"(Magic) Lantern's Light!" - Firmware Upgrade

"With great power comes great responsibility!"
-Uncle Ben; "Spiderman"/Magic Lantern Firmware Wiki

A couple of months ago, Joshen let me know about a mystical firmware upgrade for most DSLR cameras that would add more features and functionality to the cameras we have now. In the first couple of seconds in the video above, you can see some of the firmware's main features that improves the functionality of any DSLR camera the program is installed on. After watching the video and seeing how extremely easy it is, I've decided that I will recline from performing this update to my camera.

To go through some of the features of Magic Lantern a little more in depth;

-The firmware allows you to control your audio output better, which is amazing considering the camera audio on the Canon T3i could be better (this goes for most internal camera audio, unless you have a high-end camera).

-Live Zebra, Waveforms and Histograms help to measure the intensity of light and color balance is in the picture when recording.

-Recording longer than 12 minutes is great for recording videos or any other project without having the camera automatically stop.

Basically, this firmware turns your camera into a high end DSLR device in moments. But with every major improvement comes with major risk. On the Wiki page, there is an obvious disclaimer which states "THIS IS DANGEROUS AND MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA." Reading those words didn't put a good feeling into my mind, especially as an opener. When Joshen showed me the features in person from his camera, I was impressed. His camera was capable of doing things that we wished our cameras were capable of doing for a while before I discovered what M.L. was all about. The only thing is it took Joshen 8 months to decide to download this firmware, considering its risks; EIGHT MONTHS. Clearly this powerful firmware can make or break one's dreams quickly.

I've been warned that I shouldn't attempt this upgrade because if I do, I may break my camera and become forever distraught. That chance is extremely possible, but I ultimately decided not to go about this procedure for another reason. To this date, I feel that I haven't learned fully what my camera is capable of. I'm still in the beginning phases of a young cinematographer and there are a lot of things to learn to get the craft down of shooting and recording professionally. Granted, attempting the Magic Lantern upgrade may work and I would have a 2.0 version of my camera, but what would be the use of having new features when I don't fully understand the standard ones. They say its not about the tool, but the welder who uses it. I need to understand how to use my sword before I start sharpening it for greater battle. My goal is to do just that, minus the "magic" for now (probably one day, but not soon).

-Video Vix[o]n