Firewire problem

[BobDeNatale]

This is my first question post. I don't think any previous postings have addressed the problem.

I have an Apple G4, OS X 10.3.4, 733 MHz, Final Cut Pro HD.

I just bought a Canon ZR80 to use as an editing deck. The firewire connection does not seem to work on the camera. When I have the camera hooked up via firewire and turned on, FCP freezes on the spinning disk when I open it and won't finish opening up. If I turn on the camera after FCP is open and open the log and capture window, it says it cannot initialize the video deck and acts like there's no camera attached.

Same thing with imovie. It freezes on opening if the camera is on and says "no camera attached" if I turn the camera on after I open the program.

The exact same cable and settings works fine with the DVX hooked up instead.

I think the ZR80 must have a faulty firewire port, but I know firewire can be finicky.

1. Is there any chance the firewire cable might work with the DVX but not the Canon?

2. Is there any chance my computer just won't recognize the ZR80 and I need to get another model? I know the ZR80 is on the Apple list as compatible with FCP.

3. Am I just worrying too much and should just send the camera back as defective and get another one?

4. Is there something else I might be missing?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[pookie_old]

I'd try another cable first, thats quite a possibility.

Try booting with the camera cabled up and turned on.

I use a ZR90, works perfectly.

[BobDeNatale]

When I try booting the computer with the camera turned on , the computer freezes and won't finish booting up until I turn the camera off.
Like I said, no problems at all when the DVX is plugged in.

Also, sometimes when he Canon is plugged in, my computer won't recognize the device plugged into the other firewire port either.

Weird, huh?

- b

[Prairieboy]

If the camera is new, send it back. Sounds like a dud. Make sure you always power down before hookup. You can fry the firewire board. Unfortunately I learned the hard way. But I am not bitter. Good luck.

[BobDeNatale]

Yeah, I am always careful to power down when hooking and unhookng the firewire.

Thanks for the help and suggestions. I think I'll send it back tomorrow.