Canon GL1 User manual

Professional Quality
for the Discerning Eye
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER
www.canondv.com

2
TheWorld’s Finest Optics Deliver
Achieve Super High
Resolution and
Outstanding Color
Reproduction
3CCD Image Sensors
The GL1 maximizes the
capability of the DV format by
using 3 CCD image sensors.
Each CCD is assigned to
handle one of three primary
colors - Red, Green and 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 picture detail,
highly accurate color
reproduction, wide dynamic
range and virtually no color
noise, making the GL1 suitable
for many
professional
applications.
Pixel Shift
Canon employs Pixel Shift, a
signal processing method
used in broadcast TV
cameras, to exceed the overall
picture quality achieved by
camcorders using nearly twice
as many pixels. In addition to
Image
stabilizer ON
Image
stabilizer OFF
outstanding clarity and natural
color, Pixel Shift provides
wider dynamic range, reduced
vertical smear and sharper still
images. The advantage of
Pixel Shift is clearly visible.
The Process of 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 bright light sources and
enhances the quality of digital
still images.
Canon’s GL1 allows you to shoot outstanding video even under the toughest conditions. By combining the most ad-
vanced technologies in lenses and signal processing with manual controls and features, the GL1 achieves a perfect
balance of amazing picture quality and performance versatility. Do all the things the pros do with the Canon GL1.
CCD R
CCD G
CCD B
Fluorite Lens
Image Stabilizer OFF
Image Stabilizer ON
Vari-angle Prism
Fluorite
lens
Conventional
optic lens
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 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.
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.

3
Professional Picture Quality
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.
3 Shooting Modes
The GL1 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
GL1 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 with
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
pictures 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.
40x Digital
20x Zoom
... plus
wide-converter
100x Digital
Optical
wide angle
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 80,600mm.
Add the optional WD-58 Wide-
converter to increase the field
of view by 0.7x for indoor
shots or panoramic views.
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 IEEE1394. 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 PC
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.

4
Total Image Control for Maximum
White Balance
White Balance can be set for
Automatic, preset Indoors,
preset Outdoors and Set
(custom), for any lighting
condition.
With
Speedlite
Without
Speedlite
Programmed AE
Seven advanced recording
controls, easily accessed on
the Program dial, ensure great
results in various
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.
Tv Mode
Av Mode
Sand & Snow
Spotlight
Manual Mode
This mode allows you to make
all the decisions. Users can
control the lens aperture and
shutter speed 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.
SLR-Style
Flash Photography
Attach a Canon E-TTL flash
(220EX, 380EX 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.
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 users 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.

5
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 and shutter
speed can all be set manually.
Creativity
Digital Effects
The GL1 includes a selection
of digital effects for a more
appealing look and greater
imaging variety.
1 Fader
Use the fader to
start or end
scenes with a fade to or from
black.
2 Effects
Give variety to your images
during recording by adding
Black and White, Slim, Stretch
or Strobe motion.
A/V Insert and Audio
Dubbing
Use this feature to insert new
scenes of video from your VCR
or other camcorder on to 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 an
external microphone.
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.
• Built-in Speaker
• 16 : 9 Wide Screen TV
Effect
• Photo Search/Date
Search
• Time Code/Data Code
• LP Mode (extends a 80
min. Mini DV tape to
120 min. or 60 min.
tape to 90 min.)
• Lithium Ion Battery
• Composite & S-Video
input/output
• Self-Timer
• Zero Set Memory
• World Clock
Direction Accurate
Microphone
This newly developed
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 that
simply must be heard to be
believed.
Picture Adjustment
1. 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.
2. Color Phase
Adjust the color tone towards
red or green to your liking.
3. AE Shift
Gives you control over how
dark or light the camera sets
the auto exposure level.
One Touch Dubbing
The GL1 includes an easy to
use dubbing function for
making great copies of your
original recordings.
Analog Line-in
Now it's possible to send an
analog video signal from your
TV, VCR or camcorder into the
GL1 and record it onto DV. It’s
great for making copies or
preserving precious originals.
Zebra Pattern
Reveal areas of overexposure,
using these diagonal stripes to
guide you when setting the
aperture and shutter speed.
Front
Rear
L1
L2
R1
R2
Soft
Sharp
[Green]
[Red]
Pictures simulated

6
GL1 Nomenclature
REW button
PLAY button
FF button
PAUSE button
STOP button
REC button
LCD screen
LCD panel open button
RESET button
Image stabilizer button
Program selector
BATTERY RELEASE button
Self timer button
VOLUME +/–
buttons
LCD BRIGHT +/– buttons
DISPLAY/DATA CODE button
Speaker
Zoom control
START/STOP button
Strap attachment bar
Accessory shoe
Tally lamp
Remote sensor ND FILTER button
FOCUS A/M button
EXPOSURE dial
D.E. (digital effects) ON/OFF button
PHOTO button
POWER switch
Power indicator
+ REC SEARCH button
WHITE BALANCE set button
WHITE BALANCE SELECT button
Zoom control
Strap attachment bar
OPEN button
Stereo microphone
Record review button
– REC SEARCH button

7
Viewfinder
Infra-red signals
transmitter
MENU button
Battery pack
Menu dial
Carrying handle
PHOTO button
Viewfinder focusing lever
MOVIE MODE switch
Tripod socket
DV terminal
REMOTE terminal
Audio/video terminal
S-video terminal
(phones) terminal
Start/stop button
Standby lever
LOCK lever
Focus ring
DC5V terminal
MIC terminal
Grip belt
Cassette compartment cover
PHOTO button
Infra-red signals transmitter
Zoom buttons
Controller buttons
SET button
MIX BALANCE buttons
Search buttons
SEARCH SELECT button FF button
PLAY button
+/ button
x2 button
STOP button
SLOW button
REW button
–/ button
PAUSE button
MENU button
START/STOP button
SELF TIMER button
TV SCREEN button
DATA CODE button
AUDIO MONITOR button
REC PAUSE button
ZERO SET MEMORY button
AUDIO DUB. button
A/V INSERT button
REMOTE SET button

www.canondv.com
Printed on
40% reused paper.
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.
Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc.
Warning: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the
rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC.
Consumer Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (in U.S.A.)
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 USA
CANADA CANON CANADA INC.
Consumer Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (in Canada)
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7
MEXICO CANON MEXICANA, S. DE R. L. DE C. V.
Periferico Sur No.4124 Col.
CENTROY Ex-Rancho de Anzaldo C.P. 01900 Mexico, D.F.
SURAMÉRICA CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.
6505 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 325 Miami FL 33126 USA
ASIA CANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD.
10F, Lippo Sun Plaza, 28 Canton Road, Tismshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
©CANON INC. 1999 PRINTED IN JAPAN
IMPRIME AU JAPON
PUB. DCE-117
0799P18
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories.
When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand
accessories or products bearing the same mark.
Availability differs from area to area.
CB-900
Car
Battery
Adapter
To charge lithium ion batteries or
power the camera from a car
cigarette lighter socket.
Lithium Ion
Battery Packs
A variety of one, two and
three-level battery packs are available.
VL-10Li
Battery
Video Light
Powerful 10 W
illumination. A lithium ion battery
attaches directly, so operation is
cable-free.
Power Sources
Creative Shooting Accessories
Canon Digital
Videocassettes
CH-910 Dual
Battery Charger/Holder
Holds two battery packs. Can charge them
consecutively and connect directly to GL1 to give
twice the playback time.
HC-4000
System
Case
Holds the GL1 with
the lens hood and a battery
pack attached. There is also enough room to
store additional battery packs and mini DV
cassettes, the WD-58 Wide-converter, etc.
Carrying Case
WD-58
Wide-converter
Gives wide-angle coverage at 0.7X.
Available: Winter 1999
DVM-CL Digital
Video Head
Cleaning Cassette
DVM-E60
Digital Video
Cassette
When you attach two battery packs to the CH-910
Dual Battery Charger/Holder, the maximum
recording time will be almost doubled.
BP-915 (supplied)
BP-914 (optional)
BP-930 (optional)
BP-930R (optional)
BP-941 (optional)
1 hr. 5 min.
1 hr.
2 hr. 15 min.
2 hr. 10 min.
3 hr. 5 min.
1 hr.
55 min.
2 hr. 10 min.
2 hr. 5 min.
2 hr. 55 min.
Battery pack Maximum recording time
using
viewfinder using LCD screen
THE CANON GL1 KIT
GL1 Specifications
Power supply (rated): 7.2 V DC
Power consumption: 6.7 W (using
viewfinder), 7.4 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)
Image sensor: 3CCD 1/4" Pixel Shift
(charge coupled device) 270,000
pixels (250,000 effective pixels)
Tape format: Videocassettes bearing the
(Mini DV) mark.
Tape speed: SP: 3/4ips (18.81 mm/s); LP:
1/2ips (12.56 mm/s)
•GL1
•BP-915 Battery Pack
•CA-910 Compact Power Adapter
•DC-905 DC Coupler
•SS-650 Shoulder Strap
•WL-D73 Wireless Controller
•S-150 S-video Cable
•STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
•DVM-E30 DV Cassette
•Lens hood
Maximum recording time: SP: 80
minutes (with a 80 min. cassette); LP:
120 minutes (with a 80 min. cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time: 2 mins 50
sec. (with a 60 min. cassette)
Lens: F/1.6-2.8, 20x power zoom, 4.2-84
mm
Focusing system: TTL autofocus,
manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance: 3 ft 33/8 in
(1 m),3/8inch (1 cm) on maximum
wide angle
Maximum shutter speed: 1/15,000 sec
Minimum illumination: 6 lx
Recommended illumination: More than
100 lx
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Viewfinder: 0.55-inch, color LCD
(approx. 180,000 pixels)
LCD screen: 2.5 in measured diagonally
(6.4 cm), 122,000 pixels (approx.)
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser
microphone
DV terminal: Special 4 pin connector
(based on IEEE1394)
Output level: Video terminal: 1 Vp-p/75
ohms unbalanced
S-video terminal: 1 Vp-p (Y signal),
0.286 Vp-p (C signal)
Audio terminal: -10dBV, less than 3
kohms, unbalanced
Operating temperature range: 32 - 104°
F (0 - 40°C)
Dimensions: 45/8x 53/8 x 103/4in (117 x
135 x 272 mm)
Weight: 2 lb 113/8oz (1.23 kg)
220EX/380EX/380EX
Speedlite Flash
Attaches directly to GL1's accessory
shoe to give SLR-style flash
photography.
FR-100
Floppy Disk
Still Image Recorder
Connects to the GL1 or any
camcorder with an IEEE1394
DV terminal and records still
images onto a floppy disk in
one of three resolution choices.
Images from the disk can then
be transferred to a computer.
Available: Winter 1999
Floppy Disk
Adapter