Is it possible to get custom firmware for digital (pointand shoot) cameras?

Question

Is it possible to manually update a digital camera's firmware?

Is there any organization or do individual people develop custom firmwares?

I am using Samsung SL30 and that lacks allowing manual control over settings. Is a firmware update possible, or is there any other better way?

Answer

Your best bet is to switch to Canon.

• For Canon point & shoots: CHDK.
• For Canon DSLRs: Magic Lantern.

I use both and love them. In particular, CHDK gives manual controls to most P&S, and can also shoot raw on those models that only support jpeg.

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