DNG creation from CHDK?

[lmorin]

Has anyone used the capability of CHDK to convert RAW files to DNG format files in the camera? I couldn't really understand how it works or whether one ends up with JPG, CRW and DNG files on the memory card. My currently loaded version of CHDK does not have the "convert to DNG" capability. I am wondering whether it would be useful to upgrade.

 

[Kukuisa]

With the CHDK you create both JPEG and CRW files on the card inside the camera.
After uploading these into your computer you use a separate prgram (like DNG4PS-2) to convert the CRW (CannonRaW) into DNG files.
See also: CHDK for Dummies - CHDK Wiki and dng4ps2 - Google Code .
Hopes this helps.

K.

 

[xaveri]

It would be good to let us know which Canon camera you have and the bios version.

I have used it extensively on my A590 IS and it works really well. I'll tell you how I did it based on my experience although I'm not sure if its the exact same process in all cameras.

DNG RAW files can be created exclusively or along with their JPG counterparts. In order to create DNG fles, first you need to create a "badpixel" file. That is done using the scripting features of CHDK. Simply go to the scripting menu and load the badpixel script located in the examples folder. Then get out of the CHDK menus and run the script. This will take a couple of pictures and take about 1 min to create the badpixel file. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the process.

After this is done, then you will be able to activate the DNG options from the RAW menu. Select the extension as DNG to have it saved as a *.DNG

You say you don't have DNG capabilities, is it that you cant activate them or you just don't see the DNG options at all?

If you have any questions let me know.

 

[lmorin]

Thanks for the info. I have an A570is and have been using CHDK for a couple of years. I recently saw that the convert to DNG capability had been added using the steps you describe. As I said, I still don't understand whether the DNG files are saved on the camera memory card in place of the CRW files or in addition to the CRW files. If the latter, I'll run out of card space too frequently. Further comments appreciated.

 

[apaka]

Hi! I use an a590, with chdk, if you shoot RAW, just put them on your hard disk with the canon utility program, then use the abovementioned dng4ps2 program to create the .dng, if you have not enough place, shoot only raw, don't let the chdk save a .jpg on your card. Just write
dng4ps2 in the google and download it!

 

[xaveri]

Thanks for the info. I have an A570is and have been using CHDK for a couple of years. I recently saw that the convert to DNG capability had been added using the steps you describe. As I said, I still don't understand whether the DNG files are saved on the camera memory card in place of the CRW files or in addition to the CRW files. If the latter, I'll run out of card space too frequently. Further comments appreciated.

The DNG files are saved insted of the CRW and you can choose to save the JPG file or not along with the CRW. I like using the DNG option because it reduces for me the processing time of the photos since programs like Photoshop and Picasa already can read DNG without the need of any conversion.

As to card space, I use an 8GB SD Card that can last upwards of 4 dives without any need to empty it.

 

[String]

Have my A620 producing JPG plus DNG only. One thing though, the DNG creation really kills battery life - i lose 50%+ of capacity when i save as DNG vs CR2 files.

 

[waja]

Have my A620 producing JPG plus DNG only. One thing though, the DNG creation really kills battery life - i lose 50%+ of capacity when i save as DNG vs CR2 files.

Is the JPG inside the DNG or an additional file?

 

[xaveri]

Have my A620 producing JPG plus DNG only. One thing though, the DNG creation really kills battery life - i lose 50%+ of capacity when i save as DNG vs CR2 files.

I had the same issue until I got a pack of Sanyo Eneloop Low discharge rechargeable batteries. I just went on a vacation trip and took my A590 with me. I was able to do 2 dives and keep using the camera the entire day, taking over 400 shots without having to change the batteries. I am really impressed with their performance. There are a couple of threads in this forum about them, that's how I fund out, so be sure to search for it if you need more info.

Here's the link for where I bought them:

Sanyo Eneloop Batteries

Is the JPG inside the DNG or an additional file?

The JPG is a stand alone file. You can choose to create it or just to create the DNG. It's better to have it because you can use them as a quick reference and to see them in your camera.