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Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)

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Offline Nexious

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Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« on: 23 / August / 2009, 17:05:05 »
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Hi all, I'm completely new to the CHDK scene.  With a limited budget I've been debating between either an SX110 or an SX10 but I want to make sure that what I get is compatible with CHDK as that's the primary reason I'm going with Canon in the first place.  I believe the extra money for the SX10 will be worth the investment due to the greater optical zoom etc.

But, is there any way to determine what firmware version is on the camera before purchasing it from a store (e.g, Walmart)?  I would hate to get it and then learn that it is a greater firmware than what is currently supported, or that CHDK is only partially supported by the firmware.  Or if I get it home and it's a greater version that what's supported is there any way to downgrade?  Thanks!
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Offline fe50

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #1 on: 23 / August / 2009, 17:59:24 »
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Offline Nexious

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #2 on: 23 / August / 2009, 18:16:34 »
Thanks fe50, that boosted my confidence!

Some weeks back I got an A2000 IS as a gift but feel it is too restrictive for what I'd like to accomplish (it has no manual controls, no current CHDK support, exceptionally slow flash recharge speed with often blurred pictures without flash).  Plus something strange is that there appears to be dirt or some artifact(s) lodged underneath the LCD screen that can't be removed--another family member had an older version of the same line and they too have the same issue with a large 'dot' stuck in the LCD.  These aren't hot pixels just dirt of sorts that appear even when off.

Hopefully I'll be able to get credit back for this one which I've rarely used and then put forth the extra for the far superior SX10.  It costs $400USD at Walmart right now vs $200 for the A2000.
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Offline Anaglyphic

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #3 on: 23 / August / 2009, 18:20:57 »
Hey Nex...

Cost has little to do with features or image quality; for a couple hundred more you could get an intro dSLR with a kit lens that blows the sensors off every single PowerShot ever made.

Regarding firmwares, though... the odds of you getting a firmware revision different from every single other unit in a specific warehouse distribution hub is astronomically small. Certainly not from a retailer the size of Walmart. It can happen as fe50 points out. But the changeover takes days, not months. This is Continuous Flow Production... the stock must flow. (sorry, Mr. Herbert)

Downgrades are a flat "no". Consider, sometimes firmware revisions are tied to a hardware modification to correct something, or tied to a batch of consecutive serial numbers (assembly probably had a part out of stock and used a substitute in the pick-n-place.). Which is why no one ever suggests "tricking" or forcing a firmware update from a version not specifically applicable. You could brick your camera.

Best advice, just buy the camera you want. :^) If it's possible to port CHDK to it, it will happen eventually. You might even be part of it! If it's a supported camera but a different firmware, sometimes the CHDK for the previous firmware works fine. There's many models that are working like this already. If however you truly need CHDK for whatever reason, then buy one of the cameras currently in production that is supported, buy old stock, or buy used / refurbished cameras.
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Offline Nexious

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #4 on: 23 / August / 2009, 22:28:52 »
^ Thanks for the extra information, I plan on purchasing the SX10 tomorrow and am quite excited about it.  I've only ever purchased the $100-200 range cameras before.

One final question, perhaps I should ask it elsewhere, but does the CHDK software for the SX10 support most of the popular scripts, especially ones like Ultra Intervalometer?  They don't seem to list it as a compatible camera but I'm hoping they do.
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Offline fe50

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #5 on: 24 / August / 2009, 06:37:52 »
Quote from: Nexious on 23 / August / 2009, 22:28:52
One final question, perhaps I should ask it elsewhere, but does the CHDK software for the SX10 support most of the popular scripts, especially ones like Ultra Intervalometer?  They don't seem to list it as a compatible camera but I'm hoping they do.

The SX10 supports all CHDK scripting commands in both scripting languages,uBasic and Lua.
There are lots of ready-to-use scripts out there, some of them may be camera-dependent and need small adaptions, but that's no problem, just ask for help here in the forum.
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Offline fbonomi

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #6 on: 24 / August / 2009, 09:25:41 »
Some time ago I had to buy a new a570 for a firend of mine, and the newest firmware version wasn't supported yet.

I went in the shop saying, "Can I please check if my SD card is compatible with the camera?"

just practice with the keystroke sequence :-)

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Offline cybercom

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #7 on: 25 / August / 2009, 22:32:14 »
Also, since most places have a return policy within a certain limited time, it's easy enough to buy the camera, run the version test card and see if you're good to go. If not, just take it back. Only delay would be if you have to charge the battery, but most have enough juice to do the version test.

I often will buy something, go to a nearby diner and, over a cup of coffee, do a complete checkout of the item. If anything is wrong, or I've forgotten something, I'm still close to the store, not sitting at home miles away.   8)
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Offline Nexious

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Re: Determine firmware version before purchasing? (SX10)
« Reply #8 on: 25 / August / 2009, 23:52:11 »
I'm happy to report that I did purchase the SX10 and it had firmware 1.03a so all was good.  Got CHDK up and running but haven't had much time to play around with it yet.  Have lots to learn!

Thanks for all the help.
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