How to add DSLR features to your Canon Point-and-Shoot Camera

[jgomez65]

For those who own a Canon P&S camera, (like Canon PowerShot), with a relative simple hack, you can add features available only to DSLR cameras such as RAW image recording and live histogram feedback.

The hack requires modifying the firmware (software) inside the camera, but it can be done easily and without any risk to the camera.

Here is the link

9 Kick-Ass DIY Projects to Get Your Hack On - Page 4 | Maximum PC

[teaking]

CHDK is custom firmware that is loaded from the SD card so you dont have to replace the current firmware.

It does enable raw but it isnt really a proper raw format as it has no header and as such cant be read by any raw processor. They recomend using DCraw to read it and one such RAW processor that uses this is Raw Therapee.

There are also scripts that can be run using CHDK for motion detection that starts a shot. and also longer shutter speeds it looks like a great addon for canon camera's not all models are covered but theres lots of info.

[Sterling]

You can also save to .DNG format in the camera with this hack. And yes, it just resides on the SD card so it doesn't change anything with the camera's firmware. One of the most useful features it added for my S3iS is a battery indicator in %.

[teaking]

Ahhhhh yeahh!!! thats right its saves to DNG forgot that bit means the list of raw processors is greater to choose from

Im sure they have a live histogram function in there too and lots and for some canon users the abilty to zoom while shooting video.

[haowong]

I've done it for my SX110IS...
A whole new world has opened to me


Im still looking for scripts that can make HDRs out of the box...
and movement detection picture (handy for lightning pics)

[andrecb]

is there any DIY like this for the cybershots ? eg: dsc-s930

[teaking]

CHDK as far as I know is only supported by the devolpers for Canon camera's and not every Canon has a CHDK version available for it newer models are being ported all the time they do some really good work there.

But the source code is available and they do say that if any other developers want to use it to port for other camera models they are quite welcome im not too sure if this has been done could be worth checking out.