Clip length limitations for PAL GH1 solved by an australian firmware update ?

[ivanouchkine]

I own a PAL GH1.

As you probably all know, for some stupid custom reason, this model has a clip length limitation of 30 minutes.

I read on this forum that the australian GH1 was PAL but didn't have such limitation.

Does somebody know if downloading the firmware update from Australia would allow me to solve my PAL GH1 clip length limit ?

I mean, does someone possibly know if the limit is within the firmware or implemented in the hardware ? And can I turn my european PAL firmware into an australian one ?

Why do I need to shoot continuously ?
I will soon start some documentary project in which two guys will be talking for three hours, each session. I believe their discussion will be more natural if it weren't cut every half hour.

Thank you for your suggestions ! Godspeed !

 

[guiscard]

I can't help you with the Australian firmware question, but the reason for the 30 minute limit is a European tax law issue. Video cameras have a duty imposed on them, still cameras don't and the definition for a video camera is if it shoots for more than 30 minutes.

More information here.

 

[Ozpeter]

I don't know of any previous suggestion that firmware is different in different regions. Here in Australia I download it from the same site as everyone else. I guess it's possible that the site recognises the location to which the download is being delivered, but I very much doubt it, as the complications arising would (for instance) give rise to the potential that the a non-Euro device would become Euro-ified by accident.

My VX9000 video camera, which now gathers dust in the cupboard, was a Euro model which could not be adapted to accept DV input - that was limited to certain serial numbers, and doubtless the limitations were built right into the hardware. Then again, I know that some minidisc devices which have Euro limitiations (capping of headphone volume level) can be made international if you get into service mode and change some hex values selectable on their display. And if you get those values wrong, your MD recorder becomes a lightweight brick.

Which makes me wonder - there's a lot of talk about firmware hacks but do devices like the GH1 have a service mode giving access to hidden options and information?