Incorporating precision optics, superior
digital processing, and a sleek innovative design, the Canon GL2 offers reliable professional performance. Offering
the highest level of control, the camera
fully compliments one's vision and passion for excellence. Its advanced feature set allows users to handle even
the most challenging tasks with confidence and ease.
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. 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.
Conventional
optic lens
Fluorite
lens
Achieve Super High Resolution in Video
and Still Image Recording
3CCD
The GL2 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.
Pixel Shift
Canon 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 GL2 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 GL2 to achieve resolution equal to camcorders with
nearly twice as many pixels in video recording.
CCD B
CCD R
CCD G
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.
Image
stabilizer ON
Image
stabilizer OFF
20x Zoom Lens with 100x Digital Zoom
The GL2 incorporates a 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical
zoom lens which transforms distant subjects into dramatic closeups. The 20x optical zoom is the 35mm focal length equivalent of
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 reveal
details too distant to be seen with just the eye alone. At full
telephoto the 35mm focal length equivalent is an amazing
79,000mm. Add the optional WD-58H Wide-converter to
increase the field of view by 0.7x for indoor shots or panoramic
views.
... plus
wide-converter
40x
Digital
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, highmagnification lenses. Now incorporated into the lens on the GL2,
2
2
Optical
wide angle
100x Digital
20x Zoom
The Ultimate In
Page 3
16:9 Aspect Ratio
The GL2 is equipped with two 16:9 aspect ratio methods.
16:9 Guides
The 16:9 guides are thin white lines, which appear in the display
only. They let you view a 16:9 wide screen composition while in
the standard 4:3 aspect ratio, which is especially helpful if you're
planning to transfer your DV footage to film.
16:9 Recording Mode
The GL2 includes a 16:9 recording mode, which applies an
electronic anamorphic stretch allowing you to fill the frame of a
16:9 wide screen TV.
3 Shooting Modes
The GL2 has three shooting modes to accommodate any of your
recording needs.
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
which appears smooth and natural during playback on a TV or
video editing computer.
Digital Photo Mode
(1.7 Megapixel High Resolution Photos)
The GL2 features newly developed 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 GL2 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 noninterlaced method has even been acknowledged by users for its
cinematic-like appearance.
Digital Video
3
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High Performance
DV format
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.
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:
ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) /
ImageBrowser (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.
.
IEEE1394 DV Terminal
The GL2 is equipped with a DV IN/OUT terminal
that conforms to IEEE1394. It takes just a single
digital cable to transfer or copy your videos in pure
digital form to your DV compatible computer or another Canon
DV camcorder. Once you’ve transferred video images to your
computer, you can edit your movies, stream then over the
Internet, or post them on your Web site. Also, you can print them
out on a Canon color printer, transfer them back to your Canon
camcorder and archive them on a Mini DV cassette, or create a
dubbing master.
SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard*
The GL2 expand video possibilities by using an SD (Secure
Digital) Memory Card or a MultiMediaCard 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. You can add a title made by
yourself on the currently recording image on the cassette.
*An 8MB SD Memory Card is supplied with the camcorder.
Gain Control
As well as automatic gain, the GL2 has settings for: 0dB, +6dB,
+12dB, +18dB* for creative control in any shooting condition.
*card camera mode: 0dB, +6dB, +12dB
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Page 5
Taken To a Higher Level
White Balance
White Balance can be set for Automatic, preset Indoors, preset
Outdoors for any lighting condition.
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.
Programmed 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.
Shutter-priority/Aperture-priority (Tv/Av)
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
Tv Mode
Av Mode
Slow Shutter (Camera Mode)
Whether your aim is a "streaming" background when panning, or
brighter recording in low light, you can choose from three slow
shutter settings: 1/30, 1/15 and 1/8 of a second.
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.
Sharp
[Red]
[Green]
Soft
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Page 6
Manual Audio
Control
For complete control, the GL2
offers 2 channel manual audio
adjustment. The audio level
can be monitored by an
external illuminated VU meter
or in the viewfinder/LCD view
screen.
XLR Audio Inputs
The optional MA-300
Microphone Adapter is
equipped with 2 XLR
connectors for use with
professional audio equipment
and a BNC video connector.
Direction Accurate
Microphone
This 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).
Normal
RESPONSE
Front
L1L2R1
R2
Rear
Wind
screen
Voice
f [Hz]
PCM Digital
Stereo
Sound
The GL2 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.
Clear Scan
The GL2 can be adjusted to
match the frequency of a CRT
monitor, allowing you to record
it without rolling black bars.
SMPTE Color Bars
The GL2 generates SMPTE
color bars for accurate
matching to your monitor or
edit suite.
Zebra Pattern
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 %.
Interval Timer
With the interval timer, you
can record for a selected time
with selected interval. This
function is convenient for
nature observation such as
flowers, sunsets, etc. You can
select the interval time from 30
sec, 1 min, 5 min and 10 min,
and the recording time from
0.5 sec, 1 sec, 1.5 sec and 2
sec.
SLR-Style
Flash Photography
Attach a Canon Speedlite ETTL flash (420EX or 550EX) to
use the GL2 for flash
photography, just like you
would with an SLR camera.
The camera sets the flash
duration, sending out a preexposure flash to ensure
correct exposure before the
main flash is sent out.
With
Speedlite
Without
Speedlite
Advanced
Accessory Shoe
Simply slide on an accessory,
and the shoe transmits power
directly from the GL2 . Choose
to attach Canon’s DM-50
Directional Stereo
Microphone*, the stereo
shotgun mic with high
sensitivity and superdirectional pick up. Or, attach
the 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.
*Optional
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Flexible LCD View
Screen and Color
Viewfinder
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.
*A large eyecup is provided for glasseswearing person.
VCR Stop
You can 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).
Custom Key
You can assign frequently
used functions to the key
(camera mode, Play(VCR)
mode card camera mode and
card play mode
independently) to customize
the camera to your shooting
preferences or environment.
You can assign the following
functions to the Custom Key.
Camera mode
•Index Write •Zebra pattern
•VCR stop •TV screen •Mic
•Mic ATT •Zoom grip speed
•Zoom handle speed
•Audio level meter •AE shift
•Image stabilizer
Play(VCR) mode
•TV screen •Mic •Mic ATT
•Audio ATT •Audio level meter
Card camera mode
•Zebra pattern •TV screen
•Zoom grip speed
•Zoom handle speed •AE shift
•Image stabilizer
Card play(VCR) mode
•TV screen
Analog Line-In
For instant editing,
simply connect your
TV, VCR, or analog
camcorder to the
GL2 and send the
analog signal
directly to your computer's
IEEE1394 terminal*, without
recording to tape. If you
choose, you may first record
the analog signal to DV tape,
allowing you to create a highquality master of your original.
* The Analog-Digital Converter may not
function depending on the software used.
DV Control
You can control the record
and pause of equipment that
conforms to the AV/C protocol
connected to the GL2 using
the DV terminal. For example,
record to miniDV tape and a
commercially available IEEE
1394 Controller and Hard
Drive system simultaneously.
Time Code
This precisely identifies each
recording down to the
individual frame, showing the
hour, minute, second and
frame in the display. The GL2
uses a "drop-frame" system
that is frame accurate.
Index Recording
You can mark "the best take"
when you are shooting, for
easy access when playing
back in the VCR mode.
Photo Search/
Date Search/Index
Search
The wireless controller
included with the GL2 allows
you to quickly locate still
photos on a recorded
cassette. Video can be
searched based on the date
recorded or by the index mark.
AV Insert and Audio
Dubbing
Add a new
scene into your
video from another source
such as a camcorder or VCR.
(Your video must be recorded
in SP mode.) You can also add
a new stereo audio track onto
your video such as a voice
over or background music.
(Your audio must be
recorded in the 12 bit
mode.)
LANC
The LANC terminal permits
easy connection of compatible
controllers or the Canon ZR1000 Remote Control.
Digital Effects
The GL2 includes a selection
of digital effects for a more
appealing look
and greater
imaging variety.
Fader
Use the fader to start or end
scenes with a fade to or from
black such as the Fade
Trigger, Wipe and Overlap.
Data Code
Data code, which is recorded
separately from the video
signal, lets you display or hide
data such as date, time,
exposure etc. as required.
This data can also be
permanently "burned in" over
the video for verification or
surveillance purposes.
Top Grip With
Recording Controls
In addition to the normal side
grip, the GL2 features a
carrying handle complete with
a duplicate set of recording
and zoom controls to better
meet your individual recording
style, as well as being ideal
for low-angle recording.
Zoom Speeds
The GL2 is outfitted with 4
Effects
Give variety to your images
during recording by adding
Black and White, Sepia,
Strobe motion or Trail.
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).
•Built-in Speaker
•Headphone Terminal with Level Control
•Composite & S-Video input/output
•World Clock
•LP Mode (extends a 80 min. Mini DV tape
to 120 min. or 60 min. tape to 90 min.)
•Lithium Ion Battery
•Self-Timer
•Zero Set Memory
•Remote Control
Pictures simulated
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Page 8
GL2 Nomenclature
Stereo microphone
Audio LCD panel
FOCUS A/M button
D.E. (digital effects) SELECT button
ND FILTER button
BATTERY RELEASE button
LCD panel open button
1
Manual AUDIO LEVEL L dial
Tally lamp
Remote sensor
D.E. (digital effects) ON/OFF button
EXPOSURE dial
WHITE BALANCE SELECT buttonAUDIO REC LEVEL switch
WHITE BALANCE set button
START/STOP button
Advanced accessory shoe
Strap attachment bar
Zoom control
PHOTO button
*System requirements for software
Interface: USB: only preinstalled Windows 98/Windows Me/
Windows 2000/Windows XP systems with built-in USB ports, or
only systems equipped with genuine Apple-brand built-in USB
interfaces.
Operating SystemCPURAM
Windows Windows Me/150MHz or better 64MB or more
Macintosh 8.6–9.2PowerPC20MB or more
Operating SystemFree hard disk space
Windows
Macintosh ImageBrowser20MB or more
Windows 98150MHz or better 32MB or more
Windows 2000
Windows XP300MHz or better 128MB or more
Mac OS X (10.1)128MB or more
ZoomBrowser EX
PhotoStitch40MB or more
PhotoStitch30MB or more
120MB or more
Memory card slot
CSTM PRESET button
CSTM KEY button
2
POWER switch
Power indicator
Record review button
– REC SEARCH button
DISPLAY/DATA CODE button
LCD screen
Manual AUDIO LEVEL R dial
Program selector switch
Zoom control
OPEN/EJECT button
PHOTO button
Strap attachment bar
+ REC SEARCH button
Speaker
1
8
8
Page 9
3
Cassette compartment coverViewfinder
Carrying handle
MOVIE MODE switch
LOCK lever
Grip belt
STOP/INDEX SCREEN button
PLAY/PAUSE button
REC PAUSE button
2
REW/card- buttonAUDIO DUBBING button
FF/card+ button
3
Tripod socket
4
Focus ring
AV INSERT button
START/STOP button
SELF TIMER button
TV SCREEN button
DATA CODE button
AUDIO MONITOR button
Audio/video terminal
MENU button
MENU buttonBattery pack
SELECT dial
REMOTE terminal
USB terminal
DV terminal
S-video terminal
Infra-red signals transmitter
5
Standby lever
Start/stop button
5
PHOTO button
Zoom buttons
Controller buttons
SET button
MIX BALANCE buttons
DC5V terminal
MIC terminal
Viewfinder
focusing lever
4
REC PAUSE button
ZERO SET MEMORY button
AUDIO DUB. button
SEARCH SELECT button
A/V INSERT button
REMOTE SET button
(phones) terminal
-/ button
PAUSE button
REW button
Search buttons
PLAY button
FF button
+/ button
x2 button
STOP button
SLOW button
9
9
Page 10
Power Sources
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories.
When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand
accessories or products bearing the same mark.
Lithium Ion
Battery Packs
A variety of one, two and
three-level battery packs are available.
Battery packusingusing LCD
BP-915 (supplied) 2 hr.1 hr. 35 min.
BP-930 (optional) 4 hr. 40 min. 3 hr. 55 min.
BP-945 (optional) 7 hr.5 hr. 55 min.
When you attach two battery packs to the CH-910 Dual
Battery Charger/Holder, the maximum recording time
will be almost doubled.
Maximum recording time
viewfinder screen
Advanced Accessory Shoe
DM-50
Directional Stereo
Microphone
Attaches to the shoe for cablefree operation. Picks up shotgun
or shotgun + surrounding sound.
Powered by the camcorder’s
power source. Wind shields
included.
GL2 Specifications
Power supply (rated): 7.2 V DC
Power consumption: 4.8 W (using
viewfinder), 5.7 W (using LCD screen)
Television system: EIA standard (525 lines,
60 fields) NTSC color signal
Video recording system: 2 rotary heads,
helical scanning system DV system
(Consumer digital VCR SD system) Digital
component recording
Audio recording system:
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48kHz/2ch), 12
bit (32kHz/4ch)
ATT OFF), 0 dBV (AUDIO ATT ON)/47
kohms, unbalanced; Output level: -10
dBV, less than 3 kohms, unbalanced
Operating temperature range: 32 - 104° F
(0 - 40° C)
Creative Shooting Accessories
WD-58H
Wide-converter
Gives wide-angle
coverage at 0.7X.
(Lens hood included)
ZR-1000 Zoom
Remote
Controller
Plugs into the camcorder’s LANC
terminal and allows you to control
functions such as record start/stop, zoom
and focus while the camcorder is
mounted on a tripod, without touching the
camcorder body itself.
Carrying
Case
Canon Digital
Videocassettes
HC-4100
System Case
A solid and lockable system
case that provides stylish protection
during transportation and storage.
Dimensions: 45/8 x 53/8 x 12 in (118 x 136 x
306 mm)
Weight: 2 lb 71/2 oz (1.12 kg)
Recording media: SD Memory Card,
MultiMediaCard
Number of recording pixels: 1488 x 1128
pixels, 640 x 480 pixels
Image format: Design rule for Camera
Format system (DCF), Digital Print Exif
2.2 compliant*, “Digital Print Order
Format (DPOF) compliant (only images
marked for printing)
* This camcorder supports Exif 2.2 (also called
“Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing
the communication between camcorders and
printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant
printer, the camcorder’s image data at the time of
shooting is used and optimized, yielding
extremely high quality prints.
File format: JPEG (compression mode:
Fine/Standard)
Estimated SD Memory Card SDC-8M
capacities (approx.)*: 1488 x 1128: Fine
6 images, Standard 10 images
640 x 480: Fine 47 images, Standard
93 images
*The actual number you can record varies
depending on the image.
DVM-E60/DVM-E80
Digital Video
Cassette
THE CANON GL2 KIT
• GL2
• BP-915 Battery Pack
• CA-920 Compact Power Adapter
• DC-920 DC Coupler
• SS-650 Shoulder Strap
• WL-D77 Wireless Controller
• S-150 S-video Cable
• STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
• Lens hood
• Large eyecup
• SDC-8M SD Memory Card
• Software/USB Cable
VL-10Li
Battery
Video Light
Powerful 10 W
illumination. A lithium ion
battery attaches directly, so
operation is cable-free.
420EX
220EX/420EX/550EX
Speedlite Flash
Attaches to the GL2 to give
SLR-style flash photography.
550EX
DVM-CL Digital
Video Head
Cleaning Cassette
Availability differs from area to area.
www.canondv.com
0031W731
PUB. DCE-117
0799P18
U.S.A.CANON U.S.A., INC.
CANADACANON CANADA INC.
MEXICOCANON MEXICANA, S. DE R. L. DE C. V.
CENTROYEx-Rancho de Anzaldo C.P. 01900 Mexico, D.F.
SURAMÉRICACANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.
ASIACANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD.
Consumer Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (in U.S.A.)
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 USA
Consumer Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (in Canada)
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7
Periferico Sur No.4124 Col.
6505 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 325 Miami FL 33126 USA
10F, Lippo Sun Plaza, 28 Canton Road, Tismshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Errors and omissions excepted.
Weight and dimensions are approximate.
Subject to change without notice.
LCD view screen pictures simulated.
**Connect only equipment bearing the LANC symbol.
•Macintosh is trademark of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the United States and other
countries. •Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. •Other names and
products not mentioned above may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their