How to Install CHDK on Your Canon PowerShot Camera
Warning: This video is rated G for Geek! 🤓
I spent a lot of time putting this tutorial together, so I hope it helps you unlock some of the hidden capabilities of your Canon camera.
CHDK stands for Canon Hack Development Kit. It’s an independent, open-source project that adds extra features to certain Canon PowerShot cameras. When I discovered CHDK after buying my Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, I was amazed by what it could do.
Some of the features include:
Shooting RAW images on supported cameras
Overriding shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings
Long exposures beyond the camera’s normal limits
Extremely fast shutter speeds on supported models
Customizable high-speed continuous shooting
Focus bracketing
Scripts for time-lapse photography
Motion-detection photography, including lightning capture
USB remote shutter-release capabilities
That’s just a sampling of what CHDK can do!
Before You Begin
CHDK is camera-model and firmware-specific. Not every Canon camera or firmware version is supported, and the installation method shown in this video may not apply to your camera.
Visit the official CHDK website to check compatibility and read the current documentation:
The steps below document the firmware-update installation method demonstrated in my video. Menu names, buttons, filenames, and available installation methods can differ between camera models and CHDK builds.
What You'll Need
A supported Canon PowerShot camera
An SD memory card compatible with your camera
An SD card reader
A Mac or Windows PC
Important: Back up your photographs before formatting a memory card. Formatting erases its contents.
Step 1: Format Your Memory Card
Back up any pictures you want to keep.
Insert the SD card into your camera.
Turn on the camera and open the menu.
Find the card-formatting option in the camera settings.
Follow the prompts to format the card.
The exact menu location varies by camera model.
Step 2: Find Your Camera's Firmware Version
In the video, I demonstrate a method using a text file named VER.REQ or VERS.REQ to display the firmware version.
The process shown is specific to certain older Canon cameras. Follow the instructions for your particular model in the CHDK documentation rather than assuming this method works on every camera.
On supported models, the version information will help you identify the correct CHDK build. Record the displayed firmware version carefully.
Step 3: Download the Correct CHDK Files
Find the CHDK build that matches your exact camera model and supported firmware version.
The original video refers to an older download site, mighty-hoernsche.de. That address and its file listings may no longer be maintained, so use the current CHDK resources and compatibility information to locate an appropriate build.
Some releases offer a smaller package with the essential files and a complete package with additional scripts, language files, and other resources.
Do not install files intended for a different camera model or firmware version.
Step 4: Extract the Downloaded Files
Download the appropriate package and extract it using a utility that supports its archive format.
Windows: File Explorer may be able to extract the archive directly.
Mac: Use a compatible archive utility if the built-in tool cannot open the package.
The number and names of files may vary by release.
Step 5: Copy the Files to Your SD Card
Copy the extracted CHDK files and folders to the root directory of the memory card—the top-level location, not inside another folder.
Follow the installation instructions for your particular camera and build. Some installation methods require specific files, while others use a different card layout.
Step 6: Safely Eject the Card
Eject the SD card from your computer before removing it. Insert it into your camera.
Step 7: Start the Camera Using the Method Shown
For the firmware-update method demonstrated in the video, I start the camera using the playback button rather than the regular power button.
This is a model-specific procedure. Check the CHDK instructions for your camera to confirm the correct startup method.
Step 8: Run the Firmware Update
On supported cameras using this installation method:
Open the camera menu.
Locate the firmware-update option.
Select it and follow the camera's prompts.
If the procedure succeeds, CHDK should start and display its startup screen.
If you don't see the expected option, stop and check the instructions for your camera. Do not attempt to force an incompatible firmware update.
Step 9: Return to Camera Mode
Follow your camera's CHDK instructions to switch from playback to shooting mode. Depending on the model and CHDK build, you may see additional information on the display, such as a more precise battery-level indicator.
Step 10: Explore CHDK Mode
On the camera used in my video, the Shortcut/Alt button toggles between CHDK mode and normal camera operation.
When CHDK is active, additional menus become available. These can let you adjust supported overrides, select scripts, and change script parameters.
The controls and available features vary by camera, so consult the CHDK documentation before changing unfamiliar settings.
That's it! If your camera supports this installation method, you should now be ready to explore CHDK's additional features.
Want to Try Time-Lapse Photography?
One of the features I was most excited about was running an intervalometer script for time-lapse photography. That was the subject of the next tutorial I planned to make.
If you experiment with CHDK, make sure you use instructions and scripts that match your camera and CHDK version.
Final Thoughts
CHDK opens up some fascinating possibilities for supported Canon cameras. If you've ever wished your camera offered more control over exposure, RAW shooting, or automated photography, it's well worth investigating.
I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you get CHDK working on your camera? Which features do you find most useful?
👉 Visit the CHDK Project Page
Good luck, and happy shooting!
Disclaimer: CHDK is an independent community-developed project, not an official Canon product. Compatibility and installation procedures vary. Follow the documentation for your specific camera, back up important files, and understand the risks before changing firmware-related settings.