Canon GL1 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Lens & Optical Image Stabilization
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,699.00
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Editorial Review

The Canon GL1 (and its big brother, the XL1) are helping to blur the line between consumer and professional video equipment. This camcorder borrows most of the professional-quality components from the XL1 and puts them into a more compact, affordable camera. Though it's small enough to carry around and doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the GL1 produces such high-quality results that it could be used as a broadcast videocamera.

Great movies start with great CCD sensors, and Canon cuts no corners here. For the best possible picture quality, they use three separate 270,000-pixel CCDs (one for each primary color). To further improve image detail, Canon has intentionally shifted the green CCD half a pixel horizontally and vertically. This shift allows more accurate interpolation, resulting in an image that Canon claims rivals those from cameras with 410,000-pixel CCDs. Each pixel is 72 square microns, which is about 1.5 times the size as those in competingcamcorders. This increased size increases light sensitivity, allowing you to shoot in lower-light situations. Ultimately, the larger pixel size results in an improvement of 4 dB loss budget in sensitivity.

For great optical quality, the GL1 uses a fixed (nonremovable) 20x optical (100x digital) zoom L-series fluorite lens. The fluorite element in the lens increases sharpness and contrast, as well as helping to preserve color fidelity.

Audio is recorded through the built-in microphone, which features two pairs of pickup elements. Audio can be recorded in 16-bit mode on two channels on one track. Alternatively, audio can be record in 12-bit mode, where the audio track is divided into two, and two channels of audio are recorded onto one track, with the other left over for audio dubbing.

The electronics of the GL1 have many advanced features, including a number of programmed AE modes, as well as both shutter and aperture priority modes. There are two different auto modes, one of which allows you to adjust any setting manually, if you want, and the other, which adjusts every setting automatically and lets you adjust nothing. A spotlight mode automatically compensates for lighting difficulties when shooting a subject bathed in a spotlight. Finally, a sand-and-snow mode is designed to prevent dark, underexposed subjects in situations with bright backgrounds--commonly found in sandy and snowy areas. There are also three different shooting modes: normal movie mode, digital photo mode, and frame movie mode. Normal movie mode is for any time you want to shoot video footage. Digital photo mode records a still image for six seconds on the miniDV tape, and also captures any audio, such as a commentary. The frame moviemode records 30 still images per second, but it isn't intended to be used for shooting video. Rather, frame movie mode should be used as burst or continuous shooting mode, as you'd find on a still camera.

The GL1 uses an IEEE 1394 port for digital editing and for transferring footage to and from other IEEE 1394-compliant devices. The camcorder also has RCA (composite) audio and video ports, and an S-Video out. The analog inputs allow you to transfer old footage to DV for archiving. Built-in effects include a fader for transitions, black and white, slim, stretch, and strobe. Picture adjustment is also possible; you can adjust camera sharpness, softening orsharpening your subject, as well as the color tone and how dark or light the camera sets the auto-exposure level. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder with 3 CCD technology
• 20x optical, 100x digital, zoom with optical image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
• Records digital stills onto MiniDV tape
• Comes with wireless remote, battery pack, and power adapter

Reviews (21)

A pleased user
I purchased my GL-1 almost two years ago with the original intention of using it to create videos of weddings and grandchildren. After comparing numerous available models and brands, I chose the GL-1 for its good reputation, high-end features, lenses, and of course for the more reasonable price.

It could be said that the GL-1 is among the worst of the best, but that is not a fair way of comparing its features to other camcorders. The GL-1 is top end material, producing similar or equal quality as equipment costing twice as much or more. The lower price mostly reflects the fact that the GL-1 does not have as many features as the more expensive models. It already has more buttons and settings than most of us even want to know exist anyway, so except for professionals and hard-core video fans, we amatures are plenty happy to leave the settings on 'automatic' and simply push the record button.

What really matters is the end result, and viewing a video on your television recorded with the GL-1 looks no different than a video recorded with more expensive models (well, unless you are one of those hard-core types who are very critical, but then too, every camcorder model produces slightly different results, so any differences noticed would be noticed in all). The major end-result difference will be noticed in audio quality. Recording video in a normal room setting is no problem, it comes out great, but in areas with high noise, winds, or too low of sound, the recording is sometimes less than desired. Too loud of noise causes distortion (avoid sitting directly in front of or even behind a rock group's speaker array, even if 75 feet away!), and when the desired sound to be recorded is too quiet, you may hear a slight humming of the camcorder's motor. Many users have solved the problem by purchasing additional audio recording equipment, which is of course an acceptable solution, but one that new owners should be aware of.

Every camera of course has it's good points and bad points, and except for the bad points of not-perfect audio, everything else about the GL-1 is good. Good balance, medium weight, easy loading, good battery life (1 hour with the factory battery, other batteries can be bought that will record for over 3 hours), and the appearance does say you are using high-end equipment.

All things considered, the GL-1 is right about in the middle, giving better results than all known lower-end models, but not quite as good of results as the more expensive models. The Gl-1 is Goldilock's "just right" choice (sorry, I just had to say that).

The Sony camcorder is said to be a little better, close to that of the Canon XL-1, and I did consider it, but at the time I had just overcome a less than favorable experience with a Sony product and I did not want to make another mistake. If you have the money to spare, get the XL-1 just because it's cooler looking, but for fast, easy, quality video, the GL-1 is a great choice.

Worth the Price
I bought this camera about 10 months back, and at the time made a compromise in choosing it because I couldn't afford the XL1S. What I've learned though after using it for so long now is that Canon didn't compromise on this camera. The GL1 has essentially every feature the aspiring film maker or video professional needs to get underway quickly and easily.

My favorite feature of this camera is the frame mode ability that allows you to shoot non-interlaced video, with results that are very similar in appearance to film rather than video. After shooting in frame mode and seeing the results, I've yet to shoot interlaced video again.

The one thing that this camera lacks is any ability to manually control the audio levels for the internal or external mics, which can sometimes give you less than optimal results in situations where the noise volume fluctuates noticably, or where you are trying to achieve a specific audio effect.

Summary - Excellent camera worth the price tag. Across the board, far more features and better quality than all competitors in its class. Probabaly the only camera that can top the GL1 in this class is the GL2.

Professional Quality Video...period.
I wasn't so sure about this camera because I had listened to the hype about Sony DV cameras. But let me tell you, I have never seen a mini DV camera pack such a punch for the price. Between the GL-1 and the much more expensive Xl-1, I cannot tell that much difference at all, maybe none at all. This camera captures truly stunning video. From reproducing each and every color vibrantly and crisp to the razor sharp picture quality. And I haven't even gotten to the microphone. It captures the audio very true to life. From soft whispers to loud bangs, the audio never becomes muddled or distorted. The menu buttons and function keys are all very well placed, and it takes a still photograph of a fairly decent quality, although it couldn't compete with a 2 megapixel photo camera. It has many different video modes,including toggling between Video and Frame recording, although most of the time you'll never need to take it off of automatic. Another sleek feature is how it captures video in low light. In low lighting conditions, the picture NEVER becomes the least bit grainy. I am continually impressed, and am impressing others with this camera. It is perfect for the beginner or the pro. ... Read more

Asin: B0000507JI
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Velbon SX-681K Deluxe Heavy-Duty Professional Photographic/Video Tripod
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $308.99
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Reviews (1)

Excellent for serious photography
If you are an amateur photographer, you can probably do without this tripod, but for a pro - this is great. Comparable tripods by Bogen, Manfrotto are ALOT more, and not worth it.This one has it all. Very sturdy legs, great pan head, leveler.Highly recommend, especially if you have a D1, F5, or any 'serious' camera. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TYJG
Sales Rank: 14712

Canon WD58 Wide Adapter Hood for the GL2 (Lens Not Included)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $40.00 -- our price: $37.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Wide-angle adapter
• 0.75x
• Filter size: 58mm
• Use with GL1, GL2

Reviews (1)

Canon wide angle converter.
Nice accessory. Ads enough of an increase in angle of view to make it worth the price, with just about no distortion. You can leave it on the camera and zoom right through with no loss of image quality. Excellent focus.(...) Quality is Canon as opposed to after-market. I tend to lean towards original equipment. You can't slip on any filters but for me, thats ok. I also picked up the #945 3 hour battery. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LD4E
Sales Rank: 5014
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)    2. Camcorder (Camcorders)    3. Accessories (Accessory)   

Sony WCS999 Wireless Camcorder Microphone for DCR-DVD101/201/301 & DCR-HC20/30/40/65/85
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $149.99 -- our price: $113.94
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Complete kit includes: lavalier mic, transmitter, receiver and monitoring earphone
• For use with video camcorders, portable audio recorders
• Transmission range up to 150 feet, depending on conditions
• 900 MHz FM transmission for high-quality sound
• Three channels with selector switch for low interference

Reviews (3)

Not that bad
It certainly isn't Hollywood quality, and I wouldn't use it for music.

But for interviews, the sound works just fine, especially considering the price.

My only real complaint is the clip for the lavalier. Unless you can slip it into a lapel hole, it will generally fall off if your subject moves more than a tiny bit.

Bottom line: I'd buy it again for the kind of shooting I do.

Very poor Signal to Noise ratio (useless)
This product was a huge disappointment. The channel noise of the transmitter/receiver almost drowns out the speech signal. The Signal to Noise ratio is 10-15dB at best(useless), even with a higher quality replacement lapel microphone. When the same microphone was connected directly into the camcorder, the SNR was at least 40-50dB. I went back to the store to see if I had a defective unit, but the other unit I tried had the same characteristics.

Acceptable but not great
I bought this for use with my Sony camcorder.I chose it because it was a 900 MHz system rather than the 100 MHz systems from Hysonic, etc.The included lapel mike is not very good.Lots of distortion and very cheaply made.I tried a better quality Radio Shack lapel mike, #33-3013 and got much better results.Compared to putting the mike right into the camcorder, the wireless transmitter shows considerably more noise and lower sound level.No noticeable difference in frequency response, at least for voice recording.Dropouts started occuring when I was about 50 feet away.Bottom line is this isn't broadcast quality but certainly adequate for amateur use. ... Read more

Asin: B00004UFRO
Sales Rank: 862

This hard drive comes with a one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Supports direct-to-disk broadcast-quality video capture
• Full-height hard drive for PCs or Macs
• High-capacity 45 GB data storage
• FireWire 1394 interface
• Fast data transfer rate of 25 MBps

Asin: B00004Z9RQ
Subjects:  1. IEEE-1394    2. ilink    3. Hard Drives (Drive)    4. Firewire    5. Macintosh (Machintosh, Mac)   

Apple Power Mac Desktop M8361LL/A (Dual 800-MHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive)
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers

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Editorial Review

If you're looking for the ultimate graphics, multimedia, or publishing system, this dual-processor Power Mac could be the ticket. Its two 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processors put an astounding amount of computing power at your fingertips, and its standard 256 MB of RAM is expandable to a generous 1.5 GB. An 80 GB hard disk drive offers plenty of room for space-gobbling graphics and multimedia, and the built-in SuperDrive lets you read and write both CDs and DVDs. The graphics card is an nVidia GeForce2 MX that can simultaneously support both a Mac and PC (VGA) monitor. USB, FireWire, gigabit Ethernet, and modem ports are all standard. The system includes both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, plus Apple software like iDVD that lets you edit your own movies and burn them to a recordable DVD disc. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Works great
We have 3 of these that we use for our college newspaper.They work great because each one has zip drives in them and we don't have to worry about the format of the disk.We can just take the disk from computer to computer, which makes sharing and transferring graphics much easier.

One problem that I seem to have is, being used to my HP Pavilion, I will click on the X on the left, but I forget to close the program.After crashing the computer a few times, I learn my lesson.

Bad Computers
Mac user for 6 years bought 2 dual 800 end of Sept. and within in a month both machines had processors replaced. Started to work on them again and the logic board went out.Apples respones to this was give me 2 more 800, NO THANK YOU!Aftera couple of weeks delay were not going to chance it and Apple says to bad. Guess the attorney is going to make some money.

Schwing!
I've had this baby for about 4 months now... what a delight. Adjacent to my G4 is a Dell 1.3ghz Pentium III. The clock speed means nada. I fire them up at the same time each morning and about a full minute after the Mac is busy opening applications for me, the Pentium is just starting to show the icons on the desktp.As chip architecture gets improved, you're going to see the Win-Tel crowd also saying that "clock speed doesn't matter" because newer Intel chips will be rated at 300mhz, but be faster than the 1.3gig P3 chips.

To compare a Mac and a Wintel machine is like comparing a pick axe to a chainsaw. Each have their uses, levels of complexity and levels of simplicity.

The dual processor won't do you a heck of a lot of good if you never use OS X. Only a couple of OS 9 apps utilize the dual processors.... OS X is all over that bad boy.

For now, I still work 90% of the time in Classic mode, but this machine still sings. I haven't hadone lock-up or crash since I bought this computer. The standard keyboard has been improved and fits normal human adult hands. The power key on the keyboard has been replaced by an eject key, and next to that are "volume up," "volume down," and "mute" buttons for quick volume access.

The CPU is beautiful, stylish and easy to carry. The built-in speaker is classy and delivers decent sound for an internal speaker.

If you're a grahic artist, designer or web developer, this is the machine for you. Using programs like Photoshop and Illustrator in a Windows environment is just clumsy and awkward... graphics programs are meant to run on a Mac.

This is also the best choice for those wanting to create their own movies,CDs, mp3 collections and DVDs. No extra hardware or software to buy... just plug in your camcorder, CD or mp3 player and go!Easy, trouble free, and Koko the Gorilla could add RAM to this machine... no screwdrivers... just open up the latch and snap in your memory. This is the best computer I've ever used. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NK39
Subjects:  1. Power Mac    2. (PowerMac)    3. Desktops (Desk Tops)    4. Desktop Computers    5. Apple    6. (Mac)    7. (Macintosh)   

Apple Cinema Display 22" LCD Monitor
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $1,500.00
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Editorial Review

Designed especially with the Mac G4 in mind, the Apple 21-inch Cinema Display is a new standard-bearer for both design and technology. Dragging your desktop into the new millennium, its nearly invisible frame blends into any décor, while providing that necessary touch of cutting-edge style.

Graphic precision far exceeds the norm, with a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,024, a 300:1 contrast ratio, and over 16 million colors. Truly digital video signals further improve picture quality and help provide the most accurate possible color.

The true-size 21-inch flat viewing screen provides a 16:10 viewing ratio ideal for working with professional video, and also allows you to display two full-size text pages at once. Whether you plan on using this monitor professionally or just gaming to your heart's content, you won't find a more impressive show.

A two-port USB hub supports Apple speakers, while the proprietary display connector handles digital video, USB, and power (users of non-G4s will require an adapter). Weighing just 25 pounds, it supplies twice the screen size for less than half the total weight of an older CRT model. The manufacturer includes a one-year warranty that covers parts and service. ... Read more

Features

• Large 22-inch design; view 2 A4 pages simultaneously
• Designed for Power Mac G4
• 1,600 x 1,024 resolution
• 160-degree viewing angle
• Wide 16:10 aspect ratio

Reviews (5)

The most amazing display on earth...
I have had the Apple Cinema Display since around the time it came out. (Yes, I paid [a lot] for it!) And to be honest, I would pay it again because this is truly the best display on the market. I use both a MAC and PC in my profession (Designer) and am very dissapointed that an equivalent hasn't been made available for the PC.

The crispness, quality, color, and size cannot be matched by any product currently available. It's a beautiful piece of technology and goregous to look at, at any angle. It's even sexy from the back!

I highly recommend this display if you design on a Mac. There is simply nothing better...!

The finest display on Earth
Use one of these, and all other displays are revealed to be a cruel joke. I have had a for 9 months, and I am never going back. The single ADC cable and connector provides data, power, and USB ports to the display. The enormous display supports multi-page photo and layout editing, and the video output from a DVD in letterbox format will take your breath away. This is a video display that can change your life, it has changed mine.

In its own class
Try to find another 22" widescreen LCD at $2499 that isn't an Apple Cinema Display. This monitor is at the head of the class in brightness/contrast, viewable angle, and color accuracy. It's not bad looking either! ... Read more

Asin: B00005NKXD
Subjects:  1. monitors, lcd    2. Flatpanel Monitor (Flat Panel Monitors)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    4. Apple    5. (Mac)    6. (Macintosh)   

Adobe After Effects 5.0 Pro
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

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Editorial Review

Adobe After Effects 5.0 enables you to create motion graphics and visual effects for professional cross-media delivery. It is a complete tool set for 2-D and 3-D compositing, animation, and effects for film, video, multimedia, and the Web, and offers tight integration with Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

After Effects 5.0 features the Adobe user interface familiar to anyone who uses Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere. The tabbed windows, tabbed palettes, common tools, and common keyboard shortcuts make it possible to move among the programs with ease. Other features, such as the pen tool, align palette, rulers and guides, editing tools, and free transform mode, also work in After Effects just as they do in other Adobe products.

When you import a layered Photoshop file as a composition, After Effects retains layers and other key Photoshop settings. You can transform layered Photoshop images into animations with ease. Import files as compositions one at a time or in batches: After Effects preserves layers, common layer effects, adjustment layers, alpha channels, transfer modes, vector masks, and more. You can then apply visual effects to color correct, stylize, or manipulate each layer, and to animate these layers over time. Use Photoshop paths as mask or motion points. Move easily between Photoshop and After Effects to complete your work. Similarly convenient integration is possible with Illustrator and Premiere. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a must-have tool for motion graphics!
I have been a devote used or After Effects for 6 years now. AE has never once let me down, and their upgrades have always been vast improvements over the previous versions (sometimes you didn't even know what could be improved in the first place, and Adobe would surprise you with something great).

This package is no exception. For the improved 3D capabilities alone, this package is worth the upgrade to 5.0. As usual, Adobe has attempted to merge the feel of its other step-siblings (Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, etc) into After Effects, and has in fact done so quite well.

Trust me: This is the same package that major motion pictures post-production companies use...the same package that is used in probably 90% of today's commercials... nothing is more straight-forward, well thought-out and just a pleasure to work with than Adobe After Effects. I highly recommend 5.0 to anyone. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ATC1
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Graphics    3. Animation (Animated)    4. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    5. Video    6. Composting    7. Effects   

Adobe Publishing Collection 8.0
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

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Reviews (1)

great deal for all 4 programs!
Being in the design field, I use all of these programs everyday. Pagemaker is essential for layout, Illustrator is essential for design. Photoshop is a great program for photo editing, and of course, Acobat is what I use to pdf design proofs to customers. If you are just starting out in the field and want to start your own design business, I highly recommend this package. It is a great deal, and it has the most professional programs used in design today. ... Read more

Asin: B00004UB4S
Sales Rank: 14728
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Graphics    3. Multimedia    4. Illustration (Illustrated)    5. Edit (Editing)    6. Graphics (Graphic)    7. Professional Design    8. desktop publishing    9. desk top publishing    10. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    11. Document Management    12. Internet electronic publishing