Magic Lantern Firmware Returns with New Team and Bigger Ambitions
What is Magic Lantern?
Magic Lantern is a free, open-source software add-on for Canon EOS DSLRs and the original EOS M. It runs directly from an SD or CF card and does not overwrite the camera's factory firmware, allowing users to opt in or out by simply removing the card. Originally released in 2009, Magic Lantern enabled advanced features not provided by Canon, such as RAW video recording, HDR video, focus peaking, zebras, and intervalometers. These tools helped turn Canon DSLRs into affordable, professional-level filmmaking equipment.
Originally developed by Trammell Hudson, Magic Lantern helped transform consumer cameras into powerful tools for high-quality digital filmmaking. Today, it continues to be developed by a community of photo and video enthusiasts, adding features like HDR imaging, timelapse, motion detection, focus assist tools, manual audio controls, and much more.
- Revolutionary Get the most out of your camera with the latest Magic Lantern features.
- Open Source Download the source code and help develop the code.
- Refined Fully documented developer's API. Scripting support extends API to every day users.
Why It Matters
Magic Lantern gave users access to professional-level features years before Canon implemented them officially. It became especially popular with filmmakers looking to squeeze every bit of quality and control out of their cameras.
Magic Lantern is a software enhancement designed to unlock advanced features on Canon DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It provides an open framework, licensed under GPL, that allows developers to create extensions for Canon’s official firmware.
Unlike a hack or a modified firmware, Magic Lantern runs independently alongside Canon’s own software. Every time you power on your camera, Magic Lantern loads directly from your memory card. The only change made to the camera is enabling it to run software from the card.
The Comeback
A new team of developers, led by a contributor known as "names_are_hard," along with g3ggo, kitor, and WalterSchulz, has rebooted the project. They’ve refreshed the codebase, moved to a modern build system, streamlined the installation process, and rebuilt the website.
The project now features a more accessible developer workflow, complete with Git integration and updated documentation, making it easier for new contributors to get involved.
Supported Cameras and What's Coming Next
Magic Lantern now works with several newer Canon DSLR models, including the 200D, 6D Mark II, 750D, and 7D Mark II. Core features like the intervalometer, extended video recording time, and onscreen tools are functioning on supported cameras.
The team is also exploring support for Canon's DIGIC X processor series, which powers the EOS R5, R6, and other mirrorless models. This could eventually bring features like RAW or full sensor readout (Open Gate) to more recent cameras.+
- EOS 100D (Rebel SL1, Kiss X7)
- EOS 1100D (Rebel T3, Kiss X50)
- EOS 1200D (Rebel T5, Kiss X70)
- EOS 200D (Rebel SL2, Kiss X9)
- EOS 500D (Rebel T1i, Kiss X3)
- EOS 50D
- EOS 550D (Rebel T2i, Kiss X4)
- EOS 5D Mark II
- EOS 5D Mark III
- EOS 5D (Classic)
- EOS 600D (Rebel T3i, Kiss X5)
- EOS 60D
- EOS 650D (Rebel T4i, Kiss X6i)
- EOS 6D (Mark I)
- EOS 6D Mark II
- EOS 700D (Rebel T5i, Kiss X7i)
- EOS 70D
- EOS 750D (Rebel T6i, Kiss X8i)
- EOS 7D (Mark I)
- EOS 7D Mark II
- EOS M
Summary
Magic Lantern is back with a refreshed approach, modern tooling, and an active development team. While it's still early, the return of this beloved project signals new creative opportunities for Canon shooters looking to push their gear further.
