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Follow these steps to "reprogram" a pair of SD memory cards so that you can get them to trigger simultaneously every 5-10 seconds.

Choosing an SD card

The "CHDK" or Canon Hacker Development Kit can be installed on an SD card to allow external triggering of the camera via the USB port.

• 4GB cards are only $5 online plus shipping
• must be "SDHC"

Installing CHDK on the SD cards

• The firmware version on the Kickstarter A495 cameras should be "100F", so the matching CHDK file a495-100f-1.0.0-1820-full_BETA.zip is available at http://mighty-hoernsche.de/ (mirror)

I had to run this command in the terminal on the files in the SD card to make them executable (on a mac):

cd /Volumes/CANON_DC
xattr -d com.apple.quarantine DISKBOOT.BIN PS.FI2

as outlined here: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ/Mac#Still_Having_Trouble.3F

• (add videos?)
• CardTricks can work on PC, but there are several other options.

Quick guide to CHDK & suggestions for basic settings to start with.

• beginners’ checklist with the caveat that there are many reasons to use different settings

Advanced:

• Using shutter priority via CHDK (not a feature of A495, but good for other cameras)
• Precise synchronization (link to another wiki page) will be worthwhile to some, but simpler options could be described?

Configure your camera for good battery life and photo quality

• Menu settings on the A495 (some of my preferences, but not all critical)
• Auto vs. manual
  • Manual focus at infinity if possible
  • Automatic exposure (shutter priority)
  • Manual white balance (on daylight)
  • Turn IS off (some debate, but most think it doesn’t help while flying)
• Battery saving features
  • Turn display off or turn brightness way down
  • Turn autofocus light off
  • Must look at A495 options
• Basic settings
  • ISO, file size, “Vivid,” Exposure Compensation, etc
  • Shutter speed (1/800 second if possible)
  • Widest focal length