Canon GL2 Question

I'm looking at purchasing a Canon GL2, but I'm also looking at the Sony DCR-VX2100 and Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30. I'm leaning toward the GL2, but I have one question: Does it have a feature that is equivalent to Sony's Nightshot or Panasonic's Infrared lamp? I've been looking at the specifications for the GL2 and haven't been able to find an answer (I may have missed it somewhere).

If I can get confirmation that the GL2 does have a feature like Nightshot, I'm most definitely going to buy it. For now, though, I'm not too sure.

Thanks for any help in advance.

EDIT: DCR, not CDR.

 

Out of curiosity, why is nightshot important to you?

 

May I ask why it is you want nightshot? Is it just to shoot in low light or do you want it for the effect?

 

Is it just to shoot in low light or do you want it for the effect?

Both.

 

For an effect you're better off making the adjustment in your editing package. Always get the best possible data form the camera and (generally speaking) stay away from in-camera effects.

Just my two cents.

 

I own a GL2 and no there isnt a nightshot feature. I wouldnt let something like that affect whether you get it or not though.

 

For an effect you're better off making the adjustment in your editing package. Always get the best possible data form the camera and (generally speaking) stay away from in-camera effects.

Thanks for the advice. I plan to use my camera for making documentaries as well as fan films, and I plan to be in a lot of low-light situations, wherein I'd like to use something like nightshot or infrared. But I still really like the GL2, so I'm still thinking about it. How do you create a nightshot/infrared effect in AE?

I own a GL2 and no there isnt a nightshot feature. I wouldnt let something like that affect whether you get it or not though.

Would you recommend getting the GL2? Is it worth a $2100+ price tag? I've never tested it out, but I like what I've heard and read about it. Among the cameras I'm considering, the only one I've experimented with is the Sony DCR-VX2100, and so far I'm trying to decide whether to get the GL2 or the Sony.

On a related note, would anyone have any recommendations as to which camera I should get?

Thanks again.

 

I think the two cameras are very close - I chose the GL-2 for myself because I was shooting weddings and needed the extra low-light detail the Canon supposedly had. They have been a great cameras and I still use them all the time. I've used the Sony at college and it seems like a good one as well - you might want to compare the two at a site like this one to get more helpful info.

As for the night vision effect...I'd give this method a shot. (Just apply the basic concepts to After Effects.)

Hope that helps - good luck!

 

Many thanks! I'm going to try the nightshot effect in AE...I'll try and see if I can tweak it to make it look a little more realistic. Thanks for the site link as well; I'll be looking into that.

I really appreciate it

 

I own a GL2 and no there isnt a nightshot feature. I wouldnt let something like that affect whether you get it or not though.

I use the nightshot function on my camera all the time. Definately a handy thing to have.
I had to shoot my sister-in-law's 21'st last night...used the nightshoot mode for most of it...saved my arse.

 

Our camera is ridiculous, instead of a good ol' nightvision effect, it has this stupid button reading 'colour night view'. I thought 'ooh, night vision with colour!'.
Turns out it's like 'gainup' only worse. It's a little brighter but the framerate is so slow it's pathetic.

 

everything i have heard about the GL2 is great but i still like my sony it adapts to so many things stop motion to live action. the sony is also easy to use for me anyway. the picture on the GL2 can have a great look color wise and tone.if i had the cash i would buy both.

 

Heh, not to steal your thunder Deneveon, but I also need to get a camera in the near future.

I do need lowlight.. anyone know how well the GL-1 or something else does in that aspect? I have to save up some cash, and I'm afraid a GL-2 would be out of my price range. (I'm thinking 1,000-1,500.)

Like, I don't need that green nightvision, but something that picks up images decently when the light source (while present) isn't strong.

 

If you were willing to go 1600, you could get the GL2 (with the rebate)

 

If you were willing to go 1600, you could get the GL2 (with the rebate)

Where? I can get it at $2100+ at amazon.com, and I'm hesitant to try any of the other seemingly low-priced online vendors.

I'm also worried that as soon as I get the GL2, Canon just might come out with the GL3 or drop the prices of the XL2...something similar has happened to me before, and I don't want to regret my purchase.

But then again, I do need a good camera soon. DVEditor, since you've used both the Sony and the GL2 before, how well do they perform in lowlight comparably?

 

Personally I wouldn't bother with the Gl2. The VX2100 and the DVC30 are much better cameras for around the same price, and the DVC30's nightshot feature should satisfy your need. Check out the reviews for the VX2100 and DVC30 here http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ Also have you heard about all the recent problems with the GL2's? For some reason many owners are expierencing tape transport issues with newer released GL2's. Also the DVC30 will provide a better picture based on specs and its reviews. Another plus is its magnessium alloy body, like the DVX100a, very slick, strong, unlike the plastic ones for the VX2100 and GL2. If low light is your top priority I would go for the VX2100. If you want more "film like" features go for the DVC30, its gamma feature is a plus, however it still won't come anywhere near the DVX100a. Even though it is more expensive I would go with the DVX100a, I'll be getting one (finally,lol) this July, and Panasonics new promotion is pretty awesome. $300 mail in rebate, 10 high quality tapes, 10 hour battery, Magic Bullet editors software, and the DVX Book/DVD. The GL2 is still a great camera however there are better choices.

 

Deneveon posted on 5/29/05 12:13pm

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[b]DVEditor,[/b] since you've used both the Sony and the GL2 before, how well do they perform in lowlight comparably?
[hr][/blockquote] Hmm, well I know the GL-2 performs well in the low-light shooting I've done, but I've never really used the VX2100 for anything other than class projects and they were mostly outdoor settings with plenty of light. The best thing I can recommend is going to the website I listed earlier or finding a photography forum and seeing what people have said about it.

Best of luck on your decision! :D