By the time the software moves from development to beta testing it has been installed hundreds or thousands of times. Most of the risk is to the developers' cameras while testing new features and probing new portions of Canon's firmware.

While this is no guarantee of absolute safety, the stable releases have been tested by beta testers. Things changed when Magic Lantern was ported to smaller (APS-C) cameras, like 550D, 60D, 600D and 500D, which attracted developers interested in both still photography and DSLR video.Īs of September 2009 the software has been downloaded over two thousand times and there have been no reports of damage to the cameras.

Initially, Magic Lantern was developed by independent filmmakers and tailored for video production on 5D Mark II. There is no need to 'uninstall' it - simply format your card to reboot to the stock Canon firmware. It does not replace the existing firmware, but instead runs along side of it. It is an open (GPL) framework for developing extensions to the official software. Initially developed for filmmakers, it now has functionality for both photo and video enthusiasts, including manual audio, zebras, focus assist tools, bracketing, motion detection and much more. Magic Lantern is an enhancement atop of Canon's firmware that frees your Canon DSLR, allowing you to use many useful features.

5.5 What are all of the 0xff81beef things and funny names like EP_SetManualMovieMode()?ĥD Mark II configured for film making with follow focus, matte box, rails, preamp and dolly.

5.4 How do I get a ROM0.bin firmware image?.

5.3 What is it written in? Can I get the source?.

4.11 First second of audio on the first take.

4.10 Why is the external video disabled?.

4.8 Why is the recorded audio so quiet?.

4.4 How about 5, 7, 9 or more bracketing shots?.

4.3 How do I save the gain/zebra/etc configuration?.

4.2 How do I bring up the Magic Lantern menus?.

3.5 How will it interact with future upgrades from Canon?.

Magic lantern canon firmware