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There is even more to CHDK. It includes some non-photography-related utilities such as a file browser to examine the contents of your memory card, a text file reader (which I suppose could be photography-related if you were to include notes or shot lists), a perpetual calendar, and some simple games.

If you decide that you like CHDK enough that you prefer shooting with it to shooting with the factory firmware, there is a procedure that allows you to autoload CHDK every time, instead of following the Firm Update / reboot process. There are two minor caveats with the procedure, however..

First, the auto-load feature may not work with memory cards larger than 2GB in size. Second, you have to start the camera in Play mode first, then switch to Rec mode to begin shooting. That's not difficult to do, but it could cost you a few seconds of precious shooting time while someone else snaps that million-dollar UFO pic.

When you get comfortable with CHDK, you can check out user-supplied scripts. CHDK's scripting environment uses a simple BASIC-like language that lets you write your own scripts to automate camera functions -- but not to create whole new features for the camera. User-contributed scripts are available on the CHDK wiki, and implement interesting functions like HDR stacking, focus bracketing, time-lapse movies, and lightning photography.

Here's a little info about my setup. While I'm sure there are other software out there to read and edit RAW images, this is what I use (and it's all free software).

The raw hack is not an easy find, but you can get the current release (compatible with the G7 1.00i firmware) here: http://www.zshare.net/download/37426216a0c975/

a) The contents of the ZIP file has 2 files. Copy them both to the root folder on your SD card. You'll need a card reader/writer for this.

b) Startup your camera in PLAY mode, not shoot mode. Access the meu and go to the bottom. Select firmware update and proceed. The camera will reboot with the newly, temporariy, firmware.

The Microsoft Scanner and Camera Wizard does not detect the RAW files on the camera, so to download them I have to manually copy them from the disk.

You can download the Windows version here: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=121075

Desc: UF RAW is both a standalone application that loads and modifies the basic properties of a RAW file. In addition, it supports a plug-in for GIMP (you need to install the plug-in manually). To install the plugin for Gimp (if that's your editor of choice), copy:

4) The CHDK website has a good manual on how to access the special menu and activate the options. Read both the: