Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

I recently purchased the GL2, and am very pleased with the results I'm getting so far. Image quality is great, especially for such a small and lightweight camera. The manual focus is really nice. The zoom is amazing.
Should you buy this camera?
Maybe. The GL2 falls into an odd mid range. If you just want an easy to use camcorder that has great image quality, i'd probably reccommend one of the small panasonic 3ccd cameras. And if you want a digital camcorder that has broadcast quality video or high definition, then you want to step up to the next level. So, basically you could spend under a $1000 and get a good simple camcorder, or you could get the next level of quality at $4000+. But for this price--$2200--this camera is great. Even though it's not 24p, there is something about the image to me that is very well suited for film...

My primary camera is a Sony HDR-FX1.
I bought the GL-2 as a second unit for multiple camera angles at sporting events.
The GL-2 is a respectable camera but in my opinion the video image doesn't even come close to the Sony.
The price and rebate offer was the greatest incentive in my purchase of this camera.
However, beware of the rebate offer.
I sent all the documents in strict compliance with the terms of the rebate only to have it rejected.
The rebate facilitator claimed I did not include the UPC code.
If I had it to do over, I would dig deeper into my wallet and buy a second Sony.

i got the camera from amazon about 3 months ago and its amazing. the features are amazing.

This unit is pretty awesome especially with frame.
Also, a noteworthy thing is this camera first does 16 x 9 and then encoding producing a higher quality image than a comparable Sony model.

I've actually owned the precursor unit to this one, the GL1, and was also pleased with it.

This camera has the hotshoe feature and the longest OPTICAL zoom in its class.

Optical VS Digital, optical definitely wins.

This camera is all-a-round useful and also, this unit is actually the preferred camera of choice for many sports film-makers.

If you take this thing to the slopes like i have, strangers will come up to you and instantly recognize the unit.

Great with kenko lenses.

Only actual thing I've seen is that it doesn't like low light, so adding a VL-3 is a must, or a VL-10 is recommended.

One thing to watch out for is that you must keep care of the camera. For example, you must get yourself a tape-head-cleaner. The Maxell's are a good buy, but you could go OEM if you want to.
Also, don't cheap out on the cassettes.
In my 6 years of using the GL1/GL2, I've always used TDK and JVC tapes. The JVCs come in a 6-pack and can be found a a best buy. The TDKs also come in a 6-pack, and you can find them at Costco.

For more reference, I have pushed this camera beyond its specification as it has been rained on, snowed on, and frozen to the point where there is actually lag in the LCDs and yet, it still works like brand new.

Definitely a good buy !

I wanted to shoot my first short film, so I shopped and shopped until I found this one, best price for the best features, looking back, I should have saved my money. With websites like mandy.com and others, you can easily make a film by putting the 2K towards hiring a junior or if your lucky, mid level DP w/ their own better equipment for about 200-400 a day. If you have a short film in mind and a dedicated work ethic w/ tight scheduling, you can make an entire film this way.

BUT- if you want to shoot and get used to holding a cam and setting the shot and angle and lights and actors and everything else incvolved, this is a perfect starter cam.

I actually wish I would have saved up the cash and bought a 24p cam like the DVX100 or an XL2 but this is great for entry level kids shooting their first flicks which will mostly be garbage anyways so... make up your own mind.