Chapter 5, "Scripting," is the ability to control the camera using the CHDK. Through scripting you can control almost every photographic task including shooting time series, reacting to motion, bracketing for High Dynamic Range (HDR), or setting depth of field (DOF). Here you will learn to work with, create, and configure scripts.
Chapter 6, "Advanced Techniques," now takes a look at techniques like HDR photography, panoramas, and videos. Here you will see what it takes to manipulate the camera to accomplish each one of these tasks.
Chapter 7, "The Stereo Data Maker," or SDM is a specialized version of the CHDK that is more lightweight because much of the rarely used functionality has been removed and some other functions have been added — primarily for creating stereo 3D photography. Here you will see how you can create a photo that emulates a 3D scene.
Chapter 8, "Kites, Balloons, and Multikopters," now show what can be done with the SDM and CHDK for aerial shots using Kite Aerial Photography (KAP), using balloons and other motorized platforms. This software is well equipped to handle remote as well as unattended operations.
Chapter 9, "A Look Across the Fence," takes a quick look at the future of CHDK. Currently, the software only works with the compact type of camera. With the success of the platform, others are looking to port it to the pro-sumer level of camera such as the Canon 40D. This chapter also looks at the Canon 5D as a professional movie camera and a project that intends to supply the missing features to make it one.
While The Canon Camera Hackers Manual is not a book for everyone, it does have its place for those who want to take technique to a different level. It gets you deep into the software and deep into the code.
If you do want to see how to work with your camera on totally new ground, are not afraid of getting your hands dirty with code, and are willing to work at it then I think that The Canon Camera Hackers Manual will provide the needed guidance and can easily recommend this book.
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