modding cameras

ok, i know some of you guys mods cars, motorcycles computers or whatnot.

has anyone modded their cameras? i mean, new processor/software/wha​tever?

i dont have a lot of money and just thought that this could be a viable alternative than just buying a new body.

of course im gonna get a new body in the future but the DIGIC III that is in my XSi, is it compatible with DIGIC IV? like the board and such?

ive modded desktops before, but not cameras.

thoughts?

The construction of a camera is so integrated that it is not feasible to change any components for upgraded ones (apart from the lens, memory card, and battery of course).

In addition, the sensor is tightly coupled to the firmware, so is virtually impossible to upgrade.

There have been a few hacks to one or two SLRs in the past, but these are pretty limited in their extra function.

There have only been 2 firmware hacks ever made for Canon cameras that I am aware of. One for the 300D, and the other for the XTI. After the firmware hack for the 300D, Canon started encrypting their firmware making it extremely difficult to hack the firmware on the current bodies.

L mods are great...you should try it...

tfd888 wrote in post #9262110
There have only been 2 firmware hacks ever made for Canon cameras that I am aware of. One for the 300D, and the other for the XTI. After the firmware hack for the 300D, Canon started encrypting their firmware making it extremely difficult to hack the firmware on the current bodies.

Reminds me of Apple.

Even if there were a firmware hack - I wouldn't take the risk of turning my 5D into a $1,200 paperweight.

There's this other thread here about pimping your camera with chrome or gold stickers... that's about what's possible in the way of "modding" I think.

I have heard of people removing a filter to use it for astro photography.

Or replacing it for IR photography, as I've had Lifepixel do with my old 10D.

tfd888 wrote in post #9262110
There have only been 2 firmware hacks ever made for Canon cameras that I am aware of.

Some more Google found:
5D2:http://blog.planet5d.c​om …rk-ii-audio-gain-control/
5D2:http://magiclantern.wi​kia.com …gic_Lantern_Fir​mware_Wiki
7D is being developed: http://www.cinema5d.co​m/viewtopic.php?f=65&t​=6204
400D: http://chdk.wikia.com/​wiki/400D

René Damkot wrote in post #9262227
Some more Google found:
5D2:http://blog.planet5d.c​om …rk-ii-audio-gain-control/
5D2:http://magiclantern.wi​kia.com …gic_Lantern_Fir​mware_Wiki
7D is being developed: http://www.cinema5d.co​m/viewtopic.php?f=65&t​=6204
400D: http://chdk.wikia.com/​wiki/400D

I completely forgot about the 5D2 ones

There was one in the works for the 40D to be able to record movie clips and other bits but it never was released and the original developer seems to have stopped working on it and discussing it.

there was an XSi mod firmware hack that would let you use video but that was scrapped. there also was another firmware mod so that you can use higher ISO, but also scrapped.

it was just a thought that crossed my mind since the processor is a DIGIC3 and the next best processor is the DIGIC4 and i believe it is on the same board but different circuitry. im not so sure since i havent seen an inside of a DSLR.

i wasnt planning on doing this until i get another body coz just like you guys i dont want an expensive paperweight.

it was just a wild idea come across me, thats all. it only came about when im looking for upgrades on my computer. DSLR is basically a compact computer, albeit a complicated one. with time, creativity and knowledge, anything can be modified.