How do you guys feel about the Canon GL-1?

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Level 1

22 points

How do you guys feel about the Canon GL-1?

I have been making videos using iMovie 06, and a little bit of FCP. I have a sony hi8 camcorder that I used to make the videos with and I used a vx1000 a few times my buddy let me borrow. I want to get a new camera. I dont have too much to spend, so I was thinking about a used Canon GL-1. I love the semi-professional looking cameras, and love the handle on the top.

I know they are right around $1000 used, with some nice accessories, but my question is: Is the GL-1 old technology? I want a miniDV style camera, so I dont know what to look for.

I am also going to buy Final Cut Express this week, and im going to use my sony camcorder until I get a new camera.

Thanks in advance!!

MacBook Pro 17" 2.4gHz, Mac OS X (10.5), Powerbook G4 Ti

Posted on Dec 12, 2007 2:58 PM

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Answer 1

Zak Ray

Level 4

3,469 points

Dec 12, 2007 3:17 PM in response to ATEspo

The GL1 is not terribly outdated, and you probably wouldn't see a vast improvement in the GL2. However, one thing you will learn with Final Cut is that using a scratch drive for capturing media and the like is essential-- I say this because many Canon camcorders have an issue with capturing to a scratch drive on the same FireWire bus. If you're going to end up with a Canon, you'll probably have to end up purchasing a Sonnet express card or something similar to give you the extra Firewire bus you need.

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Answer 2

Dec 13, 2007 7:56 PM in response to ATEspo

GL1 and GL2 are considered the standard for pro filming. Everyone I know is either jumping or has jumped to HD, but the problem is few people have HD players...

Unless your just totally a pro, you'll be able to make great pro video with these cameras - plus you can pick them up relatively cheap.

They have street cred, too.

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Answer 3

Zak Ray

Level 4

3,469 points

Dec 13, 2007 9:02 PM in response to Funkmeister Funky Funk

I think you're being a little generous with your definition of "pro filming", your Funkness.

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Answer 4

Dec 14, 2007 2:37 PM in response to Zak Ray

Well, I suppose it depends. For an independant filmmaker (like myself) they are great.

One of the huge problems I've seen is that people forget that probably the most crucial element of a camera is the user. Let's face it, most people really don't know how to use what they have. And the lenses too...

Cheers, Funky out.

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Answer 5

Dec 14, 2007 2:53 PM in response to Zak Ray

Hi Zak Ray et al-

I would have thought that simply because of lens selection an XL1 would have been just barely considered prosumer.

Don't get me wrong, the GL series is a great little camera and the versatility well worth the current market value.

Hopefully I am worthy of such generosity...

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 6

Zak Ray

Level 4

3,469 points

Dec 14, 2007 5:59 PM in response to Funkmeister Funky Funk

You are correct that the one using a given device largely determines how well it performs, however you're edging into the territory of the prosumer/professional line. I think the GL series is, as DaddyPaycheck notes, undeniably prosumer.

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Answer 7

Dec 14, 2007 7:20 PM in response to Zak Ray

I think were on the same side of the discussion. I knew a guy who advertised himself to be a DP with a great Pana 200 HD. Guy couldn't even hold his camera steady, so my PA shot video for me with an HV20 and killed it. Saved my documentary....

Cheers - FFF

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Answer 8

ATEspo Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 15, 2007 11:22 AM in response to ATEspo

I am in no means a "professional film maker." I just do it for fun with my friends and family. I just make short pointless videos and a lot of racing videos. I think the GL-1 is going to be overkill for what I need anyway. I do not need HD at all.

Now, what is the big difference between the GL-1 and GL-2 besides price? I found plenty of GL-1's used for right around $1,000 which is a little more than I want to spend, but my birthday is coming up and so is Christmas, so im trying to find a good gift for my fiance to get me.

Plus I just picked up Final Cut Express 4, so I need a new camera with the new software 🙂

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Answer 9

Zak Ray

Level 4

3,469 points

Dec 15, 2007 11:29 AM in response to ATEspo

The resolution is about 50% better, which is about the only difference I think you'd take advantage of or notice.

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Answer 10

Etchie

Level 1

114 points

Dec 31, 2007 5:05 PM in response to ATEspo

I've used that camera quite a few times and the only thing I didn't like about it was that my school lent them to film students so they were all pretty beat up. If you get one from a private owner though, these are great and (most importantly) long-lasing cameras. You get the 3CCD chips which is all you could ask for just short of HD. You said you were just going for MiniDV and this seems to be exactly what you appear to be looking for. I love the camera you borrowed from your friend by the way. That's my favorite camera out of all the cameras I've ever used (the Panasonic).

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