Thinking of hacking GH-1, seeking confirmation on optimum settings. at DVinfo.net

James Harring · October 8th, 2011, 12:41 PM

Just got back from Canadian Rockies and tried using my GH-1 and the Olympus 9-18mm lens as a POV camera. While I will probably buy a POV camera eventually, I liked some of what I shot. However, I noticed a BIG difference in “view ability” between the 1920x1080 30i (FHD) and 720 60p (SH). Mode for both was AVCHD.
Here's samples...

The FHD is worthless. However, I can still see detail in distant mountains in the SH mode.
I want to attribute this to BOTH interlace vs non interlace and frame rate settings.

So I was thinking of seeing if I can hack the camera to shoot FHD (1920x1080) 60p, and probably a higher bitrate as well, since I'm changing the other settings too. I shoot a lot of wildlife video and want higher frame rate to minimize blur. I want to stay conservative as I value stability.

So I ask the group, what would be the optimal settings for someone who wants to use the GH1 as a HERO? I'll be on horseback, zip lining, roller coasters as well as hiking.
Thanks in advance for any considered opinions.

Chip Thome · October 9th, 2011, 12:58 AM

Hack it to get the vastly improved bitrate and use 720 60p because ASAIK there is no 1080 60p for any of the Pannys, hacked or not.

October 8th, 2011, 12:41 PM	#1
James Harring Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 210	Thinking of hacking GH-1, seeking confirmation on optimum settings. Just got back from Canadian Rockies and tried using my GH-1 and the Olympus 9-18mm lens as a POV camera. While I will probably buy a POV camera eventually, I liked some of what I shot. However, I noticed a BIG difference in “view ability” between the 1920x1080 30i (FHD) and 720 60p (SH). Mode for both was AVCHD. Here's samples... 720p 60 (59) on Vimeo 1920x1080 30i on Vimeo The FHD is worthless. However, I can still see detail in distant mountains in the SH mode. I want to attribute this to BOTH interlace vs non interlace and frame rate settings. So I was thinking of seeing if I can hack the camera to shoot FHD (1920x1080) 60p, and probably a higher bitrate as well, since I'm changing the other settings too. I shoot a lot of wildlife video and want higher frame rate to minimize blur. I want to stay conservative as I value stability. So I ask the group, what would be the optimal settings for someone who wants to use the GH1 as a HERO? I'll be on horseback, zip lining, roller coasters as well as hiking. Thanks in advance for any considered opinions.

October 9th, 2011, 12:58 AM	#2
Chip Thome Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Green Bay Wisconsin Posts: 553	Re: Thinking of hacking GH-1, seeking confirmation on optimum settings. Hack it to get the vastly improved bitrate and use 720 60p because ASAIK there is no 1080 60p for any of the Pannys, hacked or not.