There are two ways of running user code on Canon DSLR cameras:
1. Using the update process with a.fir file, which must be digitally signed.
2. Using the bootdisk process: if the camera finds AUTOEXEC.BIN on the card, this file is loaded and executed. This file does not have to be signed, but the BOOTDISK flag must be enabled in the camera and the card must be prepared in a special way (labeled as “bootable”).
When you run ML installer via Firmware Update, it will do the following:
• it will enable the BOOTDISK flag in the camera, by calling EnableBootDisk function from Canon firmware; this flag is stored in ROM, so the modification is persistent, but can be reverted easily;
• it prepares the card (makes it bootable) by writing the following strings in the boot area:
EOS_DEVELOP and BOOTDISK;
• it does not reflash the original firmware.
Do I have to install Magic Lantern on all my cards?
Yes, because Magic Lantern runs from the card.
If you prefer, you can use cards with Magic Lantern loaded, and cards without it. Just make sure you don’t delete Magic Lantern files from the card; always format them from the camera, if possible.
ML saves settings on the card. Can I use the same settings for all my cards?
You have to copy the configuration files (from ML/SETTINGS directory) on all your cards.
Can I use the same card in two compatible cameras?
It will work, but it’s not a good practice. We do not recommend doing this.
How do I uninstall it?
Simply format the card. The boot flag will be still there, but it will not affect normal operation (except for EyeFi cards).
To remove the boot flag (for using EyeFi cards), run Firmware Update from a ML card and follow the instructions.
Does ML do any persistent changes to my camera?
Yes. Besides the bootflag (which is required for auto-boot), there are a couple of other changes which are saved into NVRAM. These are:
• ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance;
• Exposure compensation, exposure simulation, drive mode, AF points, AF mode;
• Picture style and associated parameters;
• Flash settings (enabled/disabled, exposure compensation, red eye reduction);
• Backlight level (for example, it’s lowered temporarily if you use Dim display for power saving);
• Autofocus is moved temporarily to back (*) button whenever ML has to take a picture without autofocusing. This includes HDR bracketing and bulb exposures.
• Autofocus is moved temporarily to half-shutter when you use AF patterns, while changing the AF point;
• Sound recording is disabled temporarily when you use FPS override;
• On 600D, video mode may be changed via ML shortcut key;
• On 50D, movie recording function is changed from ML menu (yes, this is a persistent Canon setting, but it’s not present in Canon menus).
With few exceptions, these settings can also be changed from Canon menus or controls.
A few settings are changed temporarily during certain operations (for example, autofocus for bracketed shots), but these settings are saved by Canon firmware in NVRAM. If you take the battery out in the middle of the operation (for example, in the middle of taking a picture), ML won’t be able to restore these settings back to your initial values, and you’ll have to change them back from Canon menus.
To the best of our knowledge, all these settings are restored to default values when you run “Clear camera settings” and “Clear custom functions” from Canon menu.
All persistent changes can be seen in ML source code by examining the calls to prop_request_change.
Some of the changes are not persistent (for example, LiveView zooming), and they were not included in the above list.
Usage
How do I bring up the Magic Lantern menus?
Press the DELETE button.
What! So many options in the menu, I’m lost!
Press MENU to hide what you don’t use. Press INFO/DISP to get context help.
How do I restore ML default settings?
Delete the config file (MAGIC.CFG) from Prefs menu and restart the camera.
How do I erase all of the images without removing ML?
Canon menu → Format → Format card, keep Magic Lantern.
How do I record for more than 12 minutes?
• Lower the bitrate (CBR 0.4 will let you record continuously for 30 minutes).
• Use Movie restart, but you will lose a few seconds when a new file is created.
• To record continuously for more than 30 minutes, you need to use a HDMI recorder.
Enable the Clear Overlays feature to hide the focus box and the 16:9 bars, and make the half-shutter button sticky to prevent the camera from turning off LiveView after 30 minutes.
Technically, there’s no 12 minute limit. There’s a 30 minute limit and a 4 GB limit, whichever comes first. With default bitrate settings, the 4 GB limit is reached after around 12 minutes (more or less).
How do I get exposure times longer than 30 seconds?
You may use:
• Bulb timer (for a single photo).
• HDR bracketing in manual mode.
• Bulb ramping (for timelapse).
How do I see shutter counter / CMOS temperature?
Look in Debug menu.
Can I use LiveView in complete darkness?
Yes. Increase display gain (from Display menu), use a low FPS (with FPS override), or both.
Also check out the dark color schemes optimized for night shooting, or try disabling exposure simulation.
How do I shoot timelapse?
You have a couple of options:
• Intervalometer – the classic way. You will have to postprocess the shots in order to create the final movie. With this method, you also have access to advanced options like bulb and focus ramping, HDR timelapse or very long exposures.
• FPS override – simply select a low FPS value (down to about 0.2 FPS) and ML will record a timelapse.
• Silent picture timelapse. Only for very advanced users.
I want to use my camera as quickly as possible. Can ML help me?
Yes. Check out these features:
• Shortcut keys for commonly used functions.
• Display presets – create custom LiveView modes (for example, your favorite settings for checking exposure, focus, framing and so on).
• Quick zoom in playback (image review) mode.
• Change image review mode to PLAY – after taking a picture you can press Zoom In right away and check critical focus in a split-second.
• Navigate the menu using the scrollwheels – much faster than with arrow keys.
• Hide unused menu items, so you don’t have to scroll through all of them (press MENU).
Does Magic Lantern consume more power than standard Canon firmware?
In LiveView it draws 3-5% more power (measured on 60D and 5D Mark II with zebra and focus peaking active). You can do your own tests if you have a 60D.
Magic Lantern can reduce power consumption by dimming or turning off the LCD screen, or by pausing LiveView without moving the mirror. See Power saving for details.
In plain photo mode with display off, the power draw is a bit higher, because Magic Lantern disables CPU powersaving features (otherwise, intervalometer and other ML functions would stop running). We have measured 6% / hour on 60D (compared with 4% / hour with Canon firmware), and 10% / hour on 5D Mark II (compared with 5% / hour with Canon firmware).