Major Features:

• Digital Video Format and IEEE 1394
  The Canon GL2 digital video camcorder uses the standard MiniDV cassette, producing the highest quality video possible from non-broadcast equipment. The MiniDV format standard delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This is about a 25% improvement in picture quality over the best analog formats. On top of that, because it records both video and audio as digital data, this information can be transferred -- without any loss of picture or audio quality -- to a computer for editing, then transferred back to DV tape, without a reduction in either picture or audio quality. All of this is through the use of the IEEE 1394 protocol commonly known as FireWire.

• 3 CCD
  The Canon GL2 has three CCDs, delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise. On top of that, Canon has improved a broadcast technology to create a new form of Pixel Shift, producing greater picture quality than that of camcorders using CCDs with almost twice the number of pixels.
  With the light coming into the camcorder split into three color components, each of the three CCDs then handles one of three primary colors: Red, Green and Blue. The green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail, and the red and blue components only 40%. The green CCD in the GL2 is shifted the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel from the red and blue CCD. The green signal is then sampled more frequently to extract the maximum picture detail from the video signal.
  In addition to outstanding clarity and natural color, Pixel Shift provides wider dynamic range, reduced vertical smear from bright light sources and sharper still images.

• Lens and Optical Image Stabilization
  The GL2 gives you the ability to take your videos to new levels of performance, whether you\'re a video professional or simply a highly discerning hobbyist. Your exploration of this remarkable camcorder should start with its lens: The GL2 is equipped with the highly acclaimed Canon Professional L-Series (luxury) Fluorite Lens. To further enhance your videos, there\'s an Optical Image Stabilizer to correct camera shake, plus there\'s a Precision Circular Iris and ND Filter for total control of the picture.

• 20x Zoom Lens with 100x Digital Zoom
  Canon\'s superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly in the GL2 so even hand-held shots at full telephoto and shots taken from a moving car, for example, are smooth and steady. And since the stabilization system is optical, there is no loss of image quality inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectly complements the high picture quality of the DV format.

• Shooting Modes and Aspect Ratio
  The GL2 has three shooting modes: Normal Movie Mode, Digital Photo Mode, and the cinema-like Frame Movie Mode popularized by Canon\'s leading-edge XL1 and XL1S. The GL2 also offers both the standard 4:3 aspect ratio and 16:9 wide screen TV aspect ratio.
  Normal Video
  In this context, \"normal\" has nothing to do with the type of video you shoot. Rather, it relates to the standard video recording system of interlaced frames, for smooth and natural playback on a TV or editing computer. While Normal Movie Mode is similar to that of conventional camcorders, in combination with the GL2\'s other features -- including superior lens quality and three CCDs -- the results are stunning both in terms of resolution and color reproduction.

  Frame Movie Mode
  Unlike Normal Movie Mode, where video is captured using interlaced frames, in Frame Movie Mode video is captured by the GL2 in a non-interlaced form at the rate of 30 frames per second. This delivers spectacular clarity -- perfect for those who need to grab high-quality images from videos for making prints, adding website content, or sending images over the Internet. This non-interlaced method was popularized by Canon\'s XL1S and has been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like appearance.

  Digital Photo Mode
  Digital Photo Mode lets you capture more than 700 brilliantly clear digital still pictures on a single tape (using an 80-minute cassette). The GL2 records each still image for approximately 6 seconds, as well as the sound for your verbal notes or narration. Once captured, select digital still images using the supplied remote control to search the tape for the photos.

  1.7 Mega Pixel Photo Mode
  You can turn your GL2 into a still camera by switching to 1.7 Mega Pixel Photo Mode and capturing high resolution still images onto the camcorder\'s MultiMediaCard. The full frame images are free from time lag blur. A six-blade circular iris, as found on the top-of-the-line XL1 and XL1S models, is used for professional exposure control, helping to deliver stunning video and still photos.

• Exposure Modes
  The GL2 offers both the versatility to meet all exposure challenges and ease of use when you\'re happy to let the camera make all the choices. Amazingly sophisticated circuitry and computer algorithms analyze the light coming through the lens to deliver proper exposure automatically under almost any lighting condition. You also can easily adjust the exposure system in any one of several creative ways to meet specific needs. By turning the easily accessible Program Dial to select one of seven exposure modes, you control how you want the video to look.
  Programmed Auto Exposure
  The GL2\'s Programmed Auto Exposure Modes provide automated advanced recording techniques ensuring professional results in various shooting conditions. There are six AE programs available including Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Spotlight, Manual, Full Auto, and Auto Mode. These applications are designed to give you creative freedom while allowing the recording control desired.

  Manual Exposure
  For the times when you want total control of all aspects of the exposure system, the GL2 offers Manual Mode (M on the Program Dial). You select the shutter speed, aperture and gain.

• Shooting Enhancements
  The Canon GL2 offers many on-camera enhancements that help avoid common shooting errors and make capturing high-quality footage trouble-free. The shooting enhancements also include basic conventional features that are commonly found on broadcast camcorders.
  Clear Scan, AE Shift, SMPTE Color Bars, Power Save, Top Grip Record Control, Variable Zoom Speed, Character Record, Index Record, Zebra Level, Viewfinder Display, Advanced Accessory Shoe.

• Picture Adjustments Attaining the best picture possible is the essence of filmmaking, photography, videography -- and Canon. The GL2 automates and also allows manual control of the essential ingredients that go into capturing great images. Color Phase, Sharpness, Color Gain, Setup Level, Gain Control, White Balance

• Audio Adjustments

  16 bit (2-ch) / 12 bit (2-ch or 4-ch)
  The GL2 can record sound in two audio modes:

  • 16-bit (48 kHz, 2 channels) for the highest sound quality, slightly better than CD quality, and equivalent to DAT tape;
  • 12-bit (32 kHz, 2 of 4 channels) for recording on two channels (stereo 1), leaving two channels (stereo 2) open for post production audio recording (narration, music, etc.)

  Audio Level Control
  The GL2\'s automatic level control analyzes sound and adjusts the levels automatically to provide the best possible sound.

  Microphone Modes
  The built-in microphone on the GL2 is an improved version of the highly-acclaimed unit used on the GL1. It now offers three modes for even greater versatility: Normal, Voice and Wind Screen.

  • Normal
    Use this mode for most recording situations.
  • Voice
    When shooting dialogue where low-level ambient noise (such as that of an air conditioner) may interfere with obtaining high quality sound, switch over to the Voice mode.
  • Wind Screen
    The GL2 has a wind screen to prevent wind noise from interfering with the sound track. This can be turned off when you want the microphone to be as sensitive as possible.

• Audio and Video Inputs and Outputs
  The GL2 is designed to handle two types of analog input and output: using audio/video cables (composite) or S-video. Both connections are on the camera back.

• Custom Keys and Presets
  One Custom Key
  The GL2 offers a Custom Key (one setting for camera mode and one for VCR mode). This lets you create and save your own custom settings so your common shooting modes can be readily duplicated. Select options from either the Camera Menu or the VCR Menu and create a customized setting for each.

  Custom Preset Key
  In addition to creating a custom setting for camera and VCR mode via the custom key, you also can establish one preset registration for the following camera features: camera sharpness, color gain, setup level, and color phase.

  Camera Sharpness
  Change the degree of sharpness in the picture. There are 13 steps to choose from.

  Camera Color
  Shift the color towards red or green. There are 13 steps to choose from.

• MultiMediaCard and SD Memory Card Compatible
  For the storage of digital still images captured by the GL2, you can use either MultiMediaCards or SD memory cards in the GL2. An 8MB SD Card comes with the camcorder, storing up to 17 fine quality still pictures or 32 standard quality images.

• USB Terminal
  The GL2 has a USB connection for transferring still images to a computer. The camcorder comes with the computer software necessary to transfer still images from the GL2 to computer

• Tally Lamp
  On the GL2, the tally lamp -- the signal lamp or LED installed on a video camera that indicates to performers and crew members that the camera is recording -- can be left on or turned off via the camera menu. Turning the tally lamp off can facilitate capturing mode natural documentary footage.

• High Resolution Color Viewfinder
  Your shooting experience with the GL2 is enhanced by a high resolution color viewfinder. The 0.44-inch viewfinder has approximately 180,000 pixels.

  Increasing the GL2\'s usability is a 2.5-inch (6.4 cm) color LCD screen with approximately 200,000 pixels. Designed for both shooting and playback functions, the screen will rotate 270 degrees so you can adjust the LCD screen to virtually any viewing angle. Your subject can even watch his or her performance as the video is being recorded. The screen folds neatly against the camera body when not in use. The screen can be used to display essential camera and tape function menus and indicators

• Low Power Consumption
  The GL2 has been designed to consume as little power as possible and comes with power saving features such as auto off features (activated after about 5 minutes of inactivity) to further extend battery power for field and remote work

• Easy Menu System
  The GL2 has two main menus, a camera menu and a VCR menu. Both menus are simple toggle and select systems that allow for rapid adjustment of key camera controls -- such as audio input levels, tally lamp on/off and activation of zebra pattern.

• Digital Effects
  The GL2 offers you a variety of scene transition effects, producing smooth, professional-looking dissolve and wipe transitions between scenes as you record. Effects include: Black & White, which removes color from the video images; Sepia, Art, Mirror, Trail and Strobe, for a stop-and-go type of motion effect.

• Fade Trigger
  Fade Trigger is a digital fade effect. When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out.

• Time Code
  The GL2 records a time code signal along with the video signal. This time code accurately identifies every point on the DV tape by hour, minute, second and frame. This will prove immensely beneficial if you are editing your footage on your personal computer or a professional video editing system.

• Data Code
  The DV standard calls for the automatic recording of date and time, shutter speed, exposure settings and other key camera data on the tape as you shoot. The GL2 does not permanently superimpose this data over your video, however. Instead, this data remains hidden until you select it for display during playback or editing. You can turn the display on or off at will, and you can decide which data you want to display.

• Remote Contol
  The GL2\'s full-function wireless remote control will work at distances up to 16 feet (4.9m). The remote can start and stop recordings, zoom the lens, handle all playback (VCR) functions, control audio and video dubbing functions, and more.

• LANC

• Canon EX Speedlight Flash Compatibility

• Photo Search
  Remember that you can put hundreds of still images on a DV tape when using the GL2 in Photo Mode. So having a way to find a particular image is a necessity. Using the GL2's Remote Control, Easy Photo Search lets you scan through the still pictures, even if they're recorded between sections of moving footage.

  Item Includes:
  

• AC Power/Charger (CA-920)
• DC Coupler (DC-920)
• Battery Pack (BP-915)
• Remote Control (WL-D77)
• S-Video Cable (S-150)
• Audio/Video Cable Mini-3 RCA (STV-250N)
• USB Cable
• 8MB SD Memory Card
• Lens Hood
• Large Eyecup
• SS-650 Shoulder Strap
• CD-ROM Software
• 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty