- 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 100x) and image stabilizer
- 2.5-inch LCD with 270-degree rotation
- Save to MiniDV tape or MMC/SD card (8 MB SD card included)
- Record for up to 65 minutes on one battery charge
Product Description
With the GL2, Canon has created a camcorder with a wealth of features, each selected to elevate further the standard against which other camcorders are judged. The GL2 is a must-have for the person looking for the very best video-making experience. The GL2′s excellence begins with its outstanding Fluorite lens and includes pro-level picture adjustment features found only in Canon’s top-of-the-line, trend-setting XL1S camcorder.Amazon.com Product Description
Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I own this camera, and it’s my best friend. Well not really, but it’s the most amazing camera I’ve ever had. You get what you pay for, and you get a lot from this camera.
This is however, NOT a camera that the general public should buy. It’s far to expensive, and really wouldn’t be worth it to someone who will be using this for filming say a birthday party. There are many features on this camera, which make it as wonderful as it is, but these features would likely be unused by someone new to video cameras. So if you are in this boat, save your money and get a different camera.
What’s great about it? The image quality is better than anything I’ve seen before. With 3CCD, it’s good. Unlike the XL-1S, the GL2 has a 2.5 inch color LCD. However, I rarely use this. It takes up more battery power, and you can’t see it when there’s sunlight. I love the audio controls, and how it’s not only stereo microphone, but you can control the levels of your left and right audio, right there, on the camera. I love to convert analogue video into digitial video, and it’s almost too easy using the GL2. It’s great for getting your older stuff into a digital format, and being able to easily get it onto your computer.
What’s bad about it? Really not a whole lot. The 1.7-megapixel photo mode is really uneeded. 1.7-megapixels really isn’t that good. The included 8MB card for these pictures isn’t enough. If you’re going to want to take digital pictures, then get a digital still camera, and don’t use the GL2 as a still camera.
But I can’t stress enough that if you aren’t going to use this for more professional projects, then you really shouldn’t get this camera.
Rating: 5 / 5
This unit is pretty awesome especially with frame.
Also, a noteworthy thing is this camera first does 16 x 9 and then encoding producing a higher quality image than a comparable Sony model.
I’ve actually owned the precursor unit to this one, the GL1, and was also pleased with it.
This camera has the hotshoe feature and the longest OPTICAL zoom in its class.
Optical VS Digital, optical definitely wins.
This camera is all-a-round useful and also, this unit is actually the preferred camera of choice for many sports film-makers.
If you take this thing to the slopes like i have, strangers will come up to you and instantly recognize the unit.
Great with kenko lenses.
Only actual thing I’ve seen is that it doesn’t like low light, so adding a VL-3 is a must, or a VL-10 is recommended.
One thing to watch out for is that you must keep care of the camera. For example, you must get yourself a tape-head-cleaner. The Maxell’s are a good buy, but you could go OEM if you want to.
Also, don’t cheap out on the cassettes.
In my 6 years of using the GL1/GL2, I’ve always used TDK and JVC tapes. The JVCs come in a 6-pack and can be found a a best buy. The TDKs also come in a 6-pack, and you can find them at Costco.
For more reference, I have pushed this camera beyond its specification as it has been rained on, snowed on, and frozen to the point where there is actually lag in the LCDs and yet, it still works like brand new.
Definitely a good buy !
Rating: 5 / 5
I bought a GL2 because I had used the GL1 and I liked it. The GL2 was just past the warranty and I kept getting the error message on the screen that said “Remove The Cassette” I paid almost $250.00 for the repair facility to replace the tape transport system which they said was bent. No camera in the world gets better treatment than this one believe me, $2,200 is a lot of money to me. Now the camera is doing the same thing again after less than 6 hours of use. I would strongly suggest doing some searches to see just how many people are having this problem. Mine is anything but an isolated incident. Go to google or dogpile and do a search under gl2 remove the cassette or go to camcorderinfo.com and read the many complaints about this problem in the Canon forum area.
Rating: 1 / 5
Watch out for the lower prices listed for this item. I almost fell for a scam and, in fact, lost $64 to Western Union before I realized that I was being scammed.
DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH ANYONE WHO INSISTS THAT YOU SHOULD WORK WITH THEM THROUGH AN OUTSIDE ESCROW SERVICE.
http://www.waywired.com/FraudOnLine/EscrowSTD.cfm outlines how the scam works and this guy’s experience was exactly the same as mine all the way down to the story about why the guy was selling so cheap. The e-mail was almost verbatim except for the product information.
The tell sign is that an e-mail address is mentioned in the product description. You should not contact the seller directly. The safest method is to use Amazon.com’s system to pay.
I have called Amazon.com’s customer service regarding the e-mail address of the guy who tried to scam me. If someone tries to scam you, report them to Amazon.com, to their e-mail provider (AOL, Yahoo, etc.) and especially report the incident to http://www.ic3.gov — which is the FBI’s fraud report website.
You should also know that Western Union is not connected to escrow services of any kind and they are particularly vulnerable to these kinds of scams, so DO NOT USE WESTERN UNION’s transfer service to pay for any item.
See their website for more information on how to protect yourself: http://www.westernunion.com/info/faqSecurity.asp
I hope passing along this information will help others not be a victim like me.
Rating: 5 / 5
Not for the faint of heart… if you want to shoot a little league game, bbq, or basically don’t have much experience with cameras this isnt the one for you. However if you have outgrown other DV cameras then by all means go ahead because it really is the greatest camera ever. I am a film student and have been using the GL2 for the past 2 years. The incredible image quality has saved many an ill fated piece. Its versatility makes it a must have for anyone who wants to shoot in a variety of situations. Bottom line, if your experienced and know exactly what you need, you can’t go wrong with this camera, but if you’re new too this and are unsure of the features you need, go with something cheaper.
Rating: 5 / 5