Canon GL2, XL1, XL1S, or...?

I'd like to get a decent camera and learn to make some
documentary type videos. Being a poor boy I'm looking
at older used models. Since I'll be doing some shooting
of lakes and wildlife a strong zoom would be best, so to
begin with I decided on a GL2. But that has no XLR inputs,
so what would be needed to use external mics? Would it be
better to pay a few hundred dollars more for a used XL1?
How much performance difference is there between an XL1
and an XL1S?

Thank you for any advice or suggestions!
David

I have no experience with the XL-1 series; however, I've used the GL-2 for
several "industrial" projects. The lack of XLR inputs can be easily
overcome, as there are enough good mics available with either full size or
mini-phone jacks and they perform well...including wireless. The camera is
a sweetheart, very stable, excellent 20X optical zoom with Canon image
stabilization. You'll want to get into the extensive set up menu and
increase the detail enhancer and then adjust other controls to your taste as
you get some experience with the camera.

From what I've heard, the XL-1 is also a very good camera...the question is
will it be worth the price difference in your application. For add'l
comments, info at adpro1nospam.com (replacing the obvious spam precautions)

<Snooky@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:2ct7b4dpf7b89oavinivl1urnfcns1us4i@4ax.com...
> I'd like to get a decent camera and learn to make some
> documentary type videos. Being a poor boy I'm looking
> at older used models. Since I'll be doing some shooting
> of lakes and wildlife a strong zoom would be best, so to
> begin with I decided on a GL2. But that has no XLR inputs,
> so what would be needed to use external mics? Would it be
> better to pay a few hundred dollars more for a used XL1?
> How much performance difference is there between an XL1
> and an XL1S?
>
> Thank you for any advice or suggestions!
> David