$900, what would you do?
 

Here's the story- I needed to come up with some cash quickly, when a promised check didn't arrive in time. So, since I have a new HD100, I got a loan on my GL1, fully intending to retrieve it now that said check has arrived.

But today, before I got to the pawn shop, I got to looking at laptops at Staples. I've always wanted a laptop, and can think of several uses for it, down to loading DV Rack and using it in the field. The second camera could come in handy though, and it has been a great workhorse, always dependable. Downside is, mixing footage would be awful, unless downconverted to SD.

So, I am asking you, which would make better sense to you? $900 to get the GL1 back? Or get a decent laptop for around $700, and DV Rack and a wireless network card?

Personally I wouldn't spend $900 on a GL1, or any other camera of that vintage. Aside from the issues of mixing footage, I assume it has a fair amount of mileage on it and when something breaks you'd be faced with a similar quandry as to whether the repair is worth the cost.

But instead of buying something else, if you're living that close to the line perhaps you should just keep the money in the bank instead of running the risk of overextending yourself again?...

That's also a thought, but I'm one who feels that money should go towards expanding my production capabilities. I mean, I could also use lights, a better head for the new tripod, mics... you know about that never ending list.

Either way though, you feel that the GL1 has outlived it's useful days?

I don't have any experience with the GL1, but I know that my VX-2000 just gathers dust and it has so many hours on it that it wouldn't be worth much. I'd gladly trade it for $900 in my bank account :-)

But seriously, that money could be the beginning of an "emergency fund" for you so that you don't have to resort to taking another trip to the pawn shop the next time something unexpected happens. You should really give some thought to starting such a fund... the peace of mind of knowing that you have a few months supply of money in the bank may give you more of a creative boost than a laptop or a new tripod...