In conclusion I would have to say that the GYDV300 meets my expectations

Canon GL1 vs JVC GYDV300
If you are wondering about a GL2, you should expect the look to be similar because I have seen comparisons between the 2 and they are identical at least to my eye. However a GL2 was not used in this test. It is best to compare GL2 with GL1 quality with others who have done shootouts specifically with both GL cameras.

the comparisons on this page reflect my own opinion and experience using both the JVC and the Canon GL1 camera in a head to head test. All frame grabs where taken 4 minutes apart and composition of the shot may vary due to position when standing and the lens difference in which the GL-1 has a wider view.

No enhancing or resizing was performed except with the low light on TV which simulates the difference of how the image actually looks on a TV (where grain is amplified). I note this for those sections.

Even though screens shot are a good indication of quality, they are still not representative of the actual image. Different NTSC TVs/monitors and settings used can change everything as far as how it will look, but these should give you some idea.

Two shooting sessions where conducted.

GL1 shots are the first or top Image in the comparisons (unless otherwise specified)

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Shooting sessions

This is a test for shadows indoors at night with lots of detail. They look pretty close here. The JVC (bottom) looks sharper on the actual TV screen though. For comparision, I guess I would try to look at the shelves on the stand. Again its close and in this case, more prominent on the TV screen.

Indoors settings (always F1.6, S=normal, WB manual or preset)
settings you will see on this page include only items that are changed from default

Indoors w/shadows & high contrast lighting
G=-3 to 3
Mblack = 2-5
Detail = max
Black = stretched

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These are done with Low Light and with little noise (considering the conditions of course)

+6 gain on the JVC is = to having +12 on the GL( top photo).

You should really never go more than +8 unless you want to see noise

As with all computer screen shots, low light is hard to duplicate as it actually looks brighter on the TV/monitor.

Low light
G= 6-8
Mblack = +2
Detail = min

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below - Almost no light test
Shoot AUTO or add Lowlux to the Low light setting above - JVC is bottom

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next, Same as above but levels are brought up to match the TV/monitor. This is the best representation of what it will look like for the viewer. JVC wins here. (note: this was modified in PS to simulate a TV viewing)

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Again strait from the cameras. The GL (as the room got darker) is the first shot. The DV300 (+8 gain) is better and lowlux (the last shot) looks really good (considering). However, things are not what they appear once you see how they look on a TV/monitor (below)

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same as above but using my adjustment for how it will look on a TV. Notice the Lowlux is very blue being not able to white balance and very graining due to its 18+ gain. Lowlux might be good for surveillance, but not any quality video footage. Depending on taste you might want to make the DV300 +5, +6 if the condition get to bad. Below are extremely dark rooms as they would look on the TV. GL, DV300, DV300LowLuxMode

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Outside shot. This was done in auto on the DV300 and the color is off due to auto white balance not being all it can be. I'm thinking it maybe goes more toward green on the JVC. Also the color matrix is on for the DV300 which over saturates it in a bad way. Although I am now saying to use color matrix inside (sometimes), I would never use it outside. It just is to much makes skin color orangish sometimes. I would rather adjust to taste in post when it comes to color saturation especially on skin. Both are about equally sharp in this example. The blur on the bottom right of the DV300 image is a flaw on the camera lens. The supplier has immediately sent me a new camera since then. stair stepping is not as noticeable on the actually monitor/TV. GL1 is first shot then JVC. notice the JVC being a little to crazy in the color dept. (that's the color matrix)

outside
setting = auto
color matrix = off
detail =max

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some shots to compare from standing outside and shooting inside. Both are on auto and both look pretty good with the GL pulling just a little more detail. This might have to due with the GL having a better auto focus as well as its better auto white balance. These were shot in auto which is not the best way always for DV300. I am thinking the GL wins here.

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resolution test. The GL(top) seems to not be able to handle the thin lines. See the ones on the side especially. The DV300 on the bottom has no problem although I should have opened the iris a little to let more light in. JVC (bottom) is the winner here.

Shooting session #2

Another color/detail test. JVC on top/first second pictures seems to be sharper.

Indoor normal lighting
G=0 or 1
Mblack=+2
Detail = max

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same here. JVC on top seems to be sharper (almost to much with the basket)

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JVC (on top) is definitely sharper here. Could have even backed the detail down, but on a TV it looks different and you do not see edge halos with the flowers/stems

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Indoors w/shadows & high contrast lighting

JVC (on top) is sharper, but boy...its close. Auto was used and JVC is has blue tint. Always seems to have a green or blue tint for ambient light when auto is concerned. Manually white balance will correct it. Auto exposure seems to work ok on JVC so auto is not really to bad if you have light as long as you watch the White balance.

Auto could be used here but should use:

G=3
Mblack = 5
Detail = max
Black = stretched
Color matrix =on

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Day shot with shadows in auto. JVC (on top) is in auto and is doing its "crazy-on-the-gain" thing here. Looks really grainy on a TV. Again manual when you know your subject is going to be dark. GL is pretty dark here.

Indoors w/shadows & high contrast lighting
G=3 (auto was used below and it said 16g was best guess-- way to grainy) play with gain in manual instead
Mblack = 5
Detail = max
Black = stretched
color matrix = off (do not use color matrix if light is to low)

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These are very close, but the JVC(on top) is sharper o the TV. The reason the GL can pull this shot off is because it is afternoon. If it was morning, you would not see the outside the same time as the inside and the JVC would win be leaps and bounds due to the contrast (auto knee feature )it can handle. I'll try to post a morning shot of this sometime.

Indoors w/shadows & high contrast lighting
G=3
Mblack = 5
Detail = max
Black = stretched
Color matrix =on
play with the iris on this shot

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Close again. The JVC (top) seems to pull in more stones in the far end of the driveway....but again its really close.

setting = auto

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here is think the GL produced a sharper image, but it might be that auto focus issue when the DV300 is in shadows. You will notice that the DV300 (top) produces the contour lines of the insect repellant jug

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Could it be any closer? Both auto. Color matrix off on the JVC. The (JVC on the top) could have used a nudge on the focus ring. You don't notice an off focus frame with video because it moves so fast, Overall I think I favor the GL in this shot (GL seemed sharper). If I shot it again it may be different every time for this condition.

Here is an example where I should have used color matrix on with the JVC or just fix in post

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optical zoom comparison

We all know the winner here. (GL is on top)

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Picts of my fully loaded DV300
Sennheiser MKE 300
Samson Micro UHF System w/ Sony44 Lav Mic
Radioshack XLR to mini adapter

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In conclusion - I would have to say that the GYDV300 meets my expectations, but does not exceed them as much as I thought it would. This is not to be taken the wrong way as the camera is a performer. I am meaning to say that the camera meets its claims except low light could be better (maybe similar to the sony VX series). The camera (If tweaked properly), is better than a GL1/GL2 but not as good as a PD150/170. A good price for this camera would be $1500 to $2400 - but no more. If you decide you want to pay over $2500 than the Sony VX series might be worth taking a look at.

If I didn't already have a GL1, I might purchase a GL2 with an XLR adapter as my first camera. Meaning if you had to choose 1 - maybe choose a GL2, because with the audio and video improvements over a GL1 would make it pretty good cam (but not better!)to the GYDV300. Again I am basing it on the GL1's performance which makes it all speculation. If you can get a DV300 for less than a GL2, I would say definitely the DV300
If you had to choose 2 - I would say a GYDV300 as a main camera because of the advantages and then use the GL series as second camera specifically for shots that require a better zoom range and better auto shooting in situations were you would not have the time to set up any type of manual shooting. The zoom on the GLs are still pretty amazing.

The following facts have been concluded:

Produces a better picture in low light than a Canon GL series - although to limit noise, the gain must never go over +8 (as opposed to it's +18 ability) Can not be used in auto for low-light as it will auto go to the noisy +18 db gain. DV300 setting of +6 gain is the equivalent of Canon's +12
With "MAX detail on" Produces a sharper picture than you will see in a GL in every other condition. however, if sharp is not what you are going for than having the DV300 on normal detail will make it looking pretty close to a GL with the exception of maybe a 20% more detailed picture in a high contrasty environment due to its 400% range
Includes all the professional audio features that would have to be purchased and attached separately on a GL. Note: the GL2 comes with everything but XLR inputs and mixer so GL2 gets closeer in that department
The on camera mic is not as good as the GL series its mono and tingy but has the mixer and level controls and they work as claimed. Viewing levels on the LED screen is a plus. Adding a better shotgun mic to the camera helps and is reccomended.
Camera has no mini inputs so if you have a mic you favor such as a sennheiser MKE 300 with a mini end, than you will need a radioshack adapter to go into one of XLR inputs (see photo of my full geared DV300)
Filter rings and lens adapters can be used but it is a very very tight fit in that the sun hood unfortunately is an item that is not made to come off. I'm wishing it was more like the GL were it can come of in 3 sec.
Lens is not as wide as a GL but seems to have a smaller depth of field (possibly an advantage for some folks)
Tape load time is faster in that you do not have to wait for the carriage to retract down after loading
LCD screen is sharper, but seems to be a little dark. Brightening the LCD screen only washes it out more but helps (try +2 on everything). It is suggested that you maybe calibrate it to the output on a TV/monitor to get it close
Handle is larger and more comfortable and the unit is lighter to hold due to its lower weight
All controls seem to be located in a better position than GL series except for white balance and VTR controls which are just OK in my opinion
If you are into shooting letterbox widescreen the camera crops and shows the result correctly on the LCD which is kind of a plus (note: this is not the same as anamorphic)
Auto focus has to hunt more and auto white balance tends to always introduce +5 green and maybe +15 blue. If you have the time, a manual white balance is a must to get away from this. You may have to bump the iris up or down to get the balance to take as it won't work all the time in very dark or bright conditions.
Camera has a lot of potential if you have to time to use it in manual. Has a lot of control with blacks in the image. Camera actually has 2 different settings just for black! Has a very adjustable image and the image is sharp. The Cam is feature rich and produces a sharp picture.

Score for GYDV300 = 9/10
Score for Canon GL series = 7.5/10