Magic Lantern (firmware)

Magic Lantern
Original author(s)Trammell Hudson[1]
Initial release2009
Repository
LicenseGNU GPLv2
Websitemagiclantern.fm

Magic Lantern is a firmware add-on for various Canon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and the EOS M.[2] It adds features for DSLR filmmaking and still photography, and is free and open-source.

Magic Lantern was originally written for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II[3] by Trammell Hudson in 2009 after he reverse engineered its firmware.[1] He ported it to the Canon EOS 550D in July 2010. There are now versions for many other Canon DSLRs and the current principal developer is known as A1ex.

Since installing Magic Lantern does not replace the stock Canon firmware or modify the ROM but rather runs alongside it,[3] it is both easy to remove and carries little risk.[4] The camera checks a "boot flag" in its re-writable memory, and if set, reads from a memory card to get the additional firmware routines. Each time the camera is started, there is an option to disable Magic Lantern.

  1. ^ a b "Magic Lantern firmware". Trammell Hudson. Accessed 31 August 2017
  2. ^ "Unlock hidden features on your Canon dSLR". Lexy Savvides, CNET, 12 December 2014. Accessed 31 August 2017
  3. ^ a b "Transform Your DSLR into a Supercharged, Professional Video Camera". Adam Dachis, Lifehacker, 1/10/2011. Accessed 31 August 2017
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference 30c3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).