Hello all. I am a total Newb in Magic Lantern world. I have mostly been a stills photographer so far. My questions are particularly focused to the 5D Mkii/ Mkiii platform. I just helped a friend shoot a short film, and a promotional video with my 5D Mkii. That was my first introduction to ML. I had heard of ML before this and how it was increasing the capability of DSLR cameras beyond the factory software handcuffs placed on it but had never seen it in action. I was impressed and continue to be (more like astounded) as I read more about the expanded capabilities the ML community is bringing to the DSLR video world.
So a bit on the reason for my starting this post (my question is sure to lead down the tech rabbit hole)
"What is the full capability the 5D Mkii/Mkiii and how to expand upon it?"
The reason I pose this question is because as I have been reading about new improvements attempted to be made by the ML community it seems many of the attempts at improvements are blocked by hardware issues. For example, limitations of the CF card for storage space, buffer limits, limits on improvements beyond 8 bit due to hardware constraints, limits on the ability for 4k capture and recording (even though the camera is capable of capturing full frame high resolution stills at 4K or beyond), limitations on HDMI pulls straight from the sensor etc.
I consider the sensor rightly the heart of the camera. It seems to me that the canon 5D Mkii/Mkiii sensor is capable of much greater things than the rest of the hardware of the camera will allow.
What are the full capabilities of the sensor of this platform? The magic lantern community is doing a terrific job of unhandicapping these DSLR platforms from the software side. It seems that the rest of the camera just gets in the way of the sensor from meeting it's full potential ( The processor, the buffer, the CF storage etc. )
So what needs to be taken out/replaced in the 5D Mkii/Mkiii platform for it to meet it's full potential?
It seems to me that the 5D platform needs the following from a hardware stand point to meet the full potential of it's image sensor.
More buffer memory (or can data just be bypassed straight into long term storage?), but how much to meet the full capability of the sensor?
It needs a more powerful processor, but how powerful and what type?
It needs a better way to pull information from the sensor and to rapidly store it than on tiny expensive CF cards, but what storage system would be optimal?
What I want to do is answer these questions and find solutions to what I perceive as hardware issues holding back the full potential of the 5D platform and it's sensor in capturing the highest quality video possible.
To do this do I need to crack one open, gut the lousy processor, memory buffer and CF storage system and solder more powerful solutions into it?
I won't be considering doing this to a brand new 5D Mkiii, but it would be an interesting project to try on a used 5D Mkii.
The ML community is doing great things, it is just a shame to see their progress slowed or stopped on the 5D platform due to these hardware handcuffs.
Any input anyone has on this topic, that may lead into the gutting and rebuilding of a 5D Mkii to optimize it's sensors capability and open up a wider range of software improvements are greatly appreciated.
Hey look a used 5D Mkii for $839 online... I'd gut that baby real quick, new processor, new high capacity buffer, HDMI capture, improved storage interface and device. Let's turn that baby into a 4K RAW, high bit monster machine!!
So new I have no idea what I can't do. The skys the limit!
So a bit on the reason for my starting this post (my question is sure to lead down the tech rabbit hole)
"What is the full capability the 5D Mkii/Mkiii and how to expand upon it?"
The reason I pose this question is because as I have been reading about new improvements attempted to be made by the ML community it seems many of the attempts at improvements are blocked by hardware issues. For example, limitations of the CF card for storage space, buffer limits, limits on improvements beyond 8 bit due to hardware constraints, limits on the ability for 4k capture and recording (even though the camera is capable of capturing full frame high resolution stills at 4K or beyond), limitations on HDMI pulls straight from the sensor etc.
I consider the sensor rightly the heart of the camera. It seems to me that the canon 5D Mkii/Mkiii sensor is capable of much greater things than the rest of the hardware of the camera will allow.
What are the full capabilities of the sensor of this platform? The magic lantern community is doing a terrific job of unhandicapping these DSLR platforms from the software side. It seems that the rest of the camera just gets in the way of the sensor from meeting it's full potential ( The processor, the buffer, the CF storage etc. )
So what needs to be taken out/replaced in the 5D Mkii/Mkiii platform for it to meet it's full potential?
It seems to me that the 5D platform needs the following from a hardware stand point to meet the full potential of it's image sensor.
More buffer memory (or can data just be bypassed straight into long term storage?), but how much to meet the full capability of the sensor?
It needs a more powerful processor, but how powerful and what type?
It needs a better way to pull information from the sensor and to rapidly store it than on tiny expensive CF cards, but what storage system would be optimal?
What I want to do is answer these questions and find solutions to what I perceive as hardware issues holding back the full potential of the 5D platform and it's sensor in capturing the highest quality video possible.
To do this do I need to crack one open, gut the lousy processor, memory buffer and CF storage system and solder more powerful solutions into it?
I won't be considering doing this to a brand new 5D Mkiii, but it would be an interesting project to try on a used 5D Mkii.
The ML community is doing great things, it is just a shame to see their progress slowed or stopped on the 5D platform due to these hardware handcuffs.
Any input anyone has on this topic, that may lead into the gutting and rebuilding of a 5D Mkii to optimize it's sensors capability and open up a wider range of software improvements are greatly appreciated.
Hey look a used 5D Mkii for $839 online... I'd gut that baby real quick, new processor, new high capacity buffer, HDMI capture, improved storage interface and device. Let's turn that baby into a 4K RAW, high bit monster machine!!
So new I have no idea what I can't do. The skys the limit!