I agree that the Canon GL2 camcorder is a great value for a good camera; it is the cheapest pro camcorder out there. It is easy to use, and produces great footage (not high definition but still good), therefore, an excellent choice for the beginning professional trying to get to know the manual controls. However, with the GL2, you may find yourself limited as far as audio capabilities. For excellent, crisp audio quality, you will need a microphone (most likely a shotgun, or lavalier, or possibly a handheld one too) with an XLR jack. The XLR microphones are used by most professionals. However, the GL2 does NOT have the XLR input for microphones. Instead it has the consumer alternative, a 1/8" mini-stereo input, that takes lower end microphones. This may or may not be a problem to you, but some videographers consider audio to be more important than the picture quality. Sure, there are ways of upgrading a mini-stereo jack to an XLR, but it will cost you about $160 for the extra hardware, but luckily, Canon makes an XLR adapter that is pretty easy to carry around. I too, have a professional camcorder without XLR mic inputs, the Sony VX2100, and I have been fine so far. Even without XLR inputs, there are ways to get nearly professional sound. Here are some of the best mini-stereo microphones out there (in my opinion):
1) RODE VideoMic is by far my favorite mini-stereo mic. It is $150 and produces excellent sound quality and is pretty durable. I highly recomment it!
2) Sennheiser MKE300 is a bit cheaper at about $130, but it does not have quite as good sound, and it is much more flimsy in my opinion.
3) Azden SGM-X is around $110 and produces fair sound quality, not impressive though
Apart from audio, here are some features the GL2 DOESN'T have that you may want to consider:
1) HD: of course, HD would give you better resolution, you won't die without it, but some consider it important
2) 24p: a feature that makes digital footage look like film; it appeals to independant filmmakers but in your case, you probably won't need it
3) Interchangeable Lenses: a feature you may want to consider if you do not want to be limited with depth of field and of course zoom distance. You have to pay a lot for a camcorder with interchangeable lenses though
Here are some other pro camcorders to consider:
- SONY DSR-PD170 (or the older PD150) is a popular model among newscasters. It has XLR inputs, and excellent low light capabilities at a minimum of 1 lux, however, it is not HD, it doesn't have 24p or interchangeable lenses: $2500
- JVC GY-HD110U: a bit too high for your budget ($4,000) but it is rivals the Canon XL-H1 as the best camera under $10,000 and has everything you could ever ask for.
-Sony HDR-FX1/ HDR-FX7: HD pro camcorders, but I believe that neither have XLR jacks either: $3,000; $2,500
-Canon XH-A1: at $3,300, it is a bit pricy, but has most pro features, except interchangeable lenses
-Also look at Canon XL2: its not HD, but I don't think you would really need HD for weddings: $3,000
In conclusion, if you want to stay close to your budget, your best options would be the GL2, the Sony PD170, Sony VX2100 (no XLRs), Sony FX7 (no XLRs) or Panasonic AG-DVX100B. If you decide to go with the GL2, you will not be disappointed!! Sorry for the long response. Hope that helps.
[EDIT]
Oh, and regarding the idea proposed by the answerer below, that is another good option, but it still has its pros and cons. I totally agree that the Canon HV20 is an excellent camera for a good price, and is something worth considering. As an HD camera, it will have resolution far greater than the GL2, a standard definition camera. However, there are still some advantages in a standard definition pro camera such as the GL2. One of these is the manual controls, allowing you to manipulate your picture to what you see is best fit. This is important in correcting lighting and focus, as the automatic function is not quite as accurate. Also the pro cameras have 3CCDs as opposed to the CMOS sensor in the HV20. The differences in the CMOS and CCD chip are not very noticeable, with the CCD having a very slight advantage (in my opinion) in certain lighting situations. Also having 3 CCDs as opposed 1 CMOS also has its advantages. With 3 CCDs, the color reproduction is much more accurate. Of course, price is always a huge factor, and in that respect, the HV20 wins.