Shopping for GL2- good choice?

Jeff Harper · December 15th, 2008, 05:15 AM

Yes, I second what Dan says...the HV30 is really not bad in low light for what it is, but you will need some added light. The built in light with the cam is not much.

Jeff Zimmerman · December 16th, 2008, 01:18 PM

Canon HV10/HV20's are going cheaper than ever. Saw one the other day on Craigslist for $400. Check your areas Craigslist, you might find a good deal, also you be able to check it out locally before you buy. HV30's are great but its always nice to come in under budget.

Bill Spearman · March 10th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Just out of curiosity, what did you decide to go with? FYI, I have used a GL2 for several years, bought it new, and have never had any issues with it at all. The results are solid, and probably make me look better as a videographer than I deserve, since I am not a pro.

Douglas Staley · March 10th, 2009, 02:47 PM

I took the advice of the members of this forum and went with the HV30. It's no GL2, but it is a great little camera.

It was a difficult decision, and I don't think there's a "wrong" choice. I would have liked the build quality and performance of the GL2, but at the same time the resolution of the HD camcorder is impressive. Some of my subjects- like the miniature models- make HD a curse, as things like depth of field is more critical, however other subjects- like family events really bring out the image quality advantage.

I'll keep my eye on the market price for these older SD models, and maybe pick one up later. I cannot afford to buy both at this time.

December 16th, 2008, 01:18 PM	#17
Jeff Zimmerman Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton, Colorado Posts: 386	Canon HV10/HV20's are going cheaper than ever. Saw one the other day on Craigslist for $400. Check your areas Craigslist, you might find a good deal, also you be able to check it out locally before you buy. HV30's are great but its always nice to come in under budget. __________________ Jeff Zimmerman • Love what I do • Colorado + North America www.m3films.com

March 10th, 2009, 02:47 PM	#19
Douglas Staley New Boot Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 16	I took the advice of the members of this forum and went with the HV30. It's no GL2, but it is a great little camera. It was a difficult decision, and I don't think there's a "wrong" choice. I would have liked the build quality and performance of the GL2, but at the same time the resolution of the HD camcorder is impressive. Some of my subjects- like the miniature models- make HD a curse, as things like depth of field is more critical, however other subjects- like family events really bring out the image quality advantage. I'll keep my eye on the market price for these older SD models, and maybe pick one up later. I cannot afford to buy both at this time. __________________ Botching my own home videos for over 20 years!

December 15th, 2008, 05:15 AM	#16
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Yes, I second what Dan says...the HV30 is really not bad in low light for what it is, but you will need some added light. The built in light with the cam is not much.

March 10th, 2009, 02:35 PM	#18
Bill Spearman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 161	Just out of curiosity, what did you decide to go with? FYI, I have used a GL2 for several years, bought it new, and have never had any issues with it at all. The results are solid, and probably make me look better as a videographer than I deserve, since I am not a pro.