worth upgrading from optura XI to GL-2? at DVinfo.net

Max Sitnikov · February 11th, 2005, 11:48 AM

I have been thinking lately if its worth upgrading from a Xi to the gl2, is there any difference in terms of video quality? Does the RGB Primary Color Filter make colors on par w/ the 3 ccd GL2? Is the low light better?

also if anyone is interested, heres a vid I did w/ a Xi

http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2659341?htv=12

Dave Ferdinand · February 11th, 2005, 01:17 PM

I have a GL2 and comparing that video you made with it is kinda hard because I don't have IFILM Plus. Watching it on a tiny window is hard to tell, but it looks pretty good. It's clear that you used proper lighting so that helps a lot.

I think the GL2 is better in low light, but you have 16:9 with the Optura, so there's always a trade off. Of course the GL2 has other advantages as well, but is it really worth it?

If you're sticking with widescreen and good lighting I wouldn't bother upgrading.

Or if you're serious about it get a DVX100A... I would!

Tom Hardwick · February 12th, 2005, 11:21 AM

I tend to agree with Dave in that unless you double the cost of your camcorder it's probably not worth changing. The three-chipper has a longer zoom but a smaller side-screen, and its stills to flash memory aren't as detailed. The single-chipper's 16:9 mode isn't a full resolution mode by the way - but it's a bit better than simply blanking off 25% of the screen.

The Xi has a maximum aperture of f1.9 at full tele, whereas the GL2 is f2.9 - well over a stop slower. When it's really gloomy the three chips do tend to give better colour, but the RGB filter Canon are so proud of is simply there because every single-chipper needs such a filter anyway.

What is it that you're not happy with on the Xi? If you tell us we may be able to offer better advice.

tom.

Patrick Smith · February 15th, 2005, 08:12 PM

i noticed and still notice a H U G E difference in my Optura 300 in comparison to my Gl-2, even after learning about exposure and white balance etc. i love my gl-2 and am still learning stages, def worth the upgrade. And you can prob find a mint condition one used on here... good luck!

February 11th, 2005, 11:48 AM	#1
Max Sitnikov Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York City, NY Posts: 25	worth upgrading from optura XI to GL-2? I have been thinking lately if its worth upgrading from a Xi to the gl2, is there any difference in terms of video quality? Does the RGB Primary Color Filter make colors on par w/ the 3 ccd GL2? Is the low light better? also if anyone is interested, heres a vid I did w/ a Xi http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2659341?htv=12

February 15th, 2005, 08:12 PM	#4
Patrick Smith Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Utah Posts: 208	i noticed and still notice a H U G E difference in my Optura 300 in comparison to my Gl-2, even after learning about exposure and white balance etc. i love my gl-2 and am still learning stages, def worth the upgrade. And you can prob find a mint condition one used on here... good luck! __________________ patricksmith04@hotmail.com

February 11th, 2005, 01:17 PM	#2
Dave Ferdinand Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 359	I have a GL2 and comparing that video you made with it is kinda hard because I don't have IFILM Plus. Watching it on a tiny window is hard to tell, but it looks pretty good. It's clear that you used proper lighting so that helps a lot. I think the GL2 is better in low light, but you have 16:9 with the Optura, so there's always a trade off. Of course the GL2 has other advantages as well, but is it really worth it? If you're sticking with widescreen and good lighting I wouldn't bother upgrading. Or if you're serious about it get a DVX100A... I would!

February 12th, 2005, 11:21 AM	#3
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I tend to agree with Dave in that unless you double the cost of your camcorder it's probably not worth changing. The three-chipper has a longer zoom but a smaller side-screen, and its stills to flash memory aren't as detailed. The single-chipper's 16:9 mode isn't a full resolution mode by the way - but it's a bit better than simply blanking off 25% of the screen. The Xi has a maximum aperture of f1.9 at full tele, whereas the GL2 is f2.9 - well over a stop slower. When it's really gloomy the three chips do tend to give better colour, but the RGB filter Canon are so proud of is simply there because every single-chipper needs such a filter anyway. What is it that you're not happy with on the Xi? If you tell us we may be able to offer better advice. tom.