Panasonic Lumix GH1 firmware hack on course!!!
Well it was bound to happen at some time. Some clever hacker has proved that Panasonic could have done a better job with the programming of the codec for the GH1. Most people believe that the GH1 could be the pick of the video enabled DSLRs ( even though it isn’t technically a DSLR ). It has an articultaing LCD, interchangeable lens mounts that due to the short flange distance allow for the use of almost any lens ever made, large sensor at Micro 4 thirds that gives a filmic depth of field bla bla bla. Panasonic didn’t have the guts to unleash this baby as a winner and instead chose to cripple the codec. It is so bad that even my SONY HC3 HDV camcorder from FOUR years ago outperforms it!!!!What a shame because it is a simply stunning performer – except the codec………until now!!!!!!!!!! If you own a GH1 get over there and donate so we can free this baby – or at least get Panasonic to give us a decent codec.
Boy a few of us indies were so disappointed that the Matshushita crew didn’t give this baby a robust Canon like codec. Guess who is selling more cams in the indie filmm-aker arena. One hint – it’s not Pana. NAB saw everyone going crazy over DSLR rigs. That was the talk this year. Panasonic announced the GH1 camcorder equivalent called the AF100
At $ 6000 it is not a true indies dream.Okay not a poor indies dream….. It does have my attention because of HDMI and HD-SDI and it is confirmed that they will be live when recording.$5000 more for effectively what is a GH1 with less aliasing and live HDMI – I thought of going that route – until now………………………..My HFS10 with the Nanoflash and SGblade gives me an amazing picture as it is.I have a low light champ in the 5D MArk II and all that is left now is something I can stiuck on a Hague stabiliser for steadycam shots – ie. the GH1 with a good codec….WE MAY BE THERE SOON.
The hack has so far overcome a few issues – MJPEG is now able to record at 24p although frames get skipped. The bit rates have been able to get successfully upped for a few more precious mbps and some uses claim there is no mud to speak of now. It seems very promising.
The 30 minute limit has been overcome for EU PAL camera owners.You need to do the patching yourself and it will no doubt void any warranty so this is not for the faint of heart.
Went around to ASK Electronics here in london off Tottenham Court rd and got myself a Canon 5D Mark II – they had 2 in stock and one without the lens kit.I had been hearing all the rave and hype made about this camera and Vincent Laforette’s shoot a few months ago had me almost shelling out for this camera.The low light performance is insane and the still pictures are unbelievable.I will be taking tons of stuff on this baby during the summer to make my short films and music videos so watch this space and the video section on the main web page.