The only things that are in common between the GL1 and GL2: they both share the same 20x lens, optical image stabilisation, and frame movie mode. Everything else is completely different, with the GL2 being vastly superior to the GL1. In my opinion the two biggest advantages of the GL2 are its CCD block (containing 380,000 effective pixels per CCD vs. 250,000 pixels per CCD in the GL1), and the menu system borrowed from the XL1S which includes custom presets and about a score of other significant features.

robustness: GL1 vs GL2
 

I'm here reading all these horror stories of the GL2 and wondering if the GL1 has similar issues. Are there common problems that the GL1 has or is it regarded as a fairly robust camera? I'll sacrifice some of the features and resolution of the GL2 if that is the case.

Thanks for the frank discussions, they're what this forum is all about.

Joa

GL2 vs. GL1: Is GL1 a worthy option?
 

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first camcorder for a movie I'm working on, and I know that a GL2 would be nice but it might be a little out of my price range. Is a GL1 similar to a GL2, how much better is a GL2, what are the differences, similarities?

The GL2 has a few more features, but I couldn't really tell you what they are. I can tell you, that my GL1 is a very capable camera, even though it has low light limitations. I've had it for about 3 years, and no issues. It is a work horse.

I remember thing about the GL2 when it came out, but didn't see enough difference to spend more money to replace a good cam.

I'd hold out for a GL2 if only because it has manually controllable audio levels.

Plus the on-screen audio level displays on the GL2 are a big plus for any serious video work: I'd recommend it just for this reason. Plus I think the GL2 can go to a 1/30 second shutter speed while the GL1 is limited to 1/60th, which can make a difference in tough low-light situations.

GL2 vs. GL1: Is GL1 a worthy option?
 

....Plus you'd likely be buying a newer camcorder with the GL2....

By the way, you haven't mentioned your budget for the rest of the movie. I hope you're also putting together a decent lighting and sound package. The camcorder is far and away the least important part of the equation.

I don't really have a budget put aside, I just can't spend more than $5,000 on the whole movie. A lot of costumes, props, sets will be borrowed from people in the community.

I'll be buying boom mics and lighting, my first step right now is the video camera. Is a Canon Optura Xi comparable to the GL1?

I'm really skeptical about the big price cameras because I've seen movies made with GL2s and XL1s that look the same as movies made with a friend's $300 JVC camcorder. I have to go with the cheapest camera that will get me good quality video that I can make look professional.

GL1 has been out of production for 3+ years. GL2 is arguably nearing the end of its production run, possibly within a year, but that is speculation. ANy Gl1 is likely without any warranty

GL2 has a number of worthwhile enhancements over GL1, not the least of which is somewhat higher resolution and more user control.

Both GLs are 3-CCD which translates to much better color than a 1-CCD camcorder under most circumstances.

Drew, hold out for the GL 2 if you can. If not and you are in a spot definately go with the GL 1 over the Optura Xi. I have owned both the GL 1 and 2. I shot my first feature length with the GL 1. It is a great starter camera. But, as said before, you wont find one with warranty. If you are in that situation have you thought of going with a SONY vx2000? It's a great work horse and has better low light capabilities than the GL 1. You can find them on EBAY from $1200 to around $1500 all day long. Just remember the most important part of making your movie is to tell a good story. If you can do that it doesn't matter what your first film is shot on. That's just my opinion though. Everyone has to start somewhere. GOOD LUCK!

That's where the need for good lighting comes in. You're better off buying (or renting) a lighting kit and learning how to use it even if you have to shoot with a $500 camcorder. The way technology moves, by the time you get your lighting skills down there'll be a new latest greatest camcorder to buy anyway.

Haven't used the Xi, but we have an Optura 60 which we really like. I would say the Optura is way -- way -- sharper than the GL1 and looks great if you feed it enough light. We used to have a GL1 though, and I thought the colors were richer. The image was just prettier somehow. It's difficult to describe. The Optura colors can seem a little brighter. They have very different looks.

The Optura 60 does have native 16:9 (which gives a really nice, wide angle of view) and manual audio controls. The biggest downside is the miserly batteries and no control over gain. You can't independently set the aperature and shutter, but you can lock either one and manually control the exposure. It's nearly as good. Also, and this is really cool, you can turn off the sleep mode entirely. That's something that really drove me nuts with the GL1.

Both cameras take about the same amount of light to get a good image, but you can push it a lot further with the GL1. To tell you the truth, if I had to pick between the two it would be a very tough choice. I would probably tilt towards the Optura because of the manual audio controls, and besides, it's newer and Canon will continue to service it for years. Not sure how much longer they'll continue to service the GL1 if they haven't stopped already. That's very important, especially with an older cam.

I don't mean to knock the GL1. It's real nice camera.

Panasonic makes a line of inexpensive 3 chippers that are supposed to be good, but I haven't used 'em.

AHHHHHH. You're going to bring back the nightmares. I hated that and had almost blocked the SLEEP mode out of my mind.

If the audio levels are a big deal to you, which they should be, get a small seperate mixer to monitor your audio. I found a four channel mackey, used for $150. It works great for small shoots. I got lucky though. The guy I bought it from did'nt know what he had.

That's because they didn't lit it well.
If you don't light good, your 35mm can look like crap.
If you light good, your 300 dollar mini dv cam, can look very nice.
And if you have a GL2 for example, and you lit well, you can have very nice professional looking images.

New w/ a question..
 

I'm looking to buy a Canon Gl-1 or Gl-2 to flim hunting footage. I have a company that may want the footage to put on there video. My question, do I really need to spend the extra $800.00 or $900.00 on the Gl-2 or would the Gl-1 make good enough video for TV footage?

Does the Gl-1 have a variable zoom similar to the Gl-2? I assume the Gl-1 have manual focus?

Thanks for your imput! I'm as green as they come, so be patient! Thanks!

For commercial/profesional use the GL2 is better. It gives more control over the shooting parameters, and gives a somewhat sharper image. Also, a new GL2 comes with a warranty. The GL1 was discontinued over 3 years ago.

However, the GL1 does produce acceptable footage under most conditions and for most purposes. However, I can't say whether or not your prospective client would accept it.

The Gl1 and GL2 have basically the same lens and zoom ratio.

Thanks...I did not know the GL1 was discontinued. Looks like I will get the GL2.

GL1 or GL2
 

Hi....FWIW...
The GL1 has been a steady workhorse for quite a few years now and there are many that have operated flawlessly over that time period....I've heard that their build quality is very good...so don't discount them completely...a lot of people are still on the lookout for them as they can be an affordable second camera for use in situations that you don't want to risk your $5000 unit....
Len

20x zoom, left and right volume control. Good reasons to buy a GL2 along with others. It also will do good in low light, not like a Sony but when your light is that low no footage is good. 20x zoom is a must for me in the outdoors. Steve

20Xzoom
 

Yes, the 20X zoom was a major consideration on my part too for buying a GL2...
Len

I love my GL2 works great outdoors I made a camo cover to use with it, I hate the silver body but would not think twice about buying another

gl2
 

Chad,

The gl2 allows you to adjust both audio chanels, which I have heard the gl1 does not do.
I film wildlife and hunting on a near daily basis 6 to 9 months a year. If you are going to not rely on actual in the field audio I would not worry to much about it but I find myself adjusting audio every time I am out. I would also invest in a good mic.
Just a thought, if you got a gl1 you could do a fair amount of adio work post production.


Gus

Hi Chad,
I bought my GL-2 for the same type of things as you want to do, the 20x zoom was the decider otherwise I would have gone for something else. It will do all you need of it, there are heaps of commercial hunting videos out there shot on GL-2s.

GL2 / GL1 Questions
 

Okay, so I am doing my second wedding this Friday. This one is on the beach near the lighthouse, about 4pm. I was thinking of taking the GL1 onto the beach for some shots of the Bride and Groom holding hands walking on beach, splashing etc. My question is, is the GL1 an inferior camera to the GL2? Or should I always use the GL2 over the GL1, and just keep the GL1 as a backup cam on tripod?

Rich, for my 2 cents, I shot with both the GL2 and the GL1 many, many hours, lots outdoors, and including several weddings.

In my opinion, anyone but the most experienced, seasoned digital video experts won't be able to tell the difference between those two cameras. But the GL2 probably has some subtle improvements, so if it makes no difference to you, why not use the newer camera?

Also agree. I have owned both. No one but someone who has shot with both could tell the difference in the final project.

Regards,

ok
 

Thanks guys- I took both cameras to the beach today to do some test shots. Both footage looks equal, so Im happy. I tell you, the shots done in Frame mode are so nice. I guess it's obvious to shoot both cams in Frame mode for wedding? Ill probably do all the outside filming in Frame, and for the reception (possible low light issues) do you think it would be wise to film in Normal to capture more fields of information?

Just my 2 cents again, but I'd shoot "Normal" interlaced video for everything in a wedding. When I first got a GL2 I in 2003 was so smitten with the film-look of Frame mode that I shot everything that way, and later learned that not everything works in that look because it gives it a very different feel. Some clients are not expecting that Frame look, either. I think most wedding video customers expect the "Normal" 60i look.

Plus, if you shoot Normal you can always deinterlace later to make it look frame, if you need, whereas you can't get that 60i look back again if you shoot Frame mode. And maybe I'm wrong, but I believe Frame mode reduces resolution. Again, just my opinion- happy shooting.

GL1 Vs GL2 for action sports
 

ok, this is my first post although i have been browsing and looking for a while
i would just like to say that i'm pleased to find such a nice message board where i've found absolutely no "hating on" and where everyone is nice and helpful to everyone else

I'm a 16 year old in Orlando FL, i got a zr100 for christmas last year, and in the past 4-6 months have been recently getting into filming and editing.


I probably don't have a lot of money (1,500 at the most) i'll be shooting rollerblading films and films for school, i'm looking on Ebay to buy a GL1 or GL2 I'm thinking a GL2 would be the best choice because they just stopped making it, while the GL1 they stopped making a while ago.


But any help deciding this would be much appreciated, any other suggestions (i have also been looking at the Sony VX2100 because my friend has one)
any suggestions are welcome, as well as any advice.
Thanks.

Also i would like to say
Sorry if i am already posting a question that has been asked. I couldn't find a thread exactly like mine...

I've not heard that the GL2 is no longer made. Canon still lists it as a standard definition product on their website, with the $250 rebate good to January 2007.

Other things being equal, the GL2 is the better camcorder. However, if you are talking used gear, it becomes a bit more complicated because the history and condition of the camcorder come into play. That is to say, a good GL1 will probably give you better service than a beat-up GL2.

Also, a GL2 has on the order of 7+ years of assured factory support remaining, while the GL1 has on the order of 3 or so years remaining.

Hmm, weird, a few days ago the 250$ rebate was expired, i guess canon decided to put another one on!

the new one says Oct 1st 2006 to jan 27th of 2007

Also, if i could maybe convince my grandparents (whom i live with) to get me a brand new one from say, B&H, should i? i'm sure i could say something like "i'll work for you" or maybe "i just wont get anything next christmas?" - haha

but yes, i'm more than likely going to buy off ebay, a used GL2. i will inspect the pictures the seller provides, very carefully to see if anything not listed is maybe wrong with the camera,


Thanks for the help Don!

I think that i've decided to go with the Sony VX2100 brand new from B&H photo.
Theres just too many problems with the GL2 that happen very often (zoom problem, tape problem)

while very few with the vx.

GL2 features not on the GL1
 

Hey Everyone!Im new here and I tried doing a search but could not find any threads that compared the GL1 vs. the GL2 and what features are on the GL2 that arent on the GL1. I currently own a couple of GL1's and im thinking about upgrading to the GL2 or DVX100B (in which ive seen many threads that compare the two). I was wondering if you guys could help identify the features on the GL2 not present on the GL1. thanks in advance.

one answer
 

TheCanon GL2 website lists all the features of the GL2 and that includes the very large manual. Since you already have the GL1 it should be easy for YOU to make the comparison.

It's easier to tell you what the two camcorders have in common. Only three features from the GL1 are found on the GL2, and they are: 20x zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, and frame movie mode. Everything else is different.

GL-1 vs GL-2
 

Differences? Numerous.

Differences I like and/or use? Audio meters on GL-2, a better picture with the GL-2, external manual audio control, MUCH faster tape load/reload on the GL-2, the list goes on, but I'm drawing a blank right now.

I DON'T like the re-placement of the headset jack on the GL-2. It's so close to the mic jack, that if you don't pay close attention you could easily plug the headset into the mic jack. (and vice versa)

Mark

I would suggest getting a DVC30 over the Gl2, but I would honestly suggest the new HDV from Canon in a few months, it will be signficantly better than the Gl2 and cheaper. Check it out in the HV10 forum. The gl2 is showing it's age now, still alright in SD, but the DVx100 and Dvc30 will be a better value if you want to stick in the SD realm.