» Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Great camcorder
Comment: I think this is an awesome camcorder for its intended target market and purpose. The results are pristine and every button and function just works great without being overcomplicated. This is one camera where you don't have to read the instruction manual to figure it out. You have to maintain and clean the camera from time-time to deliver maximum potential, but it's not a hassle. And don't switch tapes often - stick with one brand. This is a camcorder I cannot do without.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: pretty sweet
Comment: its a really good dependable camera, I heard about the tape deck issues and went with a dte system, few little set up steps and then no more tapes and you still have non interlaced raw dv in your editor, probably added some life to it, it does get pretty grainy in low light, but with some ok lighting skills its really not an issue, I would recommend it as a first pro camera, you can learn everything you need on it, and the shot quality can be very pro.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very Good Prosumer Grade MiniDV Camcorder
Comment: The Canon GL2 is NOT a hi-def camcorder, but it still holds up for it's picture quality and durability. Over the past 3 years, we have produced over 20 instructional videos using this camcorder and the quality is evident every time we use it. I suspect that many of these will start turning up in the used market in the near future since these well made camcorders will likely still be functional well into the hi-def age. We will very soon replace our GL2 as our main camera with the Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, but will continue to use it for picture-in-picture shots (very useful in instructional videos). We also recommend the following accessories: Canon Video Light for Advanced Accessory Shoe, Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50) for Camcorders with the Advanced Access Shoe, Ultimate Guide to the Canon GL2

Highly recommended!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Really good camera and value
Comment: I bought 2 GL2s new 4 years ago and have used them extensively in weddings, stage productions, sports camps, live events, training, interviews, and in every way imaginable except underwater and for video thats inappropriate for all ages. I even take them on vacation!

They have worked flawlessly in every instance. I can't say that the low light performance is stellar, but I have never had any sort of failure or lock-up. SO......why do some complain of cassette errors. I can't say for sure, but I suspect that it is because they fail to adhere to one simple tenent that professionals live by--ALWAYS USE THE SAME TAPE. NEVER SWITCH! The issue is that manufacturers use different methods or formulations of lubrications on tapes. Mixing brands can lead to all sorts of problems as the incompatible lubricants can form a paste that "gums up the works."

Perhaps I have been lucky, but perhaps my diligence avoids problems other experience.

It is a great camera. Do not be concerned about the tape transport--be concerned about the quality and brand of tapes you use, and you will enjoy many years of incredible video. Other thoughts:

-While I have several wireless and shotgun mics for "business," I can recommend the Canon DM10 for casual work. The on-cam mics are not bad, but they are omni-directional. The DMS-10 provides a narrower field of sensitivity.

-I also own the WD-58 wide-angle lens. It is sharp! No worries with fall-off. Just be sure to remove any filters you have on the camera first.

-While there may be better deals out there, it is difficult to believe that anything works better than the ZR1000 Wired Remote Control. I love them!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: fire wire problems
Comment: I love the camera, however i've been having firewire problems with it since i got it.At first i thought it was my software-not,then the firewire itself-not.It is the port on the camera that is the problem. the conncection doesn't seem to complete the interface and it flashes 'dv in'and never stays connected,needless to say this is frustrating.I have to use another camera to upload footage into my editing program-is anyone else having this problem?

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