Latest Nikon Hacker firmware patch brings 64 Mbps Full-HD video to Nikon DSLRs

 

 

Canon users have long enjoyed improved stills and video capabilities in their cameras thanks to the hacked firmware versions provided by Magic Lantern, and were therefore envied by many a Nikon shooter. But now it's time to rejoice for Nikon videographers, as Nikon Hacker has just released its latest firmware patch for various Nikon DSLRs.

The latest version 1.18.2 of the Nikon Patch brings greatly improved Full-HD video recording with bitrates of up to 64 Mbps, as compared to the 24 Mbps bitrate supported by the factory firmware. This means far less compression of the video stream and subsequently much more leeway for post production. On the downside, files will be much larger with the Nikon Patch firmware.

In addition to the higher bitrate settings, Nikon Patch v1.18.2 also brings such improvements as the possibility to use third-party batteries, manual control of ISO and shutter speed in video mode for some models, lossless raw file compression and more. Mind though that the patch is still in its beta phase, so there's no guarantee that it'll work flawlessly on your camera.

If you'd still like to give it a shot, though, head over to the Nikon Hacker website. Currently, Nikon Patch supports the following Nikon DSLR models: D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200, D7000, D300, D300s, D800, D800E, D600 and D4. While all models support at least 49, 54 or 57 Mbps video recording, the 64 Mbps setting is only available for the Nikon D7000.

(via DIY Photography)