Canon EOS M Magic Lantern Problems: 4 Risks Before You Install

The quick verdict

Magic Lantern gave my original Canon EOS M RAW video options I could not get from the stock camera. I also ran into recorded artifacts and a slower editing process that made the setup difficult to trust for a shot I could not repeat.

I would use it to experiment and learn RAW processing when I have time to test and reshoot. I would choose a more dependable setup for a paid job or an event with only one chance to record it.

The recording problems that bothered me

I encountered white specks recorded into footage. Pink frames and skipped frames were other problems I discussed in the video. A clip can look promising until an artifact appears in the part I need.

Those results describe the setup and software I was using then. They do not establish that every build, card, or recording mode has the same fault. I also did not establish one cause for every artifact.

Before relying on a configuration, I would record a full length test with the exact camera, build, card, resolution, and frame rate. I would inspect the converted files too, rather than judge only from the camera display.

MLV files add work after the shoot

My RAW workflow involved MLV files and an extra conversion stage. That added time before I could start a normal edit.

1. Copy and back up the complete recording from the card.
2. Open the clips in MLV App or another compatible application.
3. Check the image, set the RAW processing options, and export a format suited to the edit.
4. Import the converted files into the editor and check playback, color, and audio sync.

ProRes 422 HQ was one intermediate option discussed in my workflow. Export choices depend on the application and system. I would test a few clips before committing a whole project to a particular conversion path.

The recording mode is part of the setup

A RAW preset can change the image area, preview behavior, data rate, and processing requirements. The highest resolution label is not enough to tell me whether a mode will work for the scene.

I would check framing, rolling shutter, clip duration, and card write behavior before choosing a mode. A setting that works for a short static shot may be awkward for a long take or a moving camera.

What Magic Lantern changes

Magic Lantern is software that runs from the memory card alongside Canon’s firmware. It does not simply replace Canon’s software. Installation and compatibility still need care.

Use the project’s build information and installation instructions for the exact original EOS M and matching Canon firmware. EOS M does not mean every later EOS M series camera. I would not copy an old installation recipe onto a different model or build.

The developers do not guarantee that community software is risk free. I would read the current instructions and known issues before changing anything, without pretending I can put a reliable percentage on the risk.

Would I buy an EOS M for this?

Compare used original Canon EOS M bodies. Allow for a compatible lens, battery, charger, and a card tested with the recording mode you want.

I would buy it for the experiment only if I wanted to learn the menus and processing. The low body price does not remove the time needed to make the whole workflow dependable.

My verdict

I like what an inexpensive EOS M can produce with RAW recording. My hesitation is whether it will record the take cleanly and how much work follows. Test the complete workflow first and choose a repeatable project while learning it.