Best Canon CHDK features for everyday photo shooting

I really used to take pictures with my Canon digicam equipped in CHDK software. During summer vacation I took many pictures and some short movie clips. I had to switch full SD card for second empty one - without CHDK. When I started shooting again, I realized how I miss those additional features.

The top most features I use even during casual shooting is zebra and live histogram. Zebra simply highlights under/overexposed areas, that fall beyond camera light range. Histogram helps balance lights level in shadows, middle tones and bright areas. Those two save me many experimental, "light probing" shoots until I get expected result. It's very easy for use feature, even for non experienced photographer.
I don't mention other, less used features that can really expand photographing experience, if you really get into it.

Next time I am installing CHDK on all of my SD cards to not miss opportunities when I get my camera.

CHDK - second life for Canon point and shoot digital cameras

When I've bought my Canon digicam, I've heard rumors about additional software uploaded into Canon cameras. But last year there was still no support for my A570 model. Last week I've found article on Lifehacker mentioning hacking Canon firmware.

I've uploaded CHDK software using SD card reader, and I'm playing now with new features. There is lot of interesting things like making RAW pictures, overriding default range of exposure settings, bracketing and lots of cool of tools like live histogram and under/overexpose region marking.

It feels like I've got new camera - it's indeed second life for that piece of hardware.

I'm trying to get some HDR pictures now using RAW format and auto bracketing features.

So, happy shooting!