Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Lens & Optical Image Stabilization

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.
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.
Shooting Modes and Aspect Ratios
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.
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.
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.
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.
Audio Adjustments
The GL2's omnidirectional microphone is designed to deliver great quality sound: realistic, life-like, and in stereo. Using the GL2's Advanced Accessory Shoe expands your audio options.
Also consider that you have sound options to meet both your recording and editing needs. One option gives you two channels for recording sound and two channels for adding sound at the editing stage.
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.
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.