For quite some time now I’ve been messing with the newest version of CHDK for Canon G11. CHDK is a firmware add-on which brings advanced features to Canon cameras. It is model specific, meaning that you must get a specific CHDK version for your Canon model.
Not every Canon camera was privileged enough to get a CHDK version. The Canon G10, for example doesn’t have one! Fortunately, my initial request (back in November 2009) was accepted by some talented developers. The Canon G11 today is much more advanced and feature-rich than its predecessor, the Canon G10. CHDK makes a big difference.
Highlights
Longer exposure times than 15 seconds, shoot video with optical zoom, Super-Fine, live over-exposure view, live edge view, file manager, advanced scripting.
A few words about installation
I will not discuss the process of CHDK installation in this article. I have not mastered this process yet. I can say that it is not a straight-forward process. There are certain limitations to using CHDK such as the requirement of using memory cards sized 4GB or smaller. As far as I can tell, using memory cards bigger than 4GB requires a complex procedure which I have not looked into as of yet.
Even when using a 4GB card, you need to mess with the memory card lock switch. These limitation are due to the fact that “The G11 CHDK DOES NOT support the manual loading method through the firmware update mechanism!” (stated on the CHDK G11 web page). It means that you cannot use the firmware update option to load CHDK into memory. I hope it will be changed in the future.
Operating the G11 CHDK (Alt mode)
After loading the G11 CHDK, click the Shortcut key to switch into Alt mode. This is where the magic is done. Click Menu to see the alternative CHDK menu. You can always go back to the normal mode by clicking the Shortcut key again. Use the arrow keys to browse through the menu, and the Display key to go back.
Main Menu:
- Extra Photo Operations (photography related options)
- Video Parameters (video related options)
- RAW parameters (raw options, irrelevant to G11)
- Edge overlay (live edge view)
- Histogram parameters (live histogram, irrelevant to G11)
- Zebra parameters (live over-exposure or under-exposure options)
- OSD parameters (control the extra OSD features for CHDK)
- Visual settings (extra visual settings)
- Scripting parameters (load your own scripts!)
- Miscellaneous stuff (text file reader, games, etc.)
G11 CHDK exciting features
CHDK was initially developed for far less advanced cameras than the G11. That means some features overlap with current features of the G11. For example: RAW and live histogram.
Photography values override: CHDK allows you to override internal limitations such as the shutter speed limit (of 15 seconds). You can take photographs using much higher values. I have taken a photograph exposed for 50 seconds. There are many other options to override such as the aperture value, image quality (get the SuperFine back!), and more.
Video values override: CHDK lets you override internal video limitations such as using the optical zoom while taking videos! This is one of the major annoyances in the G11. You may also control video quality and much more.
Edge overlay: Show live edges of the photograph you’re taking. Basically this draws lines over the image you’re seeing.
Zebra overlay: This exciting feature lets you see the over-exposure (as well as under-exposure) areas on the live image you’re taking. If there’s a true black or burned white you will see it before taking the photograph!
OSD parameters: The CHDK has its own set of OSD visuals. Unfortunately you cannot control both Canon’s and CHDK’s visuals from this menu, but there are some advanced visuals such as a clock, temperatures (CCD, optical or battery), accurate battery meter, accurate space left on your memory card, DOF calculator, and more. There’s also a grid layout editor, you can actually define your own custom grids and show them on the screen. The OSD layout editor lets you move the visuals across the screen so they won’t hide the original camera’s visuals.
Scripting parameters: By using the scripting engine of CHDK you can load custom scripts or write your own. Such scripts include taking a photograph every X seconds automatically, which can be used to replace expensive remote controls, and lets you take pictures of changing scenes or the stars in the sky.
Miscellaneous stuff: Now this is the cool part. There is a file browser which lets you copy and delete files. This is especially useful if you want to free some space when you have MP3 files on this memory card but don’t want to format when you’re in the field. There’s also a calendar, a few games, and more.
Summary
Because of its current limitations, I’m now using CHDK for test purposes only, or for specific tasks. I would like to use it with some of my 8GB or 16GB memory cards without enslaving them to the camera (using multiple partitions on the same card may cause problems with certain media players or other devices that do not support them).
I’d like to thank all those who contributed and still contributing to this project! New builds are published frequently, check the download page on a regular basis.
CHDK is a hack, meaning it is not supported by Canon. Carefully read the instructions before installing and using this piece of software.
hi..is canon g11 capable of live viewing?i am working in the lab and we bought canon g11 in replacement to our damaged canon g7.however, we don’t know how to set up live shooting/viewing via eos utility,.can you help us with this?.thanx.