On Fri, 11 Oct 2002 15:51:21 -0400, GDK wrote:

>Two questions, What are the major differences or improvements of the
>GL2 over the GL1?

There are many: sharper image with better color, greater
low-light range, more audio control and versatility.
I have not tried one, so I cannot say if the picture
artifacting is as bad, or if the mic sounds as bad
as the one on the GL1, but, judging from comparison
frame grabs (these cannot show some important image
characteristics...), the GL2 does appear to be a big
improvement over the GL1, and quite good...

>And, would the Sony VX2000 give me any better performance than a GL2?

The VX2000 shows a subtly sharper image combined with
less obvious oversharpening edge effects, and it gives
a good picture in lower light levels... I have no
information on the sonic differences (or on the
motion-picture differences), but I have been very happy
with two VX2000s for both picture and sound, though, as
with any "real world" gear, both are not without quirks
(see www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm for more).

>Does the VX2000 have interchangeable lenses or a 2X adapter?
>Thanks for the help.

No interchangeable lenses, though there are some fine
wide-angle converters available for it. I'm less interested
in tele, but the "HG" Sony 1.7X should be at least good...
BTW, the GL2 also does not have interchangeable lenses,
and it appears that the top three performers among Mini-DV
"handycam"-style camcorders currently are the VX2000/PD150,
TRV950, and GL2... (for comparative frame grabs only, see:
http://www4.big.or.jp/%7Ea_haru/temp020829/0208_3CCD.html).