Higher Quality Video Cameras: Canon GL2 Kit with Accessories

Higher Quality Video Cameras: Canon GL2 Kit with Accessories June 18, 2009

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Canon GL2-A perennial camera buff’s favorite. This is a camera for serious videographers who insist on great quality and enjoy being able to have complete manual control over all the functions for more and better artistic control. Of course, the GL-2 can also be set to automatic if you’re shooting in a run-and-gun documentary style.

A camera like the GL-2 can be a joy to use since it has so many great features and functions. I am thrilled to include the Canon Gl2 in my video equipment store inventory. Click here to go video camera camera shopping!

Right now we are bundling the GL2 camera as a kit with a full package of accessories, including a light and a fluid head tripod for under $2,600.

The GL-2 uses Mini DV tapes and records in dv (digital video) format. This is one of the best formats to shoot in if you want to edit the video that you take. This format has been around awhile and every video editing software program I know of accepts dv file format.

For a high quality image, the image sensing device for the gl2 includes 3 CCD chips. With a three chip camera, you have a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). Three chip cameras give a much better image in terms of color, clarity than a smaller one-chip camera. The chips are 1/4″ size, 410,000 Gross Pixels, 380,000 Effective Pixels, using Pixel Shift Technology.

Another benefit of the GL2 is the ability to record quality audio with an XLR input. Quality video means getting quality audio too and the best way to do that is with supplemental microphones, which require an input jack on your camera. the best microphones will have an XLR connector. You can also choose to attach the optional DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone, which is a shotgun mic with high sensitivity and super directional pick-up.

The GL2 offers 2-channel manual audio adjustment (2 mechanical, dedicated controls). The audio level can also be monitored inside the viewfinder LCD screen or by an external illuminated VU meter. I love being able to see the audio level without having to remove my eye from the viewfinder. Now that is a videographer inspired feature if there ever was one!

Like most video cameras today, the GL2 features an image stabilization feature. (Not to be too bad a fuddy-duddy, but I still recommend a tripod.)

Still, image stabilization is a handy feature . Canon’s optical stabilization system says it eliminates image shake off many different magnitudes due to a wide range reasons. The camera corrects camera shake instantly.

Even the shakiest of shots, such as a hand-held at full telephoto, are fairly smooth and steady. Since it is an optical stabilization process, the results are much better than electronic image stabilizers.

Another handy feature of this camera is the VL-3 Video Light, which comes in this special kit bundle. This light can turn an impossible situation into a well-lit on and can either stay on continuously or turn on/off automatically, in response to changes in the brightness of the shooting situation. Now that’s pretty cool!

Some video assignments, such as official video documentation of legal proceedings or law enforcement activities, require identification of date, time and time code of each recording. The GL2 can accommodate this and can be set to permanently record this information directly over the video image.

EDITING ON THE GO, QUICKLY!
For instant editing, simply connect your TV, VCR, or analog camcorder to the camcorder, and send the analog signal directly to your computer’s IEEE-1394 terminal, without recording to tape, which could save a significant amount of capture time.

When you do this, I highly recommend you simultaneously record the analog signal to DV tape, which will create a high-quality master of your original. It’s dangerous to not have a tape copy.

Other manual control options on the Canon GL-2:

Variable shutter, Shutter Speed range of 1/8 – 1/15,000.
Focus
Exposure
White Balance
Audio Level Control

Input/Output Interface

Composite Video: RCA (x1 Input, x1 Output)
S-Video: 4-Pin MINI DIN
Analog Audio L/R: RCA (x1 Input, x1 Output)
FireWire: IEEE-1394 4-Pin
Headphones: Mini Stereo
Microphone: Mini Stereo

If you purchase the Canon GL2 from Video Production Tips and B&H photo, it comes bundled with all the accessories you will need. The kit includes the cloth bag case pictured above, plus:

Pearstone VT2500B Video Tripod System (pictured below)
Bescor LED-35 LED On Camera Light (pictures above)
Extra battery (2× Series 7 SL-50 Lithium Battery Pack – 7.2VDC)
Series 7 BCL-1 Quick Charger
Series 7 S7-CGL Battery Adapter Plate – for Canon GL-1/GL2
Petrol PMCCB1 Compact Camcorder Bag (Pictured above)
Petrol PMH-1 Mini Hood – for Small Camcorders with 2.5″ LCD Monitors
Petrol PRC-MDV Rain Cover for the camera

The Pearstone VT2500B is a lightweight video tripod system featuring a two-way fluid head and quick release. This system was designed for camcorders weighing up to 15.4 lbs (6.9 kg). It features a 50mm leveling ball and a built-in spirit level for rapid setups.
• Leveling Ball
A 50mm leveling ball with built-in spirit level works well for rapid setups
• Fluid Head
The 2-Way fluid-effect head with quick-release offers smooth motion and transport capabilities
• Rubber Feet
This system comes with convenient retractable rubber feet for delicate floor surfaces
• Legs
The VT2500B’s three-sectioned legs break down to a very compact 30.0″ (76.2cm) for transport.