GL2 to HV20 Upgrade
Hello All:
I've seen some amazing footage from the HV20 and considering selling my GL2 to get it.
I was just looking for some observations from the forum members. Would this be a good upgrade route? How does the HV20 fair against the GL2 in low light.
I'm strictly a hobbiest so the small factor of the HV20 in very appealing.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch.
I'm pretty sure Taky, one of our esteemed mods, and tkmslee have both "upgraded" from GL-2s (not sure if either has sold the "old" camera, however).
If I had the dough, I would get an HV20 yesterday but if I have to sell the GL-2 to do it ... not so sure ... I have some nice camera-specific accessories (PortaBrace rain slicker, Kata bag, zoom control, etc.) I'd have to give up as well. But to shoot in HD, on a cammy that fits in a fanny pack ... *drool*
For some reason i thought you owned one already.Originally Posted by Erik Bien
Warning: I went from Sony VX2000, which as you know competes with the GL2, to the FX1. I wanted to try HV20 for the 24p, next, figuring it would be a good family camera too.. Now I can't seem to put it down for the other two cameras....
im really happy i didnt end up buying a gl1, im still saving for the hv20, but im sure i will be much happier with the results of the hv20 over the gl1.
Yeah I have 2 GL2s and 1 HV20. Tmrw, my new toy XH-A1 will arrive. I'll then sell the two GL2s.
I wouldn't consider going from GL2 to HV20 is an upgrade. GL2 is prosumer grade whereas HV20 is more a consumer grade camcorder. The appearance of GL2 has the semi-pro look and HV20 is just plain ugly. However, image quality-wise, HV20 beats GL2. I would still like to say GL2's low-light performance is better than HV20. I don't have any comparison. Just my gut feelings.
Thanks for the input everyone. I know the HV20 doesn't have the manual settings and the cool factor of the GL2 but mind you I'm only in it for the hobby aspect of it. The main reason I ask about low light is because I film a lot of the band I'm in which tends to be in low light situations probably more akin to fireworks shows due to moving head lights and par cans. I've been finding that the autofocus on the GL2 hunts a lot because there is a fair amount of fog we use on the stage which I believe confuses the camera. I don't have this same issue with the Sony HC3 we use at least not nearly to the same degree.
I guess at the end of the day it would be great to be able to do everything in HD without carrying a ton of gear and the other nice thing about the HV20 is being able to plug in an external mic.
Guess I'll bite the bullet and buy one and see how it goes!
Thanks again
For hobbiest, HV20 is an excellent camera!
I don't know about the GL-2, but we use a VX2100 at church, which as said before about the
VX2000, competes with the GL-2, although I understand that the VX2100 has slightly better sensitivity in low light than the GL-2. The VX2100 is significantly better in low light than my HV20, as I've used them in the same auditorium under the same conditions. The HV20 beats my Panasonic PV-GS300 by a mile in low light, but it just doesn't compete with the VX2100 in that category.
When used in adequate light however, the HV20 does produce noticeably better video quality.
I say keep em both...
I realize that this is more personal opinion than anything, but while the appearance of the GL-2 does look more professional (we had a guy show up on a fire scene last night with one filming a police video), I would hardly call the HV20 ugly. I think it looks better than any of the Sony or Panasonic consumer camcorders. It just has a "feel" that seems to be cheaper than the Sonys with the clamshell case feeling loose, etc. But I think it looks great for a consumer camcorder, especially when accessorized (like yours is).
Last edited by DaFireMedic; 2007 August 1st at 01:49.
Yeah, I should take it back.. it's not THAT ugly...
I also owned a VX2K, low light capability is superior to GL2 but again, in good lighting condition, wow, HV20 beats it easily, with brillant color and details. You can play with various settings in HV20 to get better low light capability, such as in 24p & bump up the gain a little. (Yes, it is going to be a little grainner, color sat may not be optimal, but, depends on your final output, if it is DVD, since the file will be downsized, people won't see the grain much and you can adjust the color sat in post?)
Perry
i sold my gl2 to buy an hv20 and i love it. I was a little nervous at first but im totally stoked.. I of course bought a external mic, and a wide angle lens.. After selling gl2 and all the accessories that i have owned for 4+yrs, i got a brand new hv20 with accessories and put 60bucks in my pocket. now i shoot in HD.
which external mic you bought?
Rode NTG2
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