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Kodak C310 - disabling auto-power off

Chieh;
I found a fellow in the Boston area who, following instructions in your book, hacked a jack into a point-and-shot camera (Kodak C310) so I can fire the shutter with a bite switch. However I have a new problem not addressed in your book.

Kodak P&S cameras have an "auto-power off" feature where by the camera turns itself off automatically if not used for several minutes (1-10 minutes depending on the user's preference.). To turn the camera back on, one must manually turn the "mode knob" (off, auto, video, review) on the camera. A mere "chomp" of the bite switch (or pressing of the shutter release button) won't do it. Is there a way to hack the camera so this can also be done using the bite switch only? In other words, with out use of hands. (I looked through your entire book and did not find this concern addressed.)

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Scott Bruce
Tue, 4 Apr 2006 11:02:07 -0700

Scott, the first thing to do is to check if there is a way to disable the auto-power off feature on your Kodak C310 digital camera. Look through the menu or the manual and see if there is a way to turn off the auto-power off function. For example, my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has five power save settings: OFF, 1 MIN., 2 MIN., 5 MIN., and 10 MIN. If you can turn it off on your digital camera, then problem solved.

But if your Kodak C310 digital camera doesn't give you the ability to disable the auto-power off feature, then at least set it to the longest setting. For example, my Nikon Coolpix 950 digital camera's auto off function supports four modes: 30S, 1M, 5M, and 30M. I always choose the 30M option.

Now, once you have it on the longest setting, you have to determine the characteristics of your digital camera's power off function. First of all, does your Kodak C310 digital camera have a two-position shutter button? The first stage is for auto-focus and the second stage is for snapping the photo. If yes, does triggering stage 1 prevent auto-power off?

Next you have to determine the characteristics of your bite switch. Is your bite switch a two-position trigger? Is there a separate auto-focus stage versus a picture snapping stage?

If yes, then you can simply trigger stage 1 (auto-focus) every once in a while to prevent your camera from turning off. I do this all the time when I walk around with my SLR digital camera. If no, then get a huge memory card for your digital camera. Shoot pictures periodically to prevent the digital camera from turning off.

Chieh Cheng
Thu, 6 Apr 2006 01:04:43 -0700

Thanks, Chieh. I've recommended your book to several other people.

Scott Bruce
Thu, 6 Apr 2006 13:07:36 -0700

Forgot to mention to you . . .
Turn off the LCD if you can to conserve battery.

Chieh Cheng
Fri, 7 Apr 2006 08:26:11 -0700

Just wonder, were you able to disable camera auto power off?

I have a similar request and want to disable auto power off, in fact I want turn the camera to complete manu camera, no auto focus, no power off, just remote controlled shot.

What are the similar cameras with ~4M pixel available that allows me to take complete manu control?

Youda He
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:29:57 -0700

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Title: Switch question
Weblog: Camera Hacker
Excerpt: Is there any way to get a 2.5mm bayonette input plug into a point-and-shoot digital camera? It seems only higher-end pro cameras have remote control jacks. I want to operate a $100-200 point-and-shoot camera with a Conceptus bite switch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Title: Service Needed: Attaching Remote Shutter Switch to P&S Cameras
Weblog: Camera Hacker
Excerpt: 've purchased your book online (though won't arrive until April 2nd) as well as printed out Chapter 1 from the publisher's website as you suggested. However I have a problem. I need a 3/32 submini phone jack wired to at least two digital cameras within a few days (by this Saturday). I have no experi . . .
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Excerpt: Another problem has arisen. Most of the cameras -- 6 megapixels or larger -- are too compact , once the case is removed, to attach jack wires (forget an internal jack). To solve this space problem, can the shutter release button (switch) be removed and replaced by a 3/32 sub mini jack or equiv . . .
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