Canon

Canon GL2 Professional MiniDV Camcorder

20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 100x) and image stabilizer; 2.5-inch LCD with 270-degree rotation; Save to MiniDV tape or MMC/SD card (8 MB SD card included); Record for up to 65 minutes on one battery charge

• MiniDV Format
  • The Canon GL2 digital video camcorder uses the standard MiniDV cassette, producing the highest quality video possible from non-broadcast equipment. The MiniDV format standard delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This is about a 25% improvement in picture quality over the best analog formats. On top of that, because it records both video and audio as digital data, this information can be transferred -- without any loss of picture or audio quality -- to a computer for editing, then transferred back to DV tape, without a reduction in either picture or audio quality. The tape formulation is advanced to last longer and even withstand repeated use without failure, virtually eliminating drop out and delivering higher output and less noise.

  3CCD Image Sensors

• 3CCD Image Sensors
  • The Canon GL2 maximizes the capability of the DV format by using 3 CCD image sensors. Each CCD is assigned to handle one of three primary colors - Red, Green and Blue. A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding picture detail, highly accurate color reproduction, wide dynamic range and virtually no color noise, making the GL2 suitable for many professional applications.

• Super High Resolution and Super Low Light
  • There are 410,000 pixels on each of the three CCD image sensors in the GL2. With the new Pixel Shift technology, the GL2 rivals the resolution of camcorders using CCDs with 680,000 pixels.

  

• Pixel Shift
  • Canon employs Pixel Shift, a signal processing method used in broadcast TV cameras, to exceed the overall picture quality achieved by camcorders using nearly twice as many pixels. In addition to outstanding clarity and natural color, Pixel Shift provides wider dynamic range, reduced vertical smear and sharper still images. The advantage of Pixel Shift is clearly visible.

    The Process of Pixel Shift: Each CCD image sensor in the Canon GL2 includes 410,000 pixels. The process of Pixel Shift however, rivals the resolution of camcorders using CCDs with 680,000 pixels. The green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail, and the red and blue components comprise only 40%. The green CCD in the GL2 is shifted the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel from the red and blue CCD. The green signal is then sampled more frequently to extract the maximum picture detail from the video signal. This allows the GL2 to achieve resolution equal to camcorders with nearly twice as many pixels. Also, because there are fewer pixels on the CCD, they are larger in size and thereby gather more light.

    The result is improved dynamic range where detail is clearly visible in highlights and shadows without annoying color noise. Furthermore Pixel Shift greatly reduces the vertical smear from bright light sources and enhances the quality of digital still images.

  Optical Image Stabilizer

• Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Canon's superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly so even hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. And since it is optical, there is no loss of image quality inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectly complements the high picture quality of the DV format.

• Professional L-Series Fluorite Lens
  • The GL2 gives you the ability to take your videos to new levels of performance, whether you're a video professional or simply a highly discerning hobbyist. Your exploration of this remarkable camcorder should start with its lens: The GL2 is equipped with the highly acclaimed Canon Professional L-Series (luxury) Fluorite Lens. To further enhance your videos, there's a Precision Circular Iris and ND Filter for total control of the picture.

    Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power, design and quality of 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. Their Professional L-Series lenses utilize Fluorite, a material which provides outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, especially in lightweight, high-magnification lenses.

    Incorporated into the lens on the Canon GL2, Fluorite delivers the ultimate clarity and image quality. The Fluorite element inside of the lens defeats color aberration -- the effect when components of light stray from one another within a lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color. The Fluorite lens precisely controls components of light providing an excellent balance of these three critical ingredients of picture quality. This is unobtainable with conventional optical glass.

• 20x Variable Speed Zoom Lens with 100x Digital Zoom
  • The GL2 is designed with a built-in 20x professional L-Series fluorite optical zoom lens which transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups. The 20x optical zoom is the 35mm equivalent of approximately 39mm to 790mm. The camcorder's 100x digital zoom provides crisp detail at high magnification due to its superior lens design. Add the optional WD-58H Wide-converter to increase the field of view by 0.7x for indoor shots or panoramic views.

    The lens zooming rate on the GL2 is adjustable. The side grip and top grip offer separate controls to adjust the rate of zoom. When using the side grip, a gentle press on the zoom control will give you a slow zoom. Press harder and the zoom speed picks up. The farther you press the zoom control, the faster the zoom speed. If you need a steady, fixed-speed zoom, you can choose one of three zoom speeds in the menu. The top grip zoom control can be set for one of three zoom speeds -- low, medium or fast -- by selecting the appropriate speed in a menu selection.

  

• 4 Shooting Modes
  • Three shooting modes are offered in the GL2 because Canon knows you will want to be able to meet a variety of shooting environments, from standard recording to digital stills to the specialized frame-by-frame.
    1. Normal Movie Mode: This mode records video in the standard interlaced fashion similar to conventional camcorders. Normal Movie Mode is ideal for recording video which appears smooth and natural during playback on a TV or video editing computer. While Normal Movie Mode is similar to that of conventional camcorders, in combination with the GL2's other features -- including superior lens quality and three CCDs -- the results are stunning both in terms of resolution and color reproduction.

    2. Frame Movie Mode: This mode captures video in a unique non-interlaced method allowing the GL2 to record 30 frames of video per second. Similar to a motor drive on a 35mm camera, Frame Movie Mode performs like a Digital Motor Drive. You'll capture every gesture and expression of your subject with spectacular clarity. It's perfect for users who choose to grab high quality still images from video for making prints, Website content, or even sending emotionally charged images over the Internet. The non-interlaced method popularized by Canon's XL1 and XL1S has been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like appearance.

    3. Digital Photo Mode: Digital Photo Mode lets you capture more than 700 brilliantly clear digital still pictures on a single tape (using an 80-minute cassette). The GL2 records each still image for approximately 6 seconds, as well as the sound for your verbal notes or narration. Once captured, select digital still images using the supplied remote control to search the tape for the photos.

    4. 1.7 Mega Pixel Photo Mode: You can turn your GL2 into a still camera by switching to 1.7 Mega Pixel Photo Mode and capturing high resolution still images onto the camcorder's MultiMediaCard. The full frame images are free from time lag blur. A six-blade circular iris, as found on the top-of-the-line XL1 and XL1S models, is used for professional exposure control, helping to deliver stunning video and still photos. The 8MB card will hold up to 105 images. Those pictures are then transferred to computer via the GL2's USB connection using software that comes with the camcorder.

• Aspect Ratios
  • The Canon GL2 offers you both the standard 4:3 image aspect ratio that's as common as your TV screen and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

    Whether you're using the GL2 to make wedding videos, business videos, documentaries or simple home movies for play back on a standard TV or monitor, the standard 4:3 aspect ratio is your choice. You can select white, 16:9 aspect ratio guide lines to appear in the viewfinder, viewscreen, or on an external monitor when recording in 4:3 aspect ratio. This version of the 4:3 aspect ratio allows for later conversion to 16:9, the standard aspect ratio for HDTV and a more common aspect ratio for film.

    Also available on the GL2 is the 16:9 aspect ratio (Electronic Anamorphic), for playback on widescreen TVs. This is menu-selectable and electronically squeezes the image being recorded to tape. When played back, these images are stretched to fit the wider aspect ratio.

• Interval Recording
  • Interval recording allows for the capture of time elapsed motion videography. The GL2 can be programmed to record at various intervals for varying amounts of time. Set time lapse intervals include 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes and 10 minutes. Set recording times during time lapse include 0.5 second, 1.0 second, 1.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds.

• IEEE 1394 DV Terminal and DV Control
  • The Canon GL2 is equipped with a DV In/Out terminal that conforms to IEEE1394 (also known as FireWire?). It takes just a single digital video cable to transfer or copy your videos in pure digital form to your DV compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. By transferring images and sound to a computer with the appropriate DV input card you enter the world of video editing and enhancing still images using popular software programs.

    Using a digital connecting cable (IEEE 1394), you can dub multiple generations without signal or quality loss. If a digital video signal is being transferred from your camcorder to your computer or back again via the DV In/Out terminal, the signal does not go through any conversion process. Therefore, there is no signal loss.

    Advanced Accessory Shoe (shown with optional MA-300 Microphone Adaptor)

    The GL2 can control the Record and Record Pause functions on optional, externally-connected, IEEE 1394 storage/recording devices, via DV Cable. The devices must comply with the IEEE 1394 AV/C protocol.

• Advanced Accessory Shoe
  • Canon's Advanced Accessory Shoe lets you attach specific optional video lights and microphones, with the GL2 exchanging data with them and supplying power directly to them. Simply slide the optional microphone or light into the accessory shoe; no external power or cables are required.

• Program Auto Exposure and Manual Exposure
  • The GL2's Programmed Auto Exposure Modes provide automated advanced recording techniques ensuring professional results in various shooting conditions. There are six AE programs available including Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Spotlight, Manual, Full Auto, and Auto Mode. These applications are designed to give you creative freedom while allowing the recording control desired.
    • Shutter Priority Tv (Time value): Need to make a crystal clear video of the swing of a golf club or a golf ball in flight? Want to accentuate the motion of a racing car by blurring its motion? Or shoot under very low lighting conditions? These are just three of the things you can do simply by selecting one of 12 shutter speeds, from the slow (1/8 second) to the ultra fast (1/15,000 second) when in Shutter-Priority Mode (Tv on the Program Dial). The GL2's sophisticated exposure circuitry will automatically select the aperture for a proper exposure. If you have selected a shutter speed that is either too high or too low for the light conditions, a warning will flash in the viewfinder. Use of the built-in ND filter may be required.

    • Aperture Priority Av (Aperture value): The ability to adjust the lens opening (aperture) gives you the creative ability to adjust depth of focus. Larger openings decrease the amount of the background that's in focus, and smaller openings increase the focus area. You can select one of 9 apertures from f/1.5 to f/11 on the Exposure Dial by selecting Av on the Program Dial; the GL2 will automatically select the shutter speed to match the chosen aperture, giving you the proper exposure. If you have selected an aperture that is too large or too small for the lighting conditions, a warning will flash in the viewfinder. Use of the built-in ND filter may be required.

    • Spotlight: Designed to be used when subjects are illuminated by intense light sources, such as under spotlights on a dark stage. This mode is designed to prevent the subject from being grossly over-exposed, against a dark background.

    • Full Auto Green Zone: Full Auto Green Zone Identified by the green rectangle on the program selector, this mode gives the GL2 control of all camera functions and simplifies use by restricting access to manual controls.

    • Auto Mode: Auto handles all camera settings automatically while also letting users choose the function or functions they would like to control manually such as focus, exposure and white balance.

    • Manual Mode: For the times when you want total control of all aspects of the exposure system, the GL2 offers Manual Mode (M on the Program Dial). You select the shutter speed, aperture and gain. The GL2 has 30 shutter speeds (1/8 to 1/15,000 NTSC) that can be selected in the Manual Mode. Only 12 of these shutter speeds can be selected via the Tv Mode (Shutter-Priority). For fine exposure control, you have access to 19 aperture values for half-stop adjustments from f/1.6 to closed.

• Clear Scan
  • Usually found on more expensive cameras, this feature allows you to record a computer CRT screen or similar equipment without displaying a black band or flicker on the screen. The GL2 can adjust shutter speeds from 61.9 Hz to 201.5 Hz in 117 steps.

• AE Shift
  • You may want to slightly adjust the image brightness to compensate for backlighting or for scenes that are being rendered slightly overexposed. When in Auto, Tv or Av Modes (selected on the Program Dial), you can engage AE Shift in the camera menu, then turn the menu dial to add or subtract a bit of exposure. There are 13 steps available, from -2 to +2. This is another level of creative control.

  Color Bars

• Color Bars
  • SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) color bars are included on the Canon GL2. Color Bars are an electronically generated video pattern consisting of eight equal-width colors, used to establish a proper color reference before recording and playback and for adjustment purposes. Using a lead-in of Color Bars (between 10-60 seconds) has become a de facto standard in professional film and video circles.

    The GL2 can generate Color Bars on tape prior to shooting allowing for fast hand-off to the professional broadcast and/or film post-production environment. It can also be used during shooting to allow the adjustment of reference monitors.

• Power Save
  • The GL2 has two power saving mechanisms built in to reserve power and protect the tape transport. Normal Standby is activated by pressing the "Standby" button on the camera body. This shuts the power down to the camera and VCR sections while maintaining the camera's settings. Power Save will automatically switch the VCR to standby mode from the "record pause" mode after staying in any shooting mode for more than 5 minutes. This will keep the camera section live for monitoring or for setting up a shot. You can activate this mode at any time by programming this function in one of the custom keys.

  Top Grip with Recording Controls

• Top Grip With Recording Controls
  • Not only does the GL2 have a side hand grip with readily accessible controls, it also features a carrying handle with a duplicate set of recording and zoom controls. This is designed to make mid- to low-angle shooting easier and more comfortable, and to accommodate your individual shooting style. Controls on both the side and top grips let you start and stop recording, take digital still photos, and zoom in and out. The top controls can be locked to prevent accidental operation.

• Character Recording
  • Character Record is a feature that allows for the superimposition of data -- month, day, hour, minute and second -- on the video. This data is permanently burned on to the video. This is ideal for surveillance and law enforcement use.

  Zebra Pattern

• Index Record
  • With Index Record you can "tag" a shot that is good -- or that deserves post-production attention. The notation is placed in the sub-code section of the data code.

• Zebra Pattern
  • The GL2's viewfinder and monitor can be set to show areas of overexposure in the scene being captured -- using a series of diagonal zebra stripes. If you wish, you can adjust either the shutter speed or aperture to eliminate the overexposure.

• Viewfinder Display
  • The GL2 gives you the option of seeing camera data and settings in the viewfinder. The amount of information shown in the viewfinder can be set for: Full Display, Partial Display, or No Display.

  Color Gain Gain Control Black Level

• Picture Adjustments
  • Attaining the best picture possible is the essence of filmmaking, photography, videography -- and Canon. The GL2 automates and also allows manual control of the essential ingredients that go into capturing great images.
    • Color Phase: The GL2 will let you shift the color in 13 steps towards red or green. The Color Phase feature is particularly useful when shooting under fluorescent lights when skin tones tend towards the green. Using Color Phase, shift the color towards the red.

    • Sharpness: You can adjust the range of picture sharpness on the GL2 from softer to sharper depending on how you want to portray your subject. For example, for bridal scenes you may want to adjust the sharpness towards a slightly blurred image for a softer focus effect.

    • Color Gain: Adjust the saturation of the color in 13 steps, from off to oversaturated. This adjustment allows you to shoot in black and white.

    • Setup Level: Adjust the black level of the video signal in 13 steps for the best shadow detail.

    • Gain Control: There are times when you may have to shoot in dark locations but cannot add lighting to the scene. Using the Gain Control on the GL2 will increase the brightness of a recorded scene, although at the expense of some image noise. Available gain values are 0dB, +3dB, +6dB, +9dB, +12dB.

    • White Balance: The GL2 is designed to determine white balance automatically. You also can use standard preset values for indoors (3200? K) and outdoors (5600? K) or you can manually set the white balance. Manually setting the white balance is useful when shooting subjects with one dominant color such as the sky, close-ups, rapidly changing lighting conditions, and in places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapor lights.

  

• Direction Accurate Microphone with Microphone Modes and Microphone Options
  • The GL2's omnidirectional microphone is designed to deliver great quality sound: realistic, life-like, and in stereo. Using the GL2's Advanced Accessory Shoe expands your audio options. See our GL2 Accessories page for information on the optional DM-50 microphone and MA-300 mic adapter, both of which are powered by the Advanced Accessory Shoe -- no cables required.

    The built-in microphone on the GL2 is an improved version of the highly-acclaimed unit used on the GL1. It now offers three modes for even greater versatility: Normal, Voice and Wind Screen. Normal mode can be used for most recording situations. When shooting dialogue where low-level ambient noise (such as that of an air conditioner) may interfere with obtaining high quality sound, switch over to the Voice mode. Wind Screen helps prevent wind noise from interfering with the sound track. This can be turned off when you want the microphone to be as sensitive as possible.

• PCM Digital Stereo Sound
  • The GL2 is complete with selectable audio modes: 16 bit and 12 bit.
    • 16-bit (48 kHz, 2 channels) for the highest sound quality, slightly better than CD quality, and equivalent to DAT tape.
    • 12-bit (32 kHz, 2 of 4 channels) for recording on two channels (stereo 1), leaving two channels (stereo 2) open for post production audio recording (narration, music, etc.).

• Audio Level Control
  • The GL2's automatic level control analyzes sound and adjusts the levels automatically to provide the best possible sound.

  Professional Audio Control

• Professional Audio Control
  • Manual Audio Level Control: For complete control the GL2 offers 2 channel manual audio adjustment.

  • Professional VU Meter: Monitor your audio levels in dB. Use the illuminated VU meter or the VU meter in the LCD/viewfinder screen.

• Audio and Video Inputs
  • The GL2's analog audio inputs let you perform dubbing or insert editing from conventional audio sources such as CDs, cassettes, microphones or the soundtracks of other videocassettes.
    • Two-Channel Digital Audio: Because the GL2 offers you audio recording options, you can record live on two channels and leave two channels open for post production audio recording (narration, music, etc.). Manual level controls let you adjust the sound coming in on those two open channels -- to match the levels of the live sound, for example.

    • Analog Line Input with A/D Converter: What if you have analog video or audio, and want to include it in your DV production? The GL2 lets you input that analog signal from your TV, VCR, or camcorder and record it onto DV. The GL2's A/D converter lets you take any of your analog productions and convert them to digital. It's great for making copies or preserving precious originals. You can then store the video and/or audio on your computer, a CD, or a DVD with a properly equipped computer.

    • Audio Dub: Using a recording made in the 12-bit audio mode you also can add (dub in) stereo sound from another audio source or through the internal or external microphone.

    • AV Insert: Add new video from a VCR or another camcorder to a tape recorded in SP mode. The GL2 gives you the option of adding video and/or audio to an existing SP-recorded DV tape. Input can be digital, or analog video and analog audio.

• Audio and Video Outputs
  • Audio and video on a MiniDV cassette can be output to another camcorder or VCR.
    • Composite/S-Video/Audio Output: Audio output is accomplished via the same ports used for input. Video outputs include composite and S-video. The audio and video ports are located on the back AV panel. In addition there is an adjustable Headphone Terminal.

    • Headphone Terminal (Adjustable Level): The GL2's headphone jack has a 15-level volume adjustment for monitoring sound during shooting, performing sound checks, or listening to the sound through stereo headphones during playback.

  

• MultiMediaCard and SD Memory Card Compatible
  • For the storage of digital still images captured by the GL2, you can use either MultiMediaCards or SD memory cards in the GL2. An 8MB SD Card comes with the camcorder, storing up to 17 fine quality still pictures or 32 standard quality images.

• Custom Keys and Presets
  • The GL2 offers a Custom Key (one setting for camera mode and one for VCR mode). This lets you create and save your own custom settings so your common shooting modes can be readily duplicated. Select options from either the Camera Menu or the VCR Menu and create a customized setting for each. In addition to creating a custom setting for camera and VCR mode via the custom key, you also can establish one preset registration for the following camera features: camera sharpness, color gain, setup level, and color phase.

• USB Terminal
  • The GL2 has a USB connection for transferring still images to a computer. The camcorder comes with the computer software necessary to transfer still images from the GL2 to computer.

• High Resolution Color Viewfinder
  • Your shooting experience with the GL2 is enhanced by a high resolution color viewfinder. The 0.44-inch viewfinder has approximately 180,000 pixels.

• Tally Lamp
  • On the GL2, the tally lamp -- the signal lamp or LED installed on a video camera that indicates to performers and crew members that the camera is recording -- can be left on or turned off via the camera menu. Turning the tally lamp off can facilitate capturing mode natural documentary footage.

• Low Power Consumption
  • The GL2 has been designed to consume as little power as possible and comes with power saving features such as auto off features (activated after about 5 minutes of inactivity) to further extend battery power for field and remote work.

  

• Flexible 2?" LCD View Screen
  • Increasin

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