Canon GL-1 Camcorder

You will receive the following items that came new in the Canon GL1 factory box:

• Canon GL1 Camcorder
• Canon Lens hood
• Canon BP-915 battery
• Canon battery charger CA-910
• Canon DC-905 adapter that connects to battery charger and to camcorder which allows camcorder to be run from house ac power without using a battery
• Canon lens cap
• Canon wireless controller (remote camera control) WL-D73
• Canon STV-250N special cable with 3-section male plug that plugs into camera jack and provides on its other end three male RCA cable outputs for composite video, left audio, & right audio. BEWARE OTHER SELLERS NOT INCLUDING THIS CABLE IN WHICH CASE YOU WILL NOT EASILY BE ABLE TO OUTPUT VIDEO/AUDIO TO DEVICES WHICH ONLY HAVE RCA JACKS FOR INPUT
• Canon factory manual
• Canon accessories brochure
• Canon warranty card & product registration card (both have expired and these cards are solely provided for collectors who might want them)
• The original Canon box which this outfit came in and in which it will be sent to you using most of the original Canon packing materials including the original Canon styrofoam packing which is in excellent condition(along with a second non-Canon box containing the tapes and extra battery, see below). I will ship the Canon factory box containing most of the rig inside another larger cardboard shipping box and will not write on or put tape on the original factory box.

The Canon GL1 is a professional-grade digital video camcorder that gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was part of Canon's lineup of MiniDV camcorders and was designed for videographers who needed high-quality video recording capabilities. Here's an in-depth look at its features:

1. Imaging System:

   • The GL1 features a 3-CCD (charge-coupled device) imaging system. This means it uses three separate sensors—one for each primary color (red, green, and blue)—to capture more accurate and vibrant colors. The result is clear, sharp images with excellent color reproduction.

2. Optical Zoom Lens:

   • The camcorder boasts a 20x optical zoom lens. This allows you to get up close to your subject without sacrificing image quality. Whether you're capturing distant landscapes or zooming in on details, the GL1 delivers impressive clarity.
   • The lens has a focal length range equivalent to approximately 39.5mm to 790mm in 35mm film terms.

3. Manual Controls:

   • For advanced users, the GL1 provides manual controls for focus, exposure, and white balance. These allow you to fine-tune your settings based on the shooting conditions.
   • You can adjust focus manually, set exposure values, and customize white balance to match the lighting environment.

4. Recording Formats:

   • The GL1 records video in standard definition (480 lines of resolution) using the MiniDV format. MiniDV tapes were widely used during that era and offered reliable recording quality.
   • It supports various recording modes, including manual mode, aperture priority, and shutter speed priority.

5. Audio Features:

   • The camcorder has a built-in stereo microphone for capturing audio. While it's decent for casual use, serious videographers might prefer an external microphone for better sound quality.
   • There's also a headphone jack for monitoring audio during recording.
   • Additionally, the GL1 provides an external microphone input, allowing you to connect professional-grade microphones.

6. Digital Zoom:

   • In addition to optical zoom, the GL1 offers digital zoom. However, keep in mind that digital zoom can degrade image quality at higher levels. It's best to rely on optical zoom whenever possible.

7. Viewfinder and LCD Screen:

   • The camcorder features a color viewfinder for composing shots. It's especially useful when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.
   • There's also a flip-out LCD screen that allows you to review footage and navigate menu settings.

8. Power and Battery:

   • The GL1 is powered by a rechargeable battery. Having spare batteries is essential for extended shoots.
   • It's relatively compact and lightweight, making it suitable for handheld use.

9. Professional Use:

   • The Canon GL1 was aimed at professional videographers and enthusiasts who wanted high-quality video recording capabilities.
   • While it lacks some features found in its big brother, the Canon XL1 (like interchangeable lenses and manual audio control), the GL1 offers an affordable solution for those seeking professional-grade video without breaking the bank¹².

In summary, the Canon GL1 Camcorder combines solid performance, manual controls, and a reliable recording format. It's a piece of digital video history that left its mark on the industry.