Your Canon PowerShoot can Have DSLR Features
October 14th 2009 12:55
Category: Cameras and Photography
You want to download the version of CHDK software that is appropriate for your Canon PowerShot. CHDK only works with a camera using Canon's Digic II or newere image sensor, which is any PowerShot made after 2005.
To find the right download, you'll have to find your existing firmware version number. Using Notepad or another text-editing program, create and save an empty file named ver.req. You'll have to disable the "Hide extensions for known file types," setting under Window's Explorer's Flder Options in order to change the file extension to .req.
Using a USB card reader, drop the file into the root directory of your SD card, not while the card is in the camera. Put the card back in to the camera, turn on the camera under playback mode, and press "set" and "disp" buttons together. If you've done it properly, the camera should display the firmware version number (Firmware Ver GM1.00C).
Next, go to the CHDK download site (mighty-hoernsche.de) and find your camera model and firmware version. Download the corresponding Zip file under the column labeled Complete.
With the SD card in your card reader, not the camera, connect the reader to the PC, and extract the entire contents of the software package into the root directory of the card.
Now, you're ready to run the CHDK software. Put the card back into the camera and turn it on under the playback mode (the lens should be retracted). Hit the Menu button and scroll down to the bottom of the first menu tab. You should see an option for 'firm update.' Select this option and choose 'Yes' when prompted. This is an entirely safe process since CHDK installs additional software instead of replacing the existing firmware to the camera.
CHDK should automatically load in a few second and display its logo. You can now swithc the camera to capture mode to begin using the new features. Just keep in mind that since your core firmware hasn't been modified, CHDK will be disabled every time you turn off your camer and you'll have to manually enable it with every reboot.
If you're configuring the new features, you'll probably notice that the onscreen display shows new information, including the remaining battery life as a perccentage, focus distance in meters, and a digital clock.
To enter the special CHDK menu, you need to enter Alt mode by pressing the shortcut button on your camera. When in Alt mode, you'll see an <ALT> indicator at the bottom of the onscreen display. Pressing the Menu button will bring up the CHDK menu where you can enable a live histogram, zebra stripes, and turn on RAW recording model.
So anyway... There you've done it... Your Basic Canon PowerShot has DSLR features.
| 24 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Whitney
