GH3 Recommendations on my audio setup. VMP, H1, and GH3

[peripatew]

So I'm trying to think through two specific issues, simplicity and redundancy. I just upgraded to the GH3 from my GH2. I'm going to be using my camera a lot more as we move to Cambodia to do some short, episodic documentary type work.

1) Simplicity. I've been using my H1 for just about everything with my GH2. But, I've been quite pleased with the VMP straight into the GH3. Simplicity wise, this is the best scenario for situations where I don't need to setup off camera audio, and I have control of the environment. I'm using MOV vs AVCHD, and so not having to sync audio OR mess with AVCHD is amazing, especially for family stuff.

2) Redundancy. I really liked having two audio sources. Only once did I need the in camera audio from the GH2, as the VMP + H1 audio was always much better. BUT, having the GH2 audio saved my hide big time. So I'm a little apprehensive to give up dual audio.

What are my options? Moving from the H1 to something the H4n/H6 where I can record from the internal mics, as well as attached mics, AND run sound into the GH3? Or should I give up running clean audio into the GH3 and just stick with the H1 (rarely do I need more than one mic).

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience.

L

 

[eiker_ir]

Since both options use a camera mounted microphone, i would go for audio straight into the camera using the VideoMic Pro to simplify things. In this case i would only consider using an external recorder if using a boom or lav if the absolute best possible audio is needed during interviews or similar scenarios.

 

[omnikron]

If all sound for your project is being recorded by the GH3, I'd skip any recorder and go directly into the GH3. I shot a project this summer with the VMP in one channel and a Sennheiser G2 received going into the other channel. It worked amazingly. You have to set the levels right on both the VMP and Sennheiser unit but I didn't have any distortion and volume levels were just about right. When you're shooting in a very loud environment, I turn the VMP down from +20 to the middle setting.

If you want to get clean audio from your Zoom or Tascam, you need a Sescom cable, but the quality is no different going from the Zoom or Tascam into the GH3 vs just going directly into the GH3. The audio on the zoom or Tascam does sound noticeably better only if you compare it side by side. Obviously your mileage may vary depending on how critical it is to get the least compressed audio signal recorded that you can, but I was very well surprised by how good it turned out for me using the GH3 as my audio recorder.