Simply Amazing Take 2: More About Magic Lantern Hack For EOS 5D Mark III (and comparison with Blackmagic)

Yesterday I reported about the latest hack for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs) by the skilled Magic Lantern team (the forum discussion is going on here). The Magic Lantern hack is definitely going to change a few things in the videographer world: an EOS 5D Mark III becomes the most advanced 14-bit RAW recording system people can get for around $3000 (less than EUR 3000). For those who still don’t know: the Magic Lantern hack makes 14 bit RAW video output at 24fps feasible on the EOS 5D Mark III. The performance is amazing when compared to the 8-bit H.264 footage output (without the hack). Given the success of yesterday’s post I would like to post a follow-up.

First of all, a guide on how to install the Magic Lantern hack on your EOS 5D Mark III, provided by cinema5d. Get the Magic Lantern package (File –> Download) and follow cinema5d’s instructions.

Next, for all of you who are concerned that installing the Magic Lantern hack could brick their DSLR, have a look at Joe Marine’s article at nofilmschool. Hint: It will not brick your sensor. Be confident. While it is true that the hack is in its early stage, and that there will be random crashes and failures, there is no risk to ruin the sensor of the 5D Mark III (this was a concern by some users). The sensor does not have to do more work when using the hack.

Finally, at diyphotography they posted an article about why Magic Lantern Raw video is the best thing that happened to Canon.

More and more videos that show the impressing performance of the Magic Lantern hack show up. Below you’ll find a selection. Have fun!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

5D mark ii Magic Lantern RAW test (low light, high ISO) from Jon Andreas Sanne on Vimeo.

14-bit RAW on Canon 5D Mark III vs. factory default with CineStyle – Dynamic Range from Saad Rabia on Vimeo.

A RAW in the park. (Canon 5D mark III with Magic Lantern RAW module – short test) from Johnnie Behiri on Vimeo.