Need help with a camera replacement decision...

[lovetrumpsfear]

Hi all...

This is my first post, though I've been reading the forums for... ever, seems like. ^_^ Great site.

My dilemma is, I've been shooting with a GL1 for years, and while it's a solid little camera, I'm predictably tired of: A) SD and B) tape. I can't yet afford my HVX, but if I sold the GL1 I -could- afford an HV20 or an HG10, and a prime adapter. I figure I'll end up using the adapter with the HVX extensively, and I can relegate the new camera to "stunt cam" duty when that time comes.

Another factor pushing me in this direction is weight. I just finished a 3-day shoot in NYC with my GL1 on a Merlin, and while everything performed well, between the steadicam, camera, mic, beachtek, and (occasionally) wide angle lens, my arm was *dead* at the end of the third day. I shoot mostly documentary projects for now, and it sure would be nice to have a lighter camera to lug around.

So what do you guys and gals think? Do the semi-manual controls on the GL1 make it a keeper, or is it time to offload my old camera?

Thanks so much,
Paul

[Capt Quirk]

To be 100% honest with you, those GL1's are a workhorse and a half. How old is it now? And yet they still work, and work well. No, it isn't the greatest image when compared to some of the new cams, especially the HD ones... but it is almost impossible to kill them, and done right, they do make nice footage.

And compared to my $5,000 JVC HD100, where the footage on the first camera was full of red frames, or the replacement camera who's LCD has died after less than 50 hours... You can't beat the GL1 for reliability.

[onetime1]

Frankly speaking I think you should replace the GL1 , you know the cameras have beed developed a lot now . And I think that the camcorder is no that expensive now ,I got to know that Sony DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorderis on sale for $476 :
http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=67195
I think that's quite a good price for the camcorder .

[SuperAte]

I have a GL2, but since I got my HV20 4 months ago I haven't touched it. The picture is so incredible it's hard to believe.