Conclusion

So, what did I do with it? I could have made a gazillion interesting and useful programs, but I decided that for a proof-of-concept, something more whimsical would do just fine:

If you have a Zx3 (ith firmware version 1.12), you can try playing Tetris yourself. Just ungzip/untar this file, copy autoexec.ash and hackapp.bin to the root of an SD-card, insert card into Zx3 and do what I did in the video. The hack won't damage your camera in any way: all that's modified is the code running in RAM and when you remove both files from the SD-card and reboot, the hack will be completely gone.

As usual: the source code for the hack is downloadable here and licensed under the GPLv3. Do with it what you want: stuff like a full-on CHDK-suite for Ambarella-based devices is in theory possible. I'm probably not gonna start that, though: I have my DSLR for pictures and N900 for image hacking, so I'm happy with only recording HD-movies with my Zx3... and playing the occasional game of Tetris ofcourse.

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Last 10 comments Show all

Kenelito wrote at 5 Feb 2013, 0.51:

Hello! Is there a factory reset stuf fon the pcb, my Zx3 is firmwarly dead and I've just disassemble it!

carsindepth.com wrote at 23 Oct 2012, 9.49:

Is it possible to adjust the white balance? I use my ZX3 cameras in a 3D rig and the two have obviously different colors.

clockdryve wrote at 19 Sep 2012, 21.39:

Need to enable adjustment to light sensitivity...so can make camera highly INFRARED sensitive. Ghost camera or what have ya......

mike wrote at 9 Aug 2012, 22.42:

hi very itresting hack. let us know just a little more about:where to find datasheet,which disassembler you are using. thanks

burak soysal wrote at 14 Jul 2012, 14.54:

or is it possible to assign a button to exposure lock?

burak soysal wrote at 14 Jul 2012, 14.38:

isn't it possible to change bitrate with this hack?

Kriz wrote at 6 May 2012, 22.42:

i have a zx3 fw 1.12 and would like to stream live from it....managed to work the Camera AP and live feed from A/V but camera does an auto shut down after 3 minutes :( how can i stop that?

Paul N wrote at 23 Apr 2012, 22.54:

me again. Another easy wish is remote record/stop by applying 5v to pin 1 of the USB rather like the Canon hacks do. It would make the construction of an underwater housing a doddle. See http://lifehacker.com/5493621/build-a-waterproof-camera-case

Paul N wrote at 23 Apr 2012, 21.21:

Would be nice to have 720p25 or 720p50. It must be easier than anything else.

jettie wrote at 4 Apr 2012, 0.07:

Hi, I have a question about this camera and you seem to be the very right person to ask. Is it possible to hack it to have a live video output. Thanks.

Hacking the Kodak Zx3 - Conclusion

Conclusion