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faq [2021/04/23 20:04] – [Why feature X doesn't work properly?] Walter Schulzfaq [2024/01/15 03:14] (current) – [Is it legal?] fix to archve.org links petabyte
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 ===== Is it legal? ===== ===== Is it legal? =====
  
-This is a ''clean room'' / ''black box'' reverse engineering effort and as such should be OK. [[http://www.chillingeffects.org/reverse/faq.cgi|Frequently asked questions about reverse engineering]] addresses the [[http://www.chillingeffects.org/reverse/faq.cgi#QID195|legality question]]; producing an interoperable product is one of the explicit allowances enshrined in law.+This is a ''clean room'' / ''black box'' reverse engineering effort and as such should be OK. [[https://web.archive.org/web/20140207082343/http://www.chillingeffects.org/reverse/faq.cgi|Frequently asked questions about reverse engineering]] addresses the [[https://web.archive.org/web/20140321133324/http://www.chillingeffects.org/reverse/faq.cgi#QID195|legality question]]; producing an interoperable product is one of the explicit allowances enshrined in law.
  
 Magic Lantern **does not contain any Canon code**. Also, **we do not distribute any copyrighted code or cryptographic secrets**, neither from Canon nor from any other third party. All the knowledge used for development was obtained by analyzing ARM code, by experimenting, and from lawfully obtained documentation. Magic Lantern **does not contain any Canon code**. Also, **we do not distribute any copyrighted code or cryptographic secrets**, neither from Canon nor from any other third party. All the knowledge used for development was obtained by analyzing ARM code, by experimenting, and from lawfully obtained documentation.
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 In practice, we are doing our best to prevent these situations, and thousands of users are enjoying it without problems. However, this does not represent a guarantee - **use it at your own risk**. In practice, we are doing our best to prevent these situations, and thousands of users are enjoying it without problems. However, this does not represent a guarantee - **use it at your own risk**.
  
-As a precaution, the installer asks you to make a backup copy of your ROM files on the PC. That way, if something goes wrong, we have higher chances of being able to diagnose or fix he issue.+As a precaution, the installer asks you to make a backup copy of your ROM files on the PC. That way, if something goes wrong, we have higher chances of being able to diagnose or fix the issue.
  
 Actually, using Magic Lantern we have successfully [[https://web.archive.org/web/20130622070509/http://vimeo.com/groups/magiclantern/forum/topic:255083|unbricked a 5D Mark II damaged by a USB remote controller app]]. Actually, using Magic Lantern we have successfully [[https://web.archive.org/web/20130622070509/http://vimeo.com/groups/magiclantern/forum/topic:255083|unbricked a 5D Mark II damaged by a USB remote controller app]].
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 > Interestingly enough, they also advised me that Magic Lantern firmware would not invalidate my Canon Warranty as it's not a hardware modification. Though I'm reluctant to find out for sure :-)  > Interestingly enough, they also advised me that Magic Lantern firmware would not invalidate my Canon Warranty as it's not a hardware modification. Though I'm reluctant to find out for sure :-) 
  
-And another user [[http://www.t2iforum.com/firmware-updates/noob-questions-about-magic-lantern-and-warranty/msg28145/#msg28145|posted this on t2iforum]]:+And another user [[https://web.archive.org/web/20161025003359/http://www.t2iforum.com/firmware-updates/noob-questions-about-magic-lantern-and-warranty/msg28145/|posted this on t2iforum]]:
  
 > I contacted Canon Support Portugal about using ML, the answer was the following: > I contacted Canon Support Portugal about using ML, the answer was the following:
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 Despite this tight integration, **Magic Lantern software does not contain any Canon code**. It is entirely a clean-room implementation that runs along side the official Canon firmware as a separate DryOS task. Despite this tight integration, **Magic Lantern software does not contain any Canon code**. It is entirely a clean-room implementation that runs along side the official Canon firmware as a separate DryOS task.
  
 +===== Is Magic Lantern available in other languages? =====
 +Currently, Magic Lantern releases do not have multiple languages built in.
 +You can find a work in progress module that aims to translate menus [[https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=26228.msg236617#msg236617|here]].
 +
 +PS: We know there is a chinese version in the wild which is payware. This ML project team has no affiliations with it and neither endorse its usage nore support it.
 +
 +===== Is this FAQ available in other languages? =====
 +No. If there are any they are not supported/updated/maintained and may be outdated/incorrect.
 +
 +PS: If you feel encouraged to offer your assistance to translate this FAQ ... we have no way to maintain it properly. It has been discussed but until we find a sustainable way to keep it up-to-date with limited man-power we have to decline your offer. 
 ====== Usage ====== ====== Usage ======
  
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 ===== Why can't I see feature X in the menu? ===== ===== Why can't I see feature X in the menu? =====
  
-The feature you are looking for is probably available in a module. These are the features coming with ML programmed as loadable modules:{{wiki:modules_1.png?370  }}+The feature you are looking for is probably available in a module. These are the features coming with ML programmed as loadable modules:{{wiki:modules_1.png?380  }}
   * Advanced Intervalometer -> adv_int.mo    * Advanced Intervalometer -> adv_int.mo 
   * Arkanoid -> arkanoid. mo   * Arkanoid -> arkanoid. mo
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     * Technically, there's no 12 minute limit. There's a 30 minute limit and a 4 GB limit, whichever comes first. With default bitrate settings, the 4 GB limit is reached after around 12 minutes (more or less).     * Technically, there's no 12 minute limit. There's a 30 minute limit and a 4 GB limit, whichever comes first. With default bitrate settings, the 4 GB limit is reached after around 12 minutes (more or less).
  
-===== How do I record for more than 30 minutes? =====+===== How do I record/stream for more than 30 minutes? =====
  
   * H.264:   * H.264:
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   * External HDMI recorder or HDMI capture device connected to PC + recording software:   * External HDMI recorder or HDMI capture device connected to PC + recording software:
-    * Enable the ''Clear Overlays'' feature to hide focus box in AF mode and 16:9 bars.{{wiki:clear_overlays_1.png?20}}+    * Enable the [[camera_help#clear_overlays|Clear Overlays]] feature to hide focus box in AF mode and 16:9 bars.{{wiki:clear_overlays_1.png?20}}
     * Make the half-shutter button sticky (Prefs menu) to prevent the camera from turning off LiveView after 30 minutes. This method is kind of outdated. It is recommended to use:      * Make the half-shutter button sticky (Prefs menu) to prevent the camera from turning off LiveView after 30 minutes. This method is kind of outdated. It is recommended to use: 
-    * [[https://builds.magiclantern.fm/experiments.html|Experimental lua_fix build]] and setting "30-minute timer Disabled" in Prefs menu -> PowerSave in LiveView{{wiki:30-minuten_timer.png?20}}+    * [[https://builds.magiclantern.fm/experiments.html|Experimental lua_fix build]] and setting "30-minute timer Disabled" in Prefs menu -> PowerSave in LiveView {{wiki:30-minute_timer.png?20}}
  
   * USB with EOS Utility and liveview:   * USB with EOS Utility and liveview:
-    * Enable the ''Clear Overlays'' feature to hide focus box in AF mode and 16:9 bars.{{wiki:clear_overlays_1.png?20}}+    * Enable the [[camera_help#clear_overlays|Clear Overlays]] feature to hide focus box in AF mode and 16:9 bars.{{wiki:clear_overlays_1.png?20}}
     * Make the half-shutter button sticky (Prefs menu) to prevent the camera from turning off LiveView after 30 minutes.\\  This method is kind of outdated. It is recommended to use:      * Make the half-shutter button sticky (Prefs menu) to prevent the camera from turning off LiveView after 30 minutes.\\  This method is kind of outdated. It is recommended to use: 
     * [[https://builds.magiclantern.fm/experiments.html|Experimental lua_fix build]] and setting "30-minute timer Disabled" in Prefs menu -> PowerSave in LiveView {{wiki:30-minute_timer.png?20}}     * [[https://builds.magiclantern.fm/experiments.html|Experimental lua_fix build]] and setting "30-minute timer Disabled" in Prefs menu -> PowerSave in LiveView {{wiki:30-minute_timer.png?20}}
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     * There is no 30 minute limit and therefore no need for ML to interfere!     * There is no 30 minute limit and therefore no need for ML to interfere!
     * Output is clean, there are no overlays!     * Output is clean, there are no overlays!
 +
 +(Some new cameras support UVC/UAC: Cam works as webcam via USB without the need of additional software or drivers. Just plug cam into USB port and you are ready to go. Works with Windows, macOS and Linux.
 +Supported cameras: R6 Mark II, R8, R10, R50, PowerShot V10)
  
 ===== Will I get better HDMI resolution/bitdepth/... with Magic Lantern? ===== ===== Will I get better HDMI resolution/bitdepth/... with Magic Lantern? =====
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 ML is able to bypass 29:59 time-out (see topics above) and is able to enforce VGA resolution. And of course it can force clean HDMI output: No overlays, no boxes/rectangles even with active AF. ML is able to bypass 29:59 time-out (see topics above) and is able to enforce VGA resolution. And of course it can force clean HDMI output: No overlays, no boxes/rectangles even with active AF.
  
-===== Can ML surpress black columns left and right in HDMI streaming? ===== +===== Can ML suppress black columns left and right in HDMI streaming? ===== 
-No. If your cam gives you 1920x1080 output via HDMI but "active" area is actually 1620x1080 (3:2 ratio)+ black borders left and right: Nothing ML can do about. You may have to use tools like OBS to grab a 16:9 frame from active area and stretch 1620x911 to Full-HD.+No. If your cam gives you 1920x1080 output via HDMI but "active" area is actually 1620x1080 (3:2 ratio)+ black borders left and right: Nothing ML can do about this. You may have to use tools like OBS to grab a 16:9 frame from active area and stretch 1620x911 to Full-HD.
  
 ===== What can Magic Lantern do to enhance "EOS Webcam Utility" performance? ===== ===== What can Magic Lantern do to enhance "EOS Webcam Utility" performance? =====
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 {{:wiki:raw_non-crop_message.png?400  }} {{:wiki:raw_non-crop_message.png?400  }}
 You have to enter ML's crop mode (see below) to activate settings above [[glossary#native resolution]]. You have to enter ML's crop mode (see below) to activate settings above [[glossary#native resolution]].
 +
 +
  
  
 ===== RAW/MLV: How to enter "crop mode"? ===== ===== RAW/MLV: How to enter "crop mode"? =====
  
-Press magnify/loupe/zoom button. +Press magnify/loupe/zoom button while in liveview screen. 
-On some cam's you will find an additional entry "Crop mode" in Movie tab. Despite sharing the name the modes are not identical.+On some cams you will find an additional entry "Crop mode" in Movie tab. Despite sharing the name those modes are not identical.
 ===== How do I get exposure times longer than 30 seconds? ===== ===== How do I get exposure times longer than 30 seconds? =====
  
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   * Shortcut keys for commonly used functions (including push-button white balance)   * Shortcut keys for commonly used functions (including push-button white balance)
   * Display presets - create custom LiveView modes (for example, your favorite settings for checking exposure, focus, framing and so on).   * Display presets - create custom LiveView modes (for example, your favorite settings for checking exposure, focus, framing and so on).
-  * [[http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=8499.0|Config presets]] for all ML settings.+  * [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=8499.0|Config presets]] for all ML settings.
   * Ultra fast zoom in playback mode.   * Ultra fast zoom in playback mode.
   * Change image review mode to PLAY - after taking a picture you can press Zoom In right away and check critical focus in a split-second.   * Change image review mode to PLAY - after taking a picture you can press Zoom In right away and check critical focus in a split-second.
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 All persistent changes can be seen in ML source code by examining the calls to ''prop_request_change''. Some of the changes are not persistent (for example, LiveView zoom level), and they were not included in the above list. All persistent changes can be seen in ML source code by examining the calls to ''prop_request_change''. Some of the changes are not persistent (for example, LiveView zoom level), and they were not included in the above list.
  
 +===== 5D Mark III: Why are there 2 different ML versions for firmware 1.1.3 and 1.2.3 and which one should I install? ===== 
 +There are major differences between both firmware versions. You have to choose which one fits your needs best. Detailed explanations in [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=14704.msg142089#msg142089|first post in "5D Mark III 1.1.3" thread]].
 +
 +===== Where can I find "Stable/V2.3" version? =====
 +Stable v2.3 is outdated and no longer supported. \\ 
 +Some years ago dev team switched to some kind of rolling release model: Each validated change to ML code (aka: "confirm") creates a new build. \\ 
 +But - essentially - Nighlty Builds are frozen since 2018. Later all work on official experimental builds stopped, too. \\ 
 +For those reasons it is highly unlikely to get another "stable build" in foreseeable future. 
 ====== Troubleshooting ====== ====== Troubleshooting ======
  
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   * Remove battery and card. Put battery back and start the camera without card.   * Remove battery and card. Put battery back and start the camera without card.
   * If the above works, just format the card and do a fresh install of ML.   * If the above works, just format the card and do a fresh install of ML.
-  * If it still doesn't boot, try running our [[http://magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=2296.0|diagnostic tools]]. +  * If it still doesn't boot, try running our [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=2296.0|diagnostic tools]]. 
-  * If you still have problems, [[http://magiclantern.fm/forum/|ask on the forum]].+  * If you still have problems, [[ml>forum/|ask on the forum]].
   * Old versions only: if the LED is blinking continuously, you have the wrong Canon firmware version.   * Old versions only: if the LED is blinking continuously, you have the wrong Canon firmware version.
  
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 ===== Where is bulb ramping? ===== ===== Where is bulb ramping? =====
  
-It was replaced with AutoETTR followed by deflickering in post. Check this forum thread: [[http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=5705.0]]+It was replaced with AutoETTR followed by deflickering in post. Check this forum thread: [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=5705.0|Flicker Free ETTR Timelapse: - -Beginners Guide & Basic Post Processing --]]
  
 This method gives much better results, compared to the old implementation. Why? Because AutoETTR attempts to minimize noise (subject to various constraints), and the deflicker algorithm also corrects variations such as quantization errors when ramping the exposure (up to 0.125 EV for shutter speed) or natural flicker. This method gives much better results, compared to the old implementation. Why? Because AutoETTR attempts to minimize noise (subject to various constraints), and the deflicker algorithm also corrects variations such as quantization errors when ramping the exposure (up to 0.125 EV for shutter speed) or natural flicker.
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 You can even use the deflickering algorithm for regular pictures, to get consistent brightness in post. You can even use the deflickering algorithm for regular pictures, to get consistent brightness in post.
  
-For advanced ramping options, check out the [[http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=8431.0|Advanced Intervalometer]] module.+For advanced ramping options, check out the [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=8431.0|Advanced Intervalometer]] module.
  
 ===== Where is movie mode remap? ===== ===== Where is movie mode remap? =====
  
-We had [[http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=1126.0|serious problems]] with it, so it was disabled. The problems were confirmed with a [[http://theoval.cmp.uea.ac.uk/~nlct/latex/minexample/|minimal example]] code, so the issue is either in Canon firmware (which was probably not designed for dynamic mode remapping) or in the way we request the mode remapping procedure.+We had [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=1126.0|serious problems]] with it, so it was disabled. The problems were confirmed with a [[http://theoval.cmp.uea.ac.uk/~nlct/latex/minexample/|minimal example]] code, so the issue is either in Canon firmware (which was probably not designed for dynamic mode remapping) or in the way we request the mode remapping procedure.
  
 **The only way to get it back is to show us a safe way to change the shooting mode.** For this you need to point out what's wrong with this call: ''prop_request_change(PROP_SHOOTING_MODE, &new_mode, 4)'', and suggest a different method - which can only be done by examining Canon code and understanding how mode switching works. **The only way to get it back is to show us a safe way to change the shooting mode.** For this you need to point out what's wrong with this call: ''prop_request_change(PROP_SHOOTING_MODE, &new_mode, 4)'', and suggest a different method - which can only be done by examining Canon code and understanding how mode switching works.
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 For details see [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=25656|Folders created by macOS Big Sur on exFAT cards are unreadable in Canon EOS cams]] For details see [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=25656|Folders created by macOS Big Sur on exFAT cards are unreadable in Canon EOS cams]]
 +
 +===== Loading MLV_SND.MO failed "tcc: error: undefined symbol 'mlv_rec_[...]'" =====
 +{{wiki:mlv_snd_tcc_err.png?350  }}MLV_SND.mo requires MLV_REC.mo to run.\\  Make sure to have MLV_REC.mo activated, too.
  
 ====== Technical ====== ====== Technical ======
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 The function names are unlikely to be the same as the ones in Canon's source code, which we have never seen. We name functions based on what they seem to do, or debugging / diagnostic strings embedded in the function. It isn't perfect, but it is sufficient to locate the important things for task creation, file I/O and GUI operation. The function names are unlikely to be the same as the ones in Canon's source code, which we have never seen. We name functions based on what they seem to do, or debugging / diagnostic strings embedded in the function. It isn't perfect, but it is sufficient to locate the important things for task creation, file I/O and GUI operation.
 +
 +====== ML Development ======
 +
 +===== The project is dead, right? =====
 +
 +Not dead yet!
 +
 +Here is some status update for all users (and devs). Warning, long read! Posted April 2023: \\ https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=26852.msg242979#msg242979
 +
 +Here is a dev/programmer oriented write-up about build concerns and stuff. Warning: Deep tech lingo! \\
 +https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=26814.msg245407#msg245407
 +More updates in linked thread.
 +
 +===== Can't you use ChatGPT (or other AI) to help developing/porting? =====
 +
 +Nope, won't work!
 +
 +ChatGPT's fame in programming is largely based on having access to vast amounts of freely distributed data and code (as in Stackoverflow) accumulated over years. \\ 
 +This doesn't apply to ML development. Canon never published its code or tools involved creating it. It is a very, very small community trying to make sense of what is found in camera (aka: reverse engineering). 
 +ChatGPT simply doesn't know what is going on.
 + 
  
 ====== Misc ====== ====== Misc ======
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 No one at Canon has contacted us regarding Magic Lantern or software development for their DSLR cameras. We are very eager to discuss the project with them, however, so if you have any technical contacts inside of Canon's software team, please put them in touch with us. No one at Canon has contacted us regarding Magic Lantern or software development for their DSLR cameras. We are very eager to discuss the project with them, however, so if you have any technical contacts inside of Canon's software team, please put them in touch with us.
 +
  
 ====== Troll Questions ====== ====== Troll Questions ======
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 ===== When will you release the next *stable* version? ===== ===== When will you release the next *stable* version? =====
  
-As soon as **you** will provide us with clear and concise testing and bug reports for all ML features from the [[http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=3072|nightly builds]].+As soon as **you** will provide us with clear and concise testing and bug reports for all ML features from the [[ml>forum/index.php?topic=3072|nightly builds]].
  
 Since this did not happen for the past few years, and we no longer have the time and resources to do the testing ourselves, there are currently no plans for a new stable release. Since this did not happen for the past few years, and we no longer have the time and resources to do the testing ourselves, there are currently no plans for a new stable release.
  
 However, the nightly builds can now be considered somewhat stable, and if something important breaks, it's usually fixed quickly [[https://foss.heptapod.net/magic-lantern/magic-lantern/-/issues|if you report the issue]]. However, the nightly builds can now be considered somewhat stable, and if something important breaks, it's usually fixed quickly [[https://foss.heptapod.net/magic-lantern/magic-lantern/-/issues|if you report the issue]].
faq.1619201080.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/04/23 20:04 by Walter Schulz