Nikon Hacker Unlocks Manual Control in LiveView for D5100

The latest release from NikonHacker brings with it some awesome news for D5100 shooters, and apparently the feature was there all along. Now you shoot manual in LiveView! When it comes to why the feature wasn't enabled in the first place NH member Coderat has this to say:

"...D5100 and D7000 firmwares are built from same source code. So most things from D7000 are inside D5100, perhaps all (I expect also DOF-preview function be there, but no button to activate). Because we see for example everywhere in a cycle work with SDHC Channel 0 and Channel 1 in D5100, but only channel 0 is enabled. Same sensor, same TX chip, and it is much easier to keep firmware almost same because you save a lot of time for development and testing."

This makes the D5100 the most patched camera from NH with features including:

  • Remove Time Based Video Restrictions
  • NEF Compression Off
  • NEF Compression Lossless
  • Remove NEF Nikon Star Eater, for Astro folks
  • Jpeg Compression - Quality (vs. Space)
  • Non-brand Battery
  • Live View Manual Control ISO/Shutter

Nikon does not officially support these hacks so remember that you run them at your own risk.

Via PetaPixel

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14 Comments

nice... how about hacking the D800 to disable default exposure simulation in live view? or is that already addressed in new firmware?

From what I've read, they are a small team compared to ML, and with a much smaller budget too. I think they also need firmwares from Nikon to reverse engineer, or at least understand what the the code means. Some cameras don't get firmware updates, Nikon just releases a new model, which makes it harder on NH.

sigh. that's unfortunate. I'm still waiting for the ISO button to migrate to the right hand side too...

Hurray! Now take my money! Unlock my Nikon!

Actually it's a glaring list of shame for Nikon.
I do understand that cheaper bodies feature less functions in order to bring down the price. However intentionally disabling features that are already in the sw is pathetic.
I'm pretty much aware that this heinous practice is common among all manufacturer of electronic devices however it's despicable and really ticks me off.

Whats the diff between EXPEED and DIGIC? is canon easier to hack or something? It would be sweet if there were a magic lantern firmware for Nikon as well.

I read somewhere the Digic processors were easier to reprogram, as the hack itself can live on the external memory card. It seems the same can't be done on Nikon cameras :(

Actually this is hacked in a similar way as the infamous Panasonic GH series which is actually much BETTER than the magic lantern way in that it doesn't need to be loaded on each card. You simply apply the new firmware and it works from there on out.

Wish Nikon would update the D7100 to bring dual functionality to the Fn and Pv buttons. Also make accessing audio levels on a sub-command wheel since aperture can't be changed during movie liveview - that would be a moot point if I got myself an external preamp for my mic.

As an owner of a D5100 I would love this. I've been wanting to use it for video more but it's horrible the way it is now.

Why would Nikon not already include this on a DSLR? isn't that the appeal of DSLR's - to shoot in manual mode? And Nikon wonders why they lost 40% of sales...besides the D600.

I keep being told that the d600 can't change apertures in LV either because of hardware, but how can it do it in LV for photography but not video? I know you may not be able to see the changes live, but whether it's software or hardware, that intentional crippling turns me off to Nikon even more than them ignoring the oil/dust issue.

How can I download this?

If your gonna publish a story...get it right, maybe if you spent the time and read my post on NH forum & my youtube comments you would of got this article right..4cc3ss