Pros: Excellent quality 3 CCD images. 20X optical zoom is better than many other brands offer.
Cons: "Bad Pixel", and Faulty tape mechanism experienced by some reviewers as indicated below.
The Bottom Line: Be very afraid. My Sony DCR PC100 Camcorder still going strong - no problems after 6 years. This Canon is buggy; be wary of tape mechanism issues and bad pixels.
holmer19's Full Review: Canon GL2 Mini DV Camcorder
Update 03/12/07. Problem encountered.
After 26 months of intermittently heavy use, my GL-2 has developed a "bad pixel" problem. In the lower right quadrant of any attached display, a white single lixel appears (even with the lens cap on). This means that the CCD imager(s) for that pixel have gone bad.
I called Canon Factory Service, and they indicate two possible fixes: a "reprogramming of the CMOS" for $250, or a replacement of the CCD(s) for $400.
Either way, it's rather frustrating that a non-moving part can go bad, well past the factory warranty period. Others have also experienced this problem with the GL-2, and other older Canon model camcorders, according to a forum I read on VideoUniversity.com.
Given the above, and the problems that many have apparently experienced with the more-prevalent tape mechanism malfunctions, I cannot recommend this camcorder for purchase, even though, up until now, it had performed flawlessly for me.
Original Review:
I've had this unit now for 20 months, as of September 2006. I have read with some concern about the experience of some below regarding the faulty tape carriage of their particular unit.
I cannot speak to that, because in my application, I don't use the MiniDV cassette carriage. It is permanently hooked into a digital editing suite for movie film capture.
I can speak to the outstanding quality of the 3 CCD images that are obtained by the unit. I also use the remote control regularly to slightly zoom the lens in and out.
I am extremely pleased with the quality of the unit in my application. The only advice I can give you is to beware of the faulty tape cassette unit malfunctions, as other below have addressed. You should make your purchase from a reputable vendor, and use the unit vigorously when you get it. Check the return and warranty policies of your vendor and Canon, in the event you do have problems.
I would hope that Canon has rectified this issue with the units now on the market, but you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Given the quality of the lens, features, and images obtained, it is probably worth the risk of buying one from a reputable dealer. Hopefully any problems will manifest themselves before the end of your warranty period.
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