Short and sweet:
Do I get the GL1 and the rebate, or do I spend a few hundred more and get the VX2000? I am just going to be using this for some short films/ parodies. I have no problem paying a bit extra if you get value in return. Is the 'frame movie mode' all its cracked up to be in the GL1, and does that alone make it more attractive than the Sony? is the 16:9 ratio on Sony that much better than the GL1? Are they both able to acheive a 'filmy look' ( I know neither will be perfect in that regard)? I'll be buying one or the other in the next 48 hours. Any help is greatly appreciated :-)
-Chris Rex
http://www.chrisrex.com

get the vx2000 you wont be sorry!!! you can find a lot of comparisons and reviews on the web. i also think you can achieve a better "film look" in post anyway. just my opinion, though im sure the gl1 is nice too! but ive always been about sony and the vx2000 is probably the best in its class.

I do believe the GL1 has been discontinued. While there are no doubt some units still available, you need to carefully consider what this means. With Japanese products, discontinued has serious implications for the consumer.

The Support clock has started. Sooner rather than later, the support for this camera will disappear.

It will no longer be the hot topic of conversation around the Internet as it is being replaced. So there is just less support (wierd but true) and it will taper off as the camera is replaced by newer models in the hands of the users.

The value of the camera just took a large dump. If you had to sell the camera for one reason or another, it's value will be less, the further you get from the discontinued date.

That said, lots of people like the GL1 but the PD-150 is a higher class of camera.

Progressive scan (and film look) is really overrated in my opinion. You are not going to transfer your video to film, your viewers will not be able to tell the difference between progressive and normal scan. I'd not worry about it.

Sort of like buying the marketing hype about Monster Cables. It's mainly, if not all, marketing BS.

Hi everybody

Cannon has just released its updated gl-1 now called the gl-2, just as they updated the xl-1 with the xl-1s. Chris, you might just want to check it out.
Jim

For the first little while the GL2 will be the same price or very close to the VX2K. The VX2K blew the XL1S picture away and so it will with the GL2. There is just no comparison with a 1/4 and 1/3" CCD.

All of your comments are greatly appreciated. I'm still in the mulling process, but you've been most helpful so far. Keep 'em coming, if you cant think of anything to add :-) I do believe that the quality of the vx2000 to be superior... the problem is that I have a line on a gl1 which, after rebate, will cost around 1750. Im trying to convince myself to save the Xhundred dollars and enjoy the frame movie mode thingee. That 1750 is a nice amount less than the Sony. Since money is not water, this is what makes my decision hard right now :-/
-Chris
http://www.chrisrex.com

<< There is just no comparison with a 1/4 and 1/3" CCD. >>

Sorry, but this just isn't true. CCD size does not make or break the ability of the camera. For example, the GL1 (with 1/4" chips) image perfectly matches the XL1 (with 1/3" chips) and video from both will intercut seamlessly. There are many factors to consider other than CCD size. The Sony TRV900 with 1/4" chips has an image quality superior to the Sony VX1000 with 1/3" chips.

I think the biggest difference between the GL1 (or GL2 for that matter) and the VX2000 is the flavor of the video... the Canon look vs. the Sony look. One is not "better" than the other. It's a personal preference, like your favorite kind of ice cream. The important thing is to choose the one which feels right in your hands and whose video is more appealing to your eye. For some it's Sony, for some it's Canon. Try both before you buy. Hope this helps,

I'm sorry but I could see a difference and that difference was from the 1/4 to 1/3" models. Whether or not that was relative to the size of the chips may be another matter, but that's the way it turned out. What you may perceive as truth may not be the same as others see it.

When I did my comparisons, I tried to do them as blindly as possible. People told me that the 900 was a perfect match with and transparent to the VX2000. It was not. Same as the GL1 and XL1S. Could footage be intercut sure thing. Would I notice the difference? You bet I would. I do carry things to extremes though.

I do agree with your observations on the "flavour" of the video. As much as I wanted to like the XL1S (I loved it's look and ergonomics) I just could'nt accept the picture quality.

<< What you may perceive as truth may not be the same as others see it. >>

This is a very good point and I'm glad you said it. It applies equally to you as well as me and to everyone else for that matter.

I did not compare the GL1 to the XL1S; I compared the GL1 to the XL1. They are indeed a perfect match (with the sharpness in the GL1 turned down by one or two notches) despite the difference in CCD size.

My mantra for new camera purchases is always "try before you buy." For some, Sony is the perfect choice; for others it is Canon or perhaps some other manufacturer. I'll continue to urge people to draw their own conclusions in finding what's right for their own specific needs.

Let's now return to our regular, forum-specific Sony DV camcorder programming!

Much respect,

I think the VX2K is probably a better overall cam when compared to the GL1. However, now that the GL1 is discontinued and store will mark down their remaining units, a GL1 could be a much better deal.

The money saved on GL1 can be used to purchase anamorphic lens or other interesting and useful accessories.

*** B U T ***

Pay attention to what Chris says and try before you buy.

Nathan Gifford

Okay. This is my first post. I'm also in the market for a dv cam, and my web research has brought it down to the GL2 and the VX2000. I would LOVE to test them out for myself, but you can't go into a Best Buy or whatever electronics chain sells camcorders and find them. At least, I haven't been able to so far. So. My questions are:
1. Any idea where I CAN find these to test them out for myself?
2. How do these two compare size-wise? My hands are pretty small, and I would like to be fairly inconspicuous with my camera. I know I won't be invisible, but I'd like not to look like a camera crew. Also, my bicycle is my main mode of transportation. I do not own a car. Whatever I buy needs to fit in my panniers - along with batteries, charger, tripod, tapes. Is this realistic for either of these two models?
3. The major advantage I've been seeing repeated over and over again in comparisons between these two is that the VX2000 has superior low-light capability. Any idea how that'll change with the GL2?
I have to say, I've been reading these over the past week and am so amazed by the information I've been able to find. I don't usually talk to strangers online, but this feels okay for some reason.
Also, you were right about your sponsors, from what I've seen so far. I've been exchanging e-mails with Brian at Zotz, and he has been really helpful without being pushy. I haven't committed to anything with him, and yet he's been extremely responsive to my qustions. Thanks for providing this resource. There are so many "discount webstores" with horrible customer ratings. It's a nightmare trying to wade through them all.

Hope this isn't too long. I'd appreciate any information. This is a huge purchase, and I don't want to regret my decision.

Thanks.

Howdy from Texas,

<< 1. Any idea where I CAN find these to test them out for myself? >>

In the western U.S., go to any Ultimate Electronics retail location and they'll have both the VX2000 and GL2 (once it ships) out on display for you to hold and compare. Video signal runs to a 13" monitor, you can punch a button back and forth between cameras. www.ultimateelectronics.com

<< 2. How do these two compare size-wise? >>

They're just about the same size.

<< my bicycle is my main mode of transportation. >>

With the right soft pack, this shouldn't be a problem.

<< the VX2000 has superior low-light capability. Any idea how that'll change with the GL2? >>

You've been reading newsgroups, haven't you... those guys are judging the GL2's low-light capability without even seeing it... I think that as the camera gets out into the market and is used and reported on, an accurate assessment of its low-light capabilities will come forth. This particular feature should not make or break your decision anyway, as the two cameras are very close in this regard.

<< I don't usually talk to strangers online, but this feels okay for some reason. >>

That's quite a compliment, thanks; the idea behind our community is to provide a safe environment where you can get straight answers about this big purchase you're going to make, with any nonsense or garbage getting in the way.

<< Also, you were right about your sponsors, from what I've seen so far. I've been exchanging e-mails with Brian at Zotz, and he has been really helpful without being pushy. I haven't committed to anything with him, and yet he's been extremely responsive to my qustions. >>

Brian is a great guy and it means a lot to me to have him on board. I'll tell you this much, you simply can't go wrong if you choose to buy from him. He's one of the best, most highly reputable dealers in the business.

<< There are so many "discount webstores" with horrible customer ratings. It's a nightmare trying to wade through them all. >>

Not any more... welcome home,

<< the western U.S., go to any Ultimate Electronics retail location >>
Unfortunately, the closest one to me is in Idaho. I live in Seattle. And, as I said, my bike is my only form of transportation. Anyone in the Seattle area who might have the VX2000 and at least the GL1, so I can get an idea?

<<With the right soft pack, this shouldn't be a problem.>>
Brian at Zotz recommended a hard case. It sounds like that would be a bit bulky to get into a bike pannier. My instinct is go with a soft case as well. Any opinions on why the hard pack was recommended? (I guess I should just ask him this, but I'd like an independent opinion as well.)

<<You've been reading newsgroups, haven't you...
Yes. Lots of 'em.

<<those guys are judging the GL2's low-light capability without even seeing it... >>
Well, most of what I've read has had to do with the GL1, to be honest. The complaints I've seen about low-light performance are in reference to the "older" model. My sense is that this is one of the features that has been improved on the GL2. Do you know anything about this? I don't want to base my entire purchase on this one feature, but the truth is, I'll be filming in "natural" lighting almost all of the time (with no added light for the camera, that is. I don't know the technical term for that). Sometimes, I'll be shooting theatre performances with very stark lighting. So this is an important consideration for me.... And I'd really like to make this decision soon, to start a project in August. So I don't think I'm going to be able to wait for other folks to make comparisons. It looks like I'm just gonna have to go with my gut.

<<welcome home >>
Thank you! It's very cool to be able to talk to people who know what they're doing and aren't worried about making a commission off of me. Any other input would be welcome. I'll be making a decision over the next coupla weeks.

Hi Wallflower,

You might try some of the Cameras West locations. They are owned by Ritz Camera now and some Ritz stores stock the VX2000. Ritz used to stock the GL1 and will probably stock the GL2 when it ships. However, I think your decision may be made up for you. It may be weeks before the GL2 ships. Your August deadline my eliminate the GL2. i would want to allow several weeks to practice with a new camera before attempting a major project. Good luck.

Jeff

Just read this thread (July 30). Based on the "nightmare" thread started by blacksvn, I wouldn't touch a Sony with a barge pole! That is one major reason I went with Canon--the XL1 Owners' Club. I had to send my XL1s to them for a problem shortly after I bought it. They fixed it--no charge--and had back to me within 10 days (including shipping both directions) from the time I sent it. THAT is a valuable item to consider when purchasing anything, especially a camera!

well, i just received my gl2 today. so. decision made. but thanks for the feedback. i'm still playing with it and finding my way around, but i'm sure i'll be back soon with some inane question or two. so far so good, though....

thanks again to everyone for your help in making this purchase.

To condem a product line for one person's experience seems a bit short-sighted to me. Yes, that was a nightmare. But the vast majority have had good experiences with Sony just as you had with Canon.

You pay your money and make your choice (or the other way around) and it is a crap-shoot in some ways.

That's why people like Armatos in NY do well even though they charge more than B&H. I don't believe, based on all the reports I've heard, that one of their customers would go through that nightmare.

It isn't just one person's experience. You said yourself, "Sony isn't too well known for their quick and agile repair work."

I said what I said based on what I know and what I've read and what I've heard. It's just my opinion, and, like noses, everybody's got one.

The bad stories abound about both Canon and Sony.

But I'll just go off an abuse my self in the corner for a while.

Be gentle. ;o)

You'd blow off a whole product line because one person had a bad experience? It sounds like you bought the XL previously anyway.

I've shot my VX side by side with a GL-1 and there's no comparison. The Sony blows it away. Not just a little better, a lot better. In low light the difference is even more apparent. And it wasn't just me, it was a whole room full of people watching on a studio monitor.

Would be nice if Sony paid more attention to service, though. There's not much argument Canon is better in that department. Sony service doesn't just suck on camcorders, it extends to everything they make.

Hey, Beaser!

Mike is quite right, and both Sony and Canon, all manufacturers in fact, could stand to improve their service and support infrastructures.

In the long run, the "right camera" is the one which feels best in your hands and whose video looks most appealing to your eye when viewed on a proper monitor. Everything else, including support issues, is by far less important.

Okay, back to our regular programming.

Hi,

If anyone can help, I'd sure appreciate it!

I'm in the final throes of deciding between a GL2 and VX2000.

I would prefer the GL2 BUT, I just can't get used to the color of the video.

I keep finding that no matter what I do/alter, in natural light (inside and outside), the GL2 is quite cool (some call it neutral, I call it blue/grey). I prefer a slightly warmer look (which in tests, I keep getting from the VX2000), though otherwise, I really like the GL2 picture. And in fact, really like the GL2 in general.

I've looked at a lot of color tests (my own and online) and no one seems to have my same complaint.

So, does anyone out there know what I'm talking about? Do you find the VX2000 to be warmer too? Do you think the GL2 is too cool?

Maybe I'm splitting hairs, but I'd love some other opinions.

Thanks so much!

-Heidi

I think you posted the answer to your own question.

If you don't like the video, why would you buy the camera? Unless you like color-correcting all of your footage.

I don't think we can validate your purchase of a GL2 for you, Know what I mean?

Sorry, but it's got to be your decision.

They are both good cameras. The 2000 is better in low light and by your comments, delivers a picture more suitable for you.