Yi 4K action cam custom scripts.

Hi! Here I will post my scripts working with the new Yi 4k action camera. This feature is still unavailable at the moment, but Yi technology representative confirmed it will be implemented in future FW releases.

DIY portable 12v/5v power supply.

Do you have a nearly dead UPS battery, a bundle of wires and $15? Why not to combine them into the PSU which will provide you both +12V and +5V to power almost full range of gadgets?

Check my post here for details. 

Unofficial GitUp Git2 Android app.

Seems like GitUp experiences some kind of problems creating Android application for Git2 action cam control. Moreover there is even no estimated release date stated at the moment. So I decided not to cool heels anymore and write my own code.

GitApp main screen.

GitApp Android launcher icon.

Here comes GitApp - an unofficial Android appliction for GitUp Git2 camera (actually can work with any Novatek based cam). It already can start/stop video recording, take video snapshot and open live stream from Git2 camera. Now it's in early beta status and I will release it as soon as I add some more features. Stay tuned!

Hacking Novatek firmware.

Just managed to unpack Novatek NT96660 .BIN firmware  file. It can contain one or two separate firmwares combined into one file: one for uITRON OS and one for eCos OS. Seems like one is for realtime user interaction and the other is for camera controls. Stay tuned.

UPD 05-26-16: Here you can download tool for Novatek FW unpack: link
UPD 12-09-16: DENOVA Novatek firmware unpacking script: link

For those who don't like how plastic feels.

Xiaomi Yi vs GitUp Git2.

Left: Xiaomi Yi FW 1.2.13, $10 4.35mm lens, 1296p, all defaults but bitrate set by autoexec.ash script to match Git2. Stabilized using Deshaker v3.1 plugin for VirtualDub (rolling shutter set to 47%). Cropped to 1080p to mask edge artifacts.

Right: GitUp Git2 FW 1.4, $10 4.35mm lens, 1296p, bitrate low, GYRO ON, WDR OFF, FOV W. Resized to 1080p.

Click to watch or download.

GitUp default lens vs Yi lens vs 4.35mm cheapo comparison. Git2 lens replacing tips.

Got another $10 4.35mm lens and made a quick test of it comparing with the default GitUp Git2 lens and default Xiaomi Yi Z22 series lens. All three were mounted on Git2 cam.

Note these when replacing GitUp Git2 lens:
1. You'll need a 1.5mm (metric) hex bit or key to unscrew 4 bolts on the front panel.
2. Remove MicroSD card and start disassembling the front panel from its slot slowly going to the middle of it. There are two strong massive latches inside so you'll have to put some force on them.
3. Git2 lens is hot-glued in its M12 mount (S-mount). Don't rush removing the glue because there are lots of tiny fragile parts around the lens. Scrub it away by small pieces using a sharp tool with fine tip.
4. Focus the lens using HDMI connected display or wifi livestream - rtsp://192.168.1.254:554.

GitUp Git2 action camera.

Got my Git2 cam today. At first glance it seems to be a pretty nice piece of hardware.

• It has a tiny screen on its back. Rather small, but still useful.
• It has Sony IMX206 sensor exactly like so much popular Xiaomi Yi cam has.
• It's powered by Novatek NT96660 chipset and it doesn't "overprocess" the picture like Ambarella A7 does.
• Git2's h264 video encoder is quite tricky. Comparing to Yi (defaults @1296p30) it provides slightly greater bitrate but twice higher keyframe interval leading to visible blocking artifacts. 
• Using p60/p120/p240 modes with indoor/low light is useless because the cam records 30 fps duplicating frames to the target framerate. 
• The lens is just great. It provides impressive resolution and colors though having some issue concerning lens flare and chromatic aberration effects.
• Due to its case design Git2 is compatible with GoPro accessories, moreover it has mini-usb connector for those of you who prefer to record audio with an external mic (supporting both mono and stereo).

UPD 2016-06-14: Git2 cam greatly strode towards (as one Git1 cam did) with actual FW updates. Seems like GitUp is going to get its maximum from HW and I'm pretty glad to take a feasible part in this process. Well done things are still here and need me to do some stuff.

Xiaomi Yi rolling shutter.

I measured rolling shutter for 1296p30 mode, so it's 47%. May be useful when using stabilization software like Deshaker plugin for VirtualDub.

Briefly about the Xiaomi Yi lens replacement for special needs.

For FOV and distorsion demonstration only.