dollars for repair. I will never buy any Camcorder from Canon.

We bought this MiniDV couple of years back and hardly used it. Last week we tried to use it only to see that there is no picture in the view finder. We will never buy a canon product.

Two coworkers and I bought 3 ZR's, one 70 and two 65. All three went down with CCD chip problems, mine was the last to die, about two weeks a go.
I will never buy anything that has Canon written on it.

Canon ZR70. I have had this camera for 2 years. I have made 4 full tapes with it. Special occasions kinda thing. Turned it on the other day and had colour vertical streaks. The CCD chip requires replacement so says Canon. So no warranty means... Do not buy this product!

My CCD chip has also failed and the camera is less than years old. DO NOT BUY CANON PRODUCTS!!!

I have this canon zr70mc camcorder and having problem with its CCD. And I do not know what to do with this instrument.

They have use the same faulty and unreliable CCD in not just ZR series, but also others like PowerShot Axx series as bought by my 2 friends. I bought my ZR70MC/MV750i in December 2003. They refused to admit that there IS A RELIABILITY issue. From now on, I will let all the people that I know and don't know, to ban Canon products because they are indeed irresponsible.

A rash of bad CCD chips has been occurring to different models of the Canon ZR series of camcorders, according to the ZR forum at CamcorderInfo.com. It has happened to my ZR70MC

Apparently, Canon is charging $160+- to repair these camcorders if they are out of warranty. They have not acknowledged that they are responsible for this equipment failure.