Canon dslrs can be controlled via hack via Nintendo DS
A group of photographers from HDRLabs have designed an interface that makes it possible to control Canon DSLR cameras with a Nintendo DS. The Open Camera Controller provides functionality to be used on the connected camera.
The developments at the occ were born out of HDRLabs’ need to provide advanced hdr photos to make. These photos use the bracketing mode with digital cameras. This takes three photos in quick succession, one underexposed, one well exposed and one overexposed. By then merging these photos into a photo, you get an image with a high dynamic range. However, the three images that a Canon camera can take by default in bracketing mode were not enough for HDRLabs. They wanted to be able to take a maximum of eleven photos in a row.
An important part of the occ is of course the hardware. After previous experiments with microcontrollers, it was decided to use a Nintendo DS. This game console meets the requirements with regard to battery usage, programming possibilities and dimensions. In order to be able to connect to the camera, a cable has been designed that can communicate via the port that is also used for the remote control. HDRLabs does not put the hardware into production itself but has a detailed description that allows avid photographers to build the interface themselves.
The first software that was written could extend the bracketing mode to a maximum of eleven photos. In the meantime, extra programs have been added, such as Intervalometer with which time-lapse photos can be taken at set times, but also software that allows you to take a photo by clapping your hands. The source code of the software can be downloaded from the HDRLabs site.
The designers admit that there are also other ways to expand the standard capabilities of a camera. CHDK is a custom firmware that adds several options and Promote Control also expands bracketing mode, but these two solutions only work with a limited number of cameras. An iPhone application offers several options but has to talk to the camera via a difficult to configure WiFi connection. Software from supplier Breezesys again has no options to adjust the pre-programmed options.
The occ is designed for Canon cameras and has been tested with the 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D and 5D Mark II. Although designed for Canon cameras, the occ also works, with some limitations, on various Olympus, Casio and Sigma cameras.