For the web you might want frame mode (that way it is deinterlaced and better for computer monitors). If you might want to extract stills then use frame mode. Otherwise, and especially for video, use movie mode. The best way to find out what works for you is trial and error.

Some tips on the teleconverter -
1) You were experiencing what is known as vignetting. As you found out, it goes away once you get zoomed in far enough.

2) Finding birds with the teleconverter on can be a bit&*. You will likely have to zoom out, find the bird, then zoom in. This is a time when I REALLY wish zoom and focus were on the lens rather than just focus.

3) Tripod use is a must. Moreover, ANY movement around the tripod will be transmitted to the camera even with the stabilizer on. So, make sure you run the video for a few seconds before and after the footage you want until you can get your hands away from the camera. The heavier the tripod probably the better. One thing to watch out for is being set up on a boardwalk. People walking on the boardwalk transmit vibration through the wood, through the tipod and you get minor camera shake (carbon fiber might be better here).

4) It is tempting to stay zoomed in tight on the bird or just part of the bird. This is what I call the Questar view. On the other hand, following the bird becomes more difficult then. Consider backing off a bit on the zoom, the bird will still be impressive even if it isn't just its head.

5) Manual focus will serve you better than autofocus.

6) Consider heading out to the local zoo for practice. You will quickly learn that bird feeders are your friend if you want good, long shots with the teleconverter on.

Good luck.

GL2 S/w Downloads ?
 

What are and do I need the computer s/w on Canon's site? Here's the link:

http://www.canondv.com/downloads/cam..._software.html

There's a driver section for the GL2.

once in a while it's just refusing to focus, in perfect light! I don't know why.
OK, maybe I know: the UV filter gets in the macro focus range. Maybe a litle dust on the UV and the bright light just "good" enough to show the dust... I'm not sure.

Hi Jeff:

Very helpful information!

I was down at the Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, MA Sunday morning testing out the 2x. I found
that it opens up a whole new world of shots that I would never consider taking before because of the distance. Most of the birds I shot were ducks or the larger shore birds (Greater Yellow legs, etc..) at a distance using the tripod.

I did notice the camera shake as you push the record button and then put it back in pause mode.

I have also been experimenting with frame and normal mode in with the backyard birds. I'll check out the manual focus.

I took the 2x off when we walked through the tall tree section on the boardwalk when looking for warblers and needing quick reaction time. In the future I'll plan on just staying in one spot with the 2x and tripod and see what I can get for the smaller birds.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks!

Steve

I think those drivers are needed when you want to extract
photos from the memorycard on the camera (if you stored them
there)

Thanx Rob - Yeah, guess so.

Gl2/xm2/xv2
 

Nice dark gray on the japan model, ha?

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/c.../2002_xv2.html

www.dvworld.com.tw/product/xv2/

http://www.soundweb-asia.com/product...xv2/page_1.htm

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/t...09/report.html

Thanks, Cosmin. Yes, it seems like that only the GL2 for the Japanese market is a different color. Where in Romania do you live?

It looks better in dark gray!

I'm in Timisoara.

I prefer this color to the standard they offer in the states and in Europe. Why don't they offer it every where else?

auto standy....
 

is there anyway to turn the auto-standby/automatic turn-off option off on the GL1. and if not...when it starts to beep before it turns off what do I do to keep it from turning off. as far as I know right now the only way to stop it is press the record button.

I selected the custom key to "STOP" video. So when I need to keep the camcorder on stand by I push the custom key and the video part of the camcorder stops. The rest of the camcorder works.
There is something in the meniu where you can chose if you want the camera to switch off or STOP the video part. I just don't remeber where you can find that...

thanks

GL1 auto or manual??
 

I just upgraded from a JVC single chipper to the GL1. So far I love the cam...the overall picture quality is great. Question I have...I mostly do skateboarding films and I was wondering if I should shoot in auto mode or manual mode? Now I don't know much about manual with a camcorder but I have been taking digital stills with a Nikon D100 for sometime now. So...the concept of apeture, shutter speed, and their relationship means something to me. So am I better off filming my skating in Auto or can I get a better picture using Manual? thanks

It depends on how you are shooting. If you are shooting from a stationary position then manual is probably better. If you are shooting from your board then AV or TV mode is probably the go as as you move your exposure conditions change. Generally, I stay well away from auto/green box modes as I always seem to end up with home video looking footage.

One other thing you want for shooting skating is a wide angle or fisheye adapter. If you go with a fisheye, get a good one that gives you a full frame, not one that gives you the terible circle image.