Best models for use with CHDK?

albo

21

« on: 02 / December / 2013, 10:57:47 »

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Hi Folks,

I'm looking around at sales on Canon point-and-shoots (looking to spend <$100). There's one on an ELPH 310 that I'm thinking about, but in the end, I find that I'd like to know more about which models play most nicely with CHDK. Some have more features open to CHDK than others, for example.

So in general, what should I be looking for? DryOS? Some particular Digic? etc. Or, perhaps particular models that are particularly nice to use with CHDK.

Thanks!

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nafraf

1308

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #1 on: 02 / December / 2013, 19:37:45 »

Quote from: albo on 02 / December / 2013, 10:57:47

Some have more features open to CHDK than others, for example.

See http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CameraFeatureTable to compare current features implemented for each model.

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albo

21

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #2 on: 03 / December / 2013, 08:43:58 »

Thanks Nafraf. Is there an explanation for the column headers somewhere? I'm not sure what "property set" refers to, and "Extended TV Range", "Filewrite Task", "Diaphragm" and "Multipart" are similarly confusing.

thanks!

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blackhole

942
A590IS 101b

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #3 on: 03 / December / 2013, 09:33:09 »

You can ignore property set to begin.
"Extended TV Range" allows exposure time longer than 64 seconds.
"Filewrite Task" to store images directly to your PC instead on the SD card ,via PTP extension.
"Diaphragm" is a mechanical assembly that allows you to manually select the aperture value of the camera.
"Multipart" is needed on older cameras that do not support SD cards larger than 4GB

« Last Edit: 03 / December / 2013, 09:35:33 by blackhole »

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albo

21

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #4 on: 03 / December / 2013, 09:43:40 »

Thanks a bunch. So, I guess I'm still left with the question about which models, in general, we should be looking for if we're looking for maximum compatibility with CHDK. Scripts on my old SD870, for example, weren't able to turn the screen off, etc.

Are there some models that tend to be better supported than others? Or is it just a matter of whether someone has invested time in porting CHDK, and hence an idiosyncratic mix of models and features?

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waterwingz

12140

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #5 on: 03 / December / 2013, 10:13:05 »

Quote from: albo on 03 / December / 2013, 09:43:40

Are there some models that tend to be better supported than others? Or is it just a matter of whether someone has invested time in porting CHDK, and hence an idiosyncratic mix of models and features?

In general, if there is a released version of CHDK for a camera, it will support all the same features as every other camera. Its always a good idea to check the porting thread and wiki page for that camera though.

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blackhole

942
A590IS 101b

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #6 on: 03 / December / 2013, 10:25:17 »

I would prefer a model with full manual "M" mode because it has a built-in diaphragm.Personally I use the A590, all the features of CHDK are supported and enters the price range that you ordered, of course talking about the used camera.It is difficult to tell which camera would most suited because it depends on your needs and expectations.

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albo

21

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #7 on: 03 / December / 2013, 10:29:36 »

Regarding Multipart, if it says "Yes", does that mean that you have to do the card partitioning to make it work on larger cards (such as I have to do on my SD870)? Or, is it the opposite? Basically, which is it that you want, "yes" or "no"?

And, what's the deal with the ND Filter column - does that just mean whether the camera has an ND filter or not?

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waterwingz

12140

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #8 on: 03 / December / 2013, 10:35:25 »

Quote from: albo on 03 / December / 2013, 10:29:36

Regarding Multipart, if it says "Yes", does that mean that you have to do the card partitioning to make it work on larger cards (such as I have to do on my SD870)? Or, is it the opposite? Basically, which is it that you want, "yes" or "no"?

And, what's the deal with the ND Filter column - does that just mean whether the camera has an ND filter or not?

If the camera was released after 2010 then it will support large partitions and not need dual partitions. Cameras released prior to 2011 need to use two partitions to autoboot if the card is larger than 4G.

Most Canon P&S cameras have an ND filter AFAIK.

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reyalp

14114

Re: Best models for use with CHDK?

« Reply #9 on: 03 / December / 2013, 16:48:02 »

A few comments:

1) All else being equal, the camera that is better without CHDK (usually meaning higher end, more expensive) will be better with CHDK. CHDK doesn't make up for bad optics or sensors or poor performance, it just gives you some extra control. So check reviews on normal review sites if you care about any of that.

2) Manual controls in the canon firmware give you more convenience and flexibility, even if CHDK provides equivalent functionality in overrides. OTOH, most of these will be over $100, although you might find something used.

3) Outside of the stuff in the table posted earlier, CHDK mostly supports the same features across all ports, but there are exceptions and many ports have individual quirks. With well over 100 ports, no one here knows all the ins and outs off the top of their head. I would suggest narrowing down your choices to a short list based on how much you want to spend and the type of camera you want (for factor, zoom range etc) and then checking the wiki and development threads for each one. If you still have questions, you could post your shortlist here to ask if anyone knows of specific issues with any of them.

4) Which camera is "best" depends on what you want to do with it. If you have specific uses for CHDK in mind, we may be able to give more specific advice.

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