GH1 versus GH2 (to compliment T2i)

[M. Gilden]

I'm considering a second camera to compliment my T2i, mostly because I know I can get another one very inexpensively (Canon's Loyalty program has a refurb for just over $400).
But, its always nice to consider other options before making a purchase, and I've heard such wonderful things about Panosonic's current crop that I decided to poke in here and get some opinions.

I know this has been discussed already, but I think my situation is a little bit different and I'm wondering if you Panny fans can help share your knowledge and experience with these models.

Here's the thing- Before you start bashing the T2i and say I should just get 2 Panasonics, understand that this camera has actually been working for me in ways the Panasonic would not.
The Magic Lantern hack has proved to be an indispensable tool for my workflow. Using a Sennheiser wireless lav system, I can record my documentary style shoots without any external recorder necessary or syncing in post, and the focus assist tools make using vintage lenses so much easier (live magnification in the center of the display to pull more accurate focus during filming).

I understand that the possibility of Moire can ruin an image, but it honestly has not come up in the things I shoot often (interviews, product demonstration, etc).

I'm here because sometimes I think I would benefit from having a B-Cam to get multiple angles on a shoot. That's when I started considering the Canon Loyalty program- for $400+, I can get a refurb T2i and have two identical cameras, both running the amazing ML software. But I really don't have any brand loyalty- I stick with the canon because it works with my workflow, but for a second cam, I'm open to consider whatever get the job done the most efficiently.

If the situation ever arises that Canon's sensor will be a problem, for example, I guess it would be nice to know I have the GH2 on tap with its virtually moire-free video. But anywhere I find the GH2, it is way more expensive than the $400-500 T2i through Canon's program. I can't justify the few times it would come in handy for that.


But, someone pointed out Panasonic is currently offering a refurb GH1 for $349. I don't know much about the GH1 or how it compares to the GH2... What would I be missing if I went that route? I assume I still can't record decent audio into it directly, but would the video footage be adequate to match the look I'm getting out of the T2i?

 

[xenogears]

From my point of view:
I will take the other T2i for you kind of work (interviews, product demonstrations, etc) as you say, even better at that price of 400$. Is great have two cam system for interviews, i´m having my own with the GH1 and soon to arrive the GH2. In the EOSHD site have a recent article about the 600D which resume very well the kind of differences between Canons and Panasonic.
For me the Canons and the GHs are two different beasts, of course they can coexist, but to get a GH2 you need more money, and i guess you have already invested in Canon lenses (EOS) which are not too friendly with the GHs yet, and when this situation will be resolve with the news adapters, be a expensive one. Sadly the GHs haven´t AGC disabled yet (hope for hack).
If the GH1 is from the last batch, no hack yet! so is not too useful, but a hacked one is another creature.

Hope helps a little.

 

[M. Gilden]

From my point of view:
I will take the other T2i for you kind of work (interviews, product demonstrations, etc) as you say, even better at that price of 400$. Is great have two cam system for interviews, i´m having my own with the GH1 and soon to arrive the GH2. In the EOSHD site have a recent article about the 600D which resume very well the kind of differences between Canons and Panasonic.
For me the Canons and the GHs are two different beasts, of course they can coexist, but to get a GH2 you need more money, and i guess you have already invested in Canon lenses (EOS) which are not too friendly with the GHs yet, and when this situation will be resolve with the news adapters, be a expensive one. Sadly the GHs haven´t AGC disabled yet (hope for hack).
If the GH1 is from the last batch, no hack yet! so is not too useful, but a hacked one is another creature.

Hope helps a little.

Thanks for your input- Aside from a Tamron 2.8 I bought as a walk around zoom for pictures, all my video lenses are vintage Nikon, Vivitar, K-mount, etc. As I said before, I try not to show any brand loyalty, and prefer to be platform agnostic.

That being said, I think my lenses wouldn't be a problem at all for either set up. The lack of decent sound recording is an issue, but I can always use the Canon as my A-cam with the sound going in there (or a separate recorder once I'm doing a 2 cam setup anyway).

I don't mind hacking my way into a useful camera (*cough*Magic Lantern*cough*), so that's not a problem, however I have no way of telling if the GH1 panasonic is selling refurbbed is a new or not, right?
If its a newer one (or perhaps one that they "updated" to the newer guts?), then would the GH1 be a poor choice in comparison?

 

[xenogears]

If its a newer one (or perhaps one that they "updated" to the newer guts?), then would the GH1 be a poor choice in comparison?

The GH1 is still an excellent camera even without the hack, just do not think it is more convenient to have a hack GH1 not to have another Canon 550D.

But if I were in your case, I probably would buy the GH1, is actually quite fun to use, has many good positive points, not heat, is smaller and lighter, the Codec is lighter than those used by Canon, wide lens selection. For me it is really good creative tool. I have one GH1 and am waiting the arrival of my GH2, I also conducted interviews and mostly TVSpots, though more geared to motion graphics which is my specialty.

Cheers