[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by typeOnegative

+0.5 to that mainly because I do not use the Video feature too much. BTW, damn cute video dude! Those are your kids?

yes, I wish I could slow down life right now. Only in 2006 I broke the news of elder one's arrival on tbhp.

[deepakchiniwal]

Has anyone tried using the CHDK version of firmware on the Canon camera's?

CHDK makes use of the microprocessor that controls the camera (every digital camera contains a microprocessor) to act as a programmable computer that provides the extra capabilities.

I recently bought the SX30IS camera and there was mention of lack of option taking the RAW images. CHDK now has a firmware for SX30 which gives me the option of capturing in RAW.

The below part is from the readme file of the Firmware.
************************************************** *************************************************
This is the small readme to CHDK. It provides just enough info to get you rolling, for more information use the links in the bottom.

CHDK is a firmware enhancement that operates on a number of Canon Cameras. CHDK gets loaded into your camera's memory upon bootup (either manually or automatically). It provides additional functionality beyond that currently provided by the native camera firmware.

CHDK is not a permanent firmware upgrade: you decide how it is loaded (manually or automatically) and you can always easily remove it.

Main features:

* Save images in RAW format
* Ability to run "Scripts" to automate the camera
* Live histogram (RGB, blended, luminance and for each RGB channel)
* Zebra mode (blinking highlights and shadows to show over/under exposed areas)
* An "always on" full range Battery indicator
* Ability to turn off automatic dark-frame subtraction
* a higher compression movie mode, and double the maximum video file size
* exposure times as long as 65 seconds
* exposure times as little as 1/10,000 of a second
* ability to use the USB port for a remote trigger input

Additional features:

* a depth-of-field (DOF)-calculator
* File browser
* Text reader
* Calendar
* Some fun tools and games

Why would I want to use CHDK?

* To get Raw file capability on cameras that don't have that ability
* To get the ability to use scripts
* to be able to know the battery status at all times (not just when it's about to run out of power)
* you want or need any of the other enhancement features that CHDK provides



For more information visit the following links:

CHDK Wiki: CHDK Wiki

Main CHDK Manual: CHDK firmware usage - CHDK Wiki

Allbest CHDK Manual: CHDK firmware usage/AllBest - CHDK Wiki

JuciPhoX CHDK Manual: CHDK firmware usage/MoreBest - CHDK Wiki

CHDK Forum: CHDK forum - Index

[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by deepakchiniwal

Has anyone tried using the CHDK version of firmware on the Canon camera's?

my canon is permanently set on CHDK. I mostly use it for continuous shooting so I don't have to set a timer every now and then.

[lohithrao]

Folks we have Kodak entering high zoom camera, Kodak MAX!
KODAK EASYSHARE MAX Camera / Z990

Its just out, need to wait for some reviews. i am keen on this as i will get 30% discount on exchange of my old DX6490.

What you guys suggest?

[typeOnegative]

@Lohith, I think this cam should suit you. The discount would be a huge draw as well. However, do wait for the reviews.

[lohithrao]

tOn, true, i am bit confused still as if i consider "HS10" then i might aswellspend a bit more and go for NikonD3100 but Kodak with 30%discount will make a good deal for now...

[typeOnegative]

@Lohith,

You are right to an extent. If you are spending anything in the range of 25-26,000 it is well worth it to consider an entry level DSLR. However, to get the range closing in on, but lesser than a super-zoom, you would need to invest about 40-45k if you go the DSLR route. So I think the discussion should be with the existing set of super zooms. In this mix if you are not too gung ho on RAW and high speed shooting and are not very finicky about IQ i.e. blowing up the image and pixel peeping, then almost all the contenders are good. In which case the best box to go with will be the cheapest.

That being said, do wait for the reviews or till you get a piece in your hand to touch and feel. There could be some minor irritants that will not be apparent by only looking at the spec sheet.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by typeOnegative

That being said, do wait for the reviews or till you get a piece in your hand to touch and feel. There could be some minor irritants that will not be apparent by only looking at the spec sheet.

+1 . My cousin bought the Kodak Z980, just because it was cheap, and had great spec in paper. He thought it was VFM.

Result: Crappiest image quality. Not-so-good build quality.

[lohithrao]

tOn, Agree with you, for now the exchange discount is what attracting me.
but thier is a very high possibility of me picking up HS10, as i want a good can at the end of day.

btw 30x optical zoom is equivalent to which lens(slr)?

[typeOnegative]

Lohith, I am not very technical, but conservatively speaking at the very least you are looking at an 18-135mm. And 18-200 most probably. That is considering the equivalent focal length on a 35mm film camera. Though the gurus might think differently.

[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by typeOnegative

Lohith, I am not very technical, but conservatively speaking at the very least you are looking at an 18-135mm. And 18-200 most probably. That is considering the equivalent focal length on a 35mm film camera. Though the gurus might think differently.

that's not 30X!

in my HS10, it's 24-720 mm (4.2-126 actual) equivalent.

EDIT: found the equivalent marking.

[typeOnegative]

@vivek, don't look at just the magnification. It is the reach in terms of fl.

[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by typeOnegative

@vivek, don't look at just the magnification. It is the reach in terms of fl.

in any case, the higher number in your specs should be 30 times the lower number.

As I said, if you broke open HS10 and mounted on a 35mm camera, you would get 4.2-126 mm.

EDIT: what happened to the image I posted? the site is sending a different image?

[typeOnegative]

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

in any case, the higher number in your specs should be 30 times the lower number.

True. In which case no DSLR can match any of the superzooms I think. Which image were you talking about? There is an ad over the picture of the HS10.

Let me do a small calculation:

data from JJ Mehta

Cost of DSLR (EOS1000D) = INR 19,500 (body only)
Tamron 18-200mm = INR 14,900 (28-310 mm equivalent)
or
Tamron 18-270mm = INR 31,990 (28-419 mm equivalent)

So the price will vary from INR 34,400 to INR 51,490. Of course there is no image stabilization. So if it does really matter, then wait for enough money to get the DSLR or if really does not matter, go ahead with the super-zoom of your choice. When I was in the market for a superzoom, the 18-200 Tamron was not as cheap as it is now and the INR 25,000 was much less than what I would need to shell out for a DSLR.

[lohithrao]

Some good info being shared, am surely gaining from it

Image quality wise super zoom cameras wont match up with the slr's is what i learn from all the reviews on the net...

I think with DSLR cost factor is something which one may not like,,

btw spoke to Kodak cs yesterday and these guys have no clue when z990 would be launched in India. had written to Fuji about the HS20 launch about 2weeks back still have not heard from them...

Seems like "sales" dept does not exist in these companies