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Canon GL Series DV Camcorders
Canon GL2, GL1 and PAL versions XM2, XM1.

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Old November 14th, 2007, 08:18 AM   #1
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Flash for GL1 question.

Hi I'm looking for a flash for my gl1 and came here for recommendations
since I don't have much experience on this.

I'm shooting a wedding next month and need to be ready if I need it.
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Old November 14th, 2007, 12:11 PM   #2
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Any Canon EOS Speedlite flash will work, but I can't recommend doing it since a photo flash is only going to help you with still images, and stills from this camcorder are not that useful. You're better off with a video light, the choice of which is a frequently discussed topic on this forum (a search will bring up numerous threads).
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Old November 14th, 2007, 05:18 PM   #3
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Thanks Chris, I didn't express myself correctly,
what I need is an on camera video light as you suggest thanks for making note of that, I'm following your tip, thanks.


By the way, I didn't know a Canon Speedlite could be used on this camera it's good to know (if ever needed) since I have a 430ex
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Old November 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM   #4
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I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3. I rarely used the VL-10 at a wedding because in situations where it was dark enough to need a light (the reception/dance) it was far too bright. The VL-3 was a much better light for that situation, but is only good for relatively close shooting.

Those are two low-cost solutions. I think I paid less than $50 for both (used).
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Old November 15th, 2007, 12:32 PM   #5
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The VL-3 was a much better light for that situation, but is only good for relatively close shooting.
Chris? Just how close were you? And how much Gain did you use?

Grazie
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Old November 15th, 2007, 01:00 PM   #6
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I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3.
Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.
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Old November 15th, 2007, 03:46 PM   #7
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Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.
Thanks for the advice i were close to order one.

I'm looking for one that works as the canon VL-3 works on the gl2, no batt is required, as it takes power from the camcorder's batt, also it's not too expensive
if somebody knows let me know.

As last option I think I'll give a try to the VL-10LI which is more expensive and uses it's own batt canon websites states it's compatible with the GL1.
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Old November 16th, 2007, 09:00 AM   #8
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Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.
umm, last time I checked, the VL-10i is totally compatible with the GL-1, I use one all the time..I'm not sure about the VL-3 , but I'm pretty sure that is compatible too..

javier, the VL-10i uses the same battery as the Gl-1/2..it's kind of bright and might bother some people if you're up in there face, but I remedy this by putting a piece of thin white cloth over the light and wrapping a rubber band around to hold the cloth in place...acting as a makeshift diffuser..good luck
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Old November 16th, 2007, 01:32 PM   #9
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javier, the VL-10i uses the same battery as the Gl-1/2..it's kind of bright and might bother some people if you're up in there face, but I remedy this by putting a piece of thin white cloth over the light and wrapping a rubber band around to hold the cloth in place...acting as a makeshift diffuser..good luck
Thanks Brendan, just one question how long does a battery last with the light on, I actually have 3 batteries for my GL1 two high capacity and the one that came with the camcorder, I hope not to buy another one.
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Old November 16th, 2007, 03:23 PM   #10
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I usually use the small canon battery (that came with the camera) so the videolight is less bulky and topheavy..the last wedding I did, it lasted throughout the whole reception. That is, as long as your battery holds a good charge and you conserve energy (turn of light when not in use)
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Old November 16th, 2007, 06:28 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Chris Davis View Post
I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Hurd View Post
Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brendan Donohue View Post
umm, last time I checked, the VL-10i is totally compatible with the GL-1, I use one all the time...
You are of course absolutely right. My bad on the VL-10i, somehow I spaced out on that one.

However the VL-3 is *not* compatible with the GL1 since that light is powered only by the AAS Advanced Accessory Shoe system, and the GL1 doesn't have that capability -- it has a cold shoe only and cannot provide power to the VL-3 or any other AAS item.
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Old November 29th, 2007, 09:42 PM   #12
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I just found a light for sale it's a used VL-20 but my main concern is if it will be too bright has any body tried it?

I think it can be used on the GL1 since it the same model as the VL-10 except for the 20 watts instead of 10 and the sale price is $45.00
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