A cure for the D7200 G.A.S.

I dragged my Nikon D610 plus little 50mm out to see if I could cure my D7200 G.A.S. We weren't going out to make portraits. This was just a woods walk so heavier lenses, lights and reflectors were left at home. Normally I only bring my iPhone or Galaxy Note on outings like this.

I'm always pleased with how this combo performs. It doesn't quite obliterate the backgrounds like the 85 and 135 do. It's an older optical design and IMO the backgrounds are rendered with a little less contrast than the new G lenses. I feel it's a tiny bit better for complicated scenes like this. 

D7000 Hacked Video Firmware

Improved video quaility or longer recording times are possible with a hacked firmware.

The two linked pages below will get you started-

Wiki (how to)- https://nikonhacker.com/wiki/Nikon_Patch
Patching Program (requires Silverlight not a virus)- http://simeonpilgrim.com/nikon-patch/nikon-patch.html

*Remember to download the proper firmware version from Nikon.
*It is possible to return your camera to stock by flashing the most current OEM firmware.

I selected to Remove Time Based Restrictions and the HQ 64mbps mode.

Here's a screenshot from Bitrate Viewer that shows D7000 footage peaking at 67mbps!

After the firmware update the following recording options are available. Please note all times are approximate.

720/24 NQ (5 mbps)- 59 minutes

720/24 HQ (8 mbps)- 42 minutes

720/30 HQ (10 mbps)- 39 minutes

1080/24 NQ (20 mbps)- 24 minutes

1080/24 HQ (64 mbps)- 8.5 minutes


Check back for 64mbps sample footage.

Nikon D7000 Film Simulation

Below are an example of Nikon Picture Control- Film Simulation. I do not know where these originated and I take no credit for making them. That said, I think they are pretty neat and can give your pictures a bit of creative pop or to improve the Nikon out of camera jpegs. I've used these on my Nikon D7000 but they should work on other models like the  D5100, D600 or better.

They are very easy to install on your camera and can be further customized to your tastes. 

• They are not permanent.
• They will not damage your camera.

Nikon D7000 Film Simulation

To install-

1. Download this file
2. Unzip and copy the contents to a camera formatted SD card. If done correctly you'll have the following files on your card-
                DCIM (Folder)
                NIKON (Folder)
                      - CUSTOMPC (Folder)
                                 PICCONXX.NCP  (15 Picture Control Files)
3. Insert the card into your camera if needed.
4. On the camera navigate to Menu- SHOOTING MENU- Manage Picture Control- Load/save- Copy to camera and follow the prompts for each film simulation you like to install. 
5. If you did it correctly you will be able to select your new film mode though-  Menu- SHOOTING MENU- Set Picture Control. 
6. If adjustment or customization is required follow the prompts in the Set Picture Control Menu. Alternately, Picture Controls can be edited in the Nikon Picture Control Utility desktop application. This software came with your camera. 

Most importantly HAVE FUN! 

Panasonic GF1- Everything you need to know.

The Panasonic GF1 is one of my favorite cameras of all time. It doesn't do anything particularly well or better than any other camera, yet there is something about it that I love. Anyway, this post is intended to be a catch all for GF1 stuff.


GF1 Manual Video Hack / Video Quality Hack 

GF1 Firmware Hack-

http://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh1-hack/gh1-g2-and-gf1-hack-faq

I use the Reliable In-Camera Playback Patch v2 (GH1, GF1, G2). Details are on the page linked above.

How to find the shutter count on your Panasonic GF1. (GF1 Shutter Actuations)

1. Put the camera in single shot mode.
2. Make sure your camera is off.
3. At the same time press "AF/AE Lock" and "Display" buttons together and hold them in.
4. Turn on the camera and release the buttons after a few seconds.
5. Press "Display", "Menu/Set" and "left arrow" at the same time, hold them in. 
6. Now you should see a history of problem codes on the LCD.
7. Press "Display" to switch between three different screens. 
8. Look for codes-

• PWRCNT # Times turn on
• SHTCNT: # of pictures taken
• STBCNT: # times flash was used