GH2 B Cam Complement to AF100 - Advice

[Alan308]

Lads/Lasses - been working on a doc for the last year all shot on AF100. Finally adding a GH2 as a B Camera for interviews (way over due).

All usable audio will be going to the AF100 but will need to sync the GH2 to AF100 footage so I need to maintain reference audio on the GH2, which I know isn't an issue if I use factory settings. I'm attempting to shoot everything as clean as possible (maintaining the widest latitude) and will color correct in post. I've been using the Able Cine File #2 "Range" on the AF100. I'm working as a one man band including producing/directing so I need the GH to be as rock steady as the AF. I have a hard enough time chewing gum and walking at the same time, so a camera crashing on location is a distraction I couldn't handle.

Since having established the AF as the primary camera, here's where I need advice:

Are the factory settings on the GH good enough to match the AF or do you guys recommend hacking the GH?

If you do recommend a hack - which one. Seems like an overwhelming array of them out there?

Thanks for any suggestions.

PS: I've been lurking in the shadows for a long time and have appreciated following and learning from ya'll - and just wanted to say "THANKS" at any rate. Cheers.

 

[Bern Caughey]

The GH2 is contrastier than the AF100, & has a different color response, so matching them isn't simple. I use both cameras, but rarely on the same shot.

As to hacking consider lpowell's patch named Flow Motion.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...-Motion-v2-Patch-Banding-amp-Blocking-Be-Gone!

 

[Alan308]

Bern - I would rather use another AF100 but it's not just going to happen unless I can pick up a used body super cheap. I will check out Flow Motion. Thanks for thoughts!

 

[Bern Caughey]

I've never tried, but some advanced GH2 users prefer 5DtoRGB for the transcode. Perhaps that would make them easier to match.

 

[Alan308]

Another corridor to stumble down/investigate - thanks!

 

[Bern Caughey]

Awhile ago Barry Green started a thread about his attempt to match the cameras. I'd start there, & hope the transcode makes a difference.

 

[dustylense]

They just don't match. If anything, you would need to try and match the AF100 to the Gh2. Af100's are so cheap these days, just pick another AF100 up...

 

[Alan308]

Lads, good points. You've got me thinking: does it really make sense to save a few grand on a camera now only to spend $$ in post screwing w/ footage attempting to make it match? I'm going to pay either way - and if i'm at Compay3 I'm really going to be paying! Not saying I'll have the dough to correct at C3 but I'm rethinking my whole premise. Thanks.