GL1 Vs GL2
Written: Oct 07 '02 (Updated Oct 07 '02)
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Pros: Vivid color and sturdy housing.
Cons: Not as sharp as VX2000 or Canon GL2
The Bottom Line: If you can find one at a low price it is well worth it.
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| wbuddy1065's Full Review: Canon GL1 Mini DV Camcorder |
Image Quality:
Before we begin, let us check out the captured video frames on my web page, which directly compares the GL1 image to the Canon GL2.
Take your time; I can wait...
http://homepage.mac.com/bhardy3/PhotoAlbum8.html
You can see for yourself the rich color of the GL1 does not bleed although it is well saturated; purely to me a delight to the eye. Since I am seeing prices fall as low as $1600 US (Mine cost about $2200) I would say for what you get it is a great bargain. You are getting image quality much better than the typical 1 CCD camcorder, yet the 1 CCD cam price can get very near the price of the 3 CCD GL1, depending where you shop.
Audio:
Audio is superb in my opinion, although more professional people will lament the GL1's lack of XLR audio inputs. There is a 1/8 " audio mike jack on the cam though. Nuff said.
Housing:
Very tough workhorse in my book. The LCD door is beefier than the GL2.
Focus:
The GL1 tends to hunt at times on auto, and occasionally, very rarely, take an unusually long time to get in focus in certain circumstances. The cam has a manual focus however. Things could be better with autofocus, yet I have successfully done about 5 weddings with little focus problems from the cam.
Zoom:
The greatest asset of this cam to me is the 20x zoom; but that's not all...you can even go into digital zoom a ways and the image will not degrade as quickly as with other cams with digital zoom.
LCD display resolution:
Could be better. Trying to check the focus of a subject can be a problem at times; which was corrected with the GL2. You can always use the color eyepiece on critical shots.
Steady shot:
Great device. Once I marveled at some footage I took walking in a parade; it looked like I was using a steady cam or something. With practice you can get some very steady moving shots.
Controls:
Don't let the semi-pro look of this cam fool you; a child could operate it. The cam also has an image sharpness control; unusual for a cam.
Low light sensitivity:
Very good in my book, although does not match the VX2000. I have gotten some amazing broadcast TV night shots as long as I have a good cam light. There is little and even no video noise if you have a good cam light. As long as your subject is well lit the backround can look PITCH BLACK with no video noise.
Do I love the GL1? I had one for about two years, then I bought a second one before buying the GL2. That's saying a lot for this cam.
Now, go back to my website and check out the GL2 movies!
Will be reviewing this cam also real soon. In a word it is all that the GL1 should have been and more.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2299.00
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Epinions.com ID:
wbuddy1065
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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