Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

[Randolph]

Every now and then I read articles about this software which is meant to unlock many additional features in the EOS menu system when uploaded to an EOS camera but I don't upload it as I am afraid that it will corrupt my canon operating system.

I thought that there might be a few threads on this but after a search can find none, so if anyone has information about the usefulness or safety of this software then I would grateful.

Thanks R

[Tigger]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

the forum postings I've seen are normally from people warning others off after they have screwed up there operating system by installing it

like you I looked at this but decided it wasn't worth the risk

[Fr1so]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

the forum postings I've seen are normally from people warning others off after they have screwed up there operating system by installing it

like you I looked at this but decided it wasn't worth the risk

Me too. There are a lor of warnings for this kind of software.

[SamFisher]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

A photo mate of mines uses it all the time with no problems at all.
Me? I'm still a bit wary

Mike

[MartinR]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

Every now and then I read articles about this software which is meant to unlock many additional features in the EOS menu system when uploaded to an EOS camera but I don't upload it as I am afraid that it will corrupt my canon operating system.

I thought that there might be a few threads on this but after a search can find none, so if anyone has information about the usefulness or safety of this software then I would grateful.

Thanks R

I tried it on my 40D with no ill effects, but that was out of curiosity - I found that the constant need to upload the programme to and from the memory card was a bit of a nuisance (not difficult, but just something else to keep aware of) and I found that I did not have any especial use for the additional "functionality" provided. I don't doubt that there is value there for some people, but it also seems as if it is as much an intellectual exercise for the programmers as itis fulfilling any real needs. I also found that the revised menus were noticeably smaller and, for me, very difficult to read.

I suppose that the programmers use the official Canon API, as does the software available under the "Breezer" name - which seems to work well and has been recommended to me by some eminent photographers - although I have resisted that temptation after a trial download!

Martin

[Colin]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

A friend uses it all the time on a 5D mkII without issue. He does a lot of HDR and the extra facilities in this area he finds excellent.

If you do use it make sure you keep your cards marked that have the software on. He had problems trying to use a card with the 5d software on in a 40D. IIRC he had to do a full reset on the 40D.

[Cyberman]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

the forum postings I've seen are normally from people warning others off after they have screwed up there operating system by installing it

like you I looked at this but decided it wasn't worth the risk

Same, here.
I looked but decided the functions did not outweigh the risks for me.

[Randolph]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

thanks for all your input.
I have decided not to use Magic Lantern as I think that the hassle will outweigh the added extras

R

[Bhuna]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

Out of interest, would installing 3rd party software like this on the camera not invalidate the warranty / or even stop any assistance from Canon with any issues going forward?

[tesarver]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

Out of interest, would installing 3rd party software like this on the camera not invalidate the warranty / or even stop any assistance from Canon with any issues going forward?

Short answer is yes. That is why the advise on keeping the original OS handy to reload if you have to send the camera in

Tom

[AndyMulhearn]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

Out of interest, would installing 3rd party software like this on the camera not invalidate the warranty / or even stop any assistance from Canon with any issues going forward?

As I understand it, Magic Lantern is one of those "updates" that just runs but doesn't install anything or update the actual firmware. If you look here: http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/faq the one titled "Is it Safe?" is the key one with:

"No. Magic Lantern was created by reverse engineering an undocumented system that controls hardware. Therefore, we can't be certain that it's 100% safe.

Magic Lantern does not replace Canon code (which is stored in ROM), but it does change the settings (which are saved to a non-volatile memory). If Magic Lantern would set incorrect values for certain settings, this may cause the camera not to boot (even without ML)."

Which suggests that running the wrong version could result in some/all settings being corrupted at some point...

[Sarawak]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

Magic lantern isn't actually installed into the camera. It remains on your memory card. I have no idea what that translates to in operational terms, but it must talk to the camera's own software in some way.
We looked at this, especially for video purposes, but decided that the benefits were too incremental to make it worthwhile. However there are lots of stories of togs who are quite happy using it.

[pinxos]

Re: Magic Lantern for Canon dSLRs

I did post about Magic lantern some time ago. I've used it on a 5DMk2 and 5DMk3 with no issues.
It doesn't use the Canon API (you wouldn't gain anything "extra" if you did), instead the developers have worked out the functionality of the original Canon code (DryOS) and written the extra functionality of the Magic Lantern code to "hook in" to the Canon code. The 2 OS's are separately loaded but "live" together once both are loaded.
A lot of the extra functionality is aimed at movie makers but there are quite a few extras of interest to "stills" photographers.