ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

So today I put my GH2 on my Jag35 shoulder rig and connected it to my Jag35 monitor. The ETC mode was grayed out in the camera menu, as was the ability to switch to 720p when in Manual Movie Mode. Thinking maybe I had a problem I went online and found out sure enough these modes cannot be used with an external monitor. Anyone know why that is? That's a huge downer. I hope there's a firmware update or hack to undo that. Also, for anyone using an external monitor, why is it when you hit the record button all the display information (battery life, exposure, etc.) disappears on the external monitor?? I can't find a menu function that makes it stay visible.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Patrick it IS beyond belief. Ok, so the camera doesn't shoot in 1080p, fine. I will deal with it. You can't use a monitor with the GH1, but they don't tell you, you have to find out by hearing about it. Whatever.

Furthermore, the camera actually changes to 1080i without telling you it has left 720p mode when you hook up a monitor.

720p is a most desirable shooting mode, I believe, for many practical reasons, and it is the one mode you cannot use a monitor.

Ok, I guess I'm shooting in 1080i then. Or I won't use a monitor. Lovely.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Jeff, what do you mean the camera doesn't shoot in 1080p? I don't know about the GH1, but the GH2 does in 24p mode.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

60p is what I am referring to, sorry. I don't even think of 24p as an option.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

I have only used my GH2 in 1080p24 mode. If I want to shoot 1080p60 I use my TM700.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

I just tried my Leadstar monitor in HDMI mode to confirm your findings and it appears you are correct. This is a MAJOR problem for me, because my workflow is based on 720P 60 and 30 . Can Interlaced 108i be made to look look like 720P without seeing the butt ugly jaggies?

I'm really steamed about this. The manual does not explicitly say this is going to happen. If someone comes out with a decent video tutorial on this cam, I'm the first to buy.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Does anyone know where we can send in a comment/suggestion/complaint form to request a firmware update to correct this? I sent an email via this form just now: Panasonic USA Support - Contact Us

Not sure if that's the right place, so we'll see.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Dan, you'll just need to convert the footage properly.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Dan
Can you see an image if you are in 1080p 24?

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Jim, you didn't ask me, but I'll confirm that monitor works fine in 1080i. 720p no. 1080i reportedly converts to 720p just fine, so it's just another step needed in order to use monitor, which I'll have to do since my other cameras will be in 720p mode.

Oops, don't know how I missed it, but you specifically asked about 1080 24p, didn't check that, but I bet it does.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

@Jeff
Did you buy the Sony monitor? If so how is it?

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

It's very nice. Crisp and clear. You must use Sony batteries. At $350 it seems to be a bargain. You can easily calibrate the monitor to the LCD just by turning a dial. It's a piece of cake.

You just have to run in 1080 to use it.

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

Yes it works fine in 1080p 24 mode. It seems that this camera is really limited to 1080p 24 for serious work.

Dan

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

I got an email response:

"Thank you for sharing your feedback with us here at Panasonic. We will send your recommendations to our research and development division to be considered. It is very important to our company that we listen to our customers and provide the products and features that they desire. Thank you for your input and your time in letting us know of your concerns"

Re: ETC and 720p60 disabled with external monitor :(
 

I just put my monitor up for sale in the classifieds. It kills me to sell it. It is the single biggest disppointment with the GH2 system. I will run, not walk to the next decent alternative to this camera system. What is going on at Canon? I can\'t believe how far behind they are! The camera gathers great images, and it will serve me well for a while. Overall it will work as is, but man, focusing using the LCD on the run is no fun, but we already know that, don\'t we?