Don't plan an extensive GH2 shoot until you can get batteries/AC cord at DVinfo.net

James Campbell · December 21st, 2010, 09:05 PM

I just received my new GH2 today from Adorama (black, 14-140mm lens). Great camera, having a great time... until the battery died after about an hour. I had ordered a battery that I was told would work with the GH2 (DMW-BLB13PP); no such luck. It isn't even close; you need the DMW-BLC12PP. Tried to find some online; again, no luck. I found a company in Japan that allegedly has the DMW-AC8 (I say "allegedly," as I know that buying "genuine" batteries et al can be risky from Japan or Hong Kong, but I've actually had great success the last month in buying batteries that work in new cameras), but I won't get it for a few weeks.

Thus my recommendation: don't plan an extensive shoot until you have extra batteries and/or the AC8 power cord in your hands. Use the next period of time to get accustomed to the GH2 so that when you can actually purchase batteries/AC cord, you're ready to record. Otherwise, stick with your other cameras for current projects.

John Wiley · December 22nd, 2010, 01:12 AM

Sound advice James!

It's a pity Panasonic are not a bit more prepared with their spare batteries; but I suppose it will force people not to shoot anything major until they've spent some time with the camera.

Brian Luce · December 22nd, 2010, 06:04 AM

I'm not familiar with this retailer, but they claim to have the batteries.
Panasonic DMWBLC12 Lithium Ion Battery for GH2 Lithium Batteries - Vistek Canada Product Detail

James Campbell · December 22nd, 2010, 03:33 PM

Brian,
Thanks for the attempt, and I did see that Vistek claims to have them, but once you try to checkout, it says, "out of stock." I'll keep an eye on that site.

Paulo Teixeira · December 22nd, 2010, 04:35 PM

I'll still use the GH2 for projects although I still have the GH1 as back up. I wish it was the same battery as the GH1's and we wouldn't be having these issues. When the GH1 came out, I bought it with a spare battery and it's a good thing I did. It's too bad I couldn't do that with the GH2.

Stephen Boss · December 24th, 2010, 01:40 AM

Any overheating issues with the GH2 video?

Paulo Teixeira · December 24th, 2010, 02:33 AM

If the GH2 is anything like the GH1, it wont be an issue. I shot videos until the battery died today at an event yesterday. Since Panasonic haven't released many spare batteries if any in the US, that's the limitation. I've said this in other places that have people asking this question everywhere, but not every camera is made the same way.
GH1/2 Overheating Problems?

David W. Jones · December 24th, 2010, 09:23 AM

I could not find the GH2 or batteries for it in stock at a reputable dealer, so I went ahead and ordered an AF100 along with extra batteries and sdxc cards. I figured it will be here long before the GH2.

Brian Luce · December 24th, 2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Boss

Any overheating issues with the GH2 video?

I have a pair of GH2's and they don't overheat. That was a huge problem on my 7d. I don't understand how wedding guys were able to use the 7d. However, in defense of the 7d, mine stopped overheating once I started using external monitor. But it'd always be in the back of your mind that the dreaded RED light would turn on. GH2 so far seem way better for video for any number of reasons. 7d wins for stills though.

James Campbell · January 5th, 2011, 06:03 PM

Update... I ordered two of these through The Camera Store | Get the Picture!. When I called, they said that you need to order them via their website. I wasn't sure that I trusted this even though the site said "in stock," but I took a chance. I ordered them yesterday and they shipped them out today, so not too bad. It'll take a bit of shipping time, but at least they're on their way.

Gabroo Singh · January 7th, 2011, 03:12 AM

How long does the battery typically last for the GH2?

Thanks.

Jim Forrest · January 7th, 2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Campbell

Update... I ordered two of these through The Camera Store | Get the Picture!. When I called, they said that you need to order them via their website. I wasn't sure that I trusted this even though the site said "in stock," but I took a chance. I ordered them yesterday and they shipped them out today, so not too bad. It'll take a bit of shipping time, but at least they're on their way.

Please let us know if they got to you and are the right ones.

Patrick Janka · January 8th, 2011, 02:44 PM

I wasn't aware you could plug in an A/C cord. Where's the jack?

Ros Dok · January 8th, 2011, 03:09 PM

I also have a battery problem...can't find them anywhere and they're quite expensive anyway (because there only are original ones).

Maybe it can be used with a Tekkeon myPower All? Tekkeon - myPower ALL, MP3300/MP3400/MP3450 If it works, it should be the same as about 6 batteries. I'm not sure though. Anyone?

James Campbell · January 8th, 2011, 10:16 PM

"Where's the jack?"

I believe that if you open the battery compartment, there is a small square, rubber piece that pulls out, and the AC cord runs into the battery compartment.

December 21st, 2010, 09:05 PM	#1
James Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cheshire, CT Posts: 110	Don't plan an extensive GH2 shoot until you can get batteries/AC cord I just received my new GH2 today from Adorama (black, 14-140mm lens). Great camera, having a great time... until the battery died after about an hour. I had ordered a battery that I was told would work with the GH2 (DMW-BLB13PP); no such luck. It isn't even close; you need the DMW-BLC12PP. Tried to find some online; again, no luck. I found a company in Japan that allegedly has the DMW-AC8 (I say "allegedly," as I know that buying "genuine" batteries et al can be risky from Japan or Hong Kong, but I've actually had great success the last month in buying batteries that work in new cameras), but I won't get it for a few weeks. Thus my recommendation: don't plan an extensive shoot until you have extra batteries and/or the AC8 power cord in your hands. Use the next period of time to get accustomed to the GH2 so that when you can actually purchase batteries/AC cord, you're ready to record. Otherwise, stick with your other cameras for current projects.

December 22nd, 2010, 04:35 PM	#5
Paulo Teixeira Trustee Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,773	I'll still use the GH2 for projects although I still have the GH1 as back up. I wish it was the same battery as the GH1's and we wouldn't be having these issues. When the GH1 came out, I bought it with a spare battery and it's a good thing I did. It's too bad I couldn't do that with the GH2. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoVi...esEtc/featured https://www.pond5.com/artist/paulot

December 24th, 2010, 02:33 AM	#7
Paulo Teixeira Trustee Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,773	If the GH2 is anything like the GH1, it wont be an issue. I shot videos until the battery died today at an event yesterday. Since Panasonic haven't released many spare batteries if any in the US, that's the limitation. I've said this in other places that have people asking this question everywhere, but not every camera is made the same way. GH1/2 Overheating Problems? __________________ https://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoVi...esEtc/featured https://www.pond5.com/artist/paulot

December 24th, 2010, 09:23 AM	#8
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	I could not find the GH2 or batteries for it in stock at a reputable dealer, so I went ahead and ordered an AF100 along with extra batteries and sdxc cards. I figured it will be here long before the GH2. __________________ David W. Jones www.joneshdfilms.com

December 22nd, 2010, 01:12 AM	#2
John Wiley Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Byron Bay, Australia Posts: 1,155	Sound advice James! It's a pity Panasonic are not a bit more prepared with their spare batteries; but I suppose it will force people not to shoot anything major until they've spent some time with the camera.

December 22nd, 2010, 06:04 AM	#3
Brian Luce Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,290	I'm not familiar with this retailer, but they claim to have the batteries. Panasonic DMWBLC12 Lithium Ion Battery for GH2 Lithium Batteries - Vistek Canada Product Detail

December 22nd, 2010, 03:33 PM	#4
James Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cheshire, CT Posts: 110	Brian, Thanks for the attempt, and I did see that Vistek claims to have them, but once you try to checkout, it says, "out of stock." I'll keep an eye on that site.

December 24th, 2010, 01:40 AM	#6
Stephen Boss Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 52	Any overheating issues with the GH2 video?

January 5th, 2011, 06:03 PM	#10
James Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cheshire, CT Posts: 110	Update... I ordered two of these through The Camera Store \| Get the Picture!. When I called, they said that you need to order them via their website. I wasn't sure that I trusted this even though the site said "in stock," but I took a chance. I ordered them yesterday and they shipped them out today, so not too bad. It'll take a bit of shipping time, but at least they're on their way.

January 7th, 2011, 03:12 AM	#11
Gabroo Singh Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 26	How long does the battery typically last for the GH2? Thanks.

January 8th, 2011, 02:44 PM	#13
Patrick Janka Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 623	I wasn't aware you could plug in an A/C cord. Where's the jack?

January 8th, 2011, 03:09 PM	#14
Ros Dok New Boot Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 10	I also have a battery problem...can't find them anywhere and they're quite expensive anyway (because there only are original ones). Maybe it can be used with a Tekkeon myPower All? Tekkeon - myPower ALL, MP3300/MP3400/MP3450 If it works, it should be the same as about 6 batteries. I'm not sure though. Anyone?

January 8th, 2011, 10:16 PM	#15
James Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cheshire, CT Posts: 110	"Where's the jack?" I believe that if you open the battery compartment, there is a small square, rubber piece that pulls out, and the AC cord runs into the battery compartment.