I have been using a DSR 250 since 2003. I have some slight experience with the GL. The 250 has 1/3 " chips, the GL has 1/4". For meetings and presentations of more than one hour, the 250 will hold full size DVCAM cassettes (up to 4.5 hours DV.) The 250 also shoots 16:9, is more light sensitive, much better viewfinder, shoulder mount, and many more features.

Ralph

Hello Xavion,
you don't own a Casablanca Kron from the old days, do you? (grin)

I have a Canon GL-2. I love it... if I had the chance to get two, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat...
It takes 60 minute miniDV tapes yes... but there is a setting in the camera for extending the record time to 90 minutes... with about 88 minutes or so full tape duration.
I have run the firewire to a laptop (and a Casablanca Prestige) for live recording directly to a hard drive and recorded to tape during the same event to give myself a full backup in the event the hard drive crashed or hit a glitch.
I love the 20X zoom for live performances from the back of the auditorium... or across the ice skating rink...
It does not perform well in low light; but very little of what I want to film takes place in the dark.
Dance recitals, stage performances, ice skating performances, and outdoor landscape/wildlife events and occurrences...
It has individual volume controls on the camera with an inexpensive adapter to permit XLR connections through the hotshoe connector.
I realize this forum is a Sony spot... but I'm a Canon camera video guy through and through ...
I bought a Canon HV30 as my HD camera ... it is not as fully loaded as the GL-2; but for the cost, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the picture quality ...
Of course, I am blind in one ear and can't see out the other when it comes to differences in pixels and color variations, but I do know what I like, and I like the images the HV30 provides...

Are you able to try them out... ?
Are you familiar with both... ?
I'd say go with the one you need for the tasks you'll have for them...

No question for me ... Canon ... without hesitation.
Your mileage may vary. . . (grin)

Did I sufficiently muddy the waters for your decision committee... ? (wink)

Until that time... Earl J.

It does not perform well in low light; but very little of what I want to film takes place in the dark.

Define "perform well" and "low light"

I consider my GL2 to perform quite well in low light ... but then I'm comparing it to low end consumer camcorders .. you may be comparing it to other camcorders.

Hello brighterside,
I didn't realize that comment was intended for me... I didn't even realize you were quoting me... (sigh) ... I apologize for taking so long to respond...
I'm here tying up loose ends before I go to bypass surgery in the morning...(25 MAY).
I wanted to pass on a solution from Canon that worked for my GL-2 eject tape problem and discovered this post after a search for GL-2 (grin)...
* * *
Low light to me is the dark areas of a stage performance outside the spotlights ... and not the sort of dark outdoor at midnight shots some might want for a movie or music video... so although it is dark, it is not any sort of absence of natural light, it is more of the sort of periphery of direct full lighting dark than one might expect....

I have filmed part of a ice skating event where all the rink lights are out and only the emergency lights are on with limited success = images are identifiable with dull colors and some acceptable noise - but not the sort of thing I'd like to shoot all night long... (grin)
* * *
As for the eject problem;
I called the toll-free consultant prior to sending it off for repair. The assistant indicated that it might reset if I take out all the batteries... both the main battery on the back and the internal battery inside the display cavity. I did that and let the camera sit empty for about a minute.
After installation of the batteries, I was able to view and record as if it was the day I received it new... problem solved for me.
So, for those of you having the Eject Tape problem, give this full power cycle reset technique a try. I can attest to the fact that it works.
* * *
I'll be back online about FRI or SAT ... over the Memorial Day weekend anyhow...
And please say a few prayers for those still in uniform all over the world . . .

Until that time... Earl J.

We will also include you in our prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

"I'm here tying up loose ends before I go to bypass surgery in the morning...(25 MAY)."

I'm not a praying kind of a guy but still mate, best wishes, hope you come back in better shape.

Bob.

Thanks guys...
prayers not required, well-wishing and good karma also welcome ... (grin)

... and if you do find a better spot to place this solution ... let me know, and I'll move it there... I know I've come across it before... just can't find it now...

Until that time ... Earl J.