I have exactly the same problem. I cannot see any files in the DCIM folder of my iphone (Firmware version 5.1). When plugged in to the PC, and using Windows Explorer, under properties it says 0 folders, 0 files!!
(I have an Android phone and can easily move photos from it to my PC, so I know how to do it normally).
I have tried the import photos and videos option that pops up when connecting the iphone but Windows simply says that there are no new images to transfer.
So, we need someone who knows about iphones. Maybe :
1) is it possible that the iphone has put my photos and videos somewhere else on the iphone? If so, how do I move them to DCIM folder?
2) is it possible that the photos are not in any format that windows recognises - in which case, what can I do?
I am loathe to download any apps that purport to do this job because I'd expect them to fail for exactly the same reasons - no files found.