With all prosumer electronic devices, we always tend to run across those limitations that makes us wonder “why not just unlock that feature for your loyal users?” In the case of my Canon 550D (T2i), there is a nasty setting that causes the audio recording levels to fluctuate automatically based on how loud the camera’s surroundings are. It’s called ACG, or Auto-Gain Control. Up until a bit ago, Canon users could be found raging across forums and blogs, complaining that their choice to make this feature non-removable is both unprofessional and rather corporate of them-

Until now. A group of DSLR filmmakers from the 5D Forums have dedicated some serious time to crafting a new bit of software that loads on top of the existing camera firmware of these new DSLRs, and adds numerous features that only $2000+ cameras can boast. Some of the features include, but are not limited to:

• ACG REMOVED and replaced with manual audio level controls, both analog & digital
• Audio level meters (thank you)
• On-screen lens information about focal distance and zoom
• Zebra stripes for both over and under-exposed areas
• Automated focus pulling (yes, it works)
• Bitrate control – down to YouTube quality, or higher for even crisper HD footage
• HDR exposure bracketing up to 13 shots!

You can find more on the Magic Lantern User’s Group on Vimeo. I think I’m going to donate to their project, as it’s released FREE and has unlocked about $1500 worth of features on my humble camera.

As for now, I’ve installed it on my Canon 550D and it’s working! Anybody else have success with this? Comment below!

-Jesse