Canon ZR70 MC
Editors' Summary
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The capable Canon ZR70 MC comes equipped with an impressive 22x optical zoom.
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Specifications
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0.34 megapixels (effective), 22x optical zoom/440x digital zoom, Mini DV format, 2.5" LCD, auto and manual focus, electronic image stabilization, 1.2 lbs. Selected Reviews
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"The new ZRs seem to have the potential to be really great entry level MiniDV camcorders"
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"Horrible Performance"
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How the ZR70 MC Compares
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HQ Score: 3.39 out of 5
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Editors' Suggestions: Other Camcorders You Might Like
Compare the Canon ZR70 MC with these camcorders
Same brand: Canon Elura 50, Canon ZR60
Camcorder Details
Editors' Comments
The capable Canon ZR70 MC comes equipped with an impressive 22x optical zoom. With the long zoom and compact vertical styling, the ZR70 offers features that will please amateur moviemakers, but buyers should be aware of complaints about the ZR camcorders low-light capabilities.
Specifications
0.34 megapixels (effective), 22x optical zoom/440x digital zoom, Mini DV format, 2.5" LCD, auto and manual focus, electronic image stabilization, 1.2 lbs.
Recommended HQ Package
Camcorder HQ recommends purchasing a camcorder case, digital video tape, and additional flash memory.
Professional Reviews
Click on stars to exit Camcorder HQ and read full review text
The new ZRs seem to have the potential to be really great entry level MiniDV camcorders (CamcorderInfo.com)
A first look at Canon's new ZR camcorders, including the Canon ZR70.
DCHQ User Reviews
ZR65MC has same problem (DCHQ)
I have a canon ZR65MC that just died yesterday. So it is common to more than the 70. Class Action suit anyone?
same ...black screen problem (DCHQ)
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.
Very Upsetting (DCHQ)
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.
Both cameras - Black Death (DCHQ)
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.
Just got in line (DCHQ)
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...
Streaky Video - CCD gone (DCHQ)
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?
picture quality was not better than my old Hitachi camcorder (DCHQ)
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.
black screen (DCHQ)
Worked fine until my screen went black suddenly.
Sounds Familiar (DCHQ)
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.
SAME BLACK SCREEN X 2 (DCHQ)
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.
ZR 70 No Picture When Camera Is Turned On (DCHQ)
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
Black Screen Too (DCHQ)
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.
Taking Care of Problem (DCHQ)
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.
(DCHQ)
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.
Black Screen - Fixed - Black Screen Again (DCHQ)
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!!
Junk (DCHQ)
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.
Black Screen of crap (DCHQ)
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.
CCD Chip failure (DCHQ)
Same story..... Canon says there is no known problem. This is the last Canon for me.
(DCHQ)
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.
CCD.... same issue (DCHQ)
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.
CCD Bad News (DCHQ)
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.
Simply Useless now. (DCHQ)
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.
Update from Lost Customer (DCHQ)
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.
Black Screen of Death - Canon should be listening. (DCHQ)
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.
My ZR 70 MC screen went to BLACK (DCHQ)
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...
Bad CCD = Lost Canon Customer (DCHQ)
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.
Multi-coloured vertical streaks instead of image on record/viewfinder (DCHQ)
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...
JUNK Camcorder (DCHQ)
Just like all the rest.. No video through the view finder or LCD.
CCD Chip failure.
Do I See A Pattern...? (DCHQ)
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!
Meh. (DCHQ)
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.
Uh-oh...I think I have the same problem. (DCHQ)
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!
Another in a long line of CCD Chip failures! (DCHQ)
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.
CCD Chip failure! (DCHQ)
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!
Replacing CCD chips (DCHQ)
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.
Same Problem (DCHQ)
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.
Horrible Performance (DCHQ)
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.
canon ZR70MC (DCHQ)
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.
cheap shot (DCHQ)
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.
Garbage (DCHQ)
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!
Bad Camera (DCHQ)
My CCD chip has also failed and the camera is less than years old. DO NOT BUY CANON PRODUCTS!!!
Horrible Performance (DCHQ)
I have this canon zr70mc camcorder and having problem with its CCD. And I do not know what to do with this instrument.
Irresponsible (DCHQ)
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.
ZR series have apparent problem with the CCD (DCHQ)
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.
