Canon GL1

A few years ago Canon was probably the first company to understand that miniDV was about to change everything for indpendant film makers, passionate people and a few others.

What did they understood ? They understood that people were aware that it was now possible to build camcorders capable of doing high quality material and even professionnal footages if used correctly, for a much lower price, size and weight than in the past.

So those people were waiting for the baby to be born. And here it came : The GL1. Back to the day it got on the market you got get it for around three thousand if I remember correctly. 3000$ and capable of doing professionnal work ? That's what I'm talking about !

3CCD, amazing lens, great stabilization, impressive sound quality also, easily carriable with its two pounds. This camera was dreamt, Canon built it.

It was a new age for inpendant reporters, indpendant film makers, small companies / videographers. So many people used to struggle with equipment too heavy, too difficult to use and mostly too expensive. Before that new age some had to use crap or spent fortunes renting. Now they were using an affordable camera that was solving all of their problems and offering so many possibilities...

And now, almost ten years after that, that Camera and her little sister the GL2 still have their fans. JVC released the Everio, Panasonic the PVGS series and all of them claimed to be today's equivalent of the GL1. Anyone with a shooting experience with the GL1, and even if the Everio is "HD", will tell you those toys have a long way to go before thinking they might be able to compete.

If you have enough money to buy a REAL HD camera, go for it. If you're on a budget and need something reliable and still giving amazing results for around a thousand. Buy the legend, don't even think about JVC's crap or the cheap PVGS series and all the others. Because legends never die.

This camera is great as a second for wedding and other eventt video. It is portable and manueverable. It gives perfect shots in outdoor and good lighting, but a little disappointing in low light. However I find it ok with a cheap video light. The functions are accessable, even while shooting you can change the f-stop or gain. The optical stabilizer is amazing. A wide angle lens also makes the GL1 perfect for shooting in tight spaces like inside a limo. It is great purchase, especially if you get one used for under $1500.

The item is excelent, i was afraid of paying because of the 0 references about the seller, but i risked ok and it worked. thanks

I have a small video crew that broadcasts high school sports. Doing this as a passionate hobby, budget was a primary consideration. I have been looking for a quality mini Dv camera in good shape, but affordable. I did research and decided on the Canon GL1. I reviewed the satisfaction rating of the seller and also considered his reason for selling the camera as well.

The camera is not brand new but does the job I expected it to.

Thanks E-Bay for providing the world with the ability to find good deals such as this.

Mike Lockwood
Producer
Coogs Sports Net
La Marque, Texas
USA

this camcorder is legit for skateboarding. if your a beginner in "pro" skateboarding filming this is the PERFECT started camcorder. its half the size of the vx1000 and its way WAY lighter. the fisheyes for it are also a plus for this camcorder. the 3ccd is exellent on this also. the greens reds and other main colors stick out beautifully. watch this video. its shot with a canon GL1

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:175227

Lower price compare to local video shop. believe I choose the right one .
Price was right and can trust those eBay member and PayPal ..that's the reason I had GL1 from eBay..

Great quality, amazing for beginners. simple to use, but technical enough for advanced film makers, also great for college students.

Great camera when there is plenty of light. Very high-quality build. Sound quality is about average. Not designed for travel but for semi-pro use.

What I like about this item is that it picks up very good pictures/footage in low light. The battery lasts a long time also. I disliked about the canon Gl 1 is that you have to clean it and be fragile with it. If the heads get dirty in the item it isnt cheap to clean them. The reason i bought the canon gl 1 is to film the outdoors and hunts.

Excellent model, very reliable. From my observation, this one doesn't break as often as some Sony models. Perfect for students, video production beginners.