How to Upload to PC from Canon ZR200??

This must be really simple, but I can't figure out how to upload videos from my Canon ZR200. The camera has a USB connection along with a firewire connection. I thought all I would need to do is connect the camera (with the power turned to VCR) and Windows XP would find the USB connection, recognize it as a Canon video camera and off we go. However, Windows XP doesn't even notice the USB connection. I have tried it with the camera powered to camera and VCR, both ways, but it doesn't sense a connection. Is there some trick here I don't see? I am running the camera off the battery. Does it need AC power to do this? Sorry to be so dense on this. If anyone can help, please!!!

I think you need a firewire to upload the video... The USB connection won't do it... But that's a "I think" statement. Talk to Joe Umali, he explained it to me pretty well, but that was some time ago, and I haven't used mine since then.

-Blake

What program are you going to use for video editing? If you're using Windows movie maker, try this. With the program open, turn on your camera. Click on the "Capture From Video Device" link. If your camera is recognized by the system, then all should be good. If not, then you'll get an error here, and you will probably need to install some drivers from the CD that came with your camera.

Do you have a firewire card in your computer? Unless you're using USB2, firewire will be much faster.

I spoke with Canon tech support today and they claim that while it seems to indicate you can upload video from the USB connector, you can only upload from the memory card via USB - you need to use the firewire connection for uploading from the mini DV.

You can pick up a firewire card for you computer like this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6243898&type=product&id=10693015 96482
for under $50. It's very easy to install, and very worth it.