Greetings!

I am considering purchasing the Canon GL2, and was curious how well satisfied with yours, and whether or not you wish at this point you had gone with another brand. As a still photographer for 35 years, this is a first for me.

Also, I have purchased Apple's Final Cut Express 4 and need to ask what is probably a ridiculous question: any reason why that software would not work with the GL-2?

Many thanks, and any comments or insight appreciated!

Lyman

You have to think twice considering a standard definition camcorder without native widescreen support.

Thanks. When saying "...without native widescreen support" are you saying that the recording format is not Widescreen? If not, then what is it's native mode? Not quite sure I follow what you mean.

Thanks,

Lyman

Lyman:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t130122.html:
"The GL2 does not have a quality 16X9 mode. You can buy an anamorphic lens for it, but they are quite expensive."

Personally, I see no reason to get a GL2 unless there is a specific reason one is required. With all the High Definition camcorders and their capability, there are a lot of choices.



Rich

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Rich,

Thank you for clarifying that. With a budget of ~$2,000, what would you recommend?

I just noticed last evening that the GL2 has been in production since 2002, which surprised me. I would have thought Canon would have replaced that with another Model.

Thanks,

Lyman

Lyman:

The Canon GL and the Sony VX2100 have been around for a while and I guess the Sony PD170 also. They are prosumer models. There is nothing wrong with them I just think they are out of many peoples budget for what you get.

I have been an amateur photographer on and off for 50 years, with a few professional incidents and making home movies on and off since about 1969.

I spend more time taking stills. I enjoy editing video more than shooting it (at my own leisure and pace). I currently use a Panasonic PV-GS500 and if I had to buy a video camcorder right now, it would be the Canon HV20.

But my interests, needs and capabilities are different than others.



Rich

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Canon MIGHT being thinking about replacing the GL2 with another tape-based camcorder, maybe this is why the HV20 did not get much upgrade this year. Who knows. I am not a Canon insider. I wish Canon released a camera that would fit between the HV30 and the XH-A1.

Thanks Rich, greatly appreciate the input.

Best,

Lyman

The GL2 is still a best seller, almost unbelievable in this market of burgeoning new technology and zillions of models. It simply has to be the most successful camcorder ever. I was stunned to see that the perennial $250 rebate is not currently offered, although the pre-rebate price has been lowered. The net result is that the camera is now actually selling for about $150 more than it was three years ago!

Why? It's still the best choice for portable romantic/dramatic/creative work, for many reasons. You want to shoot your vacation footage and wow your friends on your HD TV? Then go High Def. You want to make movies or documentaries with mood? GL2. My opinion.
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Fred

Fred,

Many thanks for your input; it is greatly appreciated. Due to the documented issues with the GL2 and Apple's Final Cut Express, I went with the Sony HVR-AU1.

I've been purchasing Canon equipment for 37 years so this wasn't an eacy choice, but I think I've made the best decision. The one advantage of the GL2 that I would have liked to have seen in the Sony is the Optical Zoom of 20X. The Sony is 10X.

Thanks again,

Lyman

There are other advantages with the GL2 also, but again, they come into play for what I categorize as movie making, not videography. For videography any good HD camera with decent audio options beats the GL2. I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. For a few $hundred, A 2x teleconverter attachment will give you that zoom

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Fred

Thanks Fred, I appreciate that input. Can you recommend a quality manufacturer of Teleconverters?.

Again, thank you. This is all new to me albeit I've done still photography for longer than dirt is old.

Best,

Lyman

Lyman, Here are a few. There may be others.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...onvert er.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...orToReadReviews

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Fred

Thanks, Fred!

Lyman