I have been using the GL1 for nearly 3 years now. I take it out on shoots for a website I work on... sometimes I create QuickTime Movies, sometimes I take stills from footage and convert the stills to .JPG files.pThe 30-lux capacity means you can walk into a subdued lighting environment such as a dining room lit by a single candle and get very good, balanced exposure. It is not like an infrared camera or anything, however... there must be SOME non infrared light, or you get nothing.pThe 30x zoom can't be beat. You can be 50 yards away from a person and zoom in and get a shot of their nose... in many ways, it must be seen to be appreciated.pConsidering the features, the unit is light-weight, but newer digital camcorders of similar strengths are now on the market for far less and weigh half as much. Still, the GL1 is easy to hold with one hand while using the eye piece or the LCD panel.pI only have a few criticisms. For one, the unit does not ship with a firewire cable. If you are ordering this item for its firewire compatibility, you will need to order a 6-to-4 pin firewire cable separately. (6-pin for your Mac, 4-pin for the GL1).pAlso, the GL1 has a tendency to eat tapes. For a while, I thought I was just getting deffective tapes, but a co-worker got a DV deck and the deck was able to view and use the tapes without difficulty. Just viewing the tapes on the DV deck seemed to "fix" whatever the GL1 perceive was wrong with the tapes. On occasion I will get an all red "WARNING: EJECT TAPE" display on the LCD panel... I then eject the tape, rewind it a bit on the DV deck and then I can use it fine for several weeks w/ the GL1. This has been a problem from day one and I have head-cleaning tapes.pThe unit has a tripod screw mount on the bottom and a hot shoe on top, so it's a good piece of hardware for professionals.pThe battery that ships with the unit will only run for about 30 minutes on a full charge... but that's 30 minutes of actual recording, rewinding, etc. I highly recommend getting an additional 2 hour battery as back-up, especially if you're stuck somewhere and don't have the luxury of having an AC wall socket nearby. You can run the camera straight off AC power, but it is awkward... you must run the cord from the GL1 to the charger and the charger is then plugged into the wall. This extra cord does not come with the unit and you must buy it separately. It would have been nice if they had included this cord as well as a DC charger for the car.pBack when I was ordering this item, I spoke with Canon directly to ask them information about the firewire capabilities, etc. Afer speaking to a customer service rep. for over 1 hour, it was obvious that the folks answering the phones for Canon absolutely know NOTHING about their own products or terminology used in photography or videography... if the answers are not in the little book in front of them, they are worse than uninformed... they tell you the wrong information. If you want more information about the features of this camera, seriously examine the specs featured here on Amazon and read all of the reviews.

This is one incredible camera. Here are some of the best features about it:p-3CCDsp-L Series Fluorite Lensp-All Manual Controlsp-Progressive Scanp-Optical Stabilizationp-Large Manual Focus RingpOf course, we all know that 3CCDs are far better than one... I need not go into more depth there. As far as the lens goes, some have argued that they see no difference of quality over that of Sony's. This may be due in part to the fact that they are looking for a difference in resolution. When compared in numbers to some of the 3CCD models of Sony, you may think that this is a lower resolution camera (which can be a very deceiving thing). It is recognized that a camera with a high resolution in numbers does not equal a pleasing, or sharper image. When you compare the color of a Sony and this GL1 (or any other Canon against a Sony, for that matter), there will be no comparison. The Sony will inevitably lean towards the blues, giving a very cold, unnatural feeling, which can often result in having to waste time in post, by adding color corrections. The Canon will have a much warmer, more natural coloring. With deeper, richer blacks.pThe Progressive Scan (or frame mode) is beautiful. It gives the footage a much more film like jitteriness, instead of the liquid smooth interlaced footage that is usually the only option you have on most Sony camera models. It is called "frame mode" because it captures 30 FULL frames per second, instead of 60 FIELDS per second (top field and bottom field) being joined together to make the 30 frames, which when slowed down will show interlaced lines. Some say ...that Progressive Scan is only meant for a "digital motor drive" where you capture 30 frames per second with the intent of getting still pictures from it. Yes, this is a possibility... but no, video is not really high resolution enough to use this for any real purpose other than having a somewhat grainy image for a home web site. I have not heard of ANY professional using it for anything other than to shoot a real project, as true video footage. Video to film transfer locations prefer people to use progressive scan to shoot on their GL1 or XL1 for film transfer. It loses much less quality in the process. There are many commercials and documentaries (as well as independent films) which have started shooting in progressive scan on the GL1 and XL1, in order to get the higher budget film look.pThe manual controls on this camera give you such control, that you can achieve truly professional results. You have control over - Shutter Speed, Aperture, Gain, White Balance, Focus, exposure, etc. If you want the choppy effect of Saving Private Ryan, or Gladiator's battle scenes, just up the shutter speed to 250 or higher. Or if you want a lot of background blur, open the lens way up.pAh, yes... the image stabilization. You won't get anything close to it on other brands. They all have a slight shake, and jitter, never truly stabilizing it, especially when zoomed. This one has none. It only floats. And of course, if you want that jittery handheld look of some of the new films and such, just turn it off. But when you want smooth, non jittery handheld shots it's always there.pIf you are trying to decide what camera to get, always go down the Canon road. Almost all of them have features that Sony only tries to make up for with home userish built effects and such cheesy non-professional effects that one can achieve if they have a computer to edit on (and still want the effects by then. Why record it permanently, when you might change your mind later). Some Sony users complain about how Canon does not have good still picture resolution. I say, "who needs still pictures on a camcorder??" That should be left to 35mm, or a digital camera devoted to that form of media alone. I have yet to see a printable, good looking still even from a Sony. Both the video format, and the small included memory cards cannot handle the resolution required of this. With all the manual controls, the far superior color, and the incredible look of progressive scan, one must have only the choice to go Canon. If you are an aspiring documentary or commercial maker trying to decide between a GL1 and an XL1 (not likely), the advantage of the GL1 (besides the price) is that it is small. This allows you to be in crowds shooting, without stares from everybody. Or shoot where you would otherwise be unable. This can also be a downfall. It may look wimpy to the client (of course, once they see the footage, they will probably buy one themselves). ....pLastly, I just want to say that I would highly recommend this camera, but if you can afford it, go with the XL1 (...), it is even better!

I got this nice little gadget from my family since i have always loved making home movies. i was amazed by how much better it was than with my my sony TR818. The resolution was so much better with 3 CCd's. i never imagined the movies that came through my head when I held up that camera. I found it easy to use. Light and very cheap for the price they gave my mom, well tht's what she said. I have enjoyed doing many things with this camcorder. From getting california redwoods looking more red than ever in the shot nd the ocean so blue, and you can record stuff that wouldn't be seen anwhere else with other camcorders, like the jellyfish before it stung me. I love this nice camcorder. If you know someone who has a love of homeade movies, I recommend this for them. ( Please say this review was helpful, PLEASE)

First, the visceral. The image quality is stunning, and the creative license and possibilities afforded through DV are staggering. With a GL1 and a good NLE like Premiere, the only limit is your creativity. Effects that just a few years ago started at tens of thousands of dollars on film can now be rendered realtime.pNow the practical. I spent a fair bit of time looking through the market at the 'low pro' end. Canon's GL1 and XL1 were clearly in the running, as were several Sony products. What finally sold me on the GL1 was the flourite lens, which to my eye has a noticeably brighter image, as well as the optical image stabilization, which provides a more natural looking view also. I have to say that I find the manual zoom feature useless as it's a servo controlled focus rate, and very difficult to 'stop' in a slow focus. I've found that using the 'automatic/manual' focus switch to allow the camera to bring the subject into focus, then switching immediately to 'manual' to lock the focus is very effective as a workaround. The only time this doesn't work well is at the limit of either the optical focus or the digital focus when the subject is poorly defined versus its background. In these situations, the rangefinding system seems to 'hunt', giving a nauseating soft in/out blur. Truthfully, using the camera under these cirucumstances is rare, and this is the only criticism I've got for the system. An often overlooked feature of DV is that the audio quality is about the same as CD, and is digital. This means that even your home movies now have DAT audio quality! Despite many comments to the contrary, I've been very favourably impressed with the quality of the audio, including the stereo separation.pI also mentioned the XL1, but the only difference I could see was perhaps better audio, and for the considerable extra expense and size, it wasn't a good tradeoff for me.

Almost amazing! The picture, the sound, the ease of using the GL1 is far above any other that I have ever used. The sound feature on the instant playback was a welcome change. I could hear a truck coming down the road even before I could see it. The picture is awesome. I caught fall color leaves on the snow. With the white, green, and fall color spectrum, it put the digital camcorder to the test. Downloads were superb! This Pro-Am is one to move up to or if you want the best start here.

The quality of both the video and stereo audio recording is outstanding. I have made some amazing pipe organ and choral recordings, far exceeding what can be done with VHS or 3/4" machines. It is very easy to use. In particular its analog inputs allows you to convert your old video recordings to digital to permit digital video editing, which gives a long term stability in their quality. Great for developing web video as well.

This is by far the best camera for this price range. HOWEVER don't pay more than 2100-2200$US for it. I bought it for even less than that. Its size at first gives it the appearance of being a "home-video" recorder and not quite the sleak professional look that the XL1 has. However don't be fooled by this, it uses the same CCD system as the XL1, and just lacks the removable lens option in addition to a handful of other digital features. But the GL1 costs 70% less and produces very high quality images and video. Its size makes it VERY easy to carry around (just last weekend I saw someone with one at a bar in San Francisco). Its a great value and a great product, just hunt around and read up on it to make sure its what you want. Because Looks are VERY deceiving, this isn't your dad's old mini-betacam...this is a beautifully engineered camera that produces high quality results.

I bought this camera about 10 months back, and at the time made a compromise in choosing it because I couldn't afford the XL1S. What I've learned though after using it for so long now is that Canon didn't compromise on this camera. The GL1 has essentially every feature the aspiring film maker or video professional needs to get underway quickly and easily.pMy favorite feature of this camera is the frame mode ability that allows you to shoot non-interlaced video, with results that are very similar in appearance to film rather than video. After shooting in frame mode and seeing the results, I've yet to shoot interlaced video again.pThe one thing that this camera lacks is any ability to manually control the audio levels for the internal or external mics, which can sometimes give you less than optimal results in situations where the noise volume fluctuates noticably, or where you are trying to achieve a specific audio effect.pSummary - Excellent camera worth the price tag. Across the board, far more features and better quality than all competitors in its class. Probabaly the only camera that can top the GL1 in this class is the GL2.

I bought this camera about 10 months back, and at the time made a compromise in choosing it because I couldn't afford the XL1S. What I've learned though after using it for so long now is that Canon didn't compromise on this camera. The GL1 has essentially every feature the aspiring film maker or video professional needs to get underway quickly and easily.My favorite feature of this camera is the frame mode ability that allows you to shoot non-interlaced video, with results that are very similar in appearance to film rather than video. After shooting in frame mode and seeing the results, I've yet to shoot interlaced video again.The one thing that this camera lacks is any ability to manually control the audio levels for the internal or external mics, which can sometimes give you less than optimal results in situations where the noise volume fluctuates noticably, or where you are trying to achieve a specific audio effect.Summary - Excellent camera worth the price tag. Across the board, far more features and better quality than all competitors in its class. Probabaly the only camera that can top the GL1 in this class is the GL2.

I wasn't so sure about this camera because I had listened to the hype about Sony DV cameras. But let me tell you, I have never seen a mini DV camera pack such a punch for the price. Between the GL-1 and the much more expensive Xl-1, I cannot tell that much difference at all, maybe none at all. This camera captures truly stunning video. From reproducing each and every color vibrantly and crisp to the razor sharp picture quality. And I haven't even gotten to the microphone. It captures the audio very true to life. From soft whispers to loud bangs, the audio never becomes muddled or distorted. The menu buttons and function keys are all very well placed, and it takes a still photograph of a fairly decent quality, although it couldn't compete with a 2 megapixel photo camera. It has many different video modes,including toggling between Video and Frame recording, although most of the time you'll never need to take it off of automatic. Another sleek feature is how it captures video in low light. In low lighting conditions, the picture NEVER becomes the least bit grainy. I am continually impressed, and am impressing others with this camera. It is perfect for the beginner or the pro.

The GL-1 attracts a lot of praise, but I regret buying mine. It supposedly has optical stabilization, but I don't see much of an effect. I bought several pieces of overpriced grips and handles to secure a comfortable and steady grip. I was disappointed especially when trying to tape a bald eagle during a nature outing. I wanted a steady image in the worst way, but there was no apparent help from the optical stabilization. Another problem I noted was a mushy resolution in taping an outdoor scene in cloudy conditions. I was taping preparations for a blimp flight, but the footage taken as late as 10AM was muddy and of poor quality. In bright light, the quality was OK. I think my Panasonic camcorder at half the price is just as good as the GL1. I am experiencing a bout of Buyer's Remorse.

I've owned the GL1 now for almost 3 months now. It was a christmas gift to myself. It took me 3 months to decide on the GL1 (my 2nd choice was top of the line Sony). The picutre quality is GREAT. Plus, I wasn't impressed with all of the special effects that came bundled with the Sony. IMHO, a digital camera should take the best quality videos and NOT be used as an editing tool on the fly. I use the supplied cables to transfer the movies that I make to my PC (winXP) and do my editing using DV Studio PRO which comes with tons of special effects. The results are awesome....I can edit and make movies and do video streaming, create DVD, Video CDs, etc. etc. The camera is bulkier than the Sony but it has a nice handle with controls, which is not a big issue for me. The audio is sensitive and picks up lots of noise, this is probably an issue if you're doing interviews....as for other occasions, it's not a big deal for me, since, I usually add background music to go with the recorded sound.

After upgrading from standard 8mm tape to MiniDV I could not be more happy. Very simple to operate for a novice, but the more I learn the better I am in photo situations which used to leave me flat on my face.pMenus, manual parameters, automode, optical stabilization, 3 CCD's, and the design and ergonomics are great. pMy only gripe is the poor response in low light situations. My previous sonycam did MUCH better. I better invest in a light.

The Canon GL1 is a professional DV camera, that is in the marginally afordable range for general consumers. The piture quality is full professional broadcast quality, and looks far better than any other Digital Camcorder that I have used in the sub $3000 range. It is compatible with more firewire cards and computer programs than any other products on the market. Quality, compatability, service, are all best available. DEFINATELY worth the price difference over all other general consumer cameras.

After upgrading from standard 8mm tape to MiniDV I could not be more happy. Very simple to operate for a novice, but the more I learn the better I am in photo situations which used to leave me flat on my face.Menus, manual parameters, automode, optical stabilization, 3 CCD's, and the design and ergonomics are great. My only gripe is the poor response in low light situations. My previous sonycam did MUCH better. I better invest in a light.

I love this camera caompared to the Xl1. People say oh if you have the money go with the Xl 1 its alot better. How do they know that? Its just more expensive and harder to drag around. It would cost a fortune to waterproof it and I think its just alittle overrated. The GL1 looks weak for its small size but it really is the best one...easy to drag around and the Firewire/capability makes it easy to edit on your home computer. The camera makes smooth nice shots and has a pretty good range. Im started on a film and I want to buy this camera. One thing though does any one know the best Microphone to use? Biderectional, Superdirectional,Shotgun, Cardiod or Omnidirectional? Please Email the awnser! Thanks....

I produce news programs and documentaries, and I use my GL1 to suppliment video from the professional grade cameras used by my videographers. Only a professional can tell the difference in video quality. The unit is easy to use and has performed flawlessly in the field...and I can be pretty hard on equipment. The only thing that keeps it from getting five stars is the small flip out screen...there are larger views on the market, but on DigiCams that I believe are more awkward to operate.

I love this camera caompared to the Xl1. People say oh if you have the money go with the Xl 1 its alot better. How do they know that? Its just more expensive and harder to drag around. It would cost a fortune to waterproof it and I think its just alittle overrated. The GL1 looks weak for its small size but it really is the best one...easy to drag around and the Firewire/capability makes it easy to edit on your home computer. The camera makes smooth nice shots and has a pretty good range. Im started on a film and I want to buy this camera. One thing though does any one know the best Microphone to use? Biderectional, Superdirectional,Shotgun, Cardiod or Omnidirectional? Please Email the awnser! Thanks....

I love this camera caompared to the Xl1. People say oh if you have the money go with the Xl 1 its alot better. How do they know that? Its just more expensive and harder to drag around. It would cost a fortune to waterproof it and I think its just alittle overrated. The GL1 looks weak for its small size but it really is the best one...easy to drag around and the Firewire/capability makes it easy to edit on your home computer. The camera makes smooth nice shots and has a pretty good range. Im started on a film and I want to buy this camera. One thing though does any one know the best Microphone to use? Biderectional, Superdirectional,Shotgun, Cardiod or Omnidirectional? Please Email the awnser! Thanks....

I love this camera caompared to the Xl1. People say oh if you have the money go with the Xl 1 its alot better. How do they know that? Its just more expensive and harder to drag around. It would cost a fortune to waterproof it and I think its just alittle overrated. The GL1 looks weak for its small size but it really is the best one...easy to drag around and the Firewire/capability makes it easy to edit on your home computer. The camera makes smooth nice shots and has a pretty good range. Im started on a film and I want to buy this camera. One thing though does any one know the best Microphone to use? Biderectional, Superdirectional,Shotgun, Cardiod or Omnidirectional? Please Email the awnser! Thanks....

This is one Great camera! Works great no probs. I am shooting a movie and this camera works great for it. Good for anyone who needs a in the middle camera from customer to pro cameras. I have had this camera for 2 months now and I love it! P.S. The pic of the camera at the top of the page is the pic for the GL2 not the GL1.
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I just purchased a canon GL1 for use with filming sports (I am a golfer). My overall experience has been good but things are left to be desired. This review gives you the good the bad and the silly, so read on!The GoodThe controls on this thing are great, it's almost like having an SLR in a camcorder. The lens on this thing is great! Images come through very bright allowing for high shutter speeds. The zoom is 20X optical and something like 100x digital, and the digital zoom is usable, trust me on this one. You can switch between interlace and progressive scan with the use of one button interlace=60 1/2 frames per second, progressive= 30 full frames per second. The image stabilization is great, and it is very easy to shoot with. Shutter speed is good up to 1/15000 of a second. Oh and did I mention lots of manual controls if you want them. The BadThe CCD's on this thing have no resolution. I would almsot have to lie to tell you I get 500 lines of horizontal resolution. When displayed on a big screen pixilization is obvious. Still images stink too. You can't even get VGA out of this thing. Also the auto focus is amazingly slow. Terrible for action sequences but not a problem for a normal situation or say filming a golfer tennis player. The Silly/trivialYou need to push a seperate button to eject a tape. Canon could have made this thing smaller to. The camera has an uncomfortable inbetween size. It is by no means small, not even medium sized, but not really one of those huge shoulder mounted things. The LCD screen on this thing could have been bigger too. In all honesty I think cannon wasted a ton of space on this thing. I know some will say the lens head is big, and that is fine, but the tape deck is way too big and the LCD is almost an inch thick, not excusable. Overall I am satisfied with it. A very nice piece of machinery. The best camcorder for recording golf hands down.