In July this unit will have been on the market for 2 full years.I bought my first one in Sept 2002 and it has done yeomans service during that period and have been very happy with it.The question is this,is the $250 rebate indicative that the product cycle on this puppy is about through and there may be something launched latter this year?By experience,I want to avoid getting caught in the "buy it just before they potentially discontinue it" trap!!!When the GL-1 was dicontinued,the $100 rebate signaled the end of that models production run,I know,as I bought or arranged to have a total of 3 units purchased in May 2002.

Does anybody have or heard any rumblings or inklings from any source at all?Are there any worthy competitors in the same general price range.

Is there new technology on the horizon that will make this reliable workhouse mostly or partially obsolete?

I ask because I'm thinking of buying another one for church ministry use.I can't afford to make a mistake as this will come out of my own pocket.

Any comments,suggestions or observations are welcome.

Thanks,

Bruce

Bruce,
It's certain that the GL2 will be superseded. As will its successor. The specific timing is strictly the property of Canon and trusted partners. It's imprudent to try to chase the wave of technology.

Rather, buy the camera that best fits your needs today. The current rebate makes the excellent versatile GL2 an outstanding price/performance value. Whether or not Canon supersedes it 10 minutes after you pay the bill has absolutely no bearing on that value relationship.

In my opinion there is no better price/performance value in the high-end consumer video camera market today. Since you seem to be donating this purchase to your church it seems like a transient opportunity perfect for your circumstance.