RAW file extension

[Isabella B.]

Hi,

While using ML in Canon cameras, in which file extension is recorded for RAW mode? And does file extension further needs to be transcode  or it can be used smoothly in any editing software?

Regards

[Walter Schulz]

*.MLV
If file splitting/chunking is necessary concecutive files will get named *.M00, *.M01, ...

And because MLV is a native ML format unknown to most other software you have to use tools like MLVapp or others found in RAW video processing sub-forum https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?board=54 to convert to compatible formats like DNG.

[Isabella B.]

Thanks Walter. So what is *.DNG then? I read articles where people mentioned shooting using ML and then importing the *.Dng video clips in editing softwares.

[Walter Schulz]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Negative

[ChristianEOS]

Dear Isabella,
you can use the "mlv app" to convert the DNG files into a normal.. *. mov video file and then of course you can use any editing Software. You need a fast card SD or older full frame cameras CF cards. These files can get big < 1gb.

May I ask what you are desiring to film?

Your
Christian

[Isabella B.]

Thanks Christian for replying.

1. *.MLV cant be imported in editing softwares for editing?
2. Would not converting mlv will result in generation loss? and kills the purpose of shooting Raw?
3. What is DNG file extension? i.e if ML is creating MLV files then where is this DNG file extension coming from?

Not shooting currently, will be installing ML so asking.

Regards

[Danne]

Use any mlv to dng converter you want. Plenty tools out there. Check forum sections. Dng is still 100% raw.
If you want seamless mlv handling apps, use Mlv app or mlvfs.

[masc]

1. *.MLV cant be imported in editing softwares for editing?
2. Would not converting mlv will result in generation loss? and kills the purpose of shooting Raw?
3. What is DNG file extension? i.e if ML is creating MLV files then where is this DNG file extension coming from?

1. Yes: MLRawViewer, MLVProducer, MLVApp
2. Convertion to DNG is lossless. And if you don't change image parameters after processing, you don't loose quality in other formats. So if you "just cut" processed footage, all is fine.
3. DNG is just another RAW representation. MLV is comming from MagicLantern. DNG is a standard coming from Adobe.

[ChristianEOS]

Dear Isabella

Danne and masc are the real professional Magic Lantern ceo's.
I hope they could help you better.

Your
Chris

[Isabella B.]

1. Yes: MLRawViewer, MLVProducer, MLVApp
2. Convertion to DNG is lossless. And if you don't change image parameters after processing, you don't loose quality in other formats. So if you "just cut" processed footage, all is fine.
3. DNG is just another RAW representation. MLV is comming from MagicLantern. DNG is a standard coming from Adobe.

Ah ok, so the workflow is that when using ML, the camera will produce MLV, inorder to edit.. MLV needs to be converted to DNG through any converter? am I right? or MLV can directly be imported in editing soft-wares too?

[masc]

MLV can ONLY be edited with the software already listed in last answer (maybe some single other little tools additionally). No idea what exactly you mean with "editing soft-wares": if you mean e.g. MLVApp then yes, if you mean Premire/Resolve/FCPX then no. You can convert to whatever you like and to whatever your NLE allows to import. It could be DNG (if you grade in your NLE), but it also could be e.g. ProRes (if you grade in MLVApp and just cut in NLE).

This is the workflow I use the most. (But there are endless other good workflows of other people. This is just an example.)

[Luther]

It can be directly imported on some software, like MLVApp. Most of the other programs won't recognize MLV format, so you have to convert it. You can do that on MLVApp too. For DaVinci Resolve, you can convert the MLV to a DNG sequence and then import on it. For Premiere Pro and Final Cut, I suggest you use MLVApp and convert to ProRes or DNxHR.

[Isabella B.]

No idea what exactly you mean with "editing soft-wares": if you mean e.g. MLVApp then yes, if you mean Premire/Resolve/FCPX then no.

Meant NLE softwares. Your reply and the workflow video answers the questions. Thank you.

[Steven]

Hi Isabella. There is a (not free) plugin that allows MLV files to be used natively in Premiere Pro: https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=8627.0
Not sure how stable this is by now.

EDIT: Aparently their "Media Reactor Workstation lite" for 99$ enables full read capabilities. I am not sure though if this includes the export of the edit as their overview states that export is only included in the non lite license that costs 495$. It will probably be a good idea to contact the developers.