Canon 300D - Anybody hacked the firmware?

[Galsia]

I have a Canon 300d with a Canon 100-400mm IS Lens. I'm going to an airshow on saturday and while I'm resonably happy with the camera, one thing that I've not been happy with over the past 5 years with it is the lack on AL Servo focusing.

Rather than upgrade my camera, I've read that a hacked firmware can be installed, giving the 300D some of the features of the 10D, including AL Servo.

Has anybody done this? Is it a resonably risk-free procedure?

Thanks.

[Mike_CTR]

I haven't done it on a 300D, but I have on a 400D.. the Firmware hack itself lives on the CF card you put it on, so if it does go awry you can take the CF card out - is my understanding.

No problems with the 400 though.

[LongQ]

Mike_CTR said:

I haven't done it on a 300D, but I have on a 400D.. the Firmware hack itself lives on the CF card you put it on, so if it does go awry you can take the CF card out - is my understanding.

No problems with the 400 though.

My 400D came with AI Servo focus mode .... what am I missing about this question and answer?

[Mike_CTR]

LongQ said:

Mike_CTR said:

I haven't done it on a 300D, but I have on a 400D.. the Firmware hack itself lives on the CF card you put it on, so if it does go awry you can take the CF card out - is my understanding.

No problems with the 400 though.

My 400D came with AI Servo focus mode .... what am I missing about this question and answer?

It did yes, I was just stating that I'd used 'hacked' firmware on it

This one - http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/400D

[Galsia]

Every result in Google for "Canon 300D Firmware" directs me to this link:

http://satinfo.narod.ru/en/download.html

I've downloaded it but not installed it yet. I've opened the readme file and it contains this gem:


New in this release:
- ISO 3200
- Mirror Lock up
- Selectable pause for mirror lock up see C.Fn. 17
Changes:
- FEC is moved to JUMP button
- 'Left' button selects the autofocus mode:
AF OS - ONEShot
AF SE - AIservo (dosn't work right now)

Pretty bloody useless then seeing as all I want is AL-Servo (continual focusing). Anybody else have any ideas?

[MonkeyHanger]

Galsia said:

Every result in Google for "Canon 300D Firmware" directs me to this link:

http://satinfo.narod.ru/en/download.html

I've downloaded it but not installed it yet. I've opened the readme file and it contains this gem:


New in this release:
- ISO 3200
- Mirror Lock up
- Selectable pause for mirror lock up see C.Fn. 17
Changes:
- FEC is moved to JUMP button
- 'Left' button selects the autofocus mode:
AF OS - ONEShot
AF SE - AIservo (dosn't work right now)

I had that installed on my long-gone 300D. It didn't do any harm but it was about as much use as Heather Mills in an ar5e-kicking competition.

Sell the 300D and buy something more modern. A used 20/30D if you don't want to spend a fortune.

Edited by MonkeyHanger on Wednesday 7th July 21:27

[Galsia]

MonkeyHanger said:

Galsia said:

Every result in Google for "Canon 300D Firmware" directs me to this link:

http://satinfo.narod.ru/en/download.html

I've downloaded it but not installed it yet. I've opened the readme file and it contains this gem:


New in this release:
- ISO 3200
- Mirror Lock up
- Selectable pause for mirror lock up see C.Fn. 17
Changes:
- FEC is moved to JUMP button
- 'Left' button selects the autofocus mode:
AF OS - ONEShot
AF SE - AIservo (dosn't work right now)

I had that installed on my long-gone 300D. It didn't do any harm but it was about as much use as Heather Mills in an ar5e-kicking competition.

Sell the 300D and buy something more modern. A used 20/30D if you don't want to spend a fortune.

Edited by MonkeyHanger on Wednesday 7th July 21:27

Nice metaphor.

Ok, if I do get a new camera, the only extra feature I would need are AL-Servo and a larger resolution (e.g. 10-12 megapixels)

What do you recommend?

Basically I think my options are:

400d
450d
500d

I'm sure I saw an online shop recommended on here that sells second hand lenses and bodies with prices based on condition. Think the 400s body was about £200...

[LongQ]

Mike_CTR said:

LongQ said:

Mike_CTR said:

I haven't done it on a 300D, but I have on a 400D.. the Firmware hack itself lives on the CF card you put it on, so if it does go awry you can take the CF card out - is my understanding.

No problems with the 400 though.

My 400D came with AI Servo focus mode .... what am I missing about this question and answer?

It did yes, I was just stating that I'd used 'hacked' firmware on it

This one - http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/400D

Ah, I see. Thanks for the update.

Must be some 400Ds around, at a sensible price, for a trade that would give broader benefits than a firmware hack alone.

[Mike_CTR]

London Camera Exchange seem fairly reasonable, or failing that a reputable 'tog website? Photography On The Net seem to have a decent classifieds section.

[Busa_Rush]

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...

[4hero]

I have a 30D body & canon battery grip (with all manuals, cd's, a couple of books & memory card) for sale. Hardly used and very well cared for

[kybo]

4hero said:

I have a 30D body & canon battery grip (with all manuals, cd's, a couple of books & memory card) for sale. Hardly used and very well cared for

Did the OP take you up on it? If not, a pal of mine may be interested. Mail me your asking price and I'll pass it on.

Cheers
Scott