There exists a simple and free software named CHDK that enables Canon camera owners to perform various advanced tasks with their shooters. CHDK or Canon Hacker’s Development Kit is basically a software framework that relies on open source standard. By using it, a Canon camera owner can add histograms, enable RAW image support and burst mode on his camera.

This software works only with Canon cameras. However, results depend on the model a person uses and its firmware version. The software should be used by people who have extensive knowledge in cameras and they should remember that using it can make the warranty provided by Canon void. It is not risky as the firmware of the camera is not affected by it and it is stored in memory card of the camera. A person needs to check the CHDK web site to know if his Canon model will support the software or not. He also needs to download a compatible version of the software.

To install CHDK on a SD card, a utility named Card Tricks is required. Using it the card can be formatted in FAT. Thereafter, the user needs to make it bootable using the same software. Next, he should proceed to the CHDK site and download a compatible version for his camera. The CHDK software is downloaded in zipped format. Using Card Tricks, the zip file needs to be extracted on the SD card. After locking the SD card, inserting in the camera and powering on the device, a splash screen will appear that will show that CHDK is in operation.

This software enables image saving in the RAW format. To enable Raw image saving the user needs to go to Alt mode by clicking ‘Direct Print’. Next, he needs to select Raw parameters and activate the menu ‘Save Raw’. To use the customized RAW images made by the software, a person can use a tool named Photoline. It is available for both Mac and Windows.

Many cameras show a histogram preview after a picture is shot. However, it would be better if the camera shows live histogram. CHDK makes it possible. When CHDK is activated, a person needs to select Alt mode and go to ‘Histogram parameters’ using the Menu button. From there, he can activate the sub menu ‘Show Live Histogram’. Some models support real time Live histogram toggle.

Sometimes outdoor shots and night scenes look nice when they are shot with long exposures. However, many entry level cameras do not support long exposure by default. With CHDK installed, they can override this limitation. However, to shot long exposure images with a point and shoot camera, using a tripod becomes mandatory. To enable this feature a person needs to select Alt mode in his camera. Thereafter, he needs to select ‘Extra Photo Operations’ and click on ‘Override shutter Speed’. The value factor should be set to 1. After this, the camera will allow the user to select a custom shutter length instead of using the inbuilt one.

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