baygolf Loc: DMV

I thinking about putting magic lantern on my Canon 70d. Any thoughts on using this, e.g, problems or concerns. Also I know that the software is loaded/installed on a SD card, but what happens if you just take the magic lantern card out and use a non magic lantern card - any problems in doing this.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I've been using ML on a T3i for a couple of years with zero problems. For a long while I stayed with the v2.3 stable release, but recently moved to a newer build. Much improved and still no problems. It is important to read, understand and follow the installation instructions carefully.

I don't think there are any problems with using standard SD cards, the camera just woorks with standard firmware features.

I will test that on mine a bit later today and provide an update.

baygolf Loc: DMV

Thanks, let me know what happens. Also what size SD card are you using?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

OK. Longish response here. First answers to the rest of your questions, then my thoughts as relate to your specific situation.

I use 32GB cards at the moment, but that has nothing to do with Magic Lantern, it doesn't matter. ML is tiny, around 46MB so about 2 raw image files.

I have just taken an old 4GB card, replaced the ML enabled 32GB card. The camera behaves flawlessly, there is of course no sign of ML, just the standard firmware camera functions.

So I am confident with ML, but with the caveat that you need to make sure that it is a good match to your camera and also that your camera has the firmware version that the ML software requires.

It is important to remember that a DSLR is not just a camera, especially if you come from the film-based manual SLR days. A DSLR is really just a computer pretending to be camera, or if you like a computer designed specifically for image capture and processing that happens to look and behave like a camera, 'cos that is a good design center for human photographers.

While I believe that ML works well, it does help if you know how computers work, understand the difference between firmware and software, the importance of using the correct versions, and then making sure that you understand the installation instructions and follow them exactly. It is also important that you understand a few very simple things about how to use ML in day to day use. There are a couple of simple things that need to be followed. They are clearly explained in the instructions.
If you are not comfortable upgrading firmware in computers etc., then ML is probably not a good idea. If you are not comfortable with upgrading device drivers in a computer ML is probably not a good idea.

So, when you switch a digital camera on, in powers up, accesses instructions in the firmware, and is then ready to take photographs.

With ML, you switch the DSLR camera on, in powers up, accesses instructions in the firmware, it then installs the ML software from the SD card and is then ready to take photographs. When switching the camera off the ML software first has to shut down, then let the camera shut down. However you need to allow about 5 seconds before removing the SD card. ML needs to unhook itself properly to leave everything clean. Failure to do that can cause a problem that requires the battery to be removed to reset the camera. This is important to remember.

When magic lantern is installed on an SD card you can reformat the card in the camera, but an extra step happens. ML removes its hooks, reformats the card and then restores itself. Reformatting the card in a computer will most likely remove ML from the card.

So, now to your specific situation. I do not think that SL1 / 100D is a good candidate for ML. it does not appear in the list of cameras in the menu, and I don't think anyone is working on it, although that is possible. The 70D is not on the list either, although there is some discussion about versions that work, but there are some complications, so if you do proceed, proceed with caution and really do your research and pay close attention to the details.

Next, make sure that your computer knowledge is up to the right level. If what I wrote above is not familiar stuff to you or you do not feel entirely comfortable, then I would advise against it, or at least get some knowledgeable help.

Finally, DSLRs are complex things in their own right, and ML adds great features but also adds to the complexity.

Having followed your flash thread I'm not sure whether you wouldn't be better to stick with the standard camera for a while until you are fully confident that you understand all of the basic camera functions and can use them confidently. If that is the case, then there may be a solid version of ML for the 70D or even the SL1 by then.

So in short, I think ML is excellent, but on balance I would probably recommend that you do not try it yet. However, I may not enough about your situation, so if you are comfortable with all the above, go for it, and good luck!

Cheers




Essentially, with a standard camera

woolpac Loc: Sydney Australia

Solid precise over view on a great bit of overlay. I would take the advise recommended here as ML for 70d is still a beta version.

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Thanks - that is the kind of info I was looking for too... :thumbup:

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I still owe you a reply from a week ago. Been traveling and catching up!

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

No problem. This was one of the main questions I had. Now, I need to find some instructions for how it works, and download it, of course! I'll get back with you if I have any specific questions...

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

For those looking, the site is: http://www.magiclantern.fm/

I usually just google it!

Bittmoore Loc: SE Wisconsin

Reviving this long slumbering threat to add that I've been using it (mostly the intervalometer for astrophotography sessions) for a little over a year. I'm still a long way from proficient with ML.

I had read that 32GB SD card was the maximum size usable but as I had some 64GB cards and usually use them I tried loading ML onto one and trying it out. Works just fine.

Later on I got to thinking that "I've got a couple 128GB cards" (for when I'm shooting video) so why not? Well I installed it and tried it out but nothing. So, at least for T4i/650D, 64GB SD card appears to be the maximum.