Yes, Hans that's exactly what I meant. Thanks so much for the help.
-Kris

gain and zebra questions on GL1
 

I recently bought a used GL1, but I couldn't get the manual. There are two things I'm still wondering about, and I hope someone can clue me in.

First, the camera always defaults back to +12dB video gain when I turn it off. This seems, to put it mildly, insane. Why on earth wouldn't 0dB gain be the default? Is there any way to change this default? I can't find it in the menu.

Second, is the zebra striping set at 100 IRE or 70 IRE?

Thanks for any help.

Stu

Hello Stu,

You can download the GL1 manual (in PDF form) from the Canon DV site.

I don't own a GL1 any longer, but I believe the zebra is fixed at 100 IRE.

I don't recall the gain resetting to +12dB unless the camera was switched to manual from a low-light condition in an auto setting (Tv, Av, Auto). Are you, perhaps, turning the camera on with the lens cap on, then switching to manual? Just a thought.

Hope this helps.

GL1 zebra is fixed at about IRE95 per the specs. You can check your specific camcorder if you have access to a vector scope. other appropriate meter.

Well, I downloaded the manual, and of course it doesn't give the specific IRE or the zebras. Wording suggests it's set at 100, but I think I'll try to track down a WFM to check it out.

As for the video gain, I did some experimentation based on Ken's suggestion and basically discovered he was almost right. It boils down to this: If you open the lens cap before turning the camera on, it sets the gain to 0dB. If you have the cap on when you power the camera, the gain sets to +12dB. Weird thing is, it does this even when you're only using manual mode, no automatic exposure controls at all. I still think this is bad design, but at least I know what's going on now.

Thanks,
Stu

IMHO experimentation is the best way to learn! Get to know your cam. You will be glad that you did!

Thanx,

From the "Performance and Functions" section of the GL1 service manual: "The portion of brightness over 95 IRE is displayed in the form of black & white zebra pattern." There might be some variation among individual units based on factory setup and aging of the analog output.

Disable auto shuttoff on GL1?
 

Hey Guys...
I'm wondering if there is a way to disable the automatic standby/shuttoff that happens on the GL1. I want to use this camera with iChat AV, but it keeps shutting off on me! Please let me know.
Thanks!

Do not load tape in the camcorder, then it will not shutdown when in camera mode.

You can change it to shut off the tape instead of the power, that's another way of doing it, just in case u like leaving your tapes inside. I have done that.

Re: Disable auto shuttoff on GL1?
 

If you use the power adaptor instead of the battery it shouldn't power off...

Jack

Poor Audio W/ GL1 and Wireless mic
 

This is a very general question but has anyone experienced a general problem (audio hiss and crackling) when using their GL1 and a wireless mic? A friend of mine called me with this problem and asked me to check it out. I’m going to look at his set up in a few days and wanted to know if there were any people who have had this problem. (sorry for the lack of information) but he's using a Canon GL1 and a Azden dual mic setup.
-pat

The output of the wireless mic may be too high for the GL1 input at MIC setting, try MIC ATT.

Most economical wireless mics do have a high noise (hiss) level.

try a samson
 

We had a 2 channel azden and found it to be unaceptable due to it's hiss...we've since swithed to 2 samsons with sony mics are use it with an XL1 and DV500 with good results.

GL1 Maintenance - sending in to Canon.
 

I am wondering what the average cost of sending a 3 year old GL1 in for a checkup/cleaning/minor repair(battery release broken)?

Ben