Kodak Digital Camera HOWTO

1.3.1. Copyright

Copyright (c) 2000- 2001 David M. Burley

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invarient Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the GNU Free Documentation License can be found at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/.

The program source code in this document is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

The source code is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. A copy of the GNU General Public License can be found at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/.

1.3.2. Trademarks

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Kodak is a registered trademark of the Eastman Kodak Company.

Digita is a registered trademark of Flashpoint Technology, Inc.

Dell is a registered trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

2.2.1. DC5000

2.2.2. DC4800

2.2.3. DC3800

2.2.4. DC3400

2.2.5. DC3200

2.2.6. DC290

2.2.7. DC280

2.2.8. DC265

2.2.9. DC260 (discontinued)

2.2.10. DC240 / DC240i

2.2.11. DC220 (discontinued)

2.2.12. DC215 / DC215 Metallics

2.2.13. DC210 (discontinued)

2.2.14. DC210 Plus

2.2.15. DC200 (discontinued)

2.2.16. DC200 Plus

2.2.17. DC120 (discontinued)

2.2.18. DC50 (discontinued)

No specifications have been submitted for this camera yet.

2.2.19. DC40 (discontinued)

No specifications have been submitted for this camera yet.

2.2.20. DC25 (discontinued)

2.2.21. DC20 (discontinued)

2.2.22. EZ200

2.3.1. RS232 Communications In a Nutshell

2.3.2. USB Communications In a Nutshell

2.3.3. IrDA Communications In a Nutshell

3.1.1. Serial Camera Control

Additional notes regarding transfer of data from these cameras using RS232 serial support will be added in a future version of this HOWTO. All GNU/Linux distributions should be configured in such a way with a default install that serial communications with the camera should not require any kernel configuration at all. See the kdcpi portion of the Software section for more information regarding use and configuration of kdcpi.

3.2.1. Serial Camera Control

Additional notes regarding transfer of data from these cameras using RS232 serial support will be added in a future version of this HOWTO. All GNU/Linux distributions should be configured in a such a way with a default install that serial communications with the camera should not require any kernel configuration at all. See the gPhoto portion of the Software section for more information regarding use and installation of gPhoto.

3.2.2. USB Camera Control

There are no special drivers or kernel changes needed to support the DC220, DC260, DC265 and DC290 cameras under this configuration. gPhoto contains the necesary drivers to support USB transfer from these cameras. However if the dc2xx kernel module is loaded it may be necesary to remove it else a resource busy error may occur. To remove the module run the following command:

bash# /sbin/rmmod dc2xx
   

Attempting to remove the module even if it is not loaded will not cause any harm, so it is suggested that one remove it before starting gPhoto and connecting to the camera via USB. See the gPhoto portion of the Software section for more information regarding use and installation of gPhoto.

3.3.1. Serial Camera Control

Additional notes regarding transfer of data from DigitaOS enabled cameras using RS232 serial support will be added in a future version of this HOWTO. All distributions should be configured in such a way with a default install that serial communications with the camera should not require any kernel configuration at all. See the OpenDiS and/or Digita Operating Environment -- Command Device Protocol Python Script portion of the Software section for information regarding serial camera control.

3.3.2. 2.2.x Kernel USB Support

This section only applies to those running a 2.2.x series kernel. For those running a 2.4.x series kernel skip this section. At the moment the USB implementation in the 2.2.x series is insufficient and substantially out of date. As such, most USB devices are unsupported natively with the included drivers. However there is a patch available for the 2.2.15 - 2.2.17 kernels.

What software is needed (if not already present):

1. usb-2.4.0-test2-pre2-for-2.2.16-v3.diff.gz

2. Linux Kernel 2.2.17

This document assumes a working knowledge of kernel and program compiling. If unfamiliar with the process please go and read the Kernel-HOWTO.

Applying the patch:

bash# cp usb-2.4.0-test2-pre2-for-2.2.16-v3.diff.gz /usr/src
bash# gunzip /usr/src/usb-2.4.0-test2-pre2-for-2.2.16-v3.diff.gz
bash# cd /usr/src/linux
bash# patch -p1 < ../usb-2.4.0-test2-pre2-for-2.2.16-v3.diff
   

Select the following to be built as either modules or part of your kernel:

1. Support for your USB controller (It is suggested that all of these be compiled as modules unless the controller type is known.).

2. USB Kodak DC-2xx Camera Support.

3. Preliminary USB Device Filesystem.

Reboot the system and then load the created modules if the support is not compiled into the kernel. To load the modules do the following:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usbcore.o
   

Use the following if the USB controller uses either an Intel or a VIA chipset. Some others may also be supported:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usb-uhci.o
   

Use the following if the above did not work and this is the controller type:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/uhci.o 
   

Use this if the USB controller uses an SiS chipset, is a Compaq, or because the above two didn't seem to work and this is the only option left to try.

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usb-ohci-hcd.o 
   

Load the module for Kodak Digital Camera support:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/dc2xx.o 
   

Mount the USB Device Filesystem:

bash# mount -t usbdevfs ignored /proc/bus/usb
   

3.3.3. 2.4.x Kernel USB Support

This section only applies to those running a 2.4.x series kernel. For those running a 2.2.x series kernel skip this section and follow the 2.2.x Kernel USB Support section. The 2.4.x series kernels have USB supported natively which makes it a bit easier to configure than for the 2.2.x kernel series.

What software is needed (if not already present):

1. Linux Kernel 2.4.0

This document assumes a working knowledge of kernel and program compiling. If unfamiliar with the process please go and read the Kernel-HOWTO.

Select the following to be built as either modules or part of your kernel:

1. Support for your USB controller (It is suggested that all of these be compiled as modules unless the controller type is known.).

2. USB Kodak DC-2xx Camera Support.

3. Preliminary USB Device Filesystem.

Reboot the system and then load the created modules if the support is not compiled into the kernel. To load the modules do the following:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usbcore.o
   

Use the following if the USB controller uses either an Intel or a VIA chipset. Some others may also be supported:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usb-uhci.o
   

Use the following if the above did not work and this is the controller type:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/uhci.o 
   

Use this if the USB controller uses an SiS chipset, is a Compaq, or because the above two didn't seem to work and this is the only option left to try.

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/usb-ohci-hcd.o 
   

Load the module for Kodak Digital Camera support:

bash# /sbin/insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/usb/dc2xx.o 
   

Mount the USB Device Filesystem:

bash# mount -t usbdevfs ignored /proc/bus/usb
   

3.3.4. Kernel USB Devices

The following is a bash shell script designed to create all 16 Kodak devices for use with both the current 2.4.x kernel series and the obsoleted 2.2.X kernel series with the current USB backport. Copy the text below into a file named MakeKodakDev, then make that file executable by typing 'chmod +x MakeKodakDev' and then run the script ./MakeKodakDev as root (or su'd to root) it will create the devices so they don't have to be made individually by hand.

It creates as per the dc2xx.txt file in the kernel documentation the following 16 devices:

/dev/dc2xx0 type=character major=180 minor=80

...

/dev/dc2xx16 type=character major=180 minor=95

# Filename: MakeKodakDev
# Creates the device files for USB access of Kodak digital cameras.
# Last Modified January 6, 2001 
# Please see the Kodak Digital Camera HOWTO for more information 
# http://www.marblehorse.org/projects/documentation/kodak/
#!/bin/sh

export scrapvar=0
 
   while [ $scrapvar -lt 17 ];
      do mknod -m 0666 /dev/dc2xx$scrapvar c 180 $(( $scrapvar + 80 ));
      scrapvar=$(( $scrapvar + 1 ));
   done

# EOF
   

3.3.5. Kernel IrDA Support

Most newer distributions come with IrDA support and the proper utilities to handle IrDA. Redhat 7.0 is one of them. However for the rest of us some configuration will be necessary. Get a copy of the latest kernel (2.2.x series or above) and compile all the IrDA features in as modules. IrDA works a lot like PCMCIA support in GNU/Linux so it is important to have all the modules for any other IrDA devices one may have. There is a good HOWTO on compiling a new kernel, the Kernel-HOWTO. Please refer to it for questions regarding configuring and compiling a new Linux kernel.

3.3.6. IrDA Utils Software

The next step in configuring IrDA support is installing the irda-utils package. Unfortunately, at the time of the current version of this HOWTO, the author had problems locating the source archive for the utilities so he took the one Redhat uses to build their RPM for Redhat 7.0. Please note that root permissions will be necesary to run the commands needed to install the software but should not be necesary to access the camera.

What software is needed (if not present already):

1. irda-utils 0.9.10 and patches

2. gpg signature for the irda-utils archive

Extracting the archive, patching, compiling and installing it:

bash# cp irda-utils-0.9.10+patches.tar.gz /usr/src
bash# cd /usr/src
bash# tar zxvf irda-utils-0.9.10+patches.tar.gz
bash# tar zxvf irda-utils-0.9.10.tar.gz
bash# cd irda-utils-0.9.10
bash# patch -p1 < ../irda-utils-0.9.4-chkconfig.patch 
bash# patch -p1 < ../irda-utils-typo.patch
bash# patch -p1 < ../irda-utils-redhat.patch
bash# make
bash# make install
   

3.3.7. Creating the IrDA Device Nodes

The device nodes are necesary so that the application can talk to the driver for the device. Although the irlpt devices are not necesary to get the camera working, creating them now will save the time of having to look them up how to do it later if you do ever need them.

bash# mknod -m 0666 /dev/ircomm0 c 161 0
bash# mknod -m 0666 /dev/ircomm1 c 161 1
bash# mknod -m 0666 /dev/irlpt0 c 161 16
bash# mknod -m 0666 /dev/irlpt1 c 161 17
   

3.3.8. Modifying /etc/conf.modules or /etc/modules.conf

Use a text editor and open up /etc/conf.modules or /etc/modules.conf depending on your distribution. Add the following three lines to the file while being careful not to change any others.

#IrDA
alias tty-ldisc-11 irtty 
alias char-major-161 ircomm-tty
   

3.3.9. Enabling IrDA and Testing for Connectivity

Irmanager is what starts and stops the proper IrDA modules. The d1 flag tells irmanager to enter discovery mode.

As user root run the following command:

bash# /usr/sbin/irmanager -d1
   

Put the camera into connect mode and turn it on. Make sure that the camera is close to and facing the IrDA port on the computer. Run the following to see if there are any communications via IrDA:

bash$ /usr/bin/irdadump
   

After running the command one should see output similar to the following:

00:04:10.608823 xid:cmd bedcb551 > ffffffff S=6 s=2 (14)
00:04:10.698818 xid:cmd bedcb551 > ffffffff S=6 s=3 (14)
00:04:10.788815 xid:rsp bedcb551 < 5f36a4a1 S=6 s=3 Kodak DC265 Zoom hint=8404 [ Computer IrCOMM ]
(33) 00:04:10.798819 xid:cmd bedcb551 > ffffffff S=6 s=4 (14)
00:04:10.888815 xid:cmd bedcb551 > ffffffff S=6 s=5 (14)
00:04:10.978818 xid:cmd bedcb551 > ffffffff S=6 s=* armstrong hint=0400 [ Computer ] (25)

6 packets received by filter
   

If the previous message was not displayed, try relocating the camera closer or further away from the IrDA port and ensure that there is not too much external interference in the environment in the form of light. Also if the machine is a laptop with a PC-Card (or PCMCIA) modem removing it may help resolve the issue.

4.1.1. Compiling, extracting and installing OpenDiS

Run the following commands to compile, extract and install OpenDiS

bash$ tar -zxvf opendis-0.0.3.tar.gz 
bash$ cd opendis-0.0.3 
bash$ ./configure 
bash$ make 
bash# make install
   

4.1.2. Usage

The following usage section is taken directly from the output of the ks command.

    Usage: ks [OPTION]... [COMMAND]...
   

Connect to camera and perform COMMANDs.
Updated: 0.0.3 
Development note: currently some COMMANDs are supported; default 
action is to display this help.  However, all listed 
OPTIONS are now supported. 
 
-d DEV, --device=DEV       Look for camera at device DEV.  Defaults 
                            to /dev/ttyS0. 
 -r RATE, --rate=RATE       Use bit-rate RATE for serial device.  Defaults 
                            to 9600.  Not applicable to USB or IrDA. 
 -t TYPE, --type=TYPE       Specifies device type, one of: "serial" 
                            "usb", or "irda".  Normally, device type 
                            can be deduced from DEV and need not be 
                            specified 
 -i, --irda                 Same as --type=irda 
 -s, --serial               Same as --type=serial 
 -u, --usb                  Same as --type=usb 
 
 -v  --verbose              More output. 
 -q  --quiet                Less output. 
 
 -l, --list                 List supported commands 
 -h, --help                 Display this help and exit.

Currently following commands are supported: 

  delall        Delete all files in the camera 
  download      Download pictures 
  thumbs        Download thumbnails 
  gettime       Get camera's date/time 
  settime       Set camera clock according to computer's clock 
  shoot         Take a picture 
  status        Show pictures taken, available and raw count 
  getpowermode  Checks if camera is on 
  poweroff      Turn the camera off 
   

4.1.3. Usage Examples

USB:

Special USB notes. The USB stack has been ever changing in the developmental kernels and as such works differently from time to time. In playing with the latest developmental kernel released the camera tends to show up on /dev/dc2xx0 or /dev/dc2xx1, independent of the fact that only one camera is connected. The support for these devices is all fairly new, so expect to have to play with it to get it working. The following should allow one to download all images from the camera to the working directory with a USB connection. Make sure that the camera is in connect mode.

bash$ ks -d /dev/dc2xx0 download
   

Serial:

Serial support does work and as such the following command should allow one to download all images from the camera into their current working directory. Modify the serial port device name as necessary. Ensure that the camera is on and in connect mode and that the serial cable is connected between the computer's serial port and the camera.

bash$ ks -d /dev/ttyS0 download 
   

IrDA:

IrDA is not supported in the release version of OpenDiS, however support has been added to the CVS version. To obtain the latest version of OpenDiS via CVS run the following (hit the enter key at the password prompt, there is no password):

bash$ cvs -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.ods.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/ods login
bash$ cvs -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.ods.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/ods checkout bash# bash$ ods/opendis-current
   

To compile and configure this version do the following:

bash$ cd ods
bash$ cd opendis-current
bash$ ./configure
bash$ make
bash# make install
   

An example command which will download all the images from the camera via IrDA would look as follows. Remember to have the camera on and in connect mode. It may also be advisable to increase the auto-shutoff feature to a larger value (5 minutes if possible).

bash$ ks -d /dev/ircomm0 download
   

5.1.1. Kodak Digita Camera

Kodak Digita Camera Mailing List

This list contains information about DigitaOS enabled Kodak Digital Cameras. This includes the Kodak DC220, DC260, DC265 and DC290. This is the place to go for all of your questions regarding how to use your camera, Digita scripting questions and anything else that pertains to the DigitaOS enabled cameras. To subscribe to the mailing list send a blank email to kodak-digita-camera-subscribe@egroups.com. To unsubscribe from the list send a blank email to kodak-digita-camera-unsubscribe@egroups.com. Alternately, go to the registration form and sign up for an account there. Once the account is created one will have the ability to search through the archive and post messages.

5.1.2. Kodak DC240/DC280

Kodak DC240/DC280 Mailing list

Owners of the Kodak DC240 and DC280 camera models can use this as their forum to discuss issues with other users of the same cameras. This is an open list and its contents can be searched through and viewed at the above URL. To join the list send a blank email to kodak240-280-subscribe@egroups.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to kodak240-280-unsubscribe@egroups.com.

5.1.3. Kodak DC215

Kodak DC215 Mailing List

Owners and people interesting in contacting other users of the Kodak DC215 digital camera can use this forum to ask and answer questions. This list is specifically oriented towards the Kodak DC215 camera.

5.2.1. Linux-USB

Linux-USB

The Linux-USB mailing list is a very active mailing list pertaining to all aspects of USB and Linux. Here one will find the most recent patches for the USB code in the Linux kernel. There is also good discussion on support of digital cameras from time to time. Overall a great list to peek at every week or so.

To subscribe to this list send a blank email to linux-usb-subscribe@suse.com. A confirmation email that must be replied to will then be sent back. Either send a reply to the email address in the reply-to: section of the email, or the address listed in the confirmation message itself. To unsubscribe from the list send a blank email to linux-usb-unsubscribe@suse.com. This action will then have to be confirmed with the same method used for confirming subscription to the mailing list. For a list of other useful commands send an email to linux-usb-info@suse.com.

5.2.2. Linux-kernel

Linux-kernel

The linux-kernel mailing list is a very high traffic mailing list detailing all aspects of the Linux kernel. This list is only for those who wish to have more information than the Linux-USB list and the gPhoto-Kodak lists contain. However, it covers much more of a broad spectrum of topics than Kodak digital camera support under Linux.

Before posting or subscribing to the Linux-kernel mailing list is highly suggested reading the Linux-kernel mailing list FAQ. It could save much time and embarrassment. It also contains useful information on who certain individuals are in the Linux community in relation to their standing on the list.

To subscribe to the list (remember, it is about 200 emails a day) send an email to majordomo@vger.rutgers.edu with "subscribe linux-kernel username@mailserver" in the body of the message where username is the email account to be used and mailserver is the name of the mail server. Remember to omit the quotation marks.

An alternative to joining the list would be to get the list in digest format. This is a better format to many as it is a few emails a day rather than several hundred. One drawback of this is that it is not as easy to discuss the issues with the mailing list as most mail clients don't know how to deal with the digest in its format besides dealing with it like plain text. To subscribe to the digest send an email to majordomo@vger.rutgers.edu with the line "subscribe linux-kernel-digest username@mailserver" in the body of the message. Where username is the email account username to be used and mailserver is the name of the mail server. Remember to omit the quotation marks.

Unsubscribing from the mail list is as easy as subscribing. Just send an email to majordomo@vger.rutgers.edu with the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in the body of the message, or alternately "unsubscribe linux-kernel-digest" if subscribed to the digest. And again, remember to omit the quotation marks.

Rather than subscribing to this list it would be highly suggested to search through the archive which is accessible via the URL listed above. Another alternative is the Kernel Trafficsite. It contains a good overview of the weeks kernel developmental works and discussions in a summary format.

5.2.3. gPhoto-Kodak

gPhoto-Kodak

This list contains much information regarding gPhoto and Kodak cameras. It also contains much discussion on the OpenDiS project and their releases. The latest version of OpenDiS is usually announced on this mailing list and allows one to try out the new functions. Instructions and the form to join the mailing list are at the following URL: http://lists.styx.net/mailman/listinfo/gphoto-kodak/.

5.3.1. Linux-USB Project

Linux USB Project

The Linux-USB Project's web page contains much information pertaining to Linux and USB in general. Although not all information is pertinent to this HOWTO, a large portion of it is. It contains links to the latest USB support, driver maintainers and device working status. Take a look here and in the Linux-USB mail archive if having a problem getting USB working. Chances are one of the later developmental kernels or the source on the CVS will solve the issue.

5.3.2. Linux USB for DC-2xx Cameras

Linux USB for DC-2xx Cameras

This website is maintained by David Brownell, author of the Kodak DC-2xx kernel support. It contains some information not included in this HOWTO as of yet and holds the latest information regarding configuring USB support. Look here for new developments in supporting the Kodak DC-2xx camera series.

5.3.3. OpenDiS (Open Digita Services)

OpenDiS (Open Digita Services)

The Open Digita Services web site is the main source of information on the support of cameras running Digita which include the Kodak DC-220, DC-260, DC-265, DC-290, the Minolta EX-1500 and the HP PhotoSmart C500.

5.3.4. gPhoto

gPhoto

gPhoto is free software for digital cameras licensed under the GNU GPL. It currently supports more than 90 camera models from various vendors. gPhoto has a command line and a GTK+ graphical interface. Many people swear by this program. Installation, configuration and usage information will be added.

5.3.5. kdcpi

kdpci

kdcpi is a program that the latest developer release supports the Kodak DC200, DC210, DC40, DC50 and DC120. This program has both a CLI (command line interface) and a GUI (graphical user interface). Information regarding installation, configuration and usage information will be added.

5.3.6. Digital Photography Review

Digital Photography Review

Trying to decide which digital camera is best? Digital Photography Review is the most comprehensive website available for all anyone wants to know about digital cameras. This site is not limited to just the Kodak product line and offers great reviews of the newest and older digital cameras. Take a look through the online photo gallery with detailed information pertaining to the camera used and its setting for each and every photograph.

8.1.1. DC265

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.2. DC290

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.3. DC280

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.4. DC260 (discontinued)

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.5. DC240 / DC240i

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.6. DC220 (discontinued)

Windows software, Macintosh software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.7. DC215 / DC215 Metallics

Windows software and Macintosh software for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.8. DC210 (discontinued)

Windows software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.9. DC210 Plus

Windows software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.10. DC200 (discontinued)

Windows software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.11. DC200 Plus

Windows software and firmware for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.12. DC120 (discontinued)

Firmware updates and the TWAIN acquire module for this camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.13. DC50 (discontinued)

TWAIN acquire modules and a Plug-In for Macintosh's can be found at the Kodak web site.

8.1.14. DC40 (discontinued)

TWAIN software and firmware updates for the camera can be attained from the Kodak web site.

8.1.15. DC25 (discontinued)

The Macintosh Photoshop acquire module for this camera can be found at the Kodak web site.

8.1.16. DC20 (discontinued)

The TWAIN acquire module and the Photoshop Plug-In can be found at the Kodak web site.

8.2.1. Picture Transfer Software

This application was made for the DC40, DC50 Zoom, and DC120 Zoom camera models. Its main use is quick and easy conversion from Kodak's proprietary .KDC format to a more standard format (BMP, PICT, TIFF, FPX, JPG). This software is available for Windows 95, NT and 3.11, along with the Macintosh.

8.2.2. Picture Easy Software

This application was made for the DC20 and DC25 cameras. It will transfer pictures from the camera to the computer. It is available for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms.