Setting a performance benchmark for a prosumer level PAL camcorder, the GL2E offers high-quality digital video - 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 three CCDs deliver outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise. On top of that, Canon has improved a broadcast technology to create a new form of Pixel Shift, producing greater picture quality than that of camcorders using CCDs with almost twice the number of pixels.
In addition to the camcorder's high video quality, it incorporates a built-in Digital Photo mode for capturing crisp, high-definition photos up to 1488 x 1128 pixel.
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.
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.
L-Series Fluorite Optical System
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.
Optical and Digital Zoom
The camcorder incorporates a 20x optical zoom lens which transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups. The 20x optical zoom is the 35mm focal length equivalent to 39.5 to 790mm. The digital zoom, capable of extending to 40x and a maximum of 100x, provides sharper detail compared to others, thanks to Canon's superior lens quality. You'll capture details too distant to be seen with just the eye alone. At full telephoto, the 35mm focal length equivalent is an amazing 79,000mm.
Optical 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.
Three Recording Modes
- Normal Movie Mode
By merging Canon's superior lens quality with 3 CCDs, the GL2 delivers stunning resolution and color reproduction - some of the best images outside of a TV studio. This mode records video in the standard interlaced fashion similar to conventional camcorders. Normal Movie Mode is ideal for recording video that appears smooth and natural during playback on a TV or video editing computer. - Digital Photo Mode
High resolution photos image processing, for capturing crisp, high-definition photos. Images may be captured in a choice of different image qualities and compression sizes to suit your needs. Capture up to 10 stunning 1.7 megapixel (1488 x 1128 pixel) images onto the included 8MB SD Memory Card. Images may be also captured at VGA (640 x 480 pixel) in standard or fine compression. For added flexibility, you may take up to 700 still pictures on a Mini DV single tape (in SP mode). The camera records the still pictures for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. You can search through the recorded tape for your photos using the supplied remote control. - Frame Movie Mode
This mode captures video in a unique non-interlaced method allowing the camcorder to record 30 frames of video per second. Similar to a motor drive on a 35mm camera, Frame Movie Mode performs like a Digital Motor Drive. You'll capture every gesture and expression of your subject with spectacular clarity. It's perfect for users who choose to grab high quality still images from video for making prints, video for website content, or even sending emotionally charged images over the internet. The non-interlaced method has even been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like appearance.
DV Recording
Whether your need is broadcast production or simply the very best picture quality, the Mini DV format delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution - nearly a 25% improvement in picture quality over the best analog formats. The tape formulation is advanced to last longer and even withstand repeated use without failure, virtually eliminating drop out, delivering higher output and less noise.
TV and AV Shutter Priority/Aperture Priority
The Tv and Av modes permit easy operation while retaining the creative image controls commonly found on Canon's 35mm SLR cameras. In the TV mode, select a shutter speed from 1/8* to 1/15,000 of a second and the GL2 will automatically set a matching aperture. In the AV mode, select an aperture from f/ 1.6** to f/8 and the GL2 automatically sets a matching shutter speed.
*card camera mode: 1/60 to 1/500 of a second
** card camera mode: f/2 to f/8
*card camera mode: 1/60 to 1/500 of a second
** card camera mode: f/2 to f/8
AV Insert
Add new video from a VCR or another camcorder to a tape recorded in SP mode. The camcorder gives you the option of adding video and/or audio to an existing SP-recorded DV tape. Input can be digital, or analog video and analog audio.
i.Link (IEEE-1394) FireWire
The i.Link DV In/Out interface (IEEE-1394) provides a high-speed, bi-directional digital link between camcorders or VCRs for digital to digital editing, which delivers unmatched versatility and performance.
Color Viewfinder
Incorporates 113,000 pixels, providing excellent viewing clarity, so you can see the recording in full vivid color.
LCD View Screen
The 2.5" (200,000 pixels) view screen makes it easier to compose sensational shots from any angle. It swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility.
Control L (Lanc)
The Control-L protocol connects camcorders, VCRs and editing controllers for precise control and ease of use during editing or dubbing.
PCM Audio
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) recording for an incredible 96db dynamic range. The Digital camcorder provides two recording modes, 12 and 16-bit audio. 12-bit creates two sets of stereo tracks, and 16-bit mode offers one pair of stereo tracks. Audio dub capability allows you to add an additional 12-bit stereo track to your original recording.
Direction Accurate
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).
AE Shift/AE Lock
By adjusting the AE Shift Control, you can lighten or darken the image to precisely control the exposure level of the Program AE modes. In difficult lighting conditions, AE Lock allows you to lock exposure at the current level to control the brightness of the image.
Program AE
Puts advanced recording techniques at your fingertips to ensure great results in various shooting conditions. There are six programs in all, giving you the balanced control that you have come to expect from Canon.
- Full Auto
Also called the "Green Zone". This is the ideal selection for general shooting. - Auto Mode
Similar to Full Auto, Auto handles all camera settings automatically, but also allows the user to select manual functions (focus, exposure, white balance, for example). - Manual Mode
If you want to make all the decisions, this is the mode to use. Select your own combination of shutter speed, aperture and gain. - Spotlight
Designed to be used when subjects are illuminated by intense light sources, such as under spotlights on a dark stage. This mode is designed to prevent the subject from being grossly over-exposed against a dark background. - Sand & Snow
This program is designed to prevent a dark, under-exposed subject when shooting in places with bright backgrounds, such as a sunny beach or ski resort.
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.
Fader
Fade Trigger is a digital fade effect. When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out.
Manual Iris
For fine exposure control, you have access to 19 aperture values for half-stop adjustments from f/1.6 to closed.
Time Code
Records a time code signal along with the video signal. This time code accurately identifies every point on the DV tape by hour, minute, second and frame. This will prove immensely beneficial if you are editing your footage on your personal computer or a professional video editing system.
Data Code
The DV standard calls for the automatic recording of date and time, shutter speed, exposure settings and other key camera data on the tape as you shoot. The GL2 does not permanently superimpose this data over your video, however. Instead, this data remains hidden until you select it for display during playback or editing. You can turn the display on or off at will, and you can decide which data you want to display.
Step-Up Features from GL-1E (XM1)
Mega CCD
The 3x 1/4-inch 410k Gross pixels (380,000 effective pixels) (vs GL-1 270,000 pixels CCD) Charged Coupled Device imager provides excellent detail and clarity, with exceptional digital video performance. Utilizes 1.7 mega pixel, capturing high quality still images (1488 x 1128) resolution, and stores them on a removable SD (Secure Digital) or MultiMedia memory card.
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.
Picture Adjustment
Create a custom picture, Preset and store it. Quick, creative control.
- Color Gain
Adjust the saturation of the color between Off to Oversaturated. This adjustment allows you to shoot in black and white. - Color Phase
Adjust the Color Phase toward red or green for exact control. - Camera Sharpness
Adjust the range of picture sharpness to your preference before recording. Softer may compliment the subject while sharper will make details more visible. - Setup Level
Adjust the black level of the video signal for the best shadow detail.
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.
Color Bars
The camcorder generates SMPTE color bars for accurate matching to your monitor or edit suite.
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.
Variable Zebra Level
Reveal areas of overexposure, using these diagonal stripes to guide you when setting the aperture and shutter speed. Select from five levels: 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100%.
Gain Control
Picture sensitivity can be adjusted. Shooting is possible with increased gain to enhance picture brightness in dark conditions, or decrease gain to reduce noise. Adjustment is made in four steps: 0, +6dB, +12dB and the newly added +18dB.
16:9 Guides
When composing shots in the 4:3 aspect ratio, which will be displayed on a wide-screen TV or transferred to film, users may engage 16:9 Guides. These guides appear as thin white lines over the video image to create a 16:9 safe area. Now it is easy to compose shots for wide-screen and eliminate the need to mark the viewfinder or director's monitor. The Canon GL1 includes another 16:9 aspect ratio recording mode simply called 16:9. In this mode, which was included on the original Canon GL1, an electronic anamorphic stretch effect is applied to the video to deliver a 16:9 wide screen 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.
Card Slot
You can expand video possibilities by using an SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard in addition to a Mini DV cassette. These ultra-small and ultra-light media record, store and manage still images, as well as allow easy transfer of still images to a PC with the camcorder.
Recording Media MultiMedia Card/SD Memory Card
Number of recording pixels: 1488 x 1128 Pixels.
File format: JPEG (compression mode: Fine/Standard)
Estimated MultiMedia card MMC-8M capacities (approx.): 6 images (Fine mode), 10 images (Standard mode). The actual number you can record varies, depending on the image.
File format: JPEG (compression mode: Fine/Standard)
Estimated MultiMedia card MMC-8M capacities (approx.): 6 images (Fine mode), 10 images (Standard mode). The actual number you can record varies, depending on the image.
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.
Custom Keys and Presets
- One Custom Key
The camcorder offers a Custom Key (one setting for camera mode and one for VCR mode). This lets you create and save your own custom settings so your common shooting modes can be readily duplicated. Select options from either the Camera Menu or the VCR Menu and create a customized setting for each. - Custom Preset Key
In addition to creating a custom setting for camera and VCR mode via the custom key, you also can establish one preset registration for the following camera features: Camera Sharpness, Color Gain, Setup Level, and Color Phase.
USB Terminal
Allows high speed transfer of memory card data to computers mounting the USB terminal. By using the USB cable and software provided, you can process and organize still images on your PC. The camcorder functions as a memory card reader/writer. Bundled software: ZoomBrowser EX (Windows)/ImageBrowser (Macintosh). You can easily download, browse, archive and retouch still images. Automatically resize images and attach them to e-mail, arrange them for printing, and add text anywhere on the page.
Index Recording
You can mark "the best take" when you are shooting, for easy access when playing back in the VCR mode.
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.
EVF Data Display
One of three data displays can be selected to show camera data in the viewfinder. This allows the camera operator to choose how much data about the camera settings he would like superimposed over the image in the viewfinder. The choices include no data, partial data and all data.
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).
Slow Shutter Speed
Whether your aim is a "streaming" background when panning, or brighter recording in low light, you can choose from three slow shutter settings: 1/8, 1/15 and 1/30 of a second.
Zoom Speeds
The GL2 is outfitted with 4 zoom speed options: Variable (pressure controlled) or Low, Medium and Fast. These apply to the zoom rockers on the handgrip and the top grip (3 zoom speeds).