Powering GH2

redpaw

Here's a little solution i adopted for my gh1 (but it should work with gh2 as well - would just need to replace the DCC3 ith DCC8 coupler) to power it up from V-lock batteries. It can also power the lights and whatever you have at the same time. All with one battery and it will still run for ages.
So it's basically this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-BP-battery-Power-supply-V-mount-/270822043311?pt=US_Camera_Camcorder_Accessory_Bundles&hash=item3f0e406eaf that a friend of mine adjusted by adding 9.2V output (as i'm not very good with electronics/soldering myself).

PerryWilson

The best bang for you buck and I have been using it like crazy and will soon be making a rail mount for it... is the Vegabond mini from Paul C. Buff... 120v 130watthours and they make a Euro model too (whatever voltage that it). The unit with one battery is $239 and swap-able battery packs (use one charge one swap system) are $89.... http://www.paulcbuff.com/vagabond.php

itimjim

That looks really good, and would act well as a counterbalance on a shoulder rig too. 130W/h should give around 18 hours continuous usage :-D. All I need now is a 3TB SD card and I'm set.

PerryWilson

yeah its perfect... and if you can find that 3tb :P lol let me know

evero

@PerryWilson the Vagabond sollution looks interesting and economical, but I don't quite understand how it's connected to a GH2. I cant't see a 9V (or similar) output from the Vagabond?
Or do you plan using the Panasonic AC adaptor connected to the Vagabond? That would seem a little too bulky to me..

evero

Not sure about the quality, but found this on eBay:
DMW-DCC8 & DMW-AC8 AC Power Supply Adapter, USD 36

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMW-DCC8-DMW-AC8-AC-Power-Supply-Adapter-Panasonic-LUMIX-DMC-GH2-GH2HK-/270821222056?pt=Camera_Cables_Cords&hash=item3f0e33e6a8#ht_1605wt_1396

PerryWilson

@evero I am using the AC adapter, its lightweight and the converter box on the adapter isnt that big.... on my shoulder mount I just zip tie it up

PerryWilson

on a tripod I just let it hang... with the battery around my shoulder using the shoulder strap it comes with... but all that will change once I have my cage finished :)

DslrDan

@PerryWilson do you have any pics of your setup with the vagabond?? thanks!

ed_lee83

I use the Tekkeon battery + original DC coupler with CPM's custom rail mount attachment. Here, I also use it as a light counter-weight on my rig.
While hand-holding I can just slip the battery into a pouch - it's not as 'clunky' as V-mount or Sony type battery solutions.
Costs only $200: Here's the link http://www.cpmcamerarigs.com/Tekkeon_Battery_Mount_p/092_mp3450i.htm

DslrDan

@ed_lee83 Cool setup, CPM tools has some quality stuff! Where'd you get the adapter for the gh2?

ed_lee83

@DslrDan You mean the coupler? eBay.

alcomposer

These are quite cheep in Australia:
http://ritmotech.com.au/onlineshop/product_info.php?cPath=21_38&products_id=320

(Sorry for horrid photo- it is Ritmo btw...)

This will need a converter from 19v to 9v (available at a shop called Jcar here)

All up $130 aud.

(now only if I can decide between Juice Pedal and this...)

5thwall

Jag35 just launched a battery adapter for the GH2 that works with their branded battery. I visited their office a couple weeks ago. I really like what they're doing and I think the quality of their stuff is pretty darned good. Haven't tried the battery out yet, but I'll be purchasing it online tonight and will let you all know how it works. Supposedly the basic battery will last a day or two with the camera. The battery isn't removable so, you'd need a backup source when it drains - another Jag35 battery or good ol' panasonic batteries. Still, I like that it's an all-in-one solution and can be adapted to fit on rails with rail blocks. The downside, in my opinion, is that it's more expensive than some of the alternatives on this page.

Battery adapter: http://jag35.com/gh2poweradapter.html
Battery: http://jag35.com/products/power/jagbattery.html

fatpig

@5thwall: Dont you think that 350$ is a little too much for something you could easily build yourself for about 50 bucks? Using the dc coupler and some chinese 9v 9800mah battery off ebay?

7hau

http://shop62712023.taobao.com/?search=y&scid=349401564&scname=R0gxLkdGMS5HMS5HMi5HMTA%3D&checkedRange=true&queryType=cat&stp=7
Talked to the owner about selling on ebay but no new since then...

ed_lee83

@7hau
Interesting. Although the sample pics of his alleged GH2 battery grip doesn't actually picture a GH2... Is it a GH1? I dunno

7hau

Picture with GH1 only, u have to specify GH1 or GH2 for the coupler if u buy from them.

5thwall

@fatpig As I said in my post, I felt the one downside was price. However, it's a guaranteed, warrantied, and tested solution that will fit on my rig easily. Also, It's built by a local southern California vendor and I want to support their company. For me, there's a lot of value in that.

chrimsbroome

Guys we have been over this surly its been done :-)

Meierhans

For reasons of simplicity and compatibility I decided to go the V-mount route. Does anybody know a reseller of good cheap V-Mount batteries around 130Wh in europe?

SisterCities

@5thwall Any update on the GH2 Power Adapter by JAG35?

Can anyone else comment on this unit?

Meierhans

@redpaw Could you or your friend provide us with info about the circuit you have built into the V-mount adatper? I have some ideas, but it would be nice to know about a proven solution.

5thwall

@SisterCities I haven't had a chance to really run it through it's paces. I'm going take it out this week. Initial thoughts - solid build quality, good customer service, and plenty of screw holes that you can attach a rail block to for fitting on rails. One thing I'm a little concerned about is the power cables getting pulled out from the side, but a little gaffers tape should fix that right up.

5thwall

@SisterCities Also, keep in mind if you are interested in the Jag Battery that they have a 20% off sale for Cyber Monday which is tomorrow. Wish I'd waited so I could've saved some $$$! ;D

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