TASCAM DR-60DMK2 PCM recorder first impressions at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Panasonic P2HD / AVCCAM / AVCHD / DV Camera Systems > Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series

Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series
4K and AVCHD on a Full Frame or Micro Four Thirds system with interchangeable lenses.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old October 21st, 2014, 09:10 PM   #1
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New York City
Posts: 2,650
TASCAM DR-60DMK2 PCM recorder first impressions

Just received this unit yesterday and haven't had the time to put it though it's paces but I thought I would leave my first impressions.

Except for using an on camera mic or a wireless, my attempts to get pro audio into my GH3 was with a Zoom recorder. The Zoom is a good piece of equipment but it really is difficult for a single person crew to use in a handheld situation or when there are lots of set-ups. I was looking for a tripod plate that could mount the Zoom next to the GH3 but aside from clumsy attachments to cage holders, there seemed to be nothing good out there. The Beachtek or Juiced camera mixers were nice but the prices are ridiculous considering that the more complicated Zoom recorder was cheaper than some models.

Along comes this TASCAM combo mixer/recorder unit at a very reasonable price and I had to get it.

Preliminary Pros:

Four inputs - 2 XLR/TRS jacks, one stereo mini
Up to four tracks of recording at the same time
Hard switchable line/mic impedance for two channels
Peak alert LEDs
2 different impedance outputs with adjustable levels for the camera
Selectable monitor choices
Camera monitor loop so you can check the camera audio recording
Audio slate button for post sync
Menus mostly easy to access and understand.
The whole design is simple and clear.
"Crash" bars protect the controls.
Quality camera plate on top, tripod plate screw and peg holes on bottom.
Standard USB power port / data transfer port.
Only four AA batteries needed.

Preliminary Cons:
- Bulky, slightly larger than the GH3 camera body.
- Heavy, even though the body seems to be plastic there is a lot of metal in the construction. Depending on the lens, it is heavier than the GH3.
- Not very pretty looking with the camera mounted on it.
- Makes hand-holding very awkward, especially if XLR cables are plugged in. Really would require a shoulder mount for handheld work.

The unit promises to be really great for my tripod bound interview shoots and event recording where I am getting an audio feed. I can plug the Rode camera mic into tracks 3 & 4 and record everything while sending a mix to the camera for backup and reference. Handheld would be better if they had a belt attachment for the unit, it just throws the already shaky GH series video ergonomics out the window when attached to the camera. The audio quality seems to be very good and the recording is very good.
__________________
William Hohauser - New York City
Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation

Last edited by William Hohauser; October 22nd, 2014 at 05:43 AM.
William Hohauser is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Panasonic P2HD / AVCCAM / AVCHD / DV Camera Systems > Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:06 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network