is it possible to get a surface pro tablet/laptop to be used as a monitor/external recorder? Would be a perfect solution as an external 10 bit 4:2:2 recorder/Monitor because has an amazing full HD monitor and fast 64GB/128GB/256GB SSD drives.

Any solution for this? Any ideas?

Could we convert the signal in some way to SDI to use existing recorders like the Odyssey, Gemini etc?

Details to follow. Currently in Falmouth.

I have a couple Nikon lenses (50mm f1.2, 70-300 f.4 and Metabones Speedbooster N m43) and an Oly Pen F 25mm with m43 adapter as well as the kit Panny lens, nothing I couldn't sell or transition with.

Portability, quality, and ease of use are primary considerations for photo HDR brackets for panoramic's mostly, shooting a video of an interview with a WWII vet w natural lighting, but nothing professionally, $1000 to $2000 range. If camera isn't worth fixing, is it worth anything?

Any recommendations?

The sound check (by ear) was very good in the configurations that did not use the Sennheissers. The Sennheissers introduced their typical noise. When pre amps from the Sony PCM-M10 recorder, or the sennheissers are used, set the camera level to one click above off. The Sony M10 has cleaner sound than many larger and more expensive recorders, and is 1/4 the size. The best sound recorded to the camera was obtained by going through the M10. Having 3.5mm connectors makes it a bit more fragile. I suggest using all right angle connectors.

I found that the lavs with power supplies directly connected through the Azden Cam-3 mixer was clean enough for speech, although it does depend on the pre amps of the camera you are using which typically has some noise on the floor. I used Countryman B6's. They are one of my favorite lavs. The sound quality is excellent and they are so small I can push them through button holes. That way they are virtually invisible, and I do not have to contend with clothing ruffling. I advocate not using transmitters whenever possible such as sit down interviews. If you are fortunate to have Lectros wireless, then there is no noise issue.

What is very cool is using the mixer connected directly to the camera. The entire sound kit fits in a pocket. The miniature boom mic is a "Que Audio DSLR-Video Microphone Kit"

I did a bit more testing and it looks like some noise is being introduced by the lav power supplies. The unit itself only supplies power and has a passive volume control. My guess is that it is the 4 meter cable which is probably low quality. I will shorten the cables and report back.

I tested the mic power supplies and found almost no difference with them in, or out. I am concluding that they are not a significant noise contributer, although I still think think the cables are not very good, and i will replace them with higher quality. The cases snap open and it looks like an easy fix.

As you may or may not know, Panasonic makes some nice lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system. If you are using a M43 camera like the GH3 and you have use for fancy features like small form factors, good optical image stabilization, and excellent clarity there's a good chance you would want to make use of one or more of the these Panasonic branded Leica infused pieces of glass. One issue with them though: are you a videographer or AC doing precise focus? You are S-O-L. No follow focus for you. No repeatable focus. These lenses use the velocity of your barrel movements in it's algorithm for changing the focus in camera so no two moves are the same. The one and only workaround I have found on the net involves using the distance meter from the camera video output as the basis for tape/stickers: http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/3344/repeatable-focus-moves-with-focus-by-wire-lenses/p1

With the GH2/GH3 being such useful video cameras, and the GH4 looking like it will be a video freaking monster wouldn't it be GREAT if you could get repeatable focus from the focus-by-wire lenses which make up so much of the M43 system?

I understand that the lens focus is controlled electronically but why couldn't there be a 'repeatable focus' mode where the hardware, to a reasonable range of precision, supported the use of a follow focus and focus marks with consistent moves.

If I were a wealthy individual I'd love to put a software engineer or two on the case and see what could be done. What I have seen done that seems interesting is kickstarter projects crowdsourcing a particular software feature or program. Is it possible there are enough people who want what I want and are willing to throw a few dollars at it? I'd gladly throw some cash into making the lenses I already own more versatile.

Is anyone out there a software engineer with some experience with these systems who would, if the budget was there, be willing to look into solving this issue with focus-by-wire lenses? Are there any other Panasonic camera/lens folk out there who would be willing to throw some money at the promise of repeatable focus for that sweet 12-35mm or even the upcoming Nocticron 42.5mm?

Now with 4k coming along, I'm wondering if these older lenses will have any chance of producing the detailed images that the higher resolution sensors are capable of. Or, whether the way forward would be to use an RJ or Metabones speed booster with these lenses to get the detail/ resolution? It would be a shame to not be able to get the benefits of 4k unless using m43 lenses.

Does anyone have any experience, or opinions on this subject? I'd appreciate any comments.

It's a 'GH4K, won't be out 'till next year. But I know some people who know some people that rob some people!(Cit.)

I know they are out there lurking on us speak loud!

This is the official Panasonic Lumix GH4 whist list.