If and new GL3 came out, and more than likely it will be HDV/DV what is your best guess on the cost? I know that a tough guess, but make one anyway. $3,000?

I heard one rumor somewhere that the price of an HDV GL3 might be more like $4-5000, which makes sense given the pricing of the XLH1. If such a camera had XLR inputs and a 20X zoom lens it could be worth that much; if not it would be a tough sell compared to the FX1. But then images from the XLH1 look grainy in low light as is the case for other Canon video cameras, so I'm not sure I'd pay $5K for a GL3 if it has the same problem. Basically Sony has pretty much nailed what I need from an affordable HD camera and already gotten my money, along with who knows how many thousands of other videographers. At this point I'd rather wait for the FX2 than the GL3, and I'll just stick to Canon for still photography. (Love my Rebel XT.)

I wouldn't pay $5,000 either.

$5000 would have to be my top end price as well. Especially when looking at the Z1 or the HD100.

I think Canon will have to price an HDV GL at around 3K. Even at 4K it would be too close to the HD100 and Z1 and would need to have some compelling advantages. If I were to guess (something I do a lot of here in Area 51), I'd say the GL3/HDV will price at about 3-3.5K and compete with the FX1. Probably no 24F and maaaayyybee XLR inputs (love to be wrong on both counts though). Then to compete in the hot 5-6K market will come a stripped down XLH1, ie an XLH1 with no genlock, SDI, etc.. Just HDV recording and component output.

But hey, I'll probably be very happy with an Optura HDV.

www.philipwilliams.com

Okay, I'll guess an MSRP for the "GL-H1" of $3995, with the street price dropping toward $3K by mid 2007. No XLR inputs.

:-)

With 20X zoom and 24F

Is it that big of a deal to put in XLR inputs?

It would be for me. I wouldn't be interested without XLR. It would make the camera more of Z1 rival though and probably up the price.

Maybe they could release a pro and consumer version, like the FX1 and Z1..?

I don't mean is it a big deal if you have them or not. I want them too. I mean is a big deal for Canon or Sony etc to put in XLR? Does it cost a lot to add them?

It probably costs them next to nothing to put them on. The only excuses I can see for not including them are maybe space limitations (which I don't even think count anymore because the Sony PDX10 has them and it's tiny) or because they don't want it to compete with more expensive cameras in the product line, which I also think isn't an excuse because every camera with a mic input should be using the XLR connector anyway.

Still the main thing I want is a 16:9 with XLR, 24p. It would be nice to have HDV but I don't really care right now. I just wish Canon would make a scaled down XL2. A XL2 Mini. Or a XL H1 mini.

I also want the smaller size. I still think there is a big market for this. Look at the Sonys! They are just missing the 24p on them. The Z1 is close.

If now got enough to get a $3,000 camera. With the rebate I could get a DVX100b, Sony A1U, FX1 and others but they all miss something. I'm I missing one?

My main goal is a doc and my someday a indie. I'm not doing it that soon so I still have time to wait.

And look how small the Sony A1U is and it has XLR input your right they could do it.

For me the FX1 offers the most for the price, and the lack of XLR inputs is easily solved by adding an adapter. If you really want built-in XLR the A1U would probably be my next choice, followed by a used Canon XL2.

P.S. I don't know why Canon doesn't offer XLR inputs on their GL line, but my guess is to maintain some distinction for their more expensive products.

I agree with you. I'm currently in the market for an XL2. I'm shooting at a summer camp for 2 months, for long hours during the day, all handheld. The XL2 is heavy, but unfortunately, the only camera to deliver 16:9, 24P (to be used on my other projects) and a 20x lens. If they could make a camera that's the same size/form as the DVX100 but with 16:9 and a longer lens (while keeping everything else, including sensor size, 1/3, the same, I\'d buy it within the next 5 minutes.