Chdk

[jjjnettie]

Has anyone used or heard any feedback on CHDK firmware?
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
It's an upgrade that is available for my little Canon S3IS.
It seems too good to be true.
I can increase the functions on my camera by adding a couple of files to my SD card.
Features.
* Shooting in RAW
* Live histogram (RGB, blended, luminance and for each RGB channel)
* Zebra mode (blinking highlights and shadows)
* DOF-calculator
* Battery indicator
* Scripts execution (exposure/focus/... bracketing, intervalometer and more)
* File browser
* Text reader
* Calendar
* Some fun tools and games :)

It will be like having a whole new camera.

[jjjnettie]

Wow, one of the Builds gives the camera motion detection for photographing lightning and possibly bright meteors!!

[h0ughy]

thats a big improvement in the camera JJJ

[jjjnettie]

I upgraded the camera today.
Made it so the camera boots up with the firmware. I don't have to load the software every time I want to use it.
Utilised the .txt reader too. I can now access the manual and FAQ sheet for the new software anytime I want. I might put the camera manual on it as well.
If the sky clears tonight I'll take some images to see how .raw compares with .jpeg. It'll be great not to have to wait for the dark frame subtraction.

I highly recommend this upgrade to anyone with a Canon compact/advanced compact camera.

[jjjnettie]

The latest firmware update is out.
Programmers have managed to bypass the built in 15 second exposure limit on the Canon Compact Cameras.
Now my little camera can do up to a 65 second exposure.
Awesome.
I just need reliable tracking now.