How to Install Magic Lantern on Your DSLR

This Instructable will teach you how to install Magic Lantern. Magic Lantern is a free software that runs on a Canon camera to enable many new features in both video and photo mode. The current stable releases at the time of this writing are for: 5D mark II, 50D, 60D, 500D, 550D, and 600D. You can get the test releases for: 7D, 5D Mark III, EOS-M, 1100D/T3, and the 5D classic. (These are still in testing so they may have some glitches. NOTE: THIS ONLY WORKS ON CANON CAMERAS. MAGIC LANTERN IS NOT APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY CANON IN ANY WAY. FOR MORE DETAILS, SEE THE FAQ.

Step 1: Downloading

This is the easiest step. You can download the files from here. The current stable release will work on any of the cameras listed above it, the ports in progress are for any of the cameras above that (click you camera name). The nightly builds contain the latest features but may not work properly.

Step 2: What to Put on the Memory Card

The first thing you will need to do is to open to file you downloaded. Once opened you should see something like the picture above. Select the file with the name of your camera, the "autoexec.bin" and the folder titled "ML". Drag these onto your memory card.

Step 3: Installing on the Camera

Put the memory card in the camera, press menu, and navigate to the firmware version. Select this and select "Update Firmware." The camera will shut off and then display a screen with a bunch of text (You can read this if you want, but it really just tells you to restart your camera)

Step 4: How to Use ML

Now that you have installed Magic Lantern, you would probably like to know how to use it. Do access the menu, press the trash button. You will be taken to the ML Menu. It should look similar to the photo. The controls are different for each camera so I cannot really guide you through the menu. Use the select button to turn something on. (On the 60D pressing the Q button opens a sub menu allowing you to change the values).

I would recommend using Zebras, Audio Meters (For Video) and Auto Restart (Also Video (this is on the 60D as it can only record for 10-15 mins at a time before stopping, other camera may have this problem but I'm not sure) Other great features include: Motion Trigger, Audio Trigger, and Bulb Timer. The bulb timer mode requires you to use the audio trigger to activate the shot.

Now that you know how to use it, go have some fun! Try the bulb timer on a starry night :)