Customer Reviews
Add an extra thousand dollars to the cost 
2007-11-21
This camera is SPECTACULAR!!!! For about a year or two.
Then the system tape rejection errors start (do your research). Once this happens it's to the canon repair shop you must go where they are currently charging $516 for the parts plus $400 for the labor plus taxes and shipping etc. I am now throwing my GL2 in the trash and saving up to buy a new one. Canon's repair costs are outrageous - especially when this problem has been complained about for YEARS. A Canon rep even told me to never use the camera to play or offload videos (why advertise it as a feature if its such a bad idea?). He advised that you should buy a cheaper video camera to do those types of tasks. Good advise.... but even if you do... remember to add that cost to the purchase price of the GL2
- Disgruntled.
Fantastic quality and value 
2007-11-11
Bottom line, the Canon GL2 is a great mid-range pro-sumer camcorder for everyday use and learning. We bought one for a high school broadcast journalism curriculum, and so far it's been great. We considered several other camcorders within the same price range, but we decided on the GL2 because of recommendations, features, and Canon's reputation.
Some thoughts on the GL2:
Pro:
-Great bang for the buck.
-*Extraordinary* image quality and focusing (3CCD instead of normal consumer of 1 CCD). We've shot a soccer game from about 150 feet away in the stands, and the zooming and focusing combines into outstanding quality. I've heard the GL2 has much better image than some other more-expensive pro-sumer cams, and the GL2 certainly gets the job done.
-So-so internal mic. (But you should buy an external shotgun mic to use anyway so you don't pickup audio of camera adjustments.)
-A fair variety of manual controls to learn and gain experience from.
-Capable of shooting 9:16 wide screen shots, but it's not actually HD. A separate feature puts bounding boxes indicating 9:16 boundaries on the viewfinder for 4:3 shooting mode.
-Secondary record/start-stop button and zoom dial on internal microphone area above cam body useful when shooting with camera near ground.
-Steady-cam feature works fairly well.
-Variety of preset effects/transitions.
-White balance automatic/manual options easy to use. Feature's buttons near LCD panel.
-Feature to reduce flicker shot of CRT monitors. Feature's button to left of LCD panel.
-"Frame mode" - nice for documentaries, "unique" clips
-"Advanced accessory shoe" behind internal mic for accessories such as internally powered lamps. Also can hold external shotgun mic shock mounts.
-MiniDV tapes load in top side of GL2 opposite LCD unlike most consumer camcorders - can easily & quickly change tapes when using on tripod.
Con:
-Learning to operate some manual controls can be a little confusing and complicated.
-The manual takes a bit getting used to terminology and language. A *couple* terms specific to this camera's operation refered to in feature explanations are not explained.
-Included battery pack BP-915 only lasts about an hour. You'd probably want to also want to buy a secondary battery (that can hold more power), especially if you shoot sports games, meetings, etc.
-As some reviews mention, some manual controls are operated within the same menus, and a couple common features users may frequently used are in the main menu. Check the manual for more info.
Tips:
-Make sure to white balance each shot, it's definitely worth it and makes video look that much better.
-If you shoot outside footage in any precipitation, it's a good idea to get a rain slicker such as the Porta-Brace RS-GL2, and perhaps the Porta-Brace Polar Mitten Heated Case for temperatures below the low operating temperature of 32 deg Fahrenheit.
Overall an outstanding piece of equipment I would certainly recommend for anyone looking for a camcorder with these types of moderately easy-to-learn features in this price range. Fun to learn from as well.
Great Camera 2007-10-26
I purchased this camera looking to take more manual control over my video projects. And that is exactly what it has allowed me to do. It has the right balance of manual controls (as well as automatic modes) and price. It has given me the flexibility I was looking for. The weight balance is good, the controls are easily accessible and battery life is very good.
Great Camera 2007-09-29
This camera is Great! I use it to film events for a broadcasting class at school and its wonderful. The only problem is the microphone picks up noises behind the camera, as well as infront, usually you only want sound from the front, but thats just a minor problem. The image quality is superb! Just be sure that you buy a better battery, because the one that comes with doesn't last too long. Other then those two small problems this camera is great. However if you just want to film small events, birthday parties etc don't get this, this is a semi-proffesional camera.
GL2 a good camera with problems 
2007-09-12
The GL2 certainly is compact which is great for handling but means that all the inputs and outputs are squashe together and you need small nimble fingers. I specifically bought this camera to use with tapeless capture (Firestore FSD) and that has proved problematic as it records all on the screen. But it was not an unsurmountable problem, just not user friendly. The menus are clunky to use and I would like better audio inputs as standard.
Really good camera and value 
2008-06-28
I bought 2 GL2s new 4 years ago and have used them extensively in weddings, stage productions, sports camps, live events, training, interviews, and in every way imaginable except underwater and for video thats inappropriate for all ages. I even take them on vacation!
They have worked flawlessly in every instance. I can't say that the low light performance is stellar, but I have never had any sort of failure or lock-up. SO......why do some complain of cassette errors. I can't say for sure, but I suspect that it is because they fail to adhere to one simple tenent that professionals live by--ALWAYS USE THE SAME TAPE. NEVER SWITCH! The issue is that manufacturers use different methods or formulations of lubrications on tapes. Mixing brands can lead to all sorts of problems as the incompatible lubricants can form a paste that "gums up the works."
Perhaps I have been lucky, but perhaps my diligence avoids problems other experience.
It is a great camera. Do not be concerned about the tape transport--be concerned about the quality and brand of tapes you use, and you will enjoy many years of incredible video. Other thoughts:
-While I have several wireless and shotgun mics for "business," I can recommend the Canon DM10 for casual work. The on-cam mics are not bad, but they are omni-directional. The DMS-10 provides a narrower field of sensitivity.
-I also own the WD-58 wide-angle lens. It is sharp! No worries with fall-off. Just be sure to remove any filters you have on the camera first.
-While there may be better deals out there, it is difficult to believe that anything works better than the ZR1000 Wired Remote Control. I love them!
fire wire problems 2008-05-15
I love the camera, however i've been having firewire problems with it since i got it.At first i thought it was my software-not,then the firewire itself-not.It is the port on the camera that is the problem. the conncection doesn't seem to complete the interface and it flashes 'dv in'and never stays connected,needless to say this is frustrating.I have to use another camera to upload footage into my editing program-is anyone else having this problem?
DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
2008-05-08
If you are looking into buy this camera....DON'T. get the Sony HDR-A1U High-Def camera it's 20x times better,newer,same price and High-Def.if you buy the GL2 you will get the "remove the cassette" warning after about a year of use!!!!!
Canon GL2 Mini Cam 2007-12-30
Great camera , Great price. Bought this camera for my 16 year old son. He makes skateboard videos also tapes games for High School sporting events.
After editing on his computer the finished product looks very professional!
The camera is used daily and is very durable.No Complaints from him at all! Canon GL2 Mini DV 3 CCD Camcorder & 1GB Pro Opteka Accessory Kit
The dreaded "Remove the Cassette" message makes this a non starter. 2007-12-14
I've used this camera for 6 years. Last year I started getting intermittant "Remove the Cassette" messages. I wish I had captured the outstanding three recorded tapes onto my PC then. Instead I recorded another 45 minutes. Now, the error message is solid, no matter which tape I use.
My experience with Canon in the past has taught me not to waste the time or the money to bother having this repaired. (I spent about $700 having my previous Canon Camcorder repaired. It worked a few weeks and died again each time.)
Having gone to the web to research this bug, I'm convinced fixing this one will be an expensive and time consuming exercise in futility. (6 weeks plus turn around! and Canon won't tell how much the average repair cost is. Check the web .. $500+ )
Lesson learned. I'll be shopping a different manufacturer. Sony? JVC? Never again Canon.
