Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
by Canon
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List Price: Our Price: $2,531.20 You Save: $468.79 (16%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $625.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: Really good camera and value
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought 2 GL2s new 4 years ago and have used them extensively in weddings, stage productions, sports camps, live events, training, interviews, and in every way imaginable except underwater and for video thats inappropriate for all ages. I even take them on vacation!
They have worked flawlessly in every instance. I can't say that the low light performance is stellar, but I have never had any sort of failure or lock-up. SO......why do some complain of cassette errors. I can't say for sure, but I suspect that it is because they fail to adhere to one simple tenent that professionals live by--ALWAYS USE THE SAME TAPE. NEVER SWITCH! The issue is that manufacturers use different methods or formulations of lubrications on tapes. Mixing brands can lead to all sorts of problems as the incompatible lubricants can form a paste that "gums up the works."
Perhaps I have been lucky, but perhaps my diligence avoids problems other experience.
It is a great camera. Do not be concerned about the tape transport--be concerned about the quality and brand of tapes you use, and you will enjoy many years of incredible video. Other thoughts:
-While I have several wireless and shotgun mics for "business," I can recommend the Canon DM10 for casual work. The on-cam mics are not bad, but they are omni-directional. The DMS-10 provides a narrower field of sensitivity.
-I also own the WD-58 wide-angle lens. It is sharp! No worries with fall-off. Just be sure to remove any filters you have on the camera first.
-While there may be better deals out there, it is difficult to believe that anything works better than the ZR1000 Wired Remote Control. I love them!
Customer Review: Some of these reviewers aren't even real people
Summary: 5 Stars
Alright, so I've been reading some of the reviews that people have put in here about this camera, and I just want to offer up the nice statement that "If you gave this camera 3 stars or less, you're a retard." I'm pretty sure amazon won't allow me to say it, but it's true! This camera is so freakin' great! I own this one and the xl1s, and this is my "toy" camera. I'm just a 24 year old kid, so maybe my opinion means nothing to you. If so, then stop reading this. No one asked you to, anyway.
This camera sells itself. Compare it to some others in the same category (make sure you're checking out the GL2 and not the predecessor GL1). The $2999 asking price here is way too high, though. Shop around, and you should be able to find a new one for about $1750 or so. That and the extended warranty that covers cleanings once a year. SO worth the money. I take her (my camera ... her name is "Mandy") everywhere, and I've already made enough short movies for people to have her pay for herself. And she can take a beating, too. I took her from 75 degrees at 8,000ft above sea level to 23 degrees at 12,000ft in less than 6 minutes time and she didn't complain at all. She was a definite plus for our snowboarding trip!
Tired of reading all of those specs that may not make sense to you right now? This camera is usable by someone who has never used a camera (which was me before I made my purchase), and adjustable to have everything completely manual.
My only qualm is the "noise" in LOW LOW light. That should be expected, though. For that I use the xl1s ("Jessica"), but don't let that stop you from your purchase of this.
This camera is incredible! I seriously love it.
Customer Review: Great for filmmakers
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Great Unit
Summary: 5 Stars
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 !
Customer Review: A good multi-purpose professional camera.
Summary: 5 Stars
Compared to what's available now, this camera can seem a bit "outdated" but I bought one used many years ago and it is still going strong, recording projects with very competitive SD picture quality. It isn't HD and it doesn't have 24P but its "frame mode" does provide a low-cost alternative. I chose this camera because I had a lot of experience using it from other GL1 and GL2 owners and I'm still not disappointed. I say this is a very good introductory camera for filmmakers and videographers not looking to spend twice as much for the most current technology. This camera is designed for professional applications and is not a good choice for people shooting "simple" home videos and little league games. If you are not serious about shooting and editing professional video, this camera will easily discourage any buyers not willing to learn a lot of functions.
After at least 4 years of service (not including how long the previous owner used it), I have still not seen any malfunctions such as the "remove tape" error that seems to be occurring with some GL2 owners. I own several camcorders and reserve the GL2 for only the best projects in order to spare this camera from heavy usage and abuse. Owning a cheap, "junkie" camcorder for tape logging to the computer is a MUST. No one spending their money on any camcorder in this price range should be using it as a VCR to watch tapes and log clips.