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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
My good ole GL1

Bill Grant
Enthusiast

Dec 21, 2005, 5:13 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1847 views)
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My good ole GL1	Can't Post

Ok here is my question. I am currently using a Gl1 in conjunction with an awesome little panasonic gs-120 to shoot weddings. I have had decent enough results thusfar, but I am starting to book more and more high priced weddings, and I am afraid my poor GL1 (not to mention gs120) will not cut it for much longer. I have considered selling my GL1 to get a Sony VX2000 or trying to add a VX2000 to the family. Can anyone give me a proper perspective on my advantages with the Sony? Is it worth the investment at this point to change? I am looking at about a $400-$600 difference in cameras with nothing at all budgeted for the change. I could scrape together the difference easily but probably not the 1200-1400 to add a used VX2000. Should I wait, or is there another option that maybe I haven't considered. I do recognize a stark difference in image quality from what I see others shooting on this site. Thanks in advance. Check out the sample below for reference.

www.grantphotovideo.com/highlights.wmv
Grant Photo & Video

Website http://www.grantphotovideo.com
Blog http://www.grantphotovideo.blogspot.com

RatVega
Enthusiast

Dec 22, 2005, 3:56 AM

Post #2 of 7 (1827 views)
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Re: [Bill Grant] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

What I don't understand is why Sony? Then you have 3 different color profiles and a "new" camera that is pretty much obsolete (do they still make them?)

I think I'd be looking for a new or used GL-2 - the color will be better, there's huge similarity and interchangeability, and in my limited experience (we have three GL-2s, since shortly after introduction) it's a reliable camera.

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

AndrewMSV
Veteran

Dec 22, 2005, 8:11 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1821 views)
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Re: [Bill Grant] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

My GL2 is actually superior to my XL1S in some situations. There's the obvious advantage of a smaller size (lighter, easier to fit into smaller spaces, etc) but it's also better in low light than my XL1S.

There is a certain muddy color that comes from the GL2 when the light levels get lower, but all in all it's a great cam. If you are already familiar with the GL1 and it's interface, you might be better off with another Canon product.

My two cents.

Cheers!

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

Bill Grant
Enthusiast

Dec 22, 2005, 5:50 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1811 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well,
My thought on Sonys came from using Sonys with the guy I used to work for. I see also the reputation the the Vx2000 has not only locally but in general on this site. I am really looking for the cam that I can really build my business around, and not have these nagging image quality questions. I am not underestimating the GL2 but I figured it was out of my price range. I also realize that this is a loaded question in the Canon forum, but I appreciate you guys responding...

Bill
Grant Photo & Video

Website http://www.grantphotovideo.com
Blog http://www.grantphotovideo.blogspot.com

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Dec 22, 2005, 8:22 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1802 views)
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Re: [Bill Grant] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use a GL1 and an XL1S. If you are interested in staying with a Canon product I think the GL2 would be the better choice. My XL1S is my primary camera primarily because it provides so much more image control. The controls themselves are located in much more sensible places as well. However, the camera gets really heavy after a few hours and the lack of a flip out LCD screen makes some shots a lot more difficult to get. Even with its limited low light sensitivity, I find the GL1 a much more flexible camera, particularly in tight quarters.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

RatVega
Enthusiast

Dec 22, 2005, 8:29 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1801 views)
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Re: [Bill Grant] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

The Vx2000 is not longer in production - it's been replaced by the Vx2100.

B&H PhotoVideo sells both cams and is as good a source as you can ask for. They're professional, offer good support, and deliver as advertised. Don't be fooled by the webstores selling gray-market stuff, bait and switch, are always out of stock, etc.

They list the Vx2100 at $2300 and the GL-2 at $2000 (plus, Canon currently has a $250 rebate as well.)

The real "dawg" of the Sony crowd is the PD-170, which is about a grand more. That is the cam that many have "built their business around." Even then, many Sony users envy the Canon lenses...

I'm not sure what "nagging image problems" you're referring to, I think the genereal concensus is that Canon's give excellent results but Sony (particularily the PD-170) is better in low light (but frequently at the cost of color content.) I have literally shot Kenyans in the dark with my GL-2s and gotten good results, but that may be in understanding the camera.

If you want to be "one of the Sony guys" be my guest, but I'll stick with the Frame Mode, color, and quality of my Canons.

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

Bill Grant
Enthusiast

Dec 23, 2005, 12:38 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1793 views)
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Re: [RatVega] My good ole GL1 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks to both of you for responding. I guess I've been focused (no pun intended) on the low light issue, and hadn't really given any consideration to glass or color. I realize that the PD-170 is the thing for sonys, but I think it is a bit overkill for me. I realize also that the vx2000 is out of production, so was the GL1 when I bought it. I will definately give the GL2 some consideration. The image issues I am speaking about mainly have to do with bright or high contrast images, and maybe that is just my lack of knowledge of camera control. Thanks again for the advice...

Bill
Grant Photo & Video

Website http://www.grantphotovideo.com
Blog http://www.grantphotovideo.blogspot.com