Playback of GL2 Tapes at DVinfo.net

Robert Bunker · March 12th, 2008, 06:15 PM

I have 30 hours worth of footage shot on a Canon GL2 using Sony tape. I've had to have the camera repaired three times in the last six months so I'm considering buying a Sony camera as a replacement. I know from reading other posts that playing back Canon tapes on a Sony will not work reliably so I'm wondering what my options are. Obviously, I could buy a deck of some sort but that's a little pricey for my situation. Is there another option I'm missing?

Thanks for any advice.

John Gayman · March 13th, 2008, 12:43 PM

If you used Sony tapes on the GL2 and are now looking at purchasing a Sony camera, that will mean using the Sony tapes in a Sony camera. What's the problem?

Ben Winter · March 13th, 2008, 04:08 PM

I have hours of footage shot on a GL2 recaptured using my Sony FX1, some on TDK tapes, others on Sony tapes and still others on JVC tapes. I've had no problem with it.

Robert Bunker · March 13th, 2008, 04:51 PM

The (potential) problem was as I noted in the first post. Others have commented that they'd had trouble playing back GL2 footage on a Sony not because of mechanical incompatibility but because there is some difference in the frames-per-second speed between the two. If, as you say, Ben Winter, you've played back GL2 footage using a Sony without a problem, then I'll try that first.

Thanks for your help.

Greg Laves · April 30th, 2008, 10:57 PM

A local editor had several HDV tapes shot on a Canon. They rented my V1U to use for playback but for some reason, it wouldn't work. I wasn't there so I can't address the issues.

Mike Barber · May 3rd, 2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Bunker

I know from reading other posts that playing back Canon tapes on a Sony will not work reliably so I'm wondering what my options are.

You shouldn't have any issues, since GL2 is a miniDV camera. miniDV is miniDV. You may be confusing some compatibility issues between the two when HDV and differing framerates are involved, but not with miniDV.

March 12th, 2008, 06:15 PM	#1
Robert Bunker New Boot Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St Paul, MN Posts: 12	Playback of GL2 Tapes I have 30 hours worth of footage shot on a Canon GL2 using Sony tape. I've had to have the camera repaired three times in the last six months so I'm considering buying a Sony camera as a replacement. I know from reading other posts that playing back Canon tapes on a Sony will not work reliably so I'm wondering what my options are. Obviously, I could buy a deck of some sort but that's a little pricey for my situation. Is there another option I'm missing? Thanks for any advice.

March 13th, 2008, 04:08 PM	#3
Ben Winter Trustee Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 1,675 Images: 1	I have hours of footage shot on a GL2 recaptured using my Sony FX1, some on TDK tapes, others on Sony tapes and still others on JVC tapes. I've had no problem with it. __________________ BenWinter.com

March 13th, 2008, 12:43 PM	#2
John Gayman Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 46	If you used Sony tapes on the GL2 and are now looking at purchasing a Sony camera, that will mean using the Sony tapes in a Sony camera. What's the problem?

March 13th, 2008, 04:51 PM	#4
Robert Bunker New Boot Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St Paul, MN Posts: 12	The (potential) problem was as I noted in the first post. Others have commented that they'd had trouble playing back GL2 footage on a Sony not because of mechanical incompatibility but because there is some difference in the frames-per-second speed between the two. If, as you say, Ben Winter, you've played back GL2 footage using a Sony without a problem, then I'll try that first. Thanks for your help.

April 30th, 2008, 10:57 PM	#5
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	A local editor had several HDV tapes shot on a Canon. They rented my V1U to use for playback but for some reason, it wouldn't work. I wasn't there so I can't address the issues.