Tagged with ptool - Personal View Talks

Japanese Panasonic GM5 Hack (DIY?)

WiWInd — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:20:33 +0000

Hi Everyone. Recently get Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 from Japan for the bird photography. The camera is great, condition is perect, but the only infterface language is Japanese. I've found service mode key-combination: PLAYBACK + Q.MENU + RIGHT ARROW -> Turn on. But even in service mode the is no option to change language.

The quesion is: are there other languages somewhere deep inside the GM5 firmware? Is there any tiny chance to enable it, or add it by firmware hack?

Is there any information available about how famous PTool works? As far as I understand source code is not available? May be I can dedicate spare time to hack it myself, I just need something to start with.

PTool Custom Version GH2 Disable Autofocus Border

xKeRnx — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:01:35 +0000

Hello,

is it possible to get an custom version of the PTool to disable the Autofocus Border on my GH2, i want to have an clean HDMI Output. If software is not any longer maintained, is there an open source version of it? Thanks.

GF3 Stable Settings topic

Tomaso — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:02:36 +0000

I have used PTool to “upgrade” my GH2 since the first version supporting GH2 came out. My favorite settings have been cbrandin 44 and 66, and they still works, but actually I have found that simple “settings for end users” in current PTool also works very well for settings that is not as extreme as many of the “expert” tester and developers settings like @cbrandin, @driftwood, @LPowell and others.

I have found a gap between stock and extreme settings in the forums for us interested in an enhanced GF3. In current version of PTool 3.65d @vitaliy_kiselev in the background of the tool have built in the experience from the testing by the core team so when we end users are using “settings for end users” a lot happens in the background. I have tested a number of different settings only using “settings for end users” with bit rates spanning between 24 and 66 mbits and stock GOP’s of 12/15 as well as 6 and 3. When doing this I have adopted cbrandin’s method of using a multiple of stock bitrates.

With this Topic I encourage people like me to discuss and disclose basic settings in between stock and “extreme”. I start to include three different settings, one stock GOP, one GOP6 and one GOP3.

My Standard GOP caled Nature and my GOP 6 GOP 6 you now find bellow:

Download PTool v3.64d in 2020

JimmySuarez1981 — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:31:50 +0000

Hey guys! I want to hack my GH2, but I'm struggling to find links to download PTool v3.64d? I have searched the forums and the web, but I getting linked back to a link that no longer exists. Any help with this would be most appreciated. Thanks

GH2 Settings Vault, most popular settings in one place, quite old

Brian202020 — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:11:16 +0000

Any attempt to post here opinion or question will be prosecuted :-)

I looked and couldn't seem to find a nice, neat, and simple thread with only ini patch files people are using. I decided to start one. I strongly suggest we not make this a debate on which patch is better, just a place for people to post their patches with maybe a brief explanation of what is in the patch, which version of ptools you used, which SD card you are using, and maybe whether or not it spans to multiple clips without crashing or stopping. I'd like to see every post in this thread with a patch attached, no debates, no stand alone thank you's, no jibber jabber, just patches; you can do all those other things on another thread. I also strongly suggest everyone gives credit to the people who originally made the patch (if they know who) in their post.

Posting the same ini files as others are welcome. This thread is not only a vault for GH2 patches, but also a good gauge to see what setting people are using a lot.

I'd also like to thank @Vitaliy and everyone testing and making this all possible.

The patch I am currently using is the @cbrandin 66Mbps AQ2 AVCHD Patch coupled with the @LPowell 100mbps Low Light MJPEG 1080p Patch. I used ptool v3.62d to make it and I am using the Sandisk Extreme 32GB 30MB/s class 10 SDHC card with no problems in AVCHD 24L or 24H as well as MJPEG mode. I haven't tested other modes yet.

UPDATE 1/30/12:
I am now currently using @LPowell's Flow-Motion patch with 2fps timelapser MJPEG settings. I made it with pool v3.63d. All my tests done so far seem very stable with the Sandisk Extreme 32GB 30MB/s class 10 card.

PTool v3.66d public beta topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:46:37 +0000

PTool v3.66d public beta released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

You'll need to download firmware from http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
StreamParser by Chris Brandin as help tool to analyse AVCHD streams - https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

Other good idea is also use trial version of Elecard StremEye - http://www.elecard.com/en/download/products.html
Remember that Testers section patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.
How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes? Use Auto Quantizer patches.
How to update firmware:
- Load your camera firmware, see 1. how to get it.
- Check all necessary patches, Version increment must be always checked.
- Save firmware. Just change last digit to any number you want.
- Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler!
- Power off your camera if it was on.
- Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button.
- You'll see hourglass and prompt to update.
- Press down arrow and after this Menu/set.
- Wait until upgrade will be completed.
How to provide reports in this topic?
- Post here only problems and questions about new patches. For all else we have special topics.
- Use systematic approach (one-two changes at a time with careful thinking).
- Shift-Click on round button in PTool to save your particular settings.
- Attach here settings with detailed observation + MediaInfo screenshot + StreamParser screenshot in case of troubles.

7. Read FAQs at http://www.personal-view.com/faqs

8-999. Reserved.

Gh2 noob easy hack

Erlucios — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 05:08:16 +0000

Hi, I've just bought a gh2 at low price with a 14-42 only for video purpose. I need a simple hack that remove the time limit and that is reliable. I'm not searching for high bitrate, I like to use 1080 50p and 50mb because I send videos to local tv. Can someone suggest me a hack with this features? Or can someone suggest me how to hack the original firmware by Panasonic? I'm able to use ptool.

GH1: 100Mbps Max Latitude Settings V2

LPowell — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:16:23 +0000

100Mbps Max Latitude Patch UPDATED to Version 2!

As you've no doubt heard, the latest version of PTool3.55d liberates all previously unhackable versions of the GH1. In addition, it provides a variety of new patches that I've been able to incorporate into the 100Mbps Max Latitude Native 24/25p Patch, making it more versatile than ever. Here's a summary of the new features supported in Version 2 of this patch:

* Works on all Panasonic GH1 cameras, both hacked and unhacked.

* Expanded video and audio buffers to guard against recording failures at high bitrates.

* 15-frame GOP-size in both PAL Native 25p and NTSC Native 24p video modes.

* Standard patch: 30Mbps iPad-compatible VGA MJPEG mode records in 960x720 resolution.

* Anamorphic patch: 65Mbps 2X anamorphic VGA MJPEG mode records in 1920x720 resolution.

Click the following links to download the latest version of the 100Mbps Max Latitude Native 24/25p Patch PTool3.55d INI files:

Standard:
Download standard

Anamorphic:
Download anamorphic

Alternative WINE for MAC running on OS X 10.9.4 and newer

dlzn — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:56:43 +0000

Q: Is there an alternative voor Wine running on OSX 10.9.4 or latter?

I can't seem to use it on the newer MBPr.

Best regards,

Ptool settings for Documentaries?

kitano — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 10:03:23 +0000

Hi, I am sure this has been asked many times, since the fantastic people involved keep updating the settings with releases, it's hard to know which one is the latest and best to use.

I would like to know what which latest Ptool setting is recommended for broadcast ready/approved documentaries.

thanks in advance. H Kitano

Hacked GF2 footage topic

THX1965 — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:49:23 +0000

Now that the new PTool 3.64 supports the GF2 alongside the GH2 (Vitaliy, your work is absolutely amazing!!!), it would be great to see some actual footage with any of the new patches that also work for the GF2. There is bascially nothing out there on YouTube or Vimeo.

I'd love to add a GF2 to my GH2. Any hacked sample footage would really be helpful in making that decission.

Thanks to everyone in advance for this. I am sure I am not the only one who'd love to see some tests.

How to GX7 US & Spanish to / or add french language ?

dlgrost — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 02:35:15 +0000

How to GX7 US & Spanish to or add french language ?

HI,

I want to know how to change a GX7 which is build in US & Spanish language to French Language I try to use Ptool V3.66d beta (190712) with the last DX7 Firmware V1.2, but I’ve the error « Wrong file or trying to use already patched file ! If somebody could help me ?

Thanks, Dominique

Want to set GH2 to use 1080p on itelligent auto.

waigy — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:17:34 +0000

I'm using ptool on my GH2, how can I set it up to record at 1080p when on intelligent auto? Right now it records in 1080i on intelligent auto, but 1080p high bit rate when on movie mode.

Low shutter speed by GH1 Fhd Mode?

simurg — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:50:16 +0000

I wonder, why do not the shutter speed 20,10, 4,2 at Gh1 (FHD Mode) ? Is it possible to Gh2 and Gh3? Is there a solution with ptool?

GF hack - simple questions

lampadaferens — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:54:19 +0000

I am late to this party and spent 6 hours trying to hack my GF1 to make use of Timelapser's 2 fps mode. I started by updating the GF1 firmware to the latest official version (which seemed reasonable at the time but might just be the problem). So I know how to get firmware on the camera at least. I downloaded the PTOOL and modified the GH1__132 to do what I needed and it wouldn't flash. I then modified a version of the GF1__122 version in PTOOL and changed only the version checking and it loaded. My GF1 is now version 0.0. Progress I thought.

So now, my simple question. The hack I need is to the MJPEG frame rate 720p30 -> 720pXfps. In the firmware for GF1 there's no option in PTOOL. Is that the problem. I can't do what I want in a GF1?

references: http://forum.timescapes.org/phpBB3/index.php

If the answer is "no" it was at least an education. cheers Bob

PTool v3.65d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:34:44 +0000

PTool v3.65d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

You'll need to download firmware from http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
StreamParser by Chris Brandin as help tool to analyse AVCHD streams - https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

Other good idea is also use trial version of Elecard StremEye - http://www.elecard.com/en/download/products.html
Remember that Testers section patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.
How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes? Use Auto Quantizer patches.
How to update firmware:
- Load your camera firmware, see 1. how to get it.
- Check all necessary patches, Version increment must be always checked.
- Save firmware. Just change last digit to any number you want.
- Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler!
- Power off your camera if it was on.
- Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button.
- You'll see hourglass and prompt to update.
- Press down arrow and after this Menu/set.
- Wait until upgrade will be completed.
How to provide reports in this topic?
- Post here only problems and questions about new patches. For all else we have special topics.
- Use systematic approach (one-two changes at a time with careful thinking).
- Shift-Click on round button in PTool to save your particular settings.
- Attach here settings with detailed observation + MediaInfo screenshot + StreamParser screenshot in case of troubles.
Read FAQs at http://www.personal-view.com/faqs

8-999. Reserved.

Ptools wont uncompress.

dustatron — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:12:49 +0000

SO I have tried to download the latest version of Ptool on a couple of computers and it will not uncompress. it just keeps saying unable to unarchive "ptool3d.zip"

is anyone else having this problem?

Wine with PTool v3.64d (Feb 20, 2012)

Mr_Moore — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:49:36 +0000

Seeing as how some people are having a hard time getting PTool to play nice with Wine, I made a standalone version for OS X with Wine Bottler.

Download, unzip, and launch. The app will copy all the necessary files to ~/Library/Application Support/Wine/. All you need to do is put Panasonic’s original firmware file (.bin) and settings files (.ini) in ~/Library/Application Support/Wine/prefixes/PTool Mac v3.64d/drive_c/winebottler and you’re good to go.

Download link: Removed as it is outdated.

Enjoy.

PTool v3.64d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:10:15 +0000

PTool v3.64d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

You'll need to download firmware from http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
StreamParser by Chris Brandin as help tool to analyse AVCHD streams - https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

Other good idea is also use trial version of Elecard StremEye - http://www.elecard.com/en/download/products.html
Remember that Testers section patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.
How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes? Use Auto Quantizer patches.
How to update firmware:
- Load your camera firmware, see 1. how to get it.
- Check all necessary patches, Version increment must be always checked.
- Save firmware. Just change last digit to any number you want.
- Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler!
- Power off your camera if it was on.
- Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button.
- You'll see hourglass and prompt to update.
- Press down arrow and after this Menu/set.
- Wait until upgrade will be completed.
How to provide reports in this topic?
- Post here only problems and questions about new patches. For all else we have special topics.
- Use systematic approach (one-two changes at a time with careful thinking).
- Shift-Click on round button in PTool to save your particular settings.
- Attach here settings with detailed observation + MediaInfo screenshot + StreamParser screenshot in case of troubles.
Read FAQs at http://www.personal-view.com/faqs

8-999. Reserved.

AVCHD: Extreme settings

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:25:33 +0000

Topic devoted to extreme settings for AVCHD modes.

Pro: GH2 AVCHD encoder settings

dkitsov — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:52:38 +0000

This topic is for testing patches residing in testers section.
Carefully and systematically.

Patches for testers>AVCHD movie mode>AVCHD research>Encoder setting 1 1080i/p when value changed from Original 3 to Modified 2 there are no b-frames encoded into the AVCHD stream.

PTool v3.63d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:34:41 +0000

PTool v3.63d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

1. You'll need this base firmware:
http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/330/new-gh2-firmware-leak

2. StreamParser by Chris Brandin as help tool to analyse AVCHD streams -
https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

Other good idea is also use trial version of Elecard StremEye - http://www.elecard.com/en/download/products.html

3. Remember that Testers section patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.

4. How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes?
Use Auto Quantizer patches.

5. How to update firmware:
a. Load GH2 1.0E firmware, see 1. how to get it.
b. Check all necessary patches, Version increment must be always checked.
c. Save firmware. Just change last digit to any number you want.
d. Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler!
e. Power off your camera if it was on.
f. Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button.
g. You'll see hourglass and prompt to update.
h. Press down arrow and after this Menu/set.
i. Wait until upgrade will be completed.

6. How to privide reports in this topic?
0. Post here only problems and questions about new patches. For all else we have special topics.
a. Use systematic approach (one-two changes at a time with careful thinking).
b. Shift-Click on round button in PTool to save your particular settings.
c. Paste here settings with detailed observation + MediaInfo screenshot + StreamAnalizer screenshot.

7. If anyone wants to share uncompressed video - you can use http://www.pipebytes.com/ or http://www.sendoid.com/ to instantly share very large files.
Of course you need good connection as it uses p2p tech.

8-999. Reserved.

AVCHD: Stable settings

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:24:46 +0000

Topic devoted to stable settings.

Stable is anything that do not result in card speed errors or freezzing.

newb ptool no letter is turning green!

jaj — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:06:40 +0000

Working on a PC because it has a card reader...

Ptool3d, gh1_132 from panasonic, and setb from blackout all in one folder on my desktop.
I open ptool, load the 132 firmware and not one letter towards the bottom of ptool becomes green.

very frustrated, at a stand still, ready to donate when I get the hack working.

i have faith p-v.com will come through in the end here...

PTool v3.62d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:36:20 +0000

PTool v3.62d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

GH2:
- Improved bitrate patches
- Improved GOP patches.
- Improved MJPEG size patches.
- Added quantizer patches.
- Added few other encoder related patches.
- Few fixes, including 24L behaviour.

PTool 3.61d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:07:29 +0000

PTool v3.61d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

GH2:

Wastly improved Video Bitrate patches.
Many new encoder related patches for testers added.
Few minor software bug fixes.

Does hacking with ptool permanently alter my GH2?

jimtreats — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:51:58 +0000

Hi.

I know that the first post of the main topic is linked to to describe how to actually apply the ptool patch to your GH2 camera. But the one thing I can't quite figure out is whether the current hacking permanently alters our cameras or does it only apply the patch whenever we boot the camera with the file on the SDCARD. I'm used to hacking my 550d in which the camera boots into the hacked firmware whenever the hack is on the SDCARD. This is good as you can always get back to the stock camera, but a bit of a pain as you have to ensure the hack is present on all cards, and you can not format this card without reapplying the firmware hack files to it.

So does ptool hack the camera permanently? If so can we revert to stock firmware?

Finally, I'm sure I saw some mention of a mac version of ptool before the hack for the GH2 was released, now i see that the windows version is recommended to be used instead, is the mac version just not an option right now?

Cheers, I'm just excited to try the hack at some point in the near future but I would just like to know exactly what i'm doing before i contemplate doing so.

Awesome work, and I really start to like this forum for all the other informative posts, not just the incredible hacking progress.

PTool 3.60d topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:24:18 +0000

PTool v3.60d released

https://www.personal-view.com/faqs/gh2-hack/ptool-software

TZ10:
* Initial support with most major patches ported.
* Release not include manual movie modes and PAL<->NTSC patches.

GH2:
* Initial support with many ported patches.
* Some new patches added.
* Bitrate patches are intended for testers only!

* Few minor software bug fixes.

PTool 3.60D: Encoder Setting 1 controls B-Frames

mpgxsvcd — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:30:41 +0000

I have isolated Encoder Setting 1 for 720p and I can unequivocally say that it determines whether the codec uses B frames or not. If you change nothing else and use Encoder Setting 1 = 3 it will use B-Frames. If you use 2 it will not use B-Frames. It also increases the bit rate up to 22 mb/sec to almost 24 mb/sec. Using B-Frames with 720p improves it tremendously. However, stability is an issue. If you record a 1080p @ 24 FPS video first and then record 720p @ 60 FPS stability returns.

I have attached the testing I have done so far and the best stream parser results I have seen. VLC indicates that this is still true 720p @ 60 FPS with B-Frames.

Feel free to use this information as you see fit. I don't need credit. It is not like I am planning on getting a patent on the settings or anything.

VIDEO: Panasonic GH1 - 100Mbps Hack Test

tomb — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:59:41 +0000

I just posted this over at Vimeo. Thought I would post it for everyone to see, here.
Thanks for all your hard work Vitaliy!!!

This test was filmed using an "unhackable" Panasonic GH1. The model GH1 I had was "unhackable" until its firmware was recently hacked again by Vitaliy Kiselev. The hack was made available on May 29, 2011, using PTool 3.55d.

The hack profile settings I used for this video allow the camera to record file speeds of up to 100Mbps. This setting is not meant to be used all the time as it may cause the camera to cease recording when filming extremely detailed scenes like foliage. So to test this, I filmed...some foliage.

Most of my foliage shots (and a few shots of my beagles) were under 30 seconds. Some people report that their camera shut down after only 6-10 seconds of filming foliage with the 100Mbps patch. My camera did not give me any problems at all with the 100Mbps patch, though.

I checked out the video MTS clip files with MediaInfo and the "Maximum Overall Bitrate" is listed at 108 Mbps. Keep in mind that this doesn't actually mean that the file actually ever hit 108Mbps.
LPowell explains this :
"The 108Mbps figure that MediaInfo reports is metadata recorded in the file header by the AVCHD encoder. This tells the decoder in advance the maximum bitrate it must be prepared to decode. In practice, I have only rarely seen peak bitrates exceed 100Mbps in test files I've shot with the Max Latitude Patch. The 1-17Mbps readings are running average bitrates, which can range up to 40-50Mbps. The GH1's AVCHD encoder begins each clip with a key frame encoded with a low bitrate which then increases over time, and varies depending on the complexity of the subject matter."

Also - I wanted to test the GH1 with my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L zoom lens. I attached the lens to my GH1 via a $30 Fotodiox EOS-MFT lens adapter.

Note that my copy of the Panasonic GH1 has some banding issues. The serial number on my camera starts with WE0G****, which means it's manufacture date was July 2010. Supposedly, the GH1 can be purchased brand new and with manufacture dates as recent as March 2011. The newer the manufacture date, the less the banding is supposed to be.

The next 2 tests that I will do with my newly hacked GH1 and it's 100Mbps patch are the following:
1. Grass shot, locked down on tripod.
2. Star chart test.
For both of these high-detail tests I will let the camera roll for as long as it will roll. I will also be using a sharp, wider Canon L series lens. My goal is to see how long of a shot I can get before the bitrate goes too high for the camera, buffer or SDHC card to handle.

Also - soon I will be posting some footage with the Canon L Series lenses and my Panasonic GH2. Then we can compare the quality of the hacked GH1, and the unhacked, newer GH2.

Then finally, when Vitaliy hacks the GH2, I'll post footage of the hacked GH2!

- - - - - - - - -

EQUIPMENT, Etc:

Camera: Panasonic GH1
Serial: WE0G****
Hacked Firmware: 100Mbps Max Latitude Patch V2
Film Style: "SMOOTH" (-2, -2, 0, 0)

SDHC Card: 32GB Transcend (Class 10)

Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L
Aperture: 2.8 (because the Canon EOS lens system does NOT have a MANUAL aperture, the aperture has to be set on a Canon EOS camera body...then taken off and attached to the GH1, and used with whatever aperture was set on the EOS body).
Shutter speed: Varies due to having to keep the aperture at 2.8
ISO: 160 exterior shots...between 400-640 indoor shots

CC: FCP 3-Way Color Correction (only used to correct exposure...I didn't have my LCD brightness set proper when recording)