Hacks claim to 'liberate' Canon shooting options

(Credit: Crave Asia)

It seems there's no gadget immune to hacking. When Sony's PSP was first released, a homebrew firmware was spotted online a few days later. And some of the latest examples are in firmware for digital cameras.

The CHDK (Canon Hacker's Development Kit) is an open-source software that creates more shooting options (RAW image capture) and controls (max shutter speed of 1/60,000) for your Canon point-and-shoot that uses the DIGIC II and III processor. Developers claim that the camera's hardware is able to support many more functions but is being held back by the original firmware. What CHDK does is to "liberate" the system.

This upgrade is making its rounds on the Web, spawning fans and even its own forums where both programmers and users talk about their experience and how they can make CHDK even better.

Developers say that the firmware will not replace the original in the camera and that "the process is reversible." However, we don't advocate the usage of third-party firmware or upgrades because the manufacturer's warranty is void if the camera is damaged while using unauthorized software.

If you're already using this firmware, you can share your feedback and experience here.

(Source: Crave Asia)