Firmware updates & CHDK

[NorthernShooter]

I just purchased the A590is...


- Does Canon provide firmware updates ?
If so, how do I check to see the currently installed fw ? I tried pressing fuction/disp which
gave me "Firmware ver. 1.0.0.0" which I believe is not correct as I read on the CHDK site it should be (?) either "1.00e" or "1.01b" ?

- As to CHDK, ... should I attempt using this or is this beyond my knowledge at this point,
as I am a noob ? Can this ruin or damage the camera if done incorrectly ? If so, I'll stay clear for now...
Also, will this void the warranty ?

[hnikesch]

here is a link to FAQ on the CHDK site, They go into warranty and firmware update issues. As to should you try it? well I use it on my cam's, it adds some functionality to the SD series that the A590 already has. (Manual controls) it also adds more information on the screen like % of battery and storage. Additional functions for all powershots include auto exposure bracketing (can be used for HDR) and the ability to run scripts like motion detect. I have had no issues and use it on my cameras that are still under warranty. You can always wait and try it when you want to expand beyond a stock A590

[NorthernShooter]

Thanks for the info hnikesch...

I'm still not clear though, on how to determine what my current firmware version is ?

I pressed function/disp which gave me "Firmware ver. 1.0.0.0" though I'm not sure if that's correct. The CHDK site seems to imply it should be either "1.00e" or "1.01b" ?

[hnikesch]

you need to create a file called ver.req and copy it to your sd card. The ver.req file is empty. it can be created using windows notepad. see the CHDK FAQ

[JDL7538]

Thanks for the info hnikesch...

I'm still not clear though, on how to determine what my current firmware version is ?

I pressed function/disp which gave me "Firmware ver. 1.0.0.0" though I'm not sure if that's correct. The CHDK site seems to imply it should be either "1.00e" or "1.01b" ?

I'm not sure from your question whether your realize that the CHDK program is not directly loaded on to the computer in your Canon camera, but is rather simply installed on the memory card where you record your images. In other words, CHDK doesn't at all fool with the internal firmware of the camera. It acts more like software. I am quite sure, however, that CHDK only loads onto SD cards, not SDHC cards, so check that out as well to be sure I'm right.

You can read all about it here:

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_for_Dummies

Also, if you'd like a visual tutorial on how to install CHDK on your card, check this out:

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_For_Newbies_-_How_To_Install

You should be able to find all your questions answered on these two sites.

John

[hawaiiboy]

I does load onto SDHC cards.....I have it on mine for
my SX10

[NorthernShooter]

Thanks for all the information and links guys... I wonder why Canon doesn't just make these features available.

[hnikesch]

They do on the high end models, All canon P&S use the same image processors, Digic ll, III or Digic IV, The high end cameras have more features enabled on the processor. CHDK is kind of a work around to enable some of the features not turned on and a software to add some additional ones

[originalstarlite]

They do on the high end models, All canon P&S use the same image processors, Digic ll, III or Digic IV, The high end cameras have more features enabled on the processor. CHDK is kind of a work around to enable some of the features not turned on and a software to add some additional ones

The versions go by so quickly. Responding to the last 4-5 changes, I only did the mini download. Am I cheating myself out of changes by not doing the full download everytime? I have formatted my screen and hate to redo this constantly.

Also, did you see those full color, 3D icons for battery and memory? They look so non-hacked. I wonder when they will be added.

[hnikesch]

you get all with the mini download the rest does not change it's only needed the first time

[JDL7538]

I only did the mini download. Am I cheating myself out of changes by not doing the full download everytime?

I remember reading in some post to do the full and the latest download. As you see from the list, neither full or partial take up much space on your card. Consequently, I'm not sure what you might be missing, though I doubt that even the partial download leaves out the most popular features, so you might have gotten all that you'd want or would be interested in pursuing. On the CHDK for Dummies site I mentioned above I think you'll find a manual to download onto your computer for printing out, if you wish, and in there you'll find all the features the full download offers.

[c2thew]

just make sure you download the scripts that make chdk so awesome. I haven't been following chdk as closely as last year, however they are working on porting it to the sx10 and sx1. when that happens, there will most likely be a resurgence of chdk.