I noticed on their GH2 page it says it uses DMW-BLB13E batteries? But it refers to the grip model for G2. So... why the hell would they mention that. Can anyone just put my mind at ease and confirm the grip needs to use original GH2 batteries? thanks
well I got it today. Overall it does what it's supposed to do. A few points: 1) It doesn't have any "knobs" to prevent the grip from twisting. Just some rubber on top. Better than nothing. Might not bode well for long-term usage with follow focus etc. It'll twist eventually. 2) Battery meter works with original batteries 3) I don't have any 3rd party batteries so can't test if they work 4) I logged about 4hr40mins before the batteries gave out. Settings were HBR/25p, 640iso, I.Dynamic @ Standard. 5) If like me you invested in adapters that have tripod mounts, they just about fit while using the grip. In the pic below is the Nikon adapter for example.
Got mine today aswell :-) Got the full package with remote and external battery pack (MIG-PGH2RAB).
The good: + Does not need any cables connected for battery meter to work. Meter even works with the external AA battery compartment! (not sure how accuarate though).
It's light weight.
IR remote works fine, it's not interfering with the popup flash.
External battery compartment is ok, has a belt clip and seems to work fine.
Does not cut power if you switch the battery switch between A/B/DC it even works fine set on B with no battery in B compartment. From what I can tell the switch is only used to select what battery the meter should show.
Has a extra port for remote trigger (Don't have a external mic to try if it will work with that too, probably not) so one can use a remote even if the grip shutter button is connected.
Has tripod hole on the bottom, and has what seems to be good sticky plastic on top to prevent it from moving around.
The not so good:
It's very "plasticy". It could do with some rubberized feel to it.
With the full package you will have a bunch of wires coming out all over the place.
Battery compartments in the grip does not hold the battery in place unless the lid is there (no "spring-tap" like it has in the camera compartment). And since lids are not hinged I can see these getting lost when one is out in the field, and if you loose the lid you are screwed. The door really should be hinged or there should atleast be a supply of a few extra doors in the package.
Overall verdict: Ok product, a bit on the expensive side, does what it's adverticed to do. Build quality seems somewhat cheap. Only time will tell how sturdy it really is.
Hope someone else finds this helpfull :-)
Sorry for any spelling errors etc. English is not my native language.
Thanks for useful report.
thanks lsf2000 and ed_lee83
So does the Batt-Grip use the GH2 batteries or the older dmwblb13e Batteries?
Im planning on buy one. I just want make sure i don't have to buy batteries also.
@oraku GH2 batteries.
Warning! read this first: http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/comment/40651#Comment_40651
Just a update,
1600mah battery that work with battery info!
These batteries work fine with and without the grip and they show battery info on cam, the 2 pack is perfect with the grip and they are cheap and give about 25-30% extra usage time. (6+ hours with the grip and both batteries installed).
Get 4 of these and you will never run out :-)
Hey guys, what can that IR remote do exactly? Can it be programmed for timelapses as well or does it just work as a wireless shutter release?
Oh, and thanks @lsf2000 for that link for the battery, nice find!
@gabb3r: the remote has the following buttons: focus, clear, shoot, timer and b-shoot. it's called mini-rhs2 and there is a manual on the owuser site: http://www.ownuser.com.tw/e_acc_Mini-RHS2.html
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