Looking for feedback on Canon's GL1

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Hello! I would appreciate a response from anybody who knows about Canon's new mini-DV, the GL1. I am looking to buy either an XL1 or this new model, and with the price differential, I'm wondering what its limitations are. Interchangeable lenses are not a necessity for me, but good audio adaptability is (I have a Sennheimer (sp?) mike system), as well as easy-to-get-at manual functions.

Thanks for sharing your info.

-- Janice Durand (Geestudio@aol.com), July 28, 1999

Answers

I'm having the same Canon dilemma and I have learned that the GL-1 does not have the manual audio gain control features that the XL1 has. There is an "attenuator" but I'm not sure of the tech specs. I'm wonderind if the gain controls on a Beechtek or Studio 1 XLR adapter would solve the problem.

If anyone has these audio answers let us know.

-- Marcel De Maio (filmpanda@edmail.com), October 10, 1999.


I just ordered a GL1 today (backup for my XL) and here is what I was able to find out:

1) Suposedly the Beachtek unit is a good workaround but I don't think it's released yet

2) The audio gain is settable via menu controls (oh, crap!) in increments- like 4 or 5 steps. Good enough for basic or backup applications, but probably frustrating for mainline work.

I suppose a Beachtek-type unit could be adapted by someone who knew how.

Good luck-

Rod Pyle

-- Rod Pyle (healey106@aol.com), October 12, 1999.


Got the GL1 and shot today... only audio settings are for 12/16 bit and , as mentioned, for the mic/line in there is "attenuator". It would seem to cut the input by about 40% with posssibly some coloring, tho I can't tell what. I don't think you can turn the auto gain control off. It is reputed to be pretty good, but since I am using thsi as a backup (images only) camera, I didnt spend much time on that.

One other note of possible interest- the Frame Movie mode seems to be noticably more steppy than the XL1.

Rod P

-- rod pyle (healey106@aol.com), October 14, 1999.


I'm in the same situation of choosing between the GL-1 and XL-1. My budget right now is $2800. I need advice on whether i should settle for the GL-1 or save until i can afford the XL-1. The kind of work i plan to do is for events like dances and possibly weddings. Besides the interchangeable lens difference, is the picture quality really the same as some video sales people say? The big factor for me is working in low light. How much of a difference is the GL-1 in lowlight from the XL-1?? I need some advice. Please help. Thanx!!

Henry

-- Henry Bautista (p1casso@yahoo.com), November 14, 1999.


Janice,

Have used the XL-1 and GL-1 together at the same event, and a friend borrowed the GL-1 to shoot footage while his XL-1 was in the shop. In both cases the pictures matched. From the Canon literature I suspect that both cameras are using the same chip sets.

Hope that this helps, Paul

-- Paul Barwick (74047.2360@compuserve.com), November 20, 1999.



For those wondering about a BeachTek XLR adaptor for the GL-1, the DXA-4P is the unit designed for the GL-1. I ordered one through Location Sound in North Hollywood for about $200, and it works well. As others have noticed, the camera has absolutly no audio controls except for a 40 db pad - whose design I suppose is to switch between mic level and line level inputs. Unless I have failed to locate one, there is also no visual audio level indicator in the viewfinder, so use of an earpiece or headphone is essential when using an external mic with this camera.

-- Paul Barwick (74047.2360@compuserve.com), November 20, 1999.

Through personal experience I can say if you are looking for good audio the GL1 is not for you. It is a good secondary camera if you will be using seperate audio. This is my experience with it if you have had better you are a blessed individual

-- Blake Helms (blake@garywood.org), February 09, 2004.

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