Digital Home Thoughts: Canon Firmware Hack Unlocks Features on DIGIC II Cameras

"This hack has been floating around the internets for a little while now, but it looks like Canon users have just recently begun to catch on to its charms, and its fairly significant benefits. For those not up to speed, the so-called CHDK firmware hack promises to unlock several advanced features of Canon's DIGIC II processor, not the least of which is support for RAW shooting, something normally reserved for higher-end cameras. Other hidden features including a live histogram, a "Zebra mode," a DOF calculator, and even a calendar, text reader, and games, among other things. While the hack should work with any DIGIC II-based camera "in theory," there's apparently only eight cameras that are officially supported, including the A610, A620, A630, A640, A700, A710, S2 IS, and the S3 IS. Of course, as with any firmware hack, you should proceed at your own risk, but those daring enough can find all the information they need by hitting up the read link below."



If you fear "Unofficial Firmware Upgrade" then don't try this. However, this upgrade gives you a number of software-locked features on the DIGIC II processor, i.e. if your Canon has one. It will get you RAW shooting, Live histogram, Zebra mode (blinking highlights and shadows), Depth of Field calculator, Battery indicator, Scripts execution (exposure/focus/... bracketing, intervalometer and more), File browser, Text reader, Calendar and Games. Most folks are reporting this to be a pretty safe hack but obviously, since this is unsupported, you are taking the risk that you will end up with a brick.