I have tried this before but just to be sure what exactly would you suggest I call my file name?
Last edited:
GH1 and GF1 firmware hack for dummies
- Thread starter zcream
- Start date
I have tried this before but just to be sure what exactly would you suggest I call my file name?
zcream
Well-known member
Mine came with v1.3 as well. Dont assume this yet - so far theres only been a report of a problem updating the GF1 in Japan.
What would you call the file name?
sevenoloap
New member
Hi, thanks for this very clear thread!!
Can I use those procedures with "C" settings with a Dikom 8 GB Class 6 card?
Thanks for your replys! :thumbsup:
Can I use those procedures with "C" settings with a Dikom 8 GB Class 6 card?
Thanks for your replys! :thumbsup:
zcream
Well-known member
OK. Try this
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2057689&postcount=4
>>>
What happened is that it was already hacked and it was a Chinese model. Someone hacked it to change the language and repackage it so it could be sold in the US so a middle man somewhere could make a buck. So technically it was "NEW" it just had Vitally's firmware already on it. It didn't have the version compare patch installed so what I did was do a new firmware install with the "version compare patch" checked, and the "version increment patch" checked with a value of 8, and then named the firmware GH1__140. It finally took.
>>>
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2057689&postcount=4
>>>
What happened is that it was already hacked and it was a Chinese model. Someone hacked it to change the language and repackage it so it could be sold in the US so a middle man somewhere could make a buck. So technically it was "NEW" it just had Vitally's firmware already on it. It didn't have the version compare patch installed so what I did was do a new firmware install with the "version compare patch" checked, and the "version increment patch" checked with a value of 8, and then named the firmware GH1__140. It finally took.
>>>
Chris Light
Veteran
rundavids is right...however, after applyting the patch, your firmware version in-cam will be 0.0
atleast that's the case with mine, running 3.40d
atleast that's the case with mine, running 3.40d
Great that your keeping this updated!!!
This thread should be cleaned up and made into a sticky... This is a very clear and simple step-by-step instructional guide which will be a great asset to the (hopefully) many new GH1 owners who purchased the camera in order to put the Vitaley's GH13 hack on it.
Also great for non-filmmakers who just want the most out of their camera.
This thread should be cleaned up and made into a sticky... This is a very clear and simple step-by-step instructional guide which will be a great asset to the (hopefully) many new GH1 owners who purchased the camera in order to put the Vitaley's GH13 hack on it.
Also great for non-filmmakers who just want the most out of their camera.
zcream
Well-known member
Hi Jerry. The major information is in the first post, or linked from that post. So cleaning the thread may not be necessary.
However, I do agree that this can be a sticky - unfortunately I'm not an admin and unsure of the process to recommend a sticky.
There is a rating box that can be checked when you type your reply. Thats about all I can see.
However, I do agree that this can be a sticky - unfortunately I'm not an admin and unsure of the process to recommend a sticky.
There is a rating box that can be checked when you type your reply. Thats about all I can see.
Does it make sense to link to this thread from Ptool for Beginners/FAQ sticky? If yes, then perhaps you should PM Car3o.
LukeInfinger
New member
Can someone do a video how to hack the GF1 I am to dumb for this! I think a screencast video would be a great help!
zcream
Well-known member
Archive - change post to new format
Archive - change post to new format
This is a very simple tutorial that will attempt to organize everything for first time users. If you have an older copy of ptool i.e. v3.37d use the tutorial here.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2040847&postcount=28
This is for the latest version of ptool 3.40d. If the menu items seems different and you do have 3.40d, then download again as tester13 has changed the firmware but kept the same version.
1. Create a GH13 Hack folder on your desktop - and all downloads/files go into this folder.
2. Download Ptool - http://www.gh1-hack.info/ptool3d.zip The version described here would be v3.40d
3. For Mac users only - Download wine and winebottler and install it.
http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/
The easiest way is NOT to make a Wine APP - just let wine startup everything ptoold.exe is executed since ptool keeps on changing regularly.
4. Download the latest firmware for GH1 here - http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gh1.html
and for GF1 here - http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
After unzipping, you will end up with a *.bin file.
5. At this time, you can refer to the thread here for a visual Getting Started Guide
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=212263
and here for a Ptool manual
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=213692
Alternatively, you can continue -
Start Ptool and Click on Load Firmware.
For GH1 select the *GH1*.bin file and for GF1 select *GF1*.bin file.
For the first firmware upgrade ONLY
Click on Version Increment. Select it and in the entry box at the bottom enter 3. (See Step 6. why I suggest this. It is easy to remember your increment this way)
Click on Prevent Version Compare -
ptool 3.40d has two regions - one for testers and one for end users. Double Click the Patches for End Users.
Click on Battery -> Third Party Battery
Click on Interface -> Interface Language in case you bought a grey market product and select your favourite language.
Select Movie Related Restrictions -> 30min limit removal if you bought this camera in the Euro zone and cannot record more than 30 mins.
Select Movie Related Restrictions -> PAL->NTSC menu this allows you to switch between PAL and NTSC in the menu. Select NTSC or PAL from the Video Out section of the menu.
*Optional* Select Movie Related Restrictions -> Manual Movie modes if you have a GF1 model and want to shoot with full manual control in video.
From this post.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2064162&postcount=2
>>
1. switch the top dial on the camera not to M, but to the icon with the movie camera with the P
2. go back into the menu and change Exposure Mode from M to something else, and then back to M again
3. go back to take the video, and the settings will show up not
You'll have to do this every time you turn on your camera!
>>
For the settings - look at this thread.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=213486
This is 1 setting that works on a 16GB Patriot Class 10 card as well as a 8GB Sandisk Extreme 30MBps Class 10 card. If it does not work, buy a Class 10 card and stop whinging.
Here is what I use.
Click on MJPEG Size Restrictions.
Select 720p30->1080p30
Select 720p30 width. In the box at the bottom enter 1920
Select 720p30 height. In the box at the bottom enter 1080
MJPEG Settings :- Click on MJPEG Compression.
Click on MJEG E1 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 384
Click on MJEG E1 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E2 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 330
Click on MJEG E2 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E3 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 300
Click on MJEG E3 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E4 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 276
Click on MJEG E4 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJPEG Color
*optional* Click on 720p30 420->422 color sampling. (*NOTE* THIS IS KNOWN TO CAUSE PROBLEMS)
AVCHD Settings :-
Click on AVCHD Movie Mode
Click on AVCHD Compression
Click on Video Bitrate FHD/SH. In the box at the bottom enter 50000000 (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 50 million)
Click on Video Bitrate H. In the box at the bottom enter 50000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 50 million)
Click on Video Bitrate L. In the box at the bottom enter 32000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 32 million)
Click on Overall Bitrate. In the box at the bottom enter 60000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 56 million)
Here are additional options to allow the Gf1 to act more or less like a GH1.
Click on Patches for Testers -> Middle Level Research -> Menu Related -> FHD Mode
This gives 1080p 25P with 1/50 shutter ONLY on GF1. No other settings work at this moment.
6. Click on Save Modified Firmware and save the new firmware as your increment in the Version Change i.e. GF1__123.bin (for 3 Version Change) or GH1__139.bin (for 9 Version Change) etc. DO NOT OVERWRITE the original firmware.
Save everything the GH1 Hack directory. Note that the modified GH1 firmware will only work on the GH1 and the modified GF1 firmware only works on the GF1.
I would recommend not overwriting the previous firmware versions as the Version Compare hack allows you to use swap between different versions. Once you start playing around, you could have different firmware versions on different SD cards and you could swap between them in the middle of a shoot.
7. Start your GF1 or GH1 and format the SDHC card. Shut down the camera and remove the SDHC card. Copy the GF1__123.bin or the GH1__139.bin to the root directory of the SDHC card.
Eject the card and place it inside your camera. *NOTE* Use a fully-charged battery. Start the camera and press the playback button.
8. Finally, at this time, the cameras work thus.
GH1, 720P at 50p/60p. 1080p at 24p/25p/30p
GF1 1080P at 25P ONLY, 1080p at 30p.
If you are Using the GF1, tester13 has added manual control with a mod. Here is an excerpt from his post.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2053148&postcount=2740
>>
Manual movie modes work now on GF1 same as on GH1 (with latest "Movie modes" patch).
This includes all M, A, S modes.
You need to go to menu and set appropriate mode.
Also if you go to menu in picture shooting mode it'll convert to corresponding movie mode, just turn wheel one click and return it back to go to back to normal picture mode.
>>
This is being discussed in this thread. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=217519
You may also consider reading a thread where I organized settings for the GH1 and GF1 for video. Though the GF1 settings are not needed after the 3.40d Manual Control mod.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=215536
Now save as G*1__1**.bin - Dont forget the double underscores.
Put the card in your camera and press the playback button - if the firmware upgrade window does not come up there is a problem hopefully with the Version Increment.
If the camera does not load the firmware, try again with Version Increment 10.
This explains why -
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2057689&postcount=4
9. Finally you want to test stability, download the Start Chart by PappasArt from here
http://www.sendspace.com/file/scn6oz
Open it on your computer and fill up the screen, use the fullscreen or slideshow mode.
Now use your hacked camera handheld and record footage in both AVCHD and MJPEG. MAKRE SURE THAT THE CHART FILLS THE CAMERA SCREEN.
Dont use a tripod as the handheld shake will keep the image changing continuously.
Shoot for a 1 minute - get at least 1 AVCHD and 1 MJPEG at max. bitrate settings. i.e. FHD/SH
Shut down the camera and bring the SDHC card into your computer.
10. Download MediaInfo - http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/en/Download
Install it. Start it. From MediaInfo open the .mov or .mts file to view the bitrate.
MJPEG .mov file is in SDHC card -> DCIM -> *_PANA
AVCHD .mts file is in SDHC card -> PRIVATE -> AVCHD -> BDMV -> STREAM
Check the bitrates BEFORE you bring it into your editor. For example, before you do a Log and Transfer into FCP as FCP automatically converts the footage into its Intermediate Codec called ProRes. Most HD Editors do the same as the AVCHD codec is not meant for editing.
The .mov file will play in Quicktime. The .mts file will (kind of) play in VLC Player but showing pixelation and blocking artifacts.
Dont worry about the artifacts as they are a problem with VLC NOT your videos.
If you post any issues with the recording on these forums, post your settings, screengrab of MediaInfo showing the bitrate and the camera i.e. GF1/GH1
The hacked cameras are now called GF13/GH13 due to the screen name "tester13" used by the main developer Vitaliy.
Archive - change post to new format
This is a very simple tutorial that will attempt to organize everything for first time users. If you have an older copy of ptool i.e. v3.37d use the tutorial here.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2040847&postcount=28
This is for the latest version of ptool 3.40d. If the menu items seems different and you do have 3.40d, then download again as tester13 has changed the firmware but kept the same version.
1. Create a GH13 Hack folder on your desktop - and all downloads/files go into this folder.
2. Download Ptool - http://www.gh1-hack.info/ptool3d.zip The version described here would be v3.40d
3. For Mac users only - Download wine and winebottler and install it.
http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/
The easiest way is NOT to make a Wine APP - just let wine startup everything ptoold.exe is executed since ptool keeps on changing regularly.
4. Download the latest firmware for GH1 here - http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gh1.html
and for GF1 here - http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
After unzipping, you will end up with a *.bin file.
5. At this time, you can refer to the thread here for a visual Getting Started Guide
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=212263
and here for a Ptool manual
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=213692
Alternatively, you can continue -
Start Ptool and Click on Load Firmware.
For GH1 select the *GH1*.bin file and for GF1 select *GF1*.bin file.
For the first firmware upgrade ONLY
Click on Version Increment. Select it and in the entry box at the bottom enter 3. (See Step 6. why I suggest this. It is easy to remember your increment this way)
Click on Prevent Version Compare -
ptool 3.40d has two regions - one for testers and one for end users. Double Click the Patches for End Users.
Click on Battery -> Third Party Battery
Click on Interface -> Interface Language in case you bought a grey market product and select your favourite language.
Select Movie Related Restrictions -> 30min limit removal if you bought this camera in the Euro zone and cannot record more than 30 mins.
Select Movie Related Restrictions -> PAL->NTSC menu this allows you to switch between PAL and NTSC in the menu. Select NTSC or PAL from the Video Out section of the menu.
*Optional* Select Movie Related Restrictions -> Manual Movie modes if you have a GF1 model and want to shoot with full manual control in video.
From this post.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2064162&postcount=2
>>
1. switch the top dial on the camera not to M, but to the icon with the movie camera with the P
2. go back into the menu and change Exposure Mode from M to something else, and then back to M again
3. go back to take the video, and the settings will show up not
You'll have to do this every time you turn on your camera!
>>
For the settings - look at this thread.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=213486
This is 1 setting that works on a 16GB Patriot Class 10 card as well as a 8GB Sandisk Extreme 30MBps Class 10 card. If it does not work, buy a Class 10 card and stop whinging.
Here is what I use.
Click on MJPEG Size Restrictions.
Select 720p30->1080p30
Select 720p30 width. In the box at the bottom enter 1920
Select 720p30 height. In the box at the bottom enter 1080
MJPEG Settings :- Click on MJPEG Compression.
Click on MJEG E1 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 384
Click on MJEG E1 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E2 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 330
Click on MJEG E2 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E3 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 300
Click on MJEG E3 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJEG E4 Quality. In the box at the bottom enter 276
Click on MJEG E4 Table. In the box at the bottom enter 24
Click on MJPEG Color
*optional* Click on 720p30 420->422 color sampling. (*NOTE* THIS IS KNOWN TO CAUSE PROBLEMS)
AVCHD Settings :-
Click on AVCHD Movie Mode
Click on AVCHD Compression
Click on Video Bitrate FHD/SH. In the box at the bottom enter 50000000 (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 50 million)
Click on Video Bitrate H. In the box at the bottom enter 50000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 50 million)
Click on Video Bitrate L. In the box at the bottom enter 32000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 32 million)
Click on Overall Bitrate. In the box at the bottom enter 60000000. (*NOTE* COUNT THE ZEROES. ITS 56 million)
Here are additional options to allow the Gf1 to act more or less like a GH1.
Click on Patches for Testers -> Middle Level Research -> Menu Related -> FHD Mode
This gives 1080p 25P with 1/50 shutter ONLY on GF1. No other settings work at this moment.
6. Click on Save Modified Firmware and save the new firmware as your increment in the Version Change i.e. GF1__123.bin (for 3 Version Change) or GH1__139.bin (for 9 Version Change) etc. DO NOT OVERWRITE the original firmware.
Save everything the GH1 Hack directory. Note that the modified GH1 firmware will only work on the GH1 and the modified GF1 firmware only works on the GF1.
I would recommend not overwriting the previous firmware versions as the Version Compare hack allows you to use swap between different versions. Once you start playing around, you could have different firmware versions on different SD cards and you could swap between them in the middle of a shoot.
7. Start your GF1 or GH1 and format the SDHC card. Shut down the camera and remove the SDHC card. Copy the GF1__123.bin or the GH1__139.bin to the root directory of the SDHC card.
Eject the card and place it inside your camera. *NOTE* Use a fully-charged battery. Start the camera and press the playback button.
8. Finally, at this time, the cameras work thus.
GH1, 720P at 50p/60p. 1080p at 24p/25p/30p
GF1 1080P at 25P ONLY, 1080p at 30p.
If you are Using the GF1, tester13 has added manual control with a mod. Here is an excerpt from his post.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2053148&postcount=2740
>>
Manual movie modes work now on GF1 same as on GH1 (with latest "Movie modes" patch).
This includes all M, A, S modes.
You need to go to menu and set appropriate mode.
Also if you go to menu in picture shooting mode it'll convert to corresponding movie mode, just turn wheel one click and return it back to go to back to normal picture mode.
>>
This is being discussed in this thread. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=217519
You may also consider reading a thread where I organized settings for the GH1 and GF1 for video. Though the GF1 settings are not needed after the 3.40d Manual Control mod.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=215536
Now save as G*1__1**.bin - Dont forget the double underscores.
Put the card in your camera and press the playback button - if the firmware upgrade window does not come up there is a problem hopefully with the Version Increment.
If the camera does not load the firmware, try again with Version Increment 10.
This explains why -
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=2057689&postcount=4
9. Finally you want to test stability, download the Start Chart by PappasArt from here
http://www.sendspace.com/file/scn6oz
Open it on your computer and fill up the screen, use the fullscreen or slideshow mode.
Now use your hacked camera handheld and record footage in both AVCHD and MJPEG. MAKRE SURE THAT THE CHART FILLS THE CAMERA SCREEN.
Dont use a tripod as the handheld shake will keep the image changing continuously.
Shoot for a 1 minute - get at least 1 AVCHD and 1 MJPEG at max. bitrate settings. i.e. FHD/SH
Shut down the camera and bring the SDHC card into your computer.
10. Download MediaInfo - http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/en/Download
Install it. Start it. From MediaInfo open the .mov or .mts file to view the bitrate.
MJPEG .mov file is in SDHC card -> DCIM -> *_PANA
AVCHD .mts file is in SDHC card -> PRIVATE -> AVCHD -> BDMV -> STREAM
Check the bitrates BEFORE you bring it into your editor. For example, before you do a Log and Transfer into FCP as FCP automatically converts the footage into its Intermediate Codec called ProRes. Most HD Editors do the same as the AVCHD codec is not meant for editing.
The .mov file will play in Quicktime. The .mts file will (kind of) play in VLC Player but showing pixelation and blocking artifacts.
Dont worry about the artifacts as they are a problem with VLC NOT your videos.
If you post any issues with the recording on these forums, post your settings, screengrab of MediaInfo showing the bitrate and the camera i.e. GF1/GH1
The hacked cameras are now called GF13/GH13 due to the screen name "tester13" used by the main developer Vitaliy.
Thank you zcream for all your help, out of all the threads, your's is the most helpful and currently relevant to me as a noob. I just have one question:
Under AVCHD compression settings you mention 4 values but in the latest Ptool 3.4d there are 5 values, and your last value says 60000000 in the main text and then 56000000 in the brackets.
Is this a typo? I am just not exactly sure what to put into the Ptool UI and I do not trust my logic at this point with limited experiance.
Please help.
Thanks
Under AVCHD compression settings you mention 4 values but in the latest Ptool 3.4d there are 5 values, and your last value says 60000000 in the main text and then 56000000 in the brackets.
Is this a typo? I am just not exactly sure what to put into the Ptool UI and I do not trust my logic at this point with limited experiance.
Please help.
Thanks
GH13 PAL (UK), Sandisk 4Gb 30Mb/s Class 10 for testing, and Panny 16Gb Class 10 for shooting
HI guys, first up MANY thanks to all you contributors for working so diligently, and succeeding in both exciting and confusing the hell out of me.
I have many questions, but this time (as it's my, er, FIRST posting), I've hacked my machine with (mainly) settings from Zhayoun, with help from Zcream's very handy guide (above), but I still have many issues with my MPEG not working with ANY of the many settings suggested as being, er, 'sucessful': Everything I've tried has frozen up after the first second of shooting, and I've tried all of the settings I have come across (about 15 variants so far), all with zero success... No matter, I've abandoned that for the mo, and am having great success with AVCHD settings, which ROCK, with great detail:
My question is about MediaInfo, as some have suggested it doesn't always get its facts right: I am getting readouts from some of my recent tests as ranging from 19 to 40Mbps, 1920x1080 at 25fps, BUT it also tells me it's AVC (NTSC), when I have a (UK) PAL camera - I deliberately left the PAL <-> NTSC menu unticked, and assumed it's shooting PAL - the Video Out in the menu says PAL, so what's up doc?
any suggestions, and does it matter?
thanks for your time
HI guys, first up MANY thanks to all you contributors for working so diligently, and succeeding in both exciting and confusing the hell out of me.
I have many questions, but this time (as it's my, er, FIRST posting), I've hacked my machine with (mainly) settings from Zhayoun, with help from Zcream's very handy guide (above), but I still have many issues with my MPEG not working with ANY of the many settings suggested as being, er, 'sucessful': Everything I've tried has frozen up after the first second of shooting, and I've tried all of the settings I have come across (about 15 variants so far), all with zero success... No matter, I've abandoned that for the mo, and am having great success with AVCHD settings, which ROCK, with great detail:
My question is about MediaInfo, as some have suggested it doesn't always get its facts right: I am getting readouts from some of my recent tests as ranging from 19 to 40Mbps, 1920x1080 at 25fps, BUT it also tells me it's AVC (NTSC), when I have a (UK) PAL camera - I deliberately left the PAL <-> NTSC menu unticked, and assumed it's shooting PAL - the Video Out in the menu says PAL, so what's up doc?
any suggestions, and does it matter?
thanks for your time