Camera Hacks and Firmware Updates

Sometimes digital cameras just don't offer the functionality a photographer is looking for,  Sometimes, there are ways to add that functionality.


Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are one of the easiest methods of adding functionality to a digital camera. 

Firmware is basically the computer program used to control the digital camera.  Firmware is stored in the computer's flash memory.  This is similar to the type of memory used in modern memory cards.  The memory configuration can be altered to change the information stored on the card.  Changes made to the memory are permanent as long as no further alterations are made.

(This is unlike the memory used by computers to run software.  That type of memory is reset to a blank state whenever power is no longer being supplied to the memory.)

Updating firmware requires downloading the required update.  The method of applying the update defers depending on manufacturer.  (Saving the update on a memory card is a common requirement.)


There are a couple of drawbacks with firmware updates.

1)  The firmware has to be compatible with the camera.  This usually limits the firmware to that supplied by the camera manufacturer. 

Camera manufacturers do offer firmware updates that fix bugs and sometimes offer firmware updates that expand camera features.  Sometimes the only reason a more expensive model offers more features than less expensive models from the same manufacturer is the firmware used.  Manufacturers may expand the features of the less expensive models after a product line is replaced.


There are options for some models.  Some Canon models offer the option to run software stored on the camera's storage card.  This approach allows Canon owners to extend camera functionality without having to touch the camera's firmware.

There are also custom options for some Panasonic and Nikon cameras.  Note: Using custom firmware with Panasonic or Nikon may void your warranty.

Canon, Panasonic and Nikon are apparently the only models for which custom firmware is available, and only certain models are covered.

2)  The lack of options is the only drawback.  Updating firmware carries some risks as well.  Improperly applied updates can cause a camera to become inoperable.

Re-installing the pre-existing version can (sometimes) fix the problem.  That's assuming you remembered to create a backup copy of the firmware before applying the new version.  (Or that you were able to create a backup copy.)

A bad firmware update can cause the camera to become incapable of loading the program necessary to update the firmware.  (Congratulations, you have "bricked" your camera.)  This may require sending the camera back to the manufacturer in order to have the mainboard replaced.

(Digital Photography School goes into firmware updates in some length.)


Camera Hacks 

If  updating your camera's firmware isn't enough for you, PetaPixel has some additional hacks for you to try.

Some of these hacks require disassembling the camera in order to alter or remove parts.  These are definitely not recommended for use with expensive digital cameras.  Pick up a cheap digital camera if you want to try these hacks out. 

There are a couple of examples that can be used with more expensive cameras.  One shows a Lumix G1 with an antique lenses mounted to it using velcro and leather.  (This approach expands the lens options.)  Another shows a DIY tilt-shift lens using an old lens.

Then there are the camera mounting devices, used to control the camera during long or multiple exposures.


The DIY examples show how certain effects can be achieved on a budget.  It's worth reading the article for that alone.