New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

Val in AZ

« on: 16 / January / 2013, 13:40:41 »

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Hi - am re getting into photography & was given the SX40hs as a birthday gift from my husband-and I love the camera.

I FINALLY got the hack loaded onto a 4gb card (am 55 years old and do NOT speak camera

very fluently). I can see the CHDK menu, can over ride ISO and such. HOWEVER when I press the shutter...nothing....except in the lower left corner it says 'STARTED' and under that 'FINISHED'. The "ALT" is visible. Before hitting (or trying to) hit the shutter release, in the corner it says 'Default Script'

I would love to have more options for Astrophotography other than the miserable default ISO 100 at slow shutter speeds which is USELESS.

Any ideas &/or help would be most appreciated.

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waterwingz

12125

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #1 on: 16 / January / 2013, 16:26:26 »

You are trying to take a picture while still in CHDK <ALT> mode. Doing that activates the currently loaded script - which in your case is the default script as you have not loaded anything else. Exit <ALT> mode before you try to take a picture - use the same button you pressed to enter <ALT> mode in the first place. At that point, all the settings you picked will work "in the background" while you take pictures in normal Canon mode.

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16

Val in AZ

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #2 on: 16 / January / 2013, 17:26:14 »

Thank you, Waterwingz

When I switch back from 'ALT', it is still showing last night's settings on the "normal" side....so,
it looks weird.

I certainly trust what you're saying...but, when tested at my desk....it sure wasn't a 32 second
exposure.....

Very odd.

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waterwingz

12125

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #3 on: 16 / January / 2013, 17:32:23 »

Quote from: Val in AZ on 16 / January / 2013, 17:26:14

When I switch back from 'ALT', it is still showing last night's settings on the "normal" side....so,
it looks weird.

Enable the CHDK OSD override display to see what CHDK is going to do.

Quote

I certainly trust what you're saying...but, when tested at my desk....it sure wasn't a 32 second
exposure.....

Overrides are cleared by default when you turn the camera off. You can disable that feature - its one of the menu options.

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16

Val in AZ

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #4 on: 16 / January / 2013, 18:09:47 »

I will happily share my star pictures as a thank you

I'm looking at the screen (in 'ALT') and in the upper left area of screen
it is showing AV2.70 / ISO2750 which is what I wanted.

When I switch back to normal, by hitting the 'ALT' thing again,
these settings remain as long as the camera is on. Is that correct.

I almost have it and SO appreciate your help

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waterwingz

12125

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #5 on: 16 / January / 2013, 20:16:56 »

Quote from: Val in AZ on 16 / January / 2013, 18:09:47

I'm looking at the screen (in 'ALT') and in the upper left area of screen it is showing AV2.70 / ISO2750 which is what I wanted. When I switch back to normal, by hitting the 'ALT' thing again, these settings remain as long as the camera is on. Is that correct.

yes

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16

Val in AZ

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #6 on: 17 / January / 2013, 12:46:34 »

Waterwingz - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Tried stars from our backyard last night and the CHDK is working flawlessly. Fussed with ISO / f stop / exposure. 1250-1750 ISO range, 2.7 f stop and 15 sec exposure is just about it.

Why Canon chose to "hide" all these really cool manipulations is certainly a mystery...other than so they can sell me a uber expensive camera that really isn't needed.

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waterwingz

12125

Re: New & generally likable newb needs some assistance

« Reply #7 on: 17 / January / 2013, 20:16:22 »

Quote from: Val in AZ on 17 / January / 2013, 12:46:34

Why Canon chose to "hide" all these really cool manipulations is certainly a mystery...other than so they can sell me a uber expensive camera that really isn't needed.

Well, that uber expensive camera will typically have a superior lens so its not a total waste. And almost everyone who buys a P&S camera just leaves it in auto - not even using the simple "scene" settings that can vastly improve their pictures. Their interest in being able to set ISO, shutter speed or aperatures is pretty much zero. In fact, I'd even bet that 99% of consumer DSLR cameras are never taken out of AUTO mode.

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Ported : A1200 SD940 G10 Powershot N G16