Canon Hack - Unlock RAW and other modes on compacts

[string]

Its been mentioned on a few forums now but can't see it here so worth adding.

There is a programme around that allows a lot of Canon DIGIC-II and -III compact cameras to shoot in RAW mode and provide many more options such as live histogram, "zebra" mode, DOF calculator and so on.

The programme simply auto boots off the SD card and doesn't upgrade/alter the existing firmware in any way at all. It works on a lot of the Powershot range, Ixus range, G and S ranges and so on.

I've installed it here on my A620 and it's working perfectly in RAW mode along with the other above mentioned features so is worth a try.

The software is free and open source.

Anyone interested the program is here:

CHDK - CHDK Wiki

[TimIngmire]

Now that's cool! Thanks String.

It's frustrating that many cameras do not offer RAW or deliberately hold back software developments in existing cameras so that they release them on new models.

I'd love to see more of this.

eg, how about a firmware upgrade for the D200 so that it process jpgs in camera as the D300?

Any other thoughts?

Tim

[DonTheFish]

I've also added the CHDK hack to my A570IS and it works perfectly. Some additional great features are:
- Up to f/11 aperture (though with reduced sharpness)
- Over-ride the 1/250th second flash synch (I've tested up to 1/10,000th!)
- Change video bitrate to extend recording times with no loss of quality

One major battle I had was to work out how to enter the new menu system underwater because it is set up to be accessed via the print button. And guess what? There's no access to that button on the Canon housing - d'oh!

However, after many hours of trying I managed to find the relevant source code, change it, recompile and now I can use the extra CHDK menus from the +/- exposure button (which still works for +/-)

If anyone wants a copy of this software for the A570IS just let me know.

Dan

[PapaBear]

I have just got my camera and am a real novice at photography (working my way through the for dummies guide) is this update worth putting on now or getting to know my camera first?
I would like to be able to shoot in the RAW format as from what I understand it is the complete image without the camera having processed it already and better for editing afterwards, so a real boon for the UW shots. But I dont have any editing software at the moment anyhow

[Cussy]

I have just got my camera and am a real novice at photography (working my way through the for dummies guide) is this update worth putting on now or getting to know my camera first?
I would like to be able to shoot in the RAW format as from what I understand it is the complete image without the camera having processed it already and better for editing afterwards, so a real boon for the UW shots. But I dont have any editing software at the moment anyhow

Here is freeware for ya Photo-Freeware.net - Stepok's Raw Importer Download there may be others on that website too (I have no experience of this software, just looked on photo-freeware to see what they had).

Is it worth it? Absolutely. I would say RAW is essential for underwater photography, but you have to consider that the write time of the photo will be massively increased. So install it, use that freeware to convert to Jpeg or TIFF for immediate viewing and keep the RAW files. In time you will learn about software and can go back to the RAW files.
HTH,
Rob

[Annie S]

I've just added the CHDK hack to my A570IS - I even managed to get the auto load to work so I don't have to mess about every time I turn the camera on - now I just need to find out which download I need for photoshop CS2 so that I can view the CRW files....

[Acero]

Hi Annie

I use this zSHARE - dng4ps_1.1.4d-setup.exe (skip the ads) it works for me.
if there is any doubt as to shoot raw or not look at the following images, taken Porthkerris recently using the Canon hack.

jpeg:



raw:

[masplin]

Hi Dan

I just bought an A570 and was gonig to try the CHDK hack, but sounds liek you have already got it working perfectly. Could I get a copy of your software if it's still working?

Much appreciate

mike asplin

I've also added the CHDK hack to my A570IS and it works perfectly. Some additional great features are:
- Up to f/11 aperture (though with reduced sharpness)
- Over-ride the 1/250th second flash synch (I've tested up to 1/10,000th!)
- Change video bitrate to extend recording times with no loss of quality

One major battle I had was to work out how to enter the new menu system underwater because it is set up to be accessed via the print button. And guess what? There's no access to that button on the Canon housing - d'oh!

However, after many hours of trying I managed to find the relevant source code, change it, recompile and now I can use the extra CHDK menus from the +/- exposure button (which still works for +/-)

If anyone wants a copy of this software for the A570IS just let me know.

Dan