I am about to purchase a GL2 or a VX2000. We currently use GL1s for our small video business. Has anyone used the GL2 in a wedding reception type of setting? How does the low light compare in this situation to the GL1 and the VX2000? Will the GL2 footage blend pretty well in good lighting with the GL1? Are there any reason to go for a VX2000?

Also, as soon as the GL2 arrives I need to send in one of the GL1s to Canon for repair. There are several hot pixels and the heads need alignment. The current plan is to not worry about the pixels and use this cam as a wide backup. Currently the tapes will only play in the camera itself because of the misaligned heads? Has anyone sent their cam to Canon for this type of service? What is the exact procedure for sending it in? How long does it normally take to get it back? What is an estimate of the cost to do this?

As part of this purchase we will also be buying at least one tripod. Any recommendations on a nice lightweight tripod with a head that can support the GL2 and allow very smooth pans and tilts?

Last question (I promise!). What lighting systems are people using with the GL2 in low light? We would like to buy a dimmable light that won't blind people to use in receptions and other low light events.

Thanks for any help.

Howdy from Texas,

In low light, the GL2 is far better than the GL1 and comparable to the VX2000. One thing the VX2000 has that the GL2 doesn't, is a manual zoom ring around the lens. It makes sense for you to go with the GL2 since you already have the batteries and anything else from your GL1, which will work with the GL2.

Re: GL1 repair, see the page called "XL1 Skinny" on my website at www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm -- pretty much everything you need to know about Canon service is on that page.

Re: tripods, we have several threads going on this subject both on this forum and in the Open DV Discussion forum. A search on the term "tripod" will bring up copius amounts of posts about tripods, you should research those.

Re: an on-board light, consider the little VL-3 light for $50. It's low enough (three watts) that it won't blind the bride. Makes a perfect fill light. Try it first before spending money on more expensive options. Hope this helps,

You didn't mention how much you had planned to spend for your light. NRG makes a Vari-light that is dimmable. It will go from a subtle glow to a knock your socks off bright light. It's aprox $200. You can also purchase a barn door option for aprox $40 for it. I bought one three years ago, and wouldn't think of doing a wedding reception without it.