Today, I am going to talk about an addition to your camera that comes at a very, very good price - free. It's called Magic Lantern.
When Canon released its new series of DSLR cameras, the video function was an after thought. Only one camera had it, and it wasn't very good. Within weeks, there was a clamor from the public to support that functionality and Canon listened. In every generation of camera since, the video functionality has gotten better and better.
Now, before I continue, I need to say the following: Some of you are already upset with me because I am not talking about the Nikon DSLRs that also have amazing video quality. Here are my reasons.
- I have always been a Canon guy. My first SLR camera was a Canon, and I never looked back. All of my cameras have been Canon, and that is mainly because I KNOW the Canon tech and menus.
- I have never owned a Nikon. I have a dear friend that is a Nikon guy. We give each other hell about the manufacture of our cameras, but it is good natured ribbing.
- I have nothing against Nikon cameras, but I know NOTHING about them.
- I have always preferred Canon glass (lenses). I have always felt that, for consumer and prosumer needs, Canon offers better image sharpness, color return and functionality in their lenses.
- Magic Lantern is available only for Canon cameras.
That's why I'm not talking about the Nikon cameras for film makers. If you are a Nikon user, and you would like to contribute an article about using Nikon DSLRs for independent film making, please... Send me an E-MAIL, and we will be sure to include it in the series.
The following section features information DIRECTLY from the Magic Lantern site found HERE. Information that is copied directly from the site will be denoted with its text in the following format.
What is Magic Lantern?
Magic Lantern is an enhancement atop of Canon's firmware that frees your Canon DSLR, allowing you to use many useful features. 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. It is an open (GPL) framework for developing extensions to the official software. It does not replace the existing firmware, but instead runs along side of it. There is no need to "uninstall" it -- simply format your card to reboot to the stock Canon firmware.
What does that all mean? It means that Magic Lantern is software that runs from the card on your camera. It makes no changes to the camera itself, but takes advantage of the Canon camera's ability to run applications and firmware off your memory card. This software adds functionality that has only been available on MUCH more expensive cameras. Functionality that you desperately need if you are going to be using your camera for any serious video production.
The advantage to ML is that it is not and does not modify your camera in any way. There is no changing of firmware and nothing is installed to the camera directly, nor does it negate your warranty.
Testimonial: We had a T2i for just over a year before it developed a dead pixel in the sensor. We had been using Magic Lantern for most of that time. When I sent the camera in for service, they did not detect anything untoward with the camera (As ML resides and runs on the memory card) and serviced it. Twice.
I have been asked "Why not just buy a video camera?"
Why Not Buy a Video Camera?
Well... let's look at the benefits of a DSLR over video cameras... The Canon DSLRs have the following advantages.
- They shoot in HD
- Shoot at 50 mbps data stream
- They have interchangeable lenses
- They have a 35mm or larger sensor
To find a camera that can match these advantages, then buy it. But you will be spending $25k or more... and that is without lenses.
True, there are some limitations to using the DSLRs, like a lack of balanced XLR inputs and the dreaded 12 minute recording time.
NOTE: The limitation of recording 12 minutes at a time is NOT a limitation imposed by the cameras. Nikon and Canon will have the same limitation due to the high (50mbps) data rate of the clips recorded. This limitation is actually a limitation imposed by the file system (NTFS). The NTFS file system is what most modern computers use and has a limite of 4gb per file. Magic Lantern has the ability to reduce the bitrate of clips captured, and we have successfully beat the 12 minute mark using it, by recording a 24 minute clip at half bitrate with no noticeable image degredation. Before you complain about the limits of a piece of hardware research the reasons behind it.
As for the inputs, anyone who has been making films will tell you that you should be using an external audio recorder anyway for the best sound and that you should only use camera audio for reference anyway... In short the lack of balance XLR inputs are not going to be your friend on set anyway. (We use a R0DE Videomic, a boom pole and a Zoom h4n to record our audio... It allows my sound guy to be mobile and collect amazing sound quality.)
So, as I said, if you can afford to get the high end cameras that overcome these faults in the DSLR, I recommend that you do so. If I had the money, my team would be running three of the Blackmagic Designs Cinemacam 4ks. And if you have the money to do that, it is unlikely that this guide is for you.
What are the benefits that Magic Lantern offers me?
I will be compiling an in depth user guide for Magic Lantern pretty soon, but the short of it can be explained with a couple small details.
Magic Lantern allows you easy access to zebras. When you are planning on any green screen work or need to know that your colors are consistent across an image, Zebras are necessary. This feature is rarely seen on cameras that cost less than $5k and can be an integral part of any production.
Magic Lantern gives you access to additional ISO settings. What this means is that you can adjust your settings on a much finer level and aim for a uniform look between clips in changing light levels.
Magic Lantern allows you to balance your camera to the color temp of your lights. You are no longer stuck with the basic (and often bad) balance options on your camera. This ability is KEY in the ability to shoot color neutral shots and grade in post. Without this, I don't think that my stuff would look nearly as good as it does.
ML does a great deal more than these things, but just these functions are game changers and will make your DSLR a power house. Over the next few months, I intend to cover ever aspect of ML t give you an idea of how much it can really do for your productions.
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