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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors?

X-Rick
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Nov 20, 2003, 1:21 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1553 views)
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GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors?	Can't Post

I want to purchase a new Canon camcorder and I had a quesion before i make my decision:
Х On the XL1S the image sensor has 270,000 pixels
Х On the GL2 the image sensor has 410,000 pixels
Does this mean that the GL2 has greater resolution than the XL1S? Would that make the images sharper on the GL2 than on the XL1S? What do the pixel numbers actually mean?
Thanks for any help!
Thanks,
Rick

X-don
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Nov 23, 2003, 8:18 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1553 views)
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Re: GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors?	Can't Post

: Х On the XL1S the image sensor has 270,000 pixels
: Х On the GL2 the image sensor has 410,000 pixels
: Does this mean that the GL2 has greater resolution than the XL1S? Would that make the images sharper on the GL2 than on the XL1S? What do the pixel numbers actually mean?
The GL2's recorded image should have slightly higher horizintal resolution thanks to more pixels (say 500 vs 480 lines. But it is not a significant difference for most video putposes. Image sharpness, which only partly refelcts resolution can be effected by camera setting to make them match. Make your decision based on other factors such as size, weight, system capability (lenses, accessories, audio capability, features, etc.)

X-Rick
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Nov 24, 2003, 12:29 PM

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Re: GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors? [In reply to]	Can't Post

: : Х On the XL1S the image sensor has 270,000 pixels
: : Х On the GL2 the image sensor has 410,000 pixels
: : Does this mean that the GL2 has greater resolution than the XL1S? Would that make the images sharper on the GL2 than on the XL1S? What do the pixel numbers actually mean?
: The GL2's recorded image should have slightly higher horizintal resolution thanks to more pixels (say 500 vs 480 lines. But it is not a significant difference for most video putposes. Image sharpness, which only partly refelcts resolution can be effected by camera setting to make them match. Make your decision based on other factors such as size, weight, system capability (lenses, accessories, audio capability, features, etc.)
ХХThanks, I also didn't notice that the XL1s has 1/3" CCDs while the GL2 has 1/4" CCDs. I called Canon and they said that the larger sensor area on the 1/3" chips kind of make up for lack of pixel resolution. That sounds like it makes sense, but I guess it could have been a sales pitch. I have a couple canon EOS lenses so I think I'm going to go for the XL1s. As far as I understand.. with an adapter I can use my other lenses on the body.

X-don
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Nov 24, 2003, 5:56 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1552 views)
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Re: GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors? [In reply to]	Can't Post

: ХХThanks, I also didn't notice that the XL1s has 1/3" CCDs while the GL2 has 1/4" CCDs. I called Canon and they said that the larger sensor area on the 1/3" chips kind of make up for lack of pixel resolution.
The larger CCD usually means lower noise in the image in low light, and a bit less depth of field if you need that effect. Canon uses a "pixel-shift" technology (common in high end profesional gear) to squeeze ~410K pixel performance from 270K pixels - works for other than highly saturated pure primary colors.
:I have a couple canon EOS lenses so I think I'm going to go for the XL1s. As far as I understand.. with an adapter I can use my other lenses on the body.
Be aware that when you mount a 50 mm lens on the XL1s the image you get in the XL1 will have a field of view similar to a 360mm lens on a 35mm still camera. The 7.2x factor is because the CCD image sensor is much smaller than a 35mm still camera frame

X-BenB
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Dec 3, 2003, 11:10 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1553 views)
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Re: GL2 vs. XL1S image sensors? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Also be aware that Canons do really poor in low light. I have a pair of GL-1s and am shopping around to get new cameras, as the poor low light handling is killing me at wedding receptions.
Also, be sure you get ALL the info on a camera. The GL-2 does have 410k "gross" pixels, but only 380k "effective" pixels. Meaning you only are getting a 380k pixel image.
I'm looking at the VX-2000 or 2100 just for the superior low light ability. If you're going to do events, the Canons will kill you in low light.
Just did a side by side with another local videographer and the GL-2 was only very slightly better at low light than the GL-1. Wish Canon would get with it in the low light thing.
This past WEVA Expo had a low light shootout with a dozen cams side by side. The GL-2 was by FAR the worst in low light. Almost every camera there did way better in low light. So, keep that in miind, also.