Magic Lantern firmware released at DVinfo.net

Tramm Hudson · June 21st, 2009, 11:07 PM

The Magic Lantern firmware for the 5D Mark II is available for public beta! There are still some very rough edges, but it should be usable for wide-spread testing. In this version there are:

- Onscreen stereo audio meters
- Full-time cropmarks
- Zebra stripes for overexposed regions
- Fixed audio gain (+10 dB analog, +12 dB digital) with -NO AGC-
- Live headphone monitoring on A/V jack (without disabling LCD)
- printf() to the bitmap display
- GUI event viewer (press Picture Style button)

The button remapping was having problems, so it has been pulled out for now.

I've posted a Magic Lantern firmware introduction on vimeo and the website for more info and downloads is Magic Lantern Firmware Wiki. See the FAQ for most questions regarding the software.

Keep in mind there are no warranties and no guarantees, and if it breaks your camera you get to keep both pieces.

Tom Daigon · June 21st, 2009, 11:14 PM

Bravo Tramm. Well done! Nice touch with the video as well.

Paul Cascio · June 22nd, 2009, 12:07 AM

I don't even own a Canon, but I've been so impressed with this that I've followed this topic with great interest. Congratulations Tramm. Nice job.

Chris Barcellos · June 22nd, 2009, 12:43 AM

I have been testing this for a bit tonight. Really loving the combo of the JuicedLink CX231 and Magic Lantern software. As a user, you may want to boost your headphones output by getting something like the Boostaroo Revolution, and head phone amplifier for about 29 to 35 dollars. You should also consider an inline volume control for the headphones out of boostaroo.

Sound is solid.

Genarally you mount the firmware on your CF cards in root directory, and then when you want to employ Tramm's software, you go to menu, and tell camera to update software. It will do so, and the camera will restart in Magic Lantern. When you shut down, or the time shut off occurs, when you restart, you are back in firmware 1.10.

I assume there are plans to have the features selectable, but this is an amazing dream come true for this camera.....

Mathieu Kassovitz · June 22nd, 2009, 12:51 AM

It seems only the external mic input is supported. But does the internal mic work at least even without benefit audio changes? Or is it disabled too and is an external mic mandatory?

Chris Barcellos · June 22nd, 2009, 01:03 AM

On the internal mic issue, it has to be remembered that this is a beta test of new software. At moment, we are getting some things, and for the moment until the boys get it all worked out, we are giving up some things. This beta release should be considered first step in a developing process.

I am sure at moment, what was figured was that internal mic did not need to be mapped because the genisis of this software was sound capture improvement. The internal mic could never be used for that purpose.

As it stands right now, we don't have video out either. I know from prior responses from Tramm plan is to get HDMI out going.

Now remember, when you invoke this software, it does not permanently replace 1.10. It has to be recalled after camera has gone into rest, or been turned off.

Jon Fairhurst · June 22nd, 2009, 01:08 AM

Congratulations Tramm!

The audio quality, with a clean, hot signal, absolutely rocks!

Anthony Allen · June 22nd, 2009, 01:09 AM

hey Tramm, great work man.

My Vuzix LCD glasses just arrived today, is there a chance of a HDMI out on/off option? I'm using a Zoom H4n for audio so internal signal noise isn't an issue for me and many other users are using external recorders and LCDs for monitoring too.

Paul Mailath · June 22nd, 2009, 01:14 AM

Likewise I don't own the 5D but I've read with interest all the developments - I think you've passed wizard and moved to Dragon Slayer. An awesome job and I loved the video - content is king and boy the content of that video shows whats possible with a lot of interest, a good deal of effort and a dash of genius.

I think you just took Canons queen with a pawn and the game is about to get really interesting.

Congratulations young man and don't consider any job offers from them under 200k

Mathieu Kassovitz · June 22nd, 2009, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Barcellos

Genarally you mount the firmware on your CF cards in root directory, and then when you want to employ Tramm's software, you go to menu, and tell camera to update software. It will do so, and the camera will restart in Magic Lantern. When you shut down, or the time shut off occurs, when you restart, you are back in firmware 1.10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Barcellos

Now remember, when you invoke this software, it does not permanently replace 1.10. It has to be recalled after camera has gone into rest, or been turned off.

How many minutes does it take for booting the ML firmware?

Mathieu Kassovitz · June 22nd, 2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony Allen

hey Tramm, great work man.

My Vuzix LCD glasses just arrived today, is there a chance of a HDMI out on/off option? I'm using a Zoom H4n for audio so internal signal noise isn't an issue for me and many other users are using external recorders and LCDs for monitoring too.

External audio is for 35mm film shooting, not for who wants to take advantage of such a light setup, generally one man crew using a small capture device, capable of recording picture and sound. Why not both together? It doesn't make sense. Otherwise, digital audio is there for years and it is lighter than dealing with digital imaging.

*EDIT*
Interesting those glasses in a setup of one man crew.
You'll probably want to know these:
http://www.i-glassesstore.com/
http://www.3dvisor.com/ (eMagin Z800 3DVisor model . . . the resolution is 800 x 600)

Robert Esmonde · June 22nd, 2009, 03:32 AM

Congratulations Tramm! Not just for the all the generous hard work, but for the really professional way you've produced this private beta and the slick presentation of the Wiki etc. A fantastic achievement.

Anthony Allen · June 22nd, 2009, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathieu Kassovitz

External audio is for 35mm film shooting, not for who wants to take advantage of such a light setup, generally one man crew using a small capture device, capable of recording picture and sound. Why not both together? It doesn't make sense. Otherwise, digital audio is there for years and it is lighter than dealing with a digital imaging.

*EDIT*

erm most of the guys I know shooting with DSLRs are making films. 2 of whom have shot features with the D90. A zoom H4n is light and has 4 track recording with higher bit-rates than the onboard sound.

Mathieu Kassovitz · June 22nd, 2009, 04:22 AM

Yes, but onboard sound going with a DSLR makes more sense to me.

*EDIT*
See my post above, I added some links for you.

Mitch Aunger · June 22nd, 2009, 08:01 AM

I encourage anyone who appreciates Trammel's work to donate (there's a link on the wiki)... without great tools like this, we'd be stuck and we should show our appreciation!

June 21st, 2009, 11:07 PM	#1
Tramm Hudson Wizard Status Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 239	Magic Lantern firmware released The Magic Lantern firmware for the 5D Mark II is available for public beta! There are still some very rough edges, but it should be usable for wide-spread testing. In this version there are: - Onscreen stereo audio meters - Full-time cropmarks - Zebra stripes for overexposed regions - Fixed audio gain (+10 dB analog, +12 dB digital) with -NO AGC- - Live headphone monitoring on A/V jack (without disabling LCD) - printf() to the bitmap display - GUI event viewer (press Picture Style button) The button remapping was having problems, so it has been pulled out for now. I've posted a Magic Lantern firmware introduction on vimeo and the website for more info and downloads is Magic Lantern Firmware Wiki. See the FAQ for most questions regarding the software. Keep in mind there are no warranties and no guarantees, and if it breaks your camera you get to keep both pieces.

June 21st, 2009, 11:14 PM	#2
Tom Daigon Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 170	Bravo! Bravo Tramm. Well done! Nice touch with the video as well.

June 22nd, 2009, 12:07 AM	#3
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	I don't even own a Canon, but I've been so impressed with this that I've followed this topic with great interest. Congratulations Tramm. Nice job. __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

June 22nd, 2009, 12:43 AM	#4
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	I have been testing this for a bit tonight. Really loving the combo of the JuicedLink CX231 and Magic Lantern software. As a user, you may want to boost your headphones output by getting something like the Boostaroo Revolution, and head phone amplifier for about 29 to 35 dollars. You should also consider an inline volume control for the headphones out of boostaroo. Sound is solid. Genarally you mount the firmware on your CF cards in root directory, and then when you want to employ Tramm's software, you go to menu, and tell camera to update software. It will do so, and the camera will restart in Magic Lantern. When you shut down, or the time shut off occurs, when you restart, you are back in firmware 1.10. I assume there are plans to have the features selectable, but this is an amazing dream come true for this camera..... __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

June 22nd, 2009, 01:03 AM	#6
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	On the internal mic issue, it has to be remembered that this is a beta test of new software. At moment, we are getting some things, and for the moment until the boys get it all worked out, we are giving up some things. This beta release should be considered first step in a developing process. I am sure at moment, what was figured was that internal mic did not need to be mapped because the genisis of this software was sound capture improvement. The internal mic could never be used for that purpose. As it stands right now, we don't have video out either. I know from prior responses from Tramm plan is to get HDMI out going. Now remember, when you invoke this software, it does not permanently replace 1.10. It has to be recalled after camera has gone into rest, or been turned off. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

June 22nd, 2009, 12:51 AM	#5
Mathieu Kassovitz Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: paris Posts: 289	It seems only the external mic input is supported. But does the internal mic work at least even without benefit audio changes? Or is it disabled too and is an external mic mandatory?

June 22nd, 2009, 01:08 AM	#7
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	Congratulations Tramm! The audio quality, with a clean, hot signal, absolutely rocks! __________________ Jon Fairhurst

June 22nd, 2009, 01:09 AM	#8
Anthony Allen Tourist Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 2	hey Tramm, great work man. My Vuzix LCD glasses just arrived today, is there a chance of a HDMI out on/off option? I'm using a Zoom H4n for audio so internal signal noise isn't an issue for me and many other users are using external recorders and LCDs for monitoring too.

June 22nd, 2009, 01:14 AM	#9
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	Likewise I don't own the 5D but I've read with interest all the developments - I think you've passed wizard and moved to Dragon Slayer. An awesome job and I loved the video - content is king and boy the content of that video shows whats possible with a lot of interest, a good deal of effort and a dash of genius. I think you just took Canons queen with a pawn and the game is about to get really interesting. Congratulations young man and don't consider any job offers from them under 200k __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

June 22nd, 2009, 03:32 AM	#12
Robert Esmonde Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 51	Congratulations Tramm! Not just for the all the generous hard work, but for the really professional way you've produced this private beta and the slick presentation of the Wiki etc. A fantastic achievement.

June 22nd, 2009, 04:22 AM	#14
Mathieu Kassovitz Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: paris Posts: 289	Yes, but onboard sound going with a DSLR makes more sense to me. EDIT See my post above, I added some links for you. Last edited by Mathieu Kassovitz; June 22nd, 2009 at 04:58 AM.

June 22nd, 2009, 08:01 AM	#15
Mitch Aunger New Boot Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St. Louis MO, USA Posts: 16	Thanks Trammel! I encourage anyone who appreciates Trammel's work to donate (there's a link on the wiki)... without great tools like this, we'd be stuck and we should show our appreciation!