The Panasonic GH2, right out of the box, delivers impressive image quality that often surpasses more famous DSLR alternatives for video. However, Vitaliy Kiselev’s firmware hack elevates the GH2’s capabilities even further, unlocking features that enhance detail, resolution, and overall video quality. Here’s why and how you can hack your GH2 to achieve superior results.
Why Hack the Panasonic GH2?
While the GH2 performs admirably with stock settings, hacking the firmware unlocks several advantages:
- Enhanced Video Detail and Resolution: Achieve a more film-like image with higher bit rates.
- Improved Dynamic Range: Better shadow detail and overall image quality.
- Superior Audio Quality: Increase audio bit-rate from 192,000bps to 440,000bps.
- Extended ISO Range: Unlocked ISO up to 12,800, allowing for shooting in extremely low-light conditions.
Key Features of the GH2 Hack
- Higher Bit-Rate for Video: Produces film-like detail and motion quality.
- Data Allocation Flexibility: Optimize data use for motion versus still scene quality.
- Boosted Audio Bit-Rate: Enhances audio quality significantly.
- Unlocked ISO: Enables shooting in dark conditions or with slower lenses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hacking Your GH2
Step 1: Download the GH2 hack pack and unzip the folder.
Step 2: Run “Ptool3.64d (200212)”.
Step 3: Load Firmware, “GH2__V11”.
Step 4: Click the letter J highlighted in green to load the patch settings.
Step 5: Save the firmware as “GH2__V1x” (replace x with any number 0-9, avoiding overwriting the original firmware).
Step 6: Transfer the new firmware to a freshly formatted SD card with a full battery charge. Disconnect and turn off the camera.
Step 7: Turn on the camera and press the play/preview button. When prompted to update the firmware, select yes. Do not interrupt the update process to avoid bricking the camera.
Step 8: Wait a minute, and you’re done! Enjoy the enhanced capabilities of your GH2.
Note for Mac Users: Ensure the firmware file ends with .bin before loading it onto your camera, as the camera will only recognize this extension.
Additional Tip: You can use patches from the patch pack by placing them in the same folder. The corresponding letters will light up in Ptool, allowing you to select them easily.
Video Tutorial and Recommended Setup
For a visual guide, Neumannfilms offers a comprehensive video tutorial on downloading and installing the GH2 hack and patch packs using Ptool Software. Visit OSGFilms.com for the tutorial if you prefer visual instructions or find written ones challenging.
Recommended Basic Setup for Hacking:
- Camera Body Only
- 20mm f/1.7 Lumix Lens
- 64GB Sandisk 45mb/s SD Card
- Extra Battery
Alternatively, a 32GB Sandisk 45mb/s SD card can work, but higher quality patches will significantly reduce recording time. For optimal performance and longer recording times, investing in a 64GB card is advisable.
Unlock the full potential of your Panasonic GH2 with this firmware hack and experience a remarkable improvement in video and audio quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.