Nexus Tablet 7 Mod Enables 720p Video Recording

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Simple file edit unlocks 720p recording on Google's Nexus 7 front-facing camera.

Since its release, Google's Nexus 7 has established itself as a fierce competitor in the tablet market. Out of the box, the device is already a great tablet equipped with most of today's bells and whistles, but a few simple tweaks to the device can make it even better. Because it makes much more sense to record videos with your camera or smartphone, Google decided to go with a single front-facing camera to cut costs.

While it certainly isn't the fanciest camera of all, the Nexus 7 camera does offer decent video recording for those who need it. Although the device ships with only 480p video shooting capability, the Android mod community over at XDA-developers have transformed the device into a 720p shooting tablet.

Developed by XDA member Hillbeast, the simple mod involves editing the media profiles located within the tablet. Surprisingly enough, the Nexus 7 hardware supports 720p shooting, Google just didn't provide the necessary tweaks on a software level. Although the results aren't spectacular, there is definitely noticeable improvement in video quality. Head on over to the XDA forum post to check out the mod for yourself.

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Tuan Mai
Tuan Mai
Tuan Mai is a Los Angeles based writer and marketing manager working within the PC Hardware industry. He has written for Tom's Guide since 2010, with a special interest in the weird and quirky.
10 Comments Comment from the forums
  • blazorthon
    Well, that's nifty. I see no reason to complain about getting free video quality improvements with the camera.
    Reply
  • lahawzel
    The camera is really, really crappy, though. Even still images look pretty bad.

    Taken with Nexus 7 front camera under very good ambient lighting conditions.
    The tweak is nice, but I really wish there would eventually be a software method to correct this more pressing issue of poor camera quality (as unlikely as it might be).
    Reply
  • bavman
    LaHawzelThe tweak is nice, but I really wish there would eventually be a software method to correct this more pressing issue of poor camera quality (as unlikely as it might be).
    While software usually can benefit from improvements, it'll always be limited by hardware. If your camera is crappy you should probably get a better one
    Reply
  • blazorthon
    bavmanWhile software usually can benefit from improvements, it'll always be limited by hardware. If your camera is crappy you should probably get a better one
    I'm pretty sure that there isn't much that you can do (within reason) about the camera of a tablet except for buying a tablet that has a better camera.
    Reply
  • halcyon
    The thing costs what...$250? You get what you pay for. That it has a camera at all is a gift.
    Reply
  • freggo
    Keep in mind that physics and the law of optics are not the best friends of small phones and thin tablets.

    You need big sensor chips and lots of glass for good quality video.
    There is a reason that pros run around with big cameras and even bigger lenses.
    Ah yes, and don't forget big power hungry flash lights either!!
    Reply
  • billj214
    I think the main purpose of the camera is for video chat, anyone using it for something which requires half decent video quality may as well use your Iphone or Android phone, its probably better.

    I am more excited about the tablet having things like GPS and Bluetooth for a mere $200, the camera will probably never get used.
    Reply
  • confish21
    720 means shyt. I can buy a 1080 camcorder for 35 bucks and its still gonna be awful.
    Reply
  • neon871
    Nexus 7 Tablet Mod Enables 720p Video Recording

    there fixed it.........
    Reply
  • misterawsome
    LaHawzelThe camera is really, really crappy, though. Even still images look pretty bad. Taken with Nexus 7 front camera under very good ambient lighting conditions.The tweak is nice, but I really wish there would eventually be a software method to correct this more pressing issue of poor camera quality (as unlikely as it might be). its not that bad, its only for skyping.
    Reply