XH A1/ GL2 Match-Up at DVinfo.net

Daniel Fessak · December 22nd, 2008, 09:23 PM

I recently purchased my XH A1. I have an old GL2 laying around. If I were to use the GL2 as a second/unmanned camera at weddings, how well would they match-up together? I plan on shooting the A1 in HD then downcovert when importing into Avid.

Thanks

David Morgan · December 24th, 2008, 08:17 PM

Being an owner of both, I can offer my observations on a few things.

GL-2 and A1 don't match. The A1 is a better match with the XL1-s. GL-2 has a very good looking but "hot" exposure. The imager can be overloaded by too much light, particularly stage lighting. I've experienced over-saturated colors that are very hard to tone down in post.
The GL-2 has better low light sensitivity.
The GL is very hard to use in manual mode due to going back and forth between the tiny roller/selector switches.
GL-2 in 16 x 9 tends to cut off a little more of the top/bottom picture than is evident in the viewfinder.
Gl-2 crap stereo mic tends to distort on loud passages.

A1- downconversion in the camera. My experience has been very soft, out of focus looking footage when downconverting from the camera.

Graham Bernard · December 24th, 2008, 11:54 PM

David, I can see very soon I will be in the same position and need to challenge much of my knowledge base about "fitting-in" the A1.

Have you tried using GL2 preset to reduce the saturation?

Your comment about the low light of the GL2 being better than the A1 is also interesting considering the A1 has a larger 3C block.

Plus down-convert gets softer focus.

Have you now decided that there just isn't enough of a "happy-marriage" or at least a positive compromise? - Wouldn't surprise me.

Hmmmm....

Grazie

David Morgan · December 25th, 2008, 12:56 PM

I bought a second A1. I still have my GL-2 and use it for run and gun. It's great for that. The 2 cameras are just not of the same design and same class. the manual feature set of the A1, especially the iris ring and custom presets is just in another league. Actually, better than almost everything about the Sony Z1 as well, and way cheaper.

December 22nd, 2008, 09:23 PM	#1
Daniel Fessak Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 123	XH A1/ GL2 Match-Up I recently purchased my XH A1. I have an old GL2 laying around. If I were to use the GL2 as a second/unmanned camera at weddings, how well would they match-up together? I plan on shooting the A1 in HD then downcovert when importing into Avid. Thanks

December 24th, 2008, 08:17 PM	#2
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	Being an owner of both, I can offer my observations on a few things. GL-2 and A1 don't match. The A1 is a better match with the XL1-s. GL-2 has a very good looking but "hot" exposure. The imager can be overloaded by too much light, particularly stage lighting. I've experienced over-saturated colors that are very hard to tone down in post. The GL-2 has better low light sensitivity. The GL is very hard to use in manual mode due to going back and forth between the tiny roller/selector switches. GL-2 in 16 x 9 tends to cut off a little more of the top/bottom picture than is evident in the viewfinder. Gl-2 crap stereo mic tends to distort on loud passages. A1- downconversion in the camera. My experience has been very soft, out of focus looking footage when downconverting from the camera.

December 24th, 2008, 11:54 PM	#3
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	David, I can see very soon I will be in the same position and need to challenge much of my knowledge base about "fitting-in" the A1. Have you tried using GL2 preset to reduce the saturation? Your comment about the low light of the GL2 being better than the A1 is also interesting considering the A1 has a larger 3C block. Plus down-convert gets softer focus. Have you now decided that there just isn't enough of a "happy-marriage" or at least a positive compromise? - Wouldn't surprise me. Hmmmm.... Grazie

December 25th, 2008, 12:56 PM	#4
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	I bought a second A1. I still have my GL-2 and use it for run and gun. It's great for that. The 2 cameras are just not of the same design and same class. the manual feature set of the A1, especially the iris ring and custom presets is just in another league. Actually, better than almost everything about the Sony Z1 as well, and way cheaper.