Turn your canon powershot camera into a mini digital SLR

info

chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

quote:

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 by taking out the memory card and restarting the camera. It will start like a normal canon powershot camera. :>(

Main features:

Save images in RAW format
exposure times as little as 1/10,000 of a second
exposure times as long as 65 seconds
a higher compression movie mode, and double the maximum video file size
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
ability to use the USB port for a remote trigger input
Additional features:

a depth-of-field (DOF)-calculator
File browser
Text reader
Calendar
Bracketing script
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

Supported Cameras

A560, Firmware: 1.00a
A570, Fw: 1.00e,1.01a
A610, Fw: 1.00e, 1.00f, (1.00d with CHDK version for 1.00e)
A620, Fw: 1.00f ( 1.00e is not compatible. You must upgrade to 1.00f first (see here))
A630, Fw: 1.00c
A640, Fw: 1.00b
A700, Fw: 1.00b
A710 IS, Fw: 1.00a
S2 IS, Fw: 1.00e, 1.00f, 1.00g, (1.00i with CHDK version for 1.00g)
S3 IS, Fw: 1.00a
G7, Fw: 1.00g,1.00i, 1.00j
SD500, Fw: 1.01a, 1.01b
SD700, Fw: 1.01b

Here’s some good links to get ya started having more fun with your new and improved canon camera after the chdk firmware hack.

examples of new capabilities after the firmware hack

hackaday.com/2008/05/27/how- … with-chdk/

step by step guide

lifehacker.com/387380/turn-your- … per+camera

download page 4 chdk

malbe.nm.ru/chdk/

another usefull link

chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_firmware_usage/AllBest

noted photographer’s guide to learning hdr photography

stuckincustoms.com/2006/06/06/548/

enjoy.

I know I will!

Cool. Once you’ve done it, bring by Shutter Shack for me to check out. I’d love to see it done.
Cheers,
Chad

That’s pretty cool.  Obviously very far from a DSLR, but still cool.  Powershot cameras are my favorite point & shoot cameras.  I used to have an A70 and it was great, just wish it were a bit smaller.

I’ve been thinking about trying this on my S5 IS (not listed there, but is sort of supported).

I just bought the PS A720 IS and I’m pretty happy with it so far.  Pretty cheep price too.

I did this on a Canon A620 almost a year ago, and it worked just fine.  Gives me RAW files.

I sent a link to the printsrupert mailing list about it.