Canon GL2 Vs HV30?

[OOKfilms]

ok... i'm waiting for my HV30 via UPS,

However;

got a deal on a GL2 $750... very low hours original owner (friend of mine needed some money)..... the GL2 is 4:3 correct? not 16:9?....

i know i was wanting a GL2 for a very long time until the whole High Deff craze came to market..... i know the GL2 has the 3 ccd etc... but visualy how to they compare?

should i just dump the GL2 and make a couple of hundred and keep my soon to arrive HV30? or just return the HV30 and edit the GL2's video to "look" 16:9 in post?

Thanks for any input!
CHEERS!

[saintlobak]

Well, I wouldn't want to go all out comparing the whole Prosumer SD vs Consumer HDV like so many other threads. Here's my story, the first time I tried my hands on a HV30, it was right next to an old XL1s, and I had a laptop to transfer the footages. I shot some tests in the camera shop with both cameras, namely low light, shallow and deep focus etc etc. Then I transfered both footages to my laptop. The HV30 completely blew me away with its imagery, but held me back due to its cheap plastic and flimsy build (somehow I think the HV20 has a more solid build, but that's out of topic anyway)

So later I went home, played with the footages and colour graded them in a non-bias situation cause the cameras weren't around, the HV30's footages were superior over XL1s' in every way, and there is no way I can convince myself to get the XL1s.

Basically, technology has improved so much that you shouldn't be comparing, be certain of what exactly you would like to achieve with the cameras. People will always be snobbish, if you were to use an out of the box HV30 to shoot a formal and serious event, most likely no one will take you seriously and will give you all sorts of trouble. Whereas carrying a XL1s on your shoulder automatically says "I'm a professional, do not mess with me".

I've used the GL2 on several occasions, during the edit, the lack of resolution for standard definition becomes quite apparent compared to the Sony counterparts (TRV900, PD150), I think it is a common problem with most old Canon SD cameras, same goes to the Canon XL1 and XL1s.

If you want a very bias opinion, forget about the GL2, for $750, it's not worth it, save the money for some accessories, or buy yourself a HV20 for two camera shoots.

[Vinney]

I would concur with the saint. About 6 months ago, I was contemplating buying a GL2 or thought maybe I should save for the A1 HD. After reading and seeing footage here and at the Vimeo site, I was sold on this camera, the HV30, in my case. It wasn't worth going backwards even though the GL2 was considered a good camera for its time. In addition to the HV30's great footage(watch it on a good HD monitor), for a little camera it has quite a few features (cine mode, 30P, TV mode, etc). If you hang around this forum long enough, you'll be well informed on topics relating to HDV video shooting and editing. Take care, good luck and happy shooting!

[Ian-T]

OOKfilms....do a search for some old threads by Lunchbox (Taky) and you should see some examples of GL2 vs HV20. That should give you an idea of what others are talking about.

[OOKfilms]

Thanks guys.... ya it was such a great camera for it's day.... "old habits/dreams are hard to break i guess"....lol

maybe if i can get it for $650, i'll just ebay it and make a few bucks....


just waiting for the UPS man....


CHEERS!!

[OOKfilms]

Well i got the GL2 for $550 today..... so i'm thinking i got a pretty killer deal...

few filters, XL battery, 2 small batteries, pelican hard case, remote all the cords but no users manual.... it does shoot in 16:9 (squeeshed) i'm assuming i can "stretch" it out on FCexpress 4? i'm going to mess with it tonight.... it "feels" like a real nice camera..... to dump on ebay or not to dump on ebay that is the question.... might be good for a 2 camera shoot but i'll have to see how it compares with the hv30...



CHEERS!

[saintlobak]

Glad that you've gotten yourself a great deal, have fun with your new toy!

[vwflyer]

After making some comparisons let us know what you think of them.

Thanks

[OOKfilms]

i have to get a vimeo set up... seems like that is what people use.... tracking on the HV30 says i'll get that one on friday....

till then i'll keep ya posted....


thanks!

[vwflyer]

If in the end you decide to unload the GL2 I might be interested in helping you out. I need two cameras and even though I have a HV30 almost all my footage winds up going out SD. So a GL2 might work for me if the footage looks close to the HV30s in SD.

[OOKfilms]

anyone know how to check how many hours are on the GL2?

I downloaded a users manual; however, it doesn't show how to check. (i would think there is a way to tell on a "prosumer" camera like this?)

thanks