Magic Lantern firmware - a gamechanger

[DrunkenZombiee]

I have been looking for a way to photograph with very long exposures as I am beginning to get into Astro-photography and I came across a way to get around purchasing more hardware in terms of a 'Timer Shutter Release' by flashing custom firmware onto my camera.

Looking into this further I was shocked to find that the custom firmware is not just a patch job, its has fully fledged new featured which turn your camera into a bit of a hardware jack of all trades. In terms of Video mode for the 550d it adds all of the features of the 5D mark 3 with real time sound adjustment, advanced metering and a lot more besides such as the zebra white balance display features (very useful as it gives you a visual indication of white balance adjustments that need to be made to get a better exposure by highlighting the over and under exposed areas) and visual focusing mode when using manual focus which highlights are areas in focus in red when in focus and blue is just under focus (very useful in low light and macro) and a histogram in video mode!!!!!
Other features that I love are the time-lapse options, histograms, auto shutter on sound and movement (clap or pop a balloon and the shutter will fire or there is a configurable mount of movement then the shutter will fire), better bracketing and HDR options and loads more to boot. Literally loads more! I think even face detection etc.

http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Lantern_Firmware_Wiki

Example of the Histgram in video mode

Example of focusing assist.

watch the videos on the magic lantern site and you will be impressed with the added functionality!

Its possibly the most complete package on any camera and its easy to upgrade to on canon cameras and FREE!

If you have a supported model the firmware is just loaded into RAM so it doest void your canon warranty and have nasty flashing issues.

Let me know how it goes if you try it. I am having great fun with the new features.

DZ

[TeaLeaf]

Nice find - and interesting too!   Looks like my 20D is currently not supported, I guess I'll need to wait for a camera upgrade!

[DrunkenZombiee]

Giving this a Bump as 2.3 has come out and w0w its good.

The biggest feature for me is actually an overhaul of the live view in fact when shooting. You now default to the standard canon and can hit display to get the focus assist and zebras etc on the screen. No going into the menu to turn it off any-more. I am going to set up the tripod use the intervalometer during the LAN quite a bit I feel.

All photographers at the LAN... I am warning you.. If I approach you with my lens not facing you but the screen facing you be prepared for me to talk at you for a few hours about the different settings some of which I haven't actually found a very practical use for yet but they are there.

If only they got some firmware out for the 5Dmk3 and 650D rather than the ageing DIGIC 4 chips like my 550D.

EDIT : Just found another awesome feature added in the the trap focus in manual mode is now on the AF button for the camera. When focusing manually it will just take the photo when the subject is in focus literally instantly when moving the focus dial. The option is a simple one button press for on and off.... REALLY USEFUL!

Just one of the may awesome features

DZ