Canon Cameras Get Open Source Software/Firmware That Adds Motion Detecting & More

If the proverbial record just scratched for you, don’t worry, it did for me when I read about Canon’s CHDK, or Canon Hacker’s Development Kit.

What is it?
It’s a firmware update for your Canon camera. You install a few files to your Canon camera’s memory card and presto, you’ve got some kick ass options that you’d usually fined in high end prosumer cameras.

What are some of the options?
I think the coolest option is the ‘motion detecting’ feature, which means it won’t snap a photo until it detects movement. In addition to that, you can download ’scripts’ that will perform an action based on a set of criteria. I haven’t done this yet, so it’s hard for me to explain at this point, but the motion detecting feature is an example of a script.. The CHDK can also enhance image capture so you can snap photos in RAW format. You can also record movies up to 1 hour assuming you have a 2GB card (I do, and if you don’t get one, it’s worth it). You can also add some additional on screen info, but this, at least to me, is the least exciting of the options added through the CHDK. If you’ve ever wanted to increase exposure time to ridiculous amounts, now you can, up to 65 seconds and increase shutter speed to a mind numbing 1/25,000 of a second).

How dangerous is it to install on my camera?
Accordingto my source, it isn’t damaging at all and can be reversed by just deleting the files on your memory card. So NO, your camera won’t become ‘bricked’ like an iPhone.

What do I need to get started?
A brain (grin), a Canon digtal camera and an SD card. For complete install instruction go here.

Add comment May 7th, 2008

Buttons Camera Captures Other People’s Photos (video)

Yeah….not really sure how to explain this one. This camera, if you wanna call it that, is camera slash networking device. As you capture pictures with the push of ‘the button’ the device networks with other cameras and distributes your pictures to other ‘Button Camera’ users. In turn you receive other folks photos. Looks totally conceptual. Check the video above.

Add comment May 6th, 2008

Cops To Wear Bluetooth Headset Sized Cameras

I know, tiny cameras aren’t exactly revolutionary,but this is a reality check.  According to GIzmag, this new UKP300 head camera with built-in microphone can record high quality video and plug into any recording device with video and audio inputs.  Not on the super cheap side, as it will cost you just over $450.  So next time you’re walking down the street and see a cop wearing a Bluetooth headset, double check, because it might be a camera recording your every action.

Add comment April 15th, 2008

Umbrella Sports Built-in Screen, GPS and More

What appears as an everyday umbrella is in fact an umbrella with a built-in camera for snapping picks, which can be instantly uploaded to Flickr - or other photo sharing sites - via the built-in WiFi. Once you’ve completed the upload you can cheerfully revisit the snapped pics by displaying them on the interior of the umbrella’s roof. Also included is GPS and Google Earth for navigating your way through the wettest of environments. Sounds like a belated April Fools joke.

No price or availability announced, but should be available here.

[Popgadget]

Add comment April 10th, 2008