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Key
Features
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Achieve
Super High Resolution
The camcorder maximizes the capability of the DV format by
using a 3 CCD system, assigning a separate CCD to
each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting
prism precisely separates the light passing through the
lens into individual color components, and each is sent to
its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail with
highly accurate color reproduction, suitable for the
demands of the high-end production field - wide dynamic
range, low color noise, natural color resolution and low
aliasing. |
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Pixel
Shift
This feature solves common shooting dilemmas by using a
signal processing technique called Pixel Shift, which has
been used in professional grade video cameras for many
years. It achieves wider dynamic range, reduced vertical
smearing and sharper digital still images.
The green component of a
video signal contains 60% of the picture detail, and the
red and blue components comprise only 40%. The green CCD
in the camcorder is shifted vertically and horizontally
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.
This allows the camcorder to achieve resolution equal to
camcorders with nearly twice as many pixels in video
recording.
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L-Series
Fluorite Optical System
Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image
makers for years through the power, design and quality of
their 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. The professional
L-Series lenses utilize Fluorite, a material which
provides outstanding resolution, contrast and color
reproduction, especially in lightweight,
high-magnification lenses. Now incorporated into the lens
on the GL-2, Fluorite delivers the ultimate clarity and
image quality.
The Fluorite element
inside of the lens defeats color aberration - the effect
when components of light stray from one another within a
lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and
color. The Fluorite lens precisely controls components of
light, providing an excellent balance of these three
critical ingredients of picture quality. This is
unobtainable with conventional optical glass.
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Optical
and Digital Zoom
The camcorder incorporates a 20x optical zoom lens which
transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups. The
20x optical zoom is the 35mm focal length equivalent to
39.5 to 790mm. The digital zoom, capable of extending to
40x and a maximum of 100x, provides sharper detail
compared to others, thanks to Canon's superior lens
quality. You'll capture details too distant to be seen
with just the eye alone. At full telephoto, the 35mm focal
length equivalent is an amazing 79,000mm. |
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Optical
Image Stabilization
Canon's superb optical stabilization system eliminates
image shake due to a wide range of movement and/or high
wind conditions. It corrects camera shake instantly. Even
hand-held shots at full telephoto, and shots taken from a
moving car, are smooth and steady. And since it is
optical, there is no loss of image quality as with
electronic image stabilizers. |
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Three
Recording Modes
- Normal Movie
Mode
By merging Canon's superior lens quality with 3 CCDs,
the GL2 delivers stunning resolution and color
reproduction - some of the best images outside of a TV
studio. This mode records video in the standard
interlaced fashion similar to conventional camcorders.
Normal Movie Mode is ideal for recording video that
appears smooth and natural during playback on a TV or
video editing computer.
- Digital Photo
Mode
High resolution photos image processing, for capturing
crisp, high-definition photos. Images may be captured
in a choice of different image qualities and
compression sizes to suit your needs. Capture up to 10
stunning 1.7 megapixel (1488 x 1128 pixel) images onto
the included 8MB SD Memory Card. Images may be also
captured at VGA (640 x 480 pixel) in standard or fine
compression. For added flexibility, you may take up to
700 still pictures on a Mini DV single tape (in SP
mode). The camera records the still pictures for
approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the
sound for your verbal notes or narration. You can
search through the recorded tape for your photos using
the supplied remote control.
- Frame Movie
Mode
This mode captures video in a unique non-interlaced
method allowing the camcorder to record 30 frames of
video per second. Similar to a motor drive on a 35mm
camera, Frame Movie Mode performs like a Digital Motor
Drive. You'll capture every gesture and expression of
your subject with spectacular clarity. It's perfect
for users who choose to grab high quality still images
from video for making prints, video for website
content, or even sending emotionally charged images
over the internet. The non-interlaced method has even
been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like
appearance.
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DV
Recording
Whether your need is broadcast production or simply the
very best picture quality, the Mini DV format delivers
more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution - nearly a
25% improvement in picture quality over the best analog
formats. The tape formulation is advanced to last longer
and even withstand repeated use without failure, virtually
eliminating drop out, delivering higher output and less
noise. |
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TV
and AV Shutter Priority/Aperture Priority
The Tv and Av modes permit easy operation while retaining
the creative image controls commonly found on Canon's 35mm
SLR cameras. In the TV mode, select a shutter speed from
1/8* to 1/15,000 of a second and the GL2 will
automatically set a matching aperture. In the AV mode,
select an aperture from f/ 1.6** to f/8 and the GL2
automatically sets a matching shutter speed.
*card camera mode: 1/60 to 1/500 of a second
** card camera mode: f/2 to f/8 |
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AV
Insert
Add new video from a VCR or another camcorder to a tape
recorded in SP mode. The camcorder gives you the option of
adding video and/or audio to an existing SP-recorded DV
tape. Input can be digital, or analog video and analog
audio. |
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i.Link
DV Interface
The DV In/Out interface (IEEE-1394) provides a high-speed,
bi-directional digital link between camcorders or VCRs for
digital to digital editing, which delivers unmatched
versatility and performance. |
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Color
Viewfinder
Incorporates 113,000 pixels, providing excellent viewing
clarity, so you can see the recording in full vivid color. |
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LCD
View Screen
The 2.5" (200,000 pixels) view screen makes it easier
to compose sensational shots from any angle. It swivels
and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility. |
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Control
L (Lanc)
The Control-L protocol connects camcorders, VCRs and
editing controllers for precise control and ease of use
during editing or dubbing. |
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PCM
Audio
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
recording for an incredible 96db dynamic range. The
Digital camcorder provides two recording modes, 12 and
16-bit audio. 12-bit creates two sets of stereo tracks,
and 16-bit mode offers one pair of stereo tracks. Audio
dub capability allows you to add an additional 12-bit
stereo track to your original recording. |
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Direction
Accurate
This camcorder's built-in microphone incorporates two
pairs of pick-up elements each for left and right. This
arrangement realizes a superior directional ability and
fuller, richer stereo sound. Also, you can change the
microphone frequency characteristics to match the
recording condition (normal, voice, windscreen). |
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AE
Shift/AE Lock
By adjusting the AE Shift Control, you can lighten or
darken the image to precisely control the exposure level
of the Program AE modes. In difficult lighting conditions,
AE Lock allows you to lock exposure at the current level
to control the brightness of the image. |
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Program
AE
Puts advanced recording techniques at your fingertips to
ensure great results in various shooting conditions. There
are six programs in all, giving you the balanced control
that you have come to expect from Canon.
- Full Auto
Also called the "Green Zone". This is the
ideal selection for general shooting.
- Auto Mode
Similar to Full Auto, Auto handles all camera settings
automatically, but also allows the user to select
manual functions (focus, exposure, white balance, for
example).
- Manual Mode
If you want to make all the decisions, this is the
mode to use. Select your own combination of shutter
speed, aperture and gain.
- Spotlight
Designed to be used when subjects are illuminated by
intense light sources, such as under spotlights on a
dark stage. This mode is designed to prevent the
subject from being grossly over-exposed against a dark
background.
- Sand &
Snow
This program is designed to prevent a dark,
under-exposed subject when shooting in places with
bright backgrounds, such as a sunny beach or ski
resort.
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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. |
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Special
Effects
This Feature 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. |
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Fader
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. |
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Manual
Iris
For fine exposure control, you have access to 19 aperture
values for half-stop adjustments from f/1.6 to closed. |
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Time
Code
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. |
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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. |
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Step-Up Features from GL-1
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Mega
CCD
The 3x 1/4-inch 410k Gross pixels (380,000 effective
pixels) (vs GL-1 270,000 pixels CCD) Charged Coupled
Device imager provides excellent detail and
clarity, with exceptional digital video performance.
Utilizes 1.7 mega pixel, capturing high quality still
images (1488 x 1128) resolution, and stores them on a
removable SD (Secure Digital) or Multimedia memory card. |
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Manual
Audio Level Control with VU Meters
For complete control, the GL2 offers 2-channel manual
audio adjustment (2 mechanical, dedicated controls). The
audio level can be monitored by an external illuminated VU
meter or in the viewfinder/LCD view screen. |
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Picture
Adjustment
Create a custom picture, Preset and store it. Quick,
creative control.
- Color Gain
Adjust the saturation of the color between Off to
Oversaturated. This adjustment allows you to shoot in
black and white.
- Color Phase
Adjust the Color Phase toward red or green for exact
control.
- Camera
Sharpness
Adjust the range of picture sharpness to your
preference before recording. Softer may compliment the
subject while sharper will make details more visible.
- Setup Level
Adjust the black level of the video signal for the
best shadow detail.
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Clear
Scan
When shooting the display screen of a personal computer or
a TV, a noticeable rolling black bar or flickering may
appear. This can be eliminated by adjusting the scanning
frequency setting on the camcorder. |
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Color
Bars
The camcorder generates SMPTE color bars for accurate
matching to your monitor or edit suite. |
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Character
Recording
Some video applications (such as law enforcement,
including interrogations, crime scene documentation,
depositions and court room proceedings) require
identification of date, time and time code of each
recording. To accommodate this, the GL2 can be set to
permanently record this information by superimposing it
over the video image. |
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Variable
Zebra Level
Reveal areas of overexposure, using these diagonal stripes
to guide you when setting the aperture and shutter speed.
Select from five levels: 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100%. |
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Gain
Control
Picture sensitivity can be adjusted. Shooting is possible
with increased gain to enhance picture brightness in dark
conditions, or decrease gain to reduce noise. Adjustment
is made in four steps: 0, +6dB, +12dB and the newly added
+18dB. |
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16:9
Guides
When composing shots in the 4:3 aspect ratio, which will
be displayed on a wide-screen TV or transferred to film,
users may engage 16:9 Guides. These guides appear as thin
white lines over the video image to create a 16:9 safe
area. Now it is easy to compose shots for wide-screen and
eliminate the need to mark the viewfinder or director's
monitor. The Canon GL1 includes another 16:9 aspect ratio
recording mode simply called 16:9. In this mode, which was
included on the original Canon GL1, an electronic
anamorphic stretch effect is applied to the video to
deliver a 16:9 wide screen image. |
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Analog
to Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
For instant editing, simply connect your TV, VCR, or
analog camcorder to the camcorder, and send the analog
signal directly to your computer's IEEE-1394 terminal,
without recording to tape. If you choose, you may first
record the analog signal to DV tape, allowing you to
create a high-quality master of your original. |
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Card
Slot
You can expand video possibilities by using an SD (Secure
Digital) Memory Card or a Multimedia Card in addition to a
Mini DV cassette. These ultra-small and ultra-light media
record, store and manage still images, as well as allow
easy transfer of still images to a PC with the camcorder. |
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Recording
Media Multimedia Card/SD Memory Card
Number of recording pixels: 1488 x 1128 Pixels.
File format: JPEG (compression mode: Fine/Standard)
Estimated MultiMedia card MMC-8M capacities (approx.): 6
images (Fine mode), 10 images (Standard mode). The actual
number you can record varies, depending on the image. |
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Interval
Recording
Continuous recording with intervals is possible for users
who are seeking to capture a compressed version of real
time (such as sunsets, flowers blooming), or create
animation. Users may select a recording time of 0.5, 1.5,
or 2 seconds, which will be recorded at an interval of 30
seconds, one, five, or 10 minutes. |
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Custom
Keys and Presets
- One Custom
Key
The camcorder 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.
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USB
Terminal
Allows high speed transfer of memory card data to
computers mounting the USB terminal. By using the USB
cable and software provided, you can process and organize
still images on your PC. The camcorder functions as a
memory card reader/writer. Bundled software: Zoom Browser
EX (Windows)/Image Browser (Macintosh). You can easily
download, browse, archive and retouch still images.
Automatically resize images and attach them to e-mail,
arrange them for printing, and add text anywhere on the
page. |
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Index
Recording
You can mark "the best take" when you are
shooting, for easy access when playing back in the VCR
mode. |
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Advanced
Accessory Shoe
The shoe transmits power directly from the GL2. You can
choose to attach the optional DM-50 Directional Stereo
Microphone, shotgun mic with high sensitivity and super
directional pick-up. Use when recording or dubbing audio.
Or, attach the optional VL-3 Video Light, which can either
stay on continuously or turn on/off automatically, in
response to changes in the brightness of the shooting
situation. |
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EVF
Data Display
One of three data displays can be selected to show camera
data in the viewfinder. This allows the camera operator to
choose how much data about the camera settings he would
like superimposed over the image in the viewfinder. The
choices include no data, partial data and all data. |
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Power
Save
This feature allows you to turn the recorder section off,
leaving the camera section turned on, so you can adjust
the camera section without worrying about the automatic
shut-off (5-minute timer). |
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Slow
Shutter Speed
Whether your aim is a "streaming" background
when panning, or brighter recording in low light, you can
choose from three slow shutter settings: 1/8, 1/15 and
1/30 of a second. |
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Zoom
Speeds
The GL2 is outfitted with 4 zoom speed options: Variable
(pressure controlled) or Low, Medium and Fast. These apply
to the zoom rockers on the handgrip and the top grip (3
zoom speeds). |
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