I'm thinking or renting a good MiniDV camera for my short film I want to to shoot soon, but I need to know the basic differences between the Canon XL1, and the GL-2. What's the main difference in the look of the image both cameras record? I hear XL1 shoots in 24Fps while the GL-2 shoots in 30fps. Anyway, for now, I see that I can probably rent a GL-2 from McBain Camera, but I need to know how much better the XL1 is so that I can try to get my hadns on one.

To my knowledge, the XL1 does not shoot in 24p. However, the big plus would be the interchangeable lenses the XL1 is capable of. The GL2 does not have that feature. So unless you plan on renting lenses from the guys as well, go with the GL2. If you want 24p, you're going to have to rent an AG-DVX100. Good luck.

Yeah, the XL1 DOES NOT shoot 24p. The DV100 is the only miniDV cam that does that as of now.

Both the XL1 and the GL2 have "Movie Mode" which tries to fake the look of 24p. Some hate it, others like it. Really it is personal taste choice.

The XL1 has a better lense then the GL2 but I know many people who preffer the image the GL2 produces over the XL1 (XL1's are notorious about producing a soft image.)

I used to use the XL1, now I own the DVX and never looked back. If your renting I would reommend the DVX simply because (In my opinion) it creates the most "film like" images of any MiniDV cam. The PD150 is also a very solid camera to use. Good luck.
R. Michael

About the Interchangeable Lens...

Unless you're willing to spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on new lenses, the interchangeable lens feature does nothing for you. I have a GL2 and I love it. The XL1 is nice, but the GL2 pretty much has the same picture quality, so why spend the extra money?

quote:

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Originally posted by Durden:
Unless you're willing to spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on new lenses, the interchangeable lens feature does nothing for you.

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Yeah. The cheapest lens of decent quality that I've seen is just over $1500.

I would reccomend renting the GL2, because unless you know the features of the DVX or the PD150 and how to tweak them your going to have a hell of a time shooting. GL2 out of the box has a decent automatic mode (but I suggest at least learning how to use the manual zoom) and go from there. But if you have time to rent and learn the camera's in and outs the DVX would be a better choice.

Correction: Manual Focus.

speaking of manual focus, which is forced on the dvx100 (automatic is on the 100A but wicked slow, so manual is still needed), use a monitor if you have access to one, focusing is hella easier on the eyes that way.

Jeff is dead on with the monitor idea, that is why I suggest you go with the GL2 if you do not know much about camera's but nonetheless want a great picture. Don't get me wrong, the gl2 has great manual features, but if you don't have access to a monitor or dvx, I wouldn't worry about the xl1 either, Gl2 all the way.