TASCAM DR-100mkII - Portable 2-Channel Linear PCM Recorder

It is an excellent tool to do the job and more

Yes, you will be able to listen while the recording is taking place.

I have the Tascam DR-100mkii and the Tascam DR-680 (mk I, not ii). I find the quality I get with the 680 is a little bit better (quieter), but you really have to listen hard to heard the difference. The 100 is very quiet as well in my experience (using good XLR phantom mics). The 680 is a much larger recorder of course so for field work you have to consider that. The rechargeable batteries in the 100 are great since they can be charged by USB. I think the 680 goes through batteries faster using phantom power, but it can be run using AC or 12v power and work for days without interruption. The 680 has no internal microphones while the 100 has themThey are really different tools. You have to decide what you are trying to record, where and using what types of mics.

I don't have the Panasonic camera, but it if has a 3.5mm input for sound (like many cameras do), you could simply plug an inexpensive 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male line in there. I don't know that you would need the expensive model suggested by Jeff P (who works for B&H). I suspect the much cheaper version I have linked would work just as well unless there is something special about the Tascam version (for 13x the price?).

No SMTP

The Tascam DR-100MkII input selection switch on the front panel allows you to select either XLR inputs ( mic or line level ), the built-in mics or Line 2 input which is the 3.5mm stereo input on the side of the unit. There would be no way to input both a mic and a line level signal to record simultaneously.

The case is rather superficial, and is best for keeping it from getting scratched or dusty. It is a black soft nylon cushion about 1/8 thick. It would not offer any protection from a fall on concrete floor, or being damaged from something heavy being placed on it.