So I’ve acquired this free software that is written and developed by the good people from www.magiclantern.fm. As the website notes, it is NOT a hack, but it works as an enhancement and operates along side with Canon’s firmware (unfortunately, or fortunately for me, this programme only runs on Canon EOS cameras, so, sorry to Nikon or Sony users out there). This extraordinary programme opens up the capabilities of the DSLR by so much more, taking your photography/filmmaking skills to the next level. It has features such as, onbaord microphone levels, unlike the standard Canon firmware which does not show you any peaking of audio levels, cropmarks/overlay templates for times when you plan to shoot in 2.35:1 or applying the rule of thirds. Even an intervalometer for you to shoot beautiful time lapses, without busting your wallet on a remote control shutter release.

However, all good things comes with its downsides, and this is no exception. One of the key features of Magic Lantern that got me salivating was that it could shoot in RAW video. Yes, RAW. That’s full HD, 1920 x 1080, RAW. Or at least that’s what I thought.

On a standard Canon EOS DSLR, it is capable of recording in HD, 24/25/30fps depending on your camera settings. However, it is limited to only writing in h264 format. This is handy as it’s a compact format, easy to transfer files around, compatible with most video players ie. Quicktime, VLC, Windows Media Player… However, if you’re a colourist, it’s a nightmare to deal with, as it compresses the living sh*t out of the image, hence having the highlights blown out and crushed blacks, not forgetting grainy images in low light conditions when you bump up the ISO by a bit.

Hence, in order to carry out my experiments, it would be optimum for me to shoot most, if not, all of my footages in RAW. Currently, I am still new to this whole Magic Lantern thing despite having it installed in my camera for the past year or so. Therefore, much research has to be done, experiments to be made, footages to be shot. I’m currently going through forums, YouTube tutorials, self-exploration, to understand the workflow of Magic Lantern and how to operate it. On top of that, just getting used to shooting on a DSLR and using a tripod as a counterweight like a steadicam.

Fingers crossed, I’ll device another shoot this weekend, just purely experimenting using Magic Lantern to shoot in RAW, and various camera movement, angles, and getting into the right headspace during a shoot to plan the shots.