Open Source Firmware for Canon Cameras! (CHDK)

[Rehaan]

Hey guys,

A friend just sent me this link today - i havent dug in too deep but from the initial look of it it seems to add a lot of much needed features!

CANON CAMERAS ONLY !!!!!

• up to 1/60,000 of a second shutter speed
• can be loaded on cameras using Canon's DIGIC II or DIGIC III firmware platforms.
• RAW file format
• live histogram display
• a battery readout
• the ability to run scripted actions on a camera
• CHDK does not replace the existing firmware on your Canon, so the process is completely reversible.

Supercharge Your Camera with Open-Source CHDK Firmware - Wired How-To Wiki

If anyone tries this out please let us know how it goes!!

cya
R

EDIT : Some videos / samle pics :
The install + live histogram + sample time lapses etc > CHDK Videos - Truveo Video Search

High shutter speed pics > Samples: High-Speed Shutter & Flash-Sync - CHDK Wiki

[anuragn]

I've been using it. Its awesome and does not alter your oem firmware.
Scripting is the best feature. And the add-ons are simply great. Like live histogram, on-screen clock, battery level meter (in Millivolts or %), memory card meter, text file reader, raw image saving option, enabling of optical zoom during video shoot, remote shutter switch using usb port of the camera (still have to try), setting of any custom bitrate in video settings, increase in exposure limit of 15 secs in "B" mode etc etc.

[Rehaan]

Great! I am going to try it soon.

Originally Posted by anuragn

....setting of any custom bitrate in video settings...

Is there any way you can increase the frame rate / resolution ?

At the moment 60fps @ 320x240 is whats offered, is there way i can increase the FPS @ that resolution, or alternatively - the resolution at that FPS ??

cya
R

[extreme_torque]

Came across this a while back.... not brave enough to try since my cam is out of warranty.

[normally_crazy]

My firmware shows GM1.00E - so before I try this, I have to upgrade to GM1.00F

Can anyone tell me how I go about that ? I mean officially upgrade from Canon ?

[Thad E Ginathom]

Very interesting to know that this stuff exists. Thanks Rehaan.

But it's not for me; not at this time, at any rate.



(S2 IS user)

[normally_crazy]

Anyone help me with the FW update to Version 1.00F please ?

[tadukuttan]

Originally Posted by normally_crazy

Anyone help me with the FW update to Version 1.00F please ?

Something like this - Re: A620 1.00f firmware?: Canon Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

And these pages has more - FAQ - CHDK Wiki
Official Canon firmware updates - CHDK Wiki

P.S. Never tried any of this myself.

[mithun]

Anyone updated the firmware(CHDK) ?

[Rehaan]

Mithun,

One of my friends has done it and he says it is quite cool.

I have not yet had the time to do it myself as yet!!

cya
R

[anuragn]

Yeah, cool is the word. Its cool.
And it does'nt "update" (or alter) your firmware permanently. It loads from the sd card everytime you start-up your camera, and if you do not wish to use it, simply delete it from the sd card. It has only 2 files (total size appx 250Kb) to be copied on the sd card..no installation is reqd.
There's no harm in trying it so go and take the plunge.