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.