Can any digital cameras run user-written apps or custom software?
Asked 12/29/2013
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2 answers
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Are there any mirrorless or DSLR cameras that let users write and run their own software or apps on the camera? I’m not asking about buying proprietary apps from the manufacturer. I’m interested in whether cameras support user-developed code directly, or whether the closest option is firmware extensions, hacks, or an SDK/API from the manufacturer.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
4
"Apps"? No.
Dedicated Firmware hacks that replace or run on top of a camera's firmware? Yes.
There is MagicLantern for Canon SLRs and there is CHDK for that runs on Canon compacts.
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
Basically, the question is whether the camera manufacturer offers an SDK (Canon does, Magic Lantern uses it) and whether the manufacturer condones/accepts such behaviour. If there is an SDK available you can assume someone will have written some mods for the camera if the user base is large enough.
There will however never be any cross-manufacturer modifications, because every camera manufacturer uses its own OS (firmware) with its own API.
Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7736
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Generally, not in the same open “install your own apps” sense as a phone. What does exist are:
- Firmware add-ons/hacks on some cameras, such as Magic Lantern for certain Canon DSLRs and CHDK for some Canon compacts.
- Manufacturer SDKs/APIs that allow some level of external control or development. As noted, Sony has offered a REST API for some mirrorless cameras.
In practice, support depends entirely on the manufacturer. If a camera maker provides an SDK or API, developers may be able to build tools or extensions for that system. If not, only unofficial firmware projects may be possible.
There’s also no universal cross-brand app platform for cameras, because each manufacturer uses its own firmware/OS and interfaces. So the answer is: yes, in limited brand- and model-specific ways, but not as a common open feature across DSLRs/mirrorless cameras.
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