With Magic Lantern recent 24P raw video hack I thought it may be a good idea to go over each of the big manufacturers and review are the options for anyone who is trying to use a custom Firmware on their camera
This download is licensed as freeware for the Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system on a laptop or desktop PC from camera software without restrictions. Nikon Transfer 1.5.3 is available to all software users as a free download for Windows 10 PCs but also without a hitch on Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Magic Lantern
Magic Lantern (ML) is a Canon firmware toolbox specifically aiming for the video segment. It has recently got a huge buzz for enabling a Canon’s 5DmkII to shoot 24P RAW video. And while ML is not the oldest of custom firmware, it is definitely one of the more mature ones, with many movie makers using it on production setups. As with CHDK, it usually run from the memory card and does not require a firmware “flush.
CHDK
CHDK is another Canon firmware targeting smaller point and shoot cameras. It has been here for a while and it is very easy to operate (see example here). It loads via a dedicated memory card, and once the card is removed, the camera goes back to its Canon default firmware.
PTool Firmware Manipulation Tool
Ptool is a firmware altering tool for Panasonic users which mainly enables the changing of video recording parameters. For example increasing the bitrate streaming out of the camera. To use this tool, you have to download a windows utility and “flush” (i.e. burn) the camera firmware with each modification that you apply.
Nikon Hacker
Nikon Hacker is the new kid in town hoping to do to Nikon DSLRs what Magic Lantern did to Canon DSLRs. The feature list is a bit limited for now ,but we are hoping to see it grow.
There you have it, you can have some fun even if you are not an 5DmkIII owner. While some of those hacks are at different stages of development (cough.. cough.. Nikon), I hope to see those communities prosper and release more hacks into the world. Or better yet, see camera manufactures go Open Source.
Let’s end up with a short poll about you and camera firmware:
Will You Use custom Firmware With Your Camera Comments are closed.
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December 2022
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