Hacks for Canon point-and-shoot models

[haven]

A group of programmers have created a Canon Hacks Distribution Kit (CHDK in short) that gives you access to new features in Canon point and shoot cameras. For example, the CHDK adds RAW file format as an option in cameras that only shoot JPEGs in stock form!

The features of CHDK can be linked together in scripts that create new actions. You can use scripts created by others, or create your own. A couple of scripts that caught my eye are focus bracketing, adding zoom while shooting a movie, and motion detection shooting (reportedly works quickly enough to capture lightning!).

CHDK is a free download. You need to specify the camera model and firmware version to get the correct version of CHDK. Versions are available for many of the A series and SD series (ixus outside USA) models.

There's a version for the G7 that adds the RAW mode that Canon left out. The G7 is relatively less expensive as a used camera because it lacks RAW. Otherwise it's a great camera.

Read more about CHDK in this article from the Lifehacker web site:
http://lifehacker.com/387380/turn-your-point+and+shoot-into-a-super+camera

The CHDK WIKI FAQ page is here
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

I don't own a Canon point and shoot right now, but CHDK makes me want to check Craigslist right now!

Chip Haven

 

[mountainpete]

Awesome Chip!!!

This even works with my little SD 800! I plan to try this out tonight!

Pete

 

[goodtimes]

Nice. Very nice. No support for the G9 though.

 

[Michael Slade]

Awesome! I love it. I wish more manufacturers would adopt an 'open-source' platform for their products. I can think of a few hacks I'd like to do to my Nikon stuff.

This makes me want to buy a G7 now.

Nice find...very nice!

 

[mountainpete]

Awesome! I love it. I wish more manufacturers would adopt an 'open-source' platform for their products. I can think of a few hacks I'd like to do to my Nikon stuff.

Exactly! I would love to have motion detecting shooting on my Nikon!

 

[Michael Slade]

Exactly! I would love to have motion detecting shooting on my Nikon!

All I really want to do is calibrate the LCD monitor! Motion sensing would be sweet for when I'm out doing remotes photographing Sasquatch!

 

[haven]

choices

Below is a list of Canon cameras with "highly recommended" ratings by dpreview.com, and that have versions of the CHDC firmware available.

The A570 IS looks like a good deal. It's got 7.1 megapixel sensor, DIGIC 3 processor, 4x zoom lens, and image stabilization. New models are offered by Adorama for $140 and Wolf Camera for $150.

Hmmm, that government rebate check is supposed to be here soon...

Chip Haven


A series cameras
A720 IS 2008 8.0 mp DIGIC 3 ~$185
A570 IS 2007 7.1 mp DIGIC 3 ~$140
A640 2006 10 mp DIGIC 2 ~$325
A710 IS 2006 7.1 mp DIGIC 2 ~$150
A620 2005 7.1 mp DIGIC 2 ~$150

SD compact
SD850 IS 2008 8.0 mp DIGIC 3 ~$240
SD700 IS 2006 6.0 mp DIGIC 2 ~$175

S telephoto
S3 IS 2006 6.0 mp DIGIC 2 ~$350
S2 IS 2005 5.0 mp DIGIC 2 ~$150


G series
G7 2006 10 mp DIGIC 3 ~$400

 

[mountainpete]

I tried it out on my Canon SD 800 IS. The installation was very easy, however I'm having a bit of trouble with some of the features. I think it's a problem between the chair and camera though. Update soon...

 

[Cackalak Han]

I will have to try this out on my S3 is. Thanks for the info!

 

[Michael Slade]

I tried it out on my Canon SD 800 IS. The installation was very easy, however I'm having a bit of trouble with some of the features. I think it's a problem between the chair and camera though. Update soon...

Hmmm...does that ryhme with 'Operator Error'? HEHE :bike_rider:

 

[mountainpete]

So I finally got past the ID:10T error that I've been getting. (well see who gets that).

This is pretty cool software. I especially love the live histogram. So far the only downside that I have seen is that you cannot auto-run the program on startup with SD cards bigger then 2 GB (and I use a 4).

It's completely reversible so don't be afraid to try it. :sombrero:

Pete