Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder
-
Discontinued
Setting a performance benchmark for a prosumer-level standard-def camcorder, the Canon GL2 offers high-quality digital video with up to 530 lines of resolution. Building on Canon's expertise in 35mm photographic and broadcast TV lenses, the GL2 is equipped with Canon's exclusive L-Series Fluorite optical technology for outstanding imaging power and shooting versatility in a lightweight, portable design.
The camcorder's 3 CCDs deliver outstanding picture quality, accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise. Canon has improved a broadcast technology to create a new form of Pixel Shift technology, producing higher picture quality than that of camcorders using CCDs with almost twice the number of pixels. In addition to its enhanced quality, the camera incorporates a built-in digital photo mode for capturing crisp photos up to 1488 x 1128 pixels.
- Achieve Super High Resolution
- The camcorder maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3 CCD system, assigning a separate CCD to each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction, suitable for the demands of the high-end production field - wide dynamic range, low color noise, natural color resolution and low aliasing.
- L-Series Fluorite Lens
- Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power, design and quality of their 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. The professional L-Series lenses utilize Fluorite, a material which provides outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, especially in lightweight, high-magnification lenses. Now incorporated into the lens on the GL-2, Fluorite delivers the ultimate clarity and image quality. The Fluorite element inside of the lens defeats color aberration - the effect when components of light stray from one another within a lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color. The Fluorite lens precisely controls components of light, providing an excellent balance of these three critical ingredients of picture quality. This is unobtainable with conventional optical glass.
- Image Stabilization
- Canon's superb optical stabilization system eliminates image shake due to a wide range of movement and/or high wind conditions. It corrects camera shake instantly. Even hand-held shots at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. And since it is optical, there is no loss of image quality as with electronic image stabilizers.
- Pixel Shift
- This feature solves common shooting dilemmas by using a signal processing technique called Pixel Shift, which has been used in professional grade video cameras for many years. It achieves wider dynamic range, reduced vertical smearing and sharper digital still images. The green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail, and the red and blue components comprise only 40%. The green CCD in the camcorder is shifted vertically and horizontally the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel from the red and blue CCD. The green signal is then sampled more frequently to extract the maximum picture detail from the video signal. This allows the camcorder to achieve resolution equal to camcorders with nearly twice as many pixels in video recording.
- Direction Accurate Microphone
- This camcorder's built-in microphone incorporates two pairs of pick-up elements each for left and right. This arrangement realizes a superior directional ability and fuller, richer stereo sound. Also, you can change the microphone frequency characteristics to match the recording condition (normal, voice, windscreen).
- Top Grip with Recording Controls
- In addition to the side hand grip, the GL2 features a top carrying handle, complete with a duplicate set of recording and zoom controls. Now you can accommodate your individual shooting style, as well as make mid to low angle shooting comfortable and easy.
- Photo Search
- Remember that you can put hundreds of still images on a DV tape when using the GL2 in Photo Mode. So having a way to find a particular image is a necessity. Using the GL2's Remote Control, Easy Photo Search lets you scan through the still pictures, even if they're recorded between sections of moving footage.
- Special Effects
- This feature offers you a variety of scene transition effects, producing smooth, professional-looking dissolve and wipe transitions between scenes as you record. Effects include: Black & White, which removes color from the video images; Sepia, Art, Mirror, Trail and Strobe, for a stop-and-go type of motion effect.
- Manual Audio Level Control with VU Meters
- For complete control, the GL2 offers 2-channel manual audio adjustment (2 mechanical, dedicated controls). The audio level can be monitored by an external illuminated VU meter or in the viewfinder/LCD view screen.
- Clear Scan
- When shooting the display screen of a personal computer or a TV, a noticeable rolling black bar or flickering may appear. This can be eliminated by adjusting the scanning frequency setting on the camcorder.
- Character Recording
- Some video applications (such as law enforcement, including interrogations, crime scene documentation, depositions and court room proceedings) require identification of date, time and time code of each recording. To accommodate this, the GL2 can be set to permanently record this information by superimposing it over the video image.
- Analog to Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
- For instant editing, simply connect your TV, VCR, or analog camcorder to the camcorder, and send the analog signal directly to your computer's IEEE-1394 terminal, without recording to tape. If you choose, you may first record the analog signal to DV tape, allowing you to create a high-quality master of your original.
- Interval Recording
- Continuous recording with intervals is possible for users who are seeking to capture a compressed version of real time (such as sunsets, flowers blooming), or create animation. Users may select a recording time of 0.5, 1.5, or 2 seconds, which will be recorded at an interval of 30 seconds, one, five, or 10 minutes.
- Advanced Accessory Shoe
- The shoe transmits power directly from the GL2. You can choose to attach the optional DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone, shotgun mic with high sensitivity and super directional pick-up. Use when recording or dubbing audio. Or, attach the optional VL-3 Video Light, which can either stay on continuously or turn on/off automatically, in response to changes in the brightness of the shooting situation.
- Power Save
- This feature allows you to turn the recorder section off, leaving the camera section turned on, so you can adjust the camera section without worrying about the automatic shut-off (5-minute timer).
- LANC
- The LANC terminal on the GL2 permits easy connection of compatible edit controllers.
| System | NTSC |
| Format | Mini DV |
| CCD | 1/4" 3CCD, 410,000 Gross Pixels, 380,000 Effective Pixels, using Pixel Shift Technology |
| Audio |
PCM Digital Stereo 12-bit/32kHz/4ch 16-bit/48khz/2ch |
| Zoom |
20x Optical 40/100x Digital (for 35mm conversion 39.5-790mm) |
| Lens | 4.2-84mm, f/1.6-2.9 (L-Series Fluorite Lens) |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Image Stabilization | Yes, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) |
| Lux | 6 Lux, 0.37 Lux (Slow Shutter at 1/8) |
| Viewfinder | 0.44" Color (180,000 Pixels) |
| LCD Monitor | 2.5" LCD Monitor |
| Manual Controls | Focus (Ring), Exposure, White Balance, TV/AV Image Control, Picture Control, Shutter Speed (1/8 - 1/15,000), Audio Level Control |
| Date & Time | Yes |
| Time Code | Yes |
| A/V Dubbing | Yes |
| Line In Recording | Yes, Analog/Digital |
| Input/Output Interface |
Composite Video: RCA (x1 Input, x1 Output) S-Video: 4-Pin MINI DIN Analog Audio L/R: RCA (x1 Input, x1 Output) FireWire: IEEE-1394 4-Pin Headphones: Mini Stereo Microphone: Mini Stereo LANC Terminal |
| Card Slot | SD (Secure Digital)/MM (MultiMedia) |
| Special Effects | B/W, Sepia, Art, Mirror, Trail and Strobe |
| Fade Resistance | Yes |
| Titler | No |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes, Advanced Shoe (Hot Shoe) |
| Built-in Light | No, Optional VL-3 Light |
| Tape Loading | Side Top Loading |
| Power Requirements |
110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 7.2 VDC |
| Power Consumption |
With Viewfinder: 4.8W With LCD: 5.7W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.6 x 5.4 x 12" (11.8 x 13.6 x 30.6 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 91 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
90%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (52)
- Comfortable to operate (38)
- Great sound (32)
- Simple controls (26)
- Versatile (26)
Cons
- Poor battery life (8)
- Poor sound (4)
- Inadequate features (3)
- Poor in low light (3)
- Poor still image (3)
Best Uses
- Movies/short films (30)
- Documentaries (23)
- Travel (22)
- Home movies (21)
- Weddings (17)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
One-to-three months
40%
(4 reviews)
Three-to-six months
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro (26), Pro videographer (11), Enthusiast (8), Semi-professional (8), Professional (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
I own 5 GL2s
Overall, these are the best Standard Definition [SD] cameras in the price-range. I have owned both the XL1 and XL1s, and like the GL2 better due to its smaller size & weight...Read complete review
Overall, these are the best Standard Definition [SD] cameras in the price-range. I have owned both the XL1 and XL1s, and like the GL2 better due to its smaller size & weight and what I feel is a better color quality. THANKFULLY, you can easily add external Mics through your choice of adapters & mics available. The onboard mic is OK for a quick family shot, but if you are selling your videography, your clients will expect better sound. You can easily see your sound levels on both the LCD & side of the camera, which adds a LOT of comfort when you are shooting a live event and want to be certain you are still connected to your mics [without constantly listening through the headphones...] The lighter weight is a big deal if you have to hold the camera for any length of time. Even with a good steady-cam grip handle, shotgun mic & mic adapter, the weight is very reasonable. Most of the time, I use the wide-angle adapter lens, for close-up shots & indoor shots. If you are worried about looking professional, by the time you add the WA lens, mic adapter, shotgun mic, headphones, etc., the entire assembly looks pretty darn professional. The fact that you get the same picture [& sound] quality as an XL1s at half the weight, will make your arms love you.The GL2 fixed problems that plagued the earlier GL1 & XL1... Noteably, the GL1 suffered from dead pixels & the XL1 suffered from an auto focus that tended to hunt for several seconds before locking the focus. [That was bad-really bad especially when you needed to use the shot from that camera... bad, bad, bad!] All of my earlier GL1 cameras had bright white dead or stuck pixels after about 2 years of use. All of the XL1 cameras [not XL1s] had the focus lock problem... However, to date, all 5 of my GL2 cameras have no stuck pixels after nearly 3 years of use. The GL2 has a noteably better color quality than both the GL1 and XL1. The XL1 was very poor at reds & purples. The GL1 did not produce as vivid image. The GL2 shines & I think it is better than the XL1s, but it is too close to tell... Also, the GL2 almost never goes out of focus. It generally keeps the object in the center of your shot completely focused, and quickly locks when panning or zooming.MANUAL CONTROLS - Due to the smaller size, it is less convenient operating the manual controls. They do give you great control, and the various presets & a customizable button allow even greater flexibility. I generally set everything to automatic except for exposure & white balance. This way I can make sure that I have the correct exposure level on an indoor shot without the camera going dark when candles, etc. are in the background... You can push the exposure wheel so the camera finds the best auto setting, and then you can override that setting by clicking the wheel up or down. This alone makes this a better camera than rivals. Very convenient - the one manual control you really need is easy to use & has a separate control...We will eventually move to HD cameras when our target market expects HD, but for now the GL2 rules in low-budget videography work. With the prices dropping on these GL2s as HD cameras via fir the prosumer market, you can't go wrong buying one of these for personal use. All of my kids' births were shot with the GL2, and our videos look as good as the medical videos on TLC shows & other reality shows.We shot a family event with a sub $1000 single-chip HD camera, and the GL2 video looks much better, even if you have to up-convert it to HDTV. Always stick with 3 chips - even if you have to wait to afford HD until later!Lastly - Canon's fluid image stabilization, lens quality & 20X optical zoom are the BEST. We absolutely needed these & would not consider other options...
Expertise: Professional Videographer
Problems Encountered: Unfortunately, Canon went cheap on the tape mechanism & zoom rocker button, and now they are paying for it... All 5 GL2 cameras I own have had to be sent back to Canon to fix the tape mechanism. This isn't a problem of getting a lemon 1 in 5, but a known defect that is present in 5 out of 5... Suddenly, and usually on a day you need it most, the tape mechanism will start eating tapes or not load a tape at all. Since we always bring a backup camera, we have avoided embarrassment or worse..., but Canon should have provided a more reliable design...Also, the main zoom rocker switch [on the tape deck lid] is also a known defect and has failed on 4/5 of my cameras. Either it stops zooming, or it starts drifting. Although you can find info on a DIY fix on the 'net, your best bet is to have Canon fix it when the tape mechanism fails, because the two will happen about the same time... You can use the rocker on the Mic handle until the other is fixed. Also, if you buy a GL2 on Ebay, plan to have both fixed. BETTER is to buy a new GL2 here at B&H Photo with a REBATE - a very good deal... Only a bit more than Ebay, and you get a full warranty & new product...Unfortunately, my problems happened after the 1 Year Warranty Expired - on each. HOWEVER, Canon has only charged me about $275 to fix both problems on each camera. That's about 10% the cost of what these sold for originally, so I feel Canon is treating us right, even after the warranty. On one camera, the deck was REALLY bad, and I think they gave me a totally new tape deck - it looked new anyway... Ask around, and everyone that has work done gets charged about the same - approx. $275, no matter the problem. I know that Sony wants $375 per problem to fix similar problems, and they charge more for return shipping... Therefore, I feel that Canon is actually interested in keeping their customers satisfied vs. making a profit on repairs - I'm sure they basically break-even in order to keep us returning. Only time will tell if they have fixed these problems on the new crop of HD cameras, but knowing they offer reasonably priced repairs will keep me coming back.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: GL1, XL1, XL1s
Items I Recommend: Ext. Mic Adapter, Ext. Mic., Headphones, Extra 3 Hour Batteries, Steady Cam Device & Bogen Tripod
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Students filmmakers beware!
I bought this camera thinking it was going to be awesome! I read review after review and people seemed to give the GL2 perfect scores. I was very excited to see such an affordable ...Read complete review
I bought this camera thinking it was going to be awesome! I read review after review and people seemed to give the GL2 perfect scores. I was very excited to see such an affordable camera seem so awesome. So I decided to get one.
While it is a nice camera with a beautiful picture, do NOT buy this if you wish to make independent movies. This camera takes true-to-life video and is good for shooting events ONLY. If you want to get a cinematic film-look, this camera is NOT for you! I have used it to shoot three different independent projects and each time I am even more frusterated. After fighting with it for hours I still can't seem to get a decent filmlook.
Buy a camera with 24p and more lens control. The GL2 looks very "video-ish" and not enough like film. There are ways to fake the 24p film look with the GL2 but its a pain in the butt and still doesn't quite look the same. It does offer "frame movie mode" but this is just a cheap immitation. You seem to lose color and picture quality in that setting as well.
The zoom is also very slow compared to a lot of other camcorders I have used, even after you set it to the fastest setting. If you like quick dramatics zooms in your movies, this camera CANNOT pull that off. Why did canon fail to include a manual zoom? Also, the focus ring is very stiff and does turn easily.
The lack of XLR inputs is agravating as well. You will have to buy a $200 adapter which makes the camera very hard to hold when mics are plugged in. Trust me, the on-board audio is worthless for shooting dialogue scenes. You will absolutely NEED the XLR adapter.
GL2 has extremely poor manual settings. No matter what you do, it seems like it will always try to do everything for you.
GOOD - There are some good things. The GL takes marvelous close ups and it is very good in low light.
Only buy this camera if you plan to shoot events. (Weddings, coporate, sports videos.) Student filmmakers beware! I suggest a Panasonic DVX. If I had it to do over, i'd buy that. The GL2 is over-rated and over priced. I found out the hard way.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 91 customers
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
The Canon GL2 served me well in shooting video for television, short documentary films and a 50 minute tutorial DVD for seven years before I sold it and upgraded to the HD Canon XF100. I also own a JVC HD-GY110.
It produced a crisp well-defined picture that was a joy to watch. It also shot well for me in low light -- much better than the JVC. The auto-focus kept images sharp except in fast moving sports like football, baseball and soccer.
More than once, though, it did shift focus from an interview subject to the background so for interviews giving the subject lead room, I recommend using manual focus.
Image stabilization was superb. Like all truly hand-held cameras, you don't have your shoulder to lean it on when shooting without a tripod and, though the camera with all my accessories weighed only 4-5 lbs., it could be hard to hold for long stretches.
I am glad that the XF100 has XLR inputs built in because the adapter you need to use professional microhphones with the GL2 can be unwieldy.
Because of advances in technology, if shopping today (in 2011), I'd find the extra 1000 bucks to buy a similar-sized XF100. But for 2003, it was a terrific camera and I am exceedingly glad I owned my GL2.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
Awesome product. We use it for live broadcasting of our school events. We have a total of four camera that are used for this purpose.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
WE have four of these camcorders. They work well for meetings, outdoor activities, low lighting (night time lighted boat parades) and are versatile. We use a FOCUS hard drive with ours.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great looking Camcorder
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
Cons
- No XLR
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
5 years with cam,
purchase Canon HD to replace Gl2.
Still use Gl2 for backup.
Use with imac via firewire at 16/9
get great SD video with no artifacts.
sometimes my GL2 video looks better than my canon hd hFS 100 video.
Go figure!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
This is a great camera. I love the top loading feature which is expected in a product like this. The image is amazing and I think the sound tops it all. I did several conventions using this camera in stadium setting without any external mic and it was amazing to hear the sound quality. If I were the designer, I would have added some alternative storage media like an sd card which is able to record video. ALSO, such a product deserves to have at least an xlr port for audio input. Above all, however, it's just a great camera. I love it. We use these at my work place for sonic foundry and recording other events. It's great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I use the cameras professionally and personally. I've taped many weddings and events. The zoom is great, Most of the features I do not use and are but the images are great.
It also compliments my i-movie editing on my Mac computer well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
This is my second GL2 and i think i is an awesome camcorder.
Clear picture
Excellent zoom
Plenty of ports to connect to computers, TV, Projectors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- 4 yr firewire port life
- 5 yr zoom motor life
- Frequent dirty heads
Best Uses
- Impresses audience
- Impresses performers
- Indoor performances
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I use the GL2 to make public education government programs for the last 5 years ,on an almost daily use basis. It is a professional looking camcorder, people are impressed. Over-all pleased with performance. Has tendency to exhibit "dirty head" warnings, in spite of using Sony HD tapes. Fire-wire port failed after 4 years. Zoom motor went out after 5 years. It uses mini DV tapes, which limit me to 1 hour of recording performances, then have to stop recording to change out the mini DV tape. It takes coordination with the second camera operator to capture the continuous performances. Canon authorized repair centers are great at repairs, but cost me a minimum of $250 for each repair.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Cant edit the films
- No External Mic Input
- Okay Quality BUT NOT HD
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
This camera drops frames constantly when I use it, making it IMPOSSIBLE to edit.
It also doesn't have any XLR inputs for microphones, so the sound is generall subpar.
The quality is okay and the price is right, but I wish I had invested the money and gotten something more reliable AND NO HD Whitch i think is terriable its okey quality like i said but its not worth the money i would rather save more to get more from a camera
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Church services
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
Since I've owned a GL1, I expected the GL2 to have the same quality. I was not disappointed by the quality or beauty of this GL2 camera. True color and professional looking output are this cameras attributes. You won't go wrong with this camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I have bought 2-GL2 cameras, Neither one matches in picture. I got to spend more time in correcting the two in color. Also Hates Tapes. Constantly shows tape errors, eject tape, dirty heads. I have sent these back and still are not corrected. Canon should be liable for this. Don't waste your money...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Was good when it worked
Cons
- Quit working
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I bought a GL-2 several years ago. Soon after getting it was sent back to Canon for a warranty repair having to do with the mechanism that loads the tape. I have probably recorded 50 tapes with it and now it no longer records. I either get no recording or black horizontal bars. Even after a professional cleaning it still doesn't work. [$] down the drain. I have a cheap Sony handicam...at least that works. Don't throw your money away.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I am a legal videographer. This is my second GL2. Overall, it is a good camera with easy-to-use functions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
travel and family.Two short documentries
Dependable, easy to use, great lens for the money, good color. If you practice you can work around alot of the limitations.
The new DSLR's with 1080p,24fps,16/9 are hard to beat. If you want the latest and greatest, keep saving.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
First of all thanks to B&H for having such a wonderful camcorder for such a great price [...]I live in the carribbean and I do a lot of out door birthday party's and wedding video taping, and my GL-2 captures all the colors with very good quality, I especially like the zoom controls on the handle which I use alot to get really low down and close when I am shooting kids birthday party's,I don't always get to hook up my xlr cables to the dj sound system, so I use the on board mic, and sometimes I get good, not great audio and sometimes it's really bad, I guess I have not experimented enough with switching between auto and manual audio levels, this camcorder is a giant leap from the 8mm cam's I used to use, easy to use right out the box, because of the nature of my work, I got 2 extra BP-945 batteries the canon wide converter WD-58 0.7X58 LENS, a must for doing weddings, rode microphone a three way cold shoe mount and a canon vl-10Li on camera light, all this I got at B&H, and I am going back to buy a fluid head tri pod and a good on camera led video light, for the price, go ahead and buy this camcorder,
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
who ever say'd that your horrible with cameras this is the simplest camera to use and one of the best in the 3ccd and im 15 i know more this is a great camera and i would recommand to everyone!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I use the Canon GL2 to videotape trains, something of a professional hobby of mine. The GL2 has the basic necessities to do professional-looking work, such as a good selection of manual controls, an easy-to-see viewfinder, lens hood and good stereo audio. Add a haze filter to the lens and a wind shield over the mic and video and sound is even better.
This camera is leaps and bounds ahead of my old analog 3CCD Panasonic AG-450, with one exception. The AG-450 was up to the task of recording video and sound, even if the outdoor temperature dropped below freezing. Not so with the GL2. You can push the little red button, and the tape will be moving, but nothing will be recording in really cold weather. This limits how much I can go shoot compared to the good old days of the AG-450.
My only other problem with the GL2 is the manual audio channel dials. With all the moving around I do, the dials fall, quieting down the recorded audio if I do not constantly check and reset the levels. Also, the switch between manual and automatic audio catches on my camera bag. It's bad enough that I have had to put tape over the switch to keep it in one place. The on-off-playback switch on the top of the camera is equally volatile.
Overall, however, this is a great video camera for the price. My nit-picky problems are manageable. In the end, excellent video quality and sound quality, along with Canon reliability, mean quality, professional-looking videos.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
This camera is very easy to use. Even for someone who hasn't had much experience with video equipment. High-quality picture and sound for the amount of money paid.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
I have the video camera already but we wanted a second one, we use it to record training videos for our company. I am not someone that has been trained in video/cameras but for the quality of the camera...it is very easy to use. There are many features I haven't even touched yet but you can get great quality videos with just the basics. I found it for $400 cheaper at B&H than where I bought my first one.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon GL2 MiniDV 3CCD Camcorder:
This model has improved sharpness and brighter colors from the earlier GL2 that I owned.
Camera design has remained the same and is quite easy to use in the field.
Easy to download into my Apple computer using Final Cut express
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Instruction Manual (PDF 3.7mb)
- Brochure (PDF 1.2mb)
Media
Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
- Price: $2.39
Batteries & Power Adapters
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $144.99
-
- Original: $99.95
- Save: $9.99
- Price: $89.96
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Capture your desired angle of view with a quality conversion lens.
- Price: $199.99
- Price: $124.01
External Microphones
Focus your sound with a high-quality microphone. Audio quality can make or break your video.
- Price: $149.00
Bags & Cases
Carry, organize and protect your investment with quick access to your gear.
-
- Original: $79.95
- Save: $7.99
- Price: $71.96
Tripod & Stationary Supports
Stabilize the your footage and eliminate handheld fatigue with the support you need.
- Price: $149.00
- Instant Savings: -$30.00 Offer ends FEB 29 '12
- You Pay: $119.00
What's in the Box
- AC Power/Charger (CA-920)
- DC Coupler (DC-920)
- Battery Pack (BP-915)
- Remote Control (WL-D77)
- S-Video Cable (S-150)
- Audio/Video Cable Mini-3 RCA (STV-250N)
- 8MB SD Memory Card (SDC-8M)
- Lens Hood
- Large Eyecup
- SS-650 Shoulder Strap
- CD-ROM Software
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
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