On Thu, 6 Dec 2001 23:09:11 -0800, Pep wrote:

>I've read the specs on the GL1 and found that it isn't a full 720 pixels
>wide. A friend sent me a file he shot on his, but I notice that on
>output to NTSC, I'm noticing about 20 pixels getting cut off of each
>side (that's why they call it action safe..doohh..).

You can see this in the GL-1 frame grabs in the reviews at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm

>My question is, is there any real disadvantage to having this? Perhaps
>for content that's shot for the web, but in that case, black overlay to
>make it neater?

Yes. If you use a NLE, though, any transition or effect
(there are many) that reveals the frame edge will show
the black bars...

>I'm down to making my purchase in the morning (Friday). I'm down to the
>GL! and the VX-2000. There's only a $250 difference, and I'm so
>overspent, that it's not the biggest issue. I may have to sell the
>camera in a month or two's time, and sense that the Canon may be better
>in that respect. David Ruether's comparison didn't favor the Canon too
>well, but it's highly regarded on other sites.

Read my reviews again...;-)
If the money difference is not ***ESSENTIAL***,
the VX2000 is better in just about every respect
than the GL-1 (I consider the GL-1 the "bottom
of the heap" of the 3-chip camcorders covered
[for picture and sound quality under most conditions
{among other reasons...}, kinda the "basics" in
camcorder selection, I think...;-], and the VX2000
easily at the top for most uses). For a price
difference of $250...!;-) And, notice there are NO
used VX2000s around...? Resale would be easy,
if need be...

>Thanks for the last minute thoughts,
>Pepper

I can't believe there is still an issue here...;-)
(I'm always impressed with the efficacy of
Canon marketing...;-) OK, in simplest form:
GL-1 so-so; VX2000 very good; prices similar...;-)