Got at GH2! Questions...

[Saddler]

I was planning on using an AF100 as my A Cam with 2 or 3 GH2s setup as B Cams, but for now I'm starting with a single GH2 that I finally was able to order today. My first project is the week after next where I'll be shooting interviews and some B-roll at a couple of different organizations.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I was primarily focused on the AF100, so I'm not yet too familiar with the GH2 and I still have some questions:

1. What is the max record time on a 16 GB card at 1080/30p? Also, I saw in the SDHC thread for the AF100, someone mentioned a rumored issue with the Panasonic Gold cards. Does anyone know anything more about that?

2. I know that the GH2 has a single 2.5mm audio in port. Is there an issue adapting a wireless Sennheiser down to that port? The camera records only one track of audio, correct?

3. How good is the quality of the $230 Rode mic for the GH2 in comparison to a $700 sennheiser shotgun on an HVX?

4. I've heard lots of grumblings about the battery life. How long can I count on it working, and are there any batteries available anywhere yet (in stock right now)?

5. I'm coming from having used an HVX for many years. Jumping into production, I'm sure there's a few other gotchas to look out for (like the lack of built-in ND filters). Please share any gotchas that you've run into when transitioning from HVX form-factor to GH2. Thanks!

 

[KarlSutton]

1. 8GB card 45 minuntes - so I guess a 16GB would be 90
2 & 3 - I've recorded some close up talking head with a Rode NTG-2 straight into the GH2 & it sounded okay, the preamp is a little noisy, but you would only notice the noise if your recording environment is very quiet
4 I've been getting at least 1.5-2 hours on a battery & it takes about that long to charge the other one
5 HDSLR's are just different animals altogether than traditional video cameras - many places you can read about that

 

[ghosttv]

I think 90 min for 16 geg is for 24p not 30p. I getting over one hour on 8 geg. Gh2 also vbr so maybe if lock camera you can have long ride on 8 geg.
Of course rode $230 much more lousy than $700 shotgun.
For the gold card I never heard its sucks. Berry green recommend it along with sandisk and lexur so it will be very good and so don't worry about it! Lol!