With the GL2, Canon has created a camcorder with a wealth of features, each selected to elevate further the standard against which other camcorders are judged. The GL2 is a must-have for the person looking for the very best video-making experience. What's new in the GL2? Three CCD, 1/4" 410K (effective 380K) pixels per CCD 200K pixel LCD panel (EVF is 180K pixels) 1.7 MegaPixel Digital Photos Manual Audio Level Controls (2 mechanical, dedicated controls) VU Level Meters (side of camera / LCD / EVF) Advanced Accessory Shoe (for attaching optional accessories: Slow Shutter Speeds of 1/30, 1/15, 1/8 of a second Gain Control (additional setting of + 18dB; total of 0, +6, +12, +18dB) Clear Scan (60.5Hz -- 201.5 Hz in 120 steps) for use when shooting computer screens Picture Adjustments: Variable Zebra Level (80/85/90/95/100 IRE) Custom Keys and Presets SMPTE Color Bars Power Save (VCR Stop -- Defeats the 5 minute automatic shut-down) EVF Display ON / partly OFF / OFF 16:9 Electronic Guides in Viewfinder (for composing 16:9 images while shooting 4:3 aspect ratio) Two Eyecups included: Standard and Large (for use with glasses or outdoors) Character Record (option to burn year, month, day, hour, minute and second permanently onto video Analog / Digital Converter (transfer analog video Directly to computer) Interval Recording (Interval: 30sec/1min/5min/10min; Recording time: 0.5sec/1.0sec/1.5sec/2.0sec) Preset Speeds on Grip Zoom -- Variable/Low/Medium/High DV Control -- controls external 1394 devices through DV Cable - REC/REC PAUSE Index REC. = "Good Mark Shot" SD/MMC Memory Card Slot for Still Images USB Terminal for transfer of Digital Photos Specifications: Power supply (rated): 7.2 V DC Power consumption: 4.8 W (using viewfinder), 5.7 W (using LCD screen) Television system: EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal Video recording system: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning systemDV systemAudio recording system: PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48kHz/2ch), 12 bit (32kHz/4ch) Image sensor: 3 CCD 1/4" Pixel Shift (charge coupled device)Tape Format: Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark Tape speed: SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s):Maximum recording time: SP: 80 minutes (with an 80-min. cassette); LP: 120 minutes (with an 80-min. cassette) Fast forward/rewind time: 2 min. 50 sec. (with a 60 min. cassette) Lens: F/1.6-2.9, 20x power zoom, 4.2-84 mm Focusing system: TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible Minimum focusing distance: 3ft 3 3/8 in. (1 m), 3/8 in. (1 cm) on maximum wide angle Maximum shutter speed: 1/15,000 sec. Minimum illumination: 6 lx Filter diameter: 58 mm Viewfinder: 0.44-inch, color LCD (approx. 180,000 pixels) LCD screen: 2.5 in. measured diagonally (6.4 cm), 200,000 pixels (approx.) Microphone: Stereo electret condenser microphone DV terminal: Special 4 pin connector (based on IEEE 1394) Video terminal: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced S-video terminal: 1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal) Audio terminal: -10dBV, less than 3 kohms, unbalanced Operating temperature range: 32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C) Dimensions: 4 5/8 x 5 3/8 x 12 in. (118 x 136 x 306 mm) Weight: 2 lb. 7 1/2 oz. (1.25 kg) Kit Contents: GL2 BP-915 BATTERY PACK CA-920 COMPACT POWER ADAPTER DC-920 DC COUPLER SS-650 SHOULDER STRAP WL-D77 WIRELESS CONTROLLER S-150 S-VIDEO CABLE USB CABLE STV-250N STEREO VIDEO CABLE SDC-8M 8MB SD MEMORY CARD SOFTWARE LENS HOOD
GL2
of respondents would recommend this to a friend Reviewed by 21 customers Most Recent Most Helpful Lowest Rated Highest Rated Oldest Images
Submitted 15 years ago
By Dave the Barber
From El Sobrante, CA
Pros:
Cons:
Other thoughts: This camera takes superb video, but after a couple of years the tape drive went kaput. I hear this is a common problem with this camera[...]
Submitted 16 years ago
By videopro
From Los Angeles, California
Reviewed at
I love this camera! It's so easy to use yet it has all the features that I need for my biz. Hight quality construction and workmanship. The video image quality is just like a HD!! I can't even tell the difference when both are compared. What's good about this camera is you can also select either 4:3 aspect ratio or widescreen. I would recommend this cam for those who like quality with a budget not as big as Hollywood.
More Details Pros Durable Easy to use Excellent Image Quality Great sound/audio Submitted 16 years ago
By bean
From Baker City, OR
Reviewed at
i have had mine for 4 years and it is used in the mountains for hunting an backpacking an other filming and it has been through war an never had any problems with it any damage was caused by me they dont like moisture
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Durable Easy Computer Connectivity Easy TV Connectivity Easy to use Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good Software Compatibility Great sound/audio Cons Short battery life Submitted 16 years ago
By Tacoma guy
From Tacoma, WA
Reviewed at
I've used the GL-2 for several years now. Most of it's use has been shooting video of our church's worship services. Using a firewire cable and VeescopeLive software, I record directly to the hard drive of my MacBook laptop. Our pastors use the resulting DVDs to self-critique their sermons and the overall feel of the service. I also burn extra DVDs for members who might be absent and wish to view a service. They comment, "It's just like being there." I've found the GL-2 very easy to use and well worth it's cost.
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Durable Easy Computer Connectivity Easy to use Excellent Image Quality Great sound/audio good low-light performance Submitted 17 years ago
By kingcobrafan
From Minneapolis, MN
Reviewed at
After using a bulky two-piece camera /portable VCR setup for several years, I'm delighted with the compactness, ease of use, and performance of my Canon GL2. The only drawback, if you can call it that, is having to use a head-cleaning cassette on occasion in the field, but this is only after much continuous use.
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Durable Easy TV Connectivity Easy to use Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good battery life Great sound/audio good low-light performance Submitted 17 years ago
By rwcinsc
From Columbia, SC
Reviewed at
This is a great product. I have used it across many different types of recording from interviews, to weddings, to commercials, to documentaries and it has not disappointed me yet. I will someday step up to a High-def camera but for now this is just fine. A downside to this model is the battery. It is horrible and you will need to purchase a couple xtra if you are doing weddings or a documentary. I have never overcharged my battery and I get about 40 mins of recording time. Lame but I knew this going into the purchase. Don't misunderstand - I love this camera and gave it very high ratings across the board. It only fault is the battery.
More Details Pros Easy Computer Connectivity Easy to use Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good Software Compatibility Cons Poor sound/audio Short battery life Submitted 17 years ago
By VideoMaster
From Las Vegas, Nv.
Reviewed at
I have been using this camera, including its cousin the GL-1 for about 10 years in my business. It is such a great camera to keep for productions, I have had it repaired a few times to continue its use for my company.
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good battery life Great sound/audio Submitted 17 years ago
By D.A. film Student
From Jacksonville FL.
Reviewed at
This camera was used during the Extravaganza 4 camera live production that i was a P.A. on. this camera worked exellent in the low lighting of the Jacksonville FL. times union center Moran theatre and was easly moved from the school to the Moran. D.A. has in no way a minor film program we use everything from GL2's to panasonic HD's and edit on Finalcut pro software so we are of professional quality.
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Easy to use Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good Software Compatibility Good battery life Great sound/audio good low-light performance Cons Difficult TV Connectivity Submitted 17 years ago
By Waldo
From NJ
Reviewed at
I use mostly for taping golf swings and it works great. The high shutter speed is great for the golf swing and the clearity is superb. I purchased the bigger battery for longer use on hte range. PGA PRO
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Easy Computer Connectivity Easy to use Excellent Image Quality Good battery life Great sound/audio Cons need bright lights Submitted 17 years ago
By pro user
From Sacramento, California
Reviewed at
The guy who said his GL2 broke all the time must have got the only lemon because I have had mine for a couple years and it has worked perfect! I love this camera. It is easy to use, hooks up to my computer with no problems and is just an all around awesome video camera! I use it for a T.V. show and I would highly recommend it!
More Details Pros Accurate, Vivid Colors Compact design Durable Easy Computer Connectivity Easy TV Connectivity Easy to use Ergonomic/comfortable to hold Excellent Image Quality Good battery life Great sound/audio
What do you want to know about this product?
