Powershot G7 RAW hack available!

[Tigerman]

Has anyone tested this RAW hack with Powershot G7?
If so, does it work and is it safe?

FAQ - CHDK Wiki

 

[sbutts]

Yeah it works great. It's completely safe and reversible. I highly recommend it.

The CHDK hack was brought up earlier and there's a sticky thread discussing it here:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ca...e-added-functionality-some-canon-cameras.html

 

[mrwa]

I have been using for some land-based testing and have found it to be quite useful and safe. I would recommend the "allbest" build because it provides you with extra options like Tv and Av bracketing when using the continuous shooting mode. Just keep in mind that you will need a large memory card (must be 2 GB or less to work with the firmware) and there are multiple steps required to process your raw images. For example, I convert all my raw images into DNG files using DNG4PS-2 (free download). Then you need a program that will read your DNG files properly. I am using Photoshop CS3. It works very well (Lightroom works too). It may take some trial and error to get your workflow optimized, but it is a great advantage to have!

 

[jeraldjcook]

Yes and Yes. I wouldn't buy a new Canon camera that CHDK isn't availible for, it that good. Lots of great features and it just loads on the SD/CF card so nothing is changed on the camera.

 

[Tigerman]

Well, I installed it a couple of hours after my original post, and although it lets me shoot raw (I use the allbest build 37 for G7 100j) and gives some other nice features, I cant say im overwhelmingly impressed with the quality of the RAW files. Atleast as far as normal "grab that camera and get a shot of it" situations im not very likely to use the raw format. The jpg outputs from the G7 is very well processed already in the situations ive tested and compared the raw with the jpg and the time and effort to process a better shot from the raw files is just dont seem to be worth it.
This also was some of the argument as to why the G7 didnt have the RAW option in the first place iirc.
That said, I have not yet been able to test it under water as theres still ice on top of it and im not yet satisfied with the variation of the "test subjects" ive found, so I will test it more.
Also, is the qualiy on the RAW files the same with all the different builds?

Currently im using;
G7 100j
DNG4PS-2
PS CS3
2GB SD Card

 

[TEERLKAY]

Also, is the qualiy on the RAW files the same with all the different builds?

Yes, the RAW quality will be exactly the same on all builds for the same camera.

(Probably) all digital cameras actually capture all pictures in a proprietary un-compressed format - usually some sort of raw. And then the cameras processor does its thing and saves the photo. Some cameras allow you to save it as RAW. All canon cameras have that capability; it's just that canon "turns off" that feature for low end P&S and the "hack" "turns it back on"

You are spot on when you comment on the amount of post processing work required and only you know if the time/reward ratio is worth it for you. I always load the hack on my a710 and toggle raw on/off as I see fit, the great thing is the camera saves a jpg image even if you shoot raw. I ALWAYS use the live histogram and battery meter, courtesy of the hack - your G series might come with them stock as you are slightly higher in the canon hierarchy.

 

[mrwa]

While it is true that the Canon JPEGs are good from the G7, I have found a pronounced difference when comparing the color of a JPEG to the same image in DNG format. I have heard that the Canon JPEG engine adjusts ouput color to make people's complexion less pale looking, and that seems to be the case based on my experience comparing the two image formats. The color, and the ability to fine tune WB and exposure makes RAW useful to me.

 

[Tigerman]

There is on some of the shots, rather large color differences on the RAW and the JPG versions for sure. Ill upload some samples when I get back home from work..

 

[Tigerman]

Sample on jpg vs raw color differences with the G7
This is a macro shot taken without flash in "less than perfect" lighting.
ScubaBoard Gallery - G7 JPG vs RAW - Powered by PhotoPost