Canon GL1 Digital Camcorder

[ Key Features | Specifications ]

Features Summary:

Pixel Shift:Each CCD image sensor in the GL1 includes 270,000 pixels. The process of Pixel Shift however, rivals the resolution of camcorders using CCDs with 410,000 pixels. 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 GL1 is shifted 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 GL1 to achieve resolution equal to camcorders with nearly twice as many pixels. Also, because there are fewer pixels on the CCD, they are larger in size and thereby gather more light. The result is improved dynamic range where detail is clearly visible in highlights and shadows without annoying color noise. Furthermore, Pixel Shift greatly reduces the vertical smear from the bright light sources and enhances the quality of digital still images.

Professional L-Series Fluorite Lens:Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power, design and quality of 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. Our 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 GL1, Fluorite delivers the ultimate in clarity and image quality. The Fluorite element inside of the lens defeats color aberration - the effect when the components of light stray from one another within a lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color. Our 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.

Optical Image Stabilizer:Canon's superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly so 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 inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectly complements the high picture quality of the DV format

20x Zoom Lens with 100x Digital Zoom
The GL1 incorporates a 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical zoom lens, which transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups. The 20x optical zoom is the 35mm focal length equivalent of 40 to 806mm.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 reveal details too distant to be seen with just the eye alone. At full telephoto the 35mm focal length equivalent is an amazing 4030mm. Add the optional WD-58 Wide-converter to increase the field of view by 30% for indoor shots or panoramic views.

3 Shooting Modes
The GL1 has three shooting modes to accomodate any of your recording needs.

• Normal Movie mode
  By merging Canon's superior lens quality with 3 CCDs, the GL1 delivers stunning resolution and color reproduction – some of the best images outside a TV studio. This mode records video in the standard interlaced fashion similar to conventional camcorders. Normal Movie Mode is ideal for recording video which appears smooth and natural during playback on a TV or video editing computer.
• Digital Photo Mode w/self timer
  Take almost 700 brilliantly clear still pictures on a single tape (in SP mode). The photo mode further distinguishes the GL1 by capturing extremely high resolution still images. The camera records the still images for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. You can search through the tape for your photos using the supplied remote control.
• Frame Movie Mode:This mode captures video in a unique non-interlaced method allowing the GL1 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, website content, or even sending emotionally charged images over the internet. The non-interlaced method popularized by Canon’s XL1 has even been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like appearance.

IEEE 1394 DV Terminal
The GL1 is equipped with a DV In/Out terminal that conforms to IEEE 1394. It takes just a single digital video cable to transfer or copy your videos in pure digital form to your DV compatible computer or another Canon DV camcorder. By transferring images and sound to a DV compatible computer, including Macintosh or Windows platforms, users can explore the possibilities of visual computing. This includes editing video or enhancing still images with today's popular software programs, developing website content, video streaming via the internet or simply printing images, for example, on any of Canon's color Bubble Jet computer printers.

Programmed AE:
Seven advanced recording controls, easily accessed on the Program dial, ensure great results in shooting conditions or provide precise image control.
Full Auto Green Zone:
Identified by the green rectangle on the program selector, this mode gives the GL1 control of all camera functions and simplifies use by restricting access to manual controls.
Auto Mode
Auto handles all camera settings automatically while also letting users choose the function or functions they would like to control manually such as focus, exposure, and white balance.
Manual Mode
This mode allows you to make all the decisions. Users can control the lens aperture, shutter speed and gain settings together - 27 shutter speeds are available from 1/60 sec. to 1/15,000 sec. for fine exposure control or capturing fast action - 23 aperture values permit half-stop adjustments from f/1.6 to closed for precise brightness and depth of field control.
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
Shutter Priority/Aperture Priority:
The Tv (Time value) and Av (Aperture value) image controls simplify capturing fast action or controlling depth of field.

• In Tv select one of 9 shutter speeds from 1/60th to 1/15,000th sec. The GL1 automatically sets the most appropriate aperture for proper exposure.
• In Av users select one of 12 apertures from f/1.6 to f/11 and the GL1 sets the matching shutter speed.

SLR Flash Photography:
Attach a Canon E-TTL flash (220EX, 380X or 550EX) to illuminate your subject when shooting still images in the Photo Mode. It’s just like flash photography with a Canon 35mm SLR camera. The intelligent flash works with the GL1 to ensure the proper exposure and overcome backlight situations and heavy shadows.

Top Grip with Recording Controls
In addition to the side hand grip, the GL1 features a carrying handle complete with a duplicate set of recording and zoom controls. It accommodates your individual shooting style and makes mid to low angle shooting comfortable and easy.

Digital Effects

The GL1 includes a selection of digital effects for a more appealing look and greater variety.

• Fader
  Use the fader to start or end scenes with a fade to or from black.
• Effects
  Give variety to your images during recording by adding Black and White, Slim, Stretch, or Strobe motion.

One Touch Dubbing
The GL1 includes an easy to use dubbing function for making great copies of your original recordings.

PCM Digital Stereo Sound
The GL1 is complete with selectable audio modes; 16 bit and 12 bit. 16 bit, the highest quality, produces CD quality, two channel sound on one track. The 12 bit mode divides the audio track into two, recording two channels on one track while leaving the remaining track open for post production audio recording.

Microphone
This newly developed microphone incorporates two pairs of pick-up elements each for right and left. This arrangement realizes a superior directional ability and fuller, richer stereo sound that simply must be heard to be believed.

A/V Insert and Audio Dubbing
Use this feature to insert new scenes of video from your VCR or other camcorder on a tape recorded in the SP mode. Using a recording made in the 12 bit audio mode you can also add stereo sound from another audio source or through the internal or external microphone.

Full Manual Operation
In addition to being fully automatic, the GL1 offers a complete range of manual controls, ideal for challenging situations and more creative recording. Focus, exposure, white balance, aperture, gain and shutter speed can all be set manually.

Picture Adjustment

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.
Color Phase
Adjust the color tone towards red or green to your liking.
AE Shift
Gives you control over how dark or light the camera sets the auto exposure level.

LCD

The 2.5" view screen makes it easier to compose sensational shots from any angle. It swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility. It also tucks neatly away when bright shooting conditions make the eyecup viewfinder the preferred way to shoot.

[ Key Features | Specifications ]

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