I think Canon should pay you a fortune for releasing such awesome reviews and setting guide videos like this one. I'm pretty sure you made it possible for Canon to sell more cameras and lenses than their actual sales representatives or marketing people honestly. You're such a nice person and I love all your videos!
Thank you, Duane. This is the first video that I have seen that acknowledges the use of the DoF button on the front of the R7 for autofocus. I find that my ring finger falls naturally on that button and I use it for my eye tracking option. I can hold that button for extended periods more easily than the back two buttons.
OMG, I now understand CI, C2, & C3. It makes sense to save your settings and shoot in the modes you want with one click. Another awesome video, thanks Duede. As the gentlemen below said, Canon owe you.
Right then: this is the very best advice RUclips channel, for me. A couple of months ago I spoilt myself with an R3, and I knew that I’d quickly find a decent channel to help me through the myriad of options and menus. This is that channel. A calm, friendly voice is at the core of this channel. No shouting. And I mean, no shouting. It’s a refreshing change. And, anyone who takes the mickey out of themselves, and laughs at their own mistakes is a top banana in my book. Thank you, Duade! I’ll be donating. It’d be rude not to 👍👍👍
AMAZING! Thank you. I like to shoot street but I also love panning. I struggled with changing setting from street to shutter priority. By the time I switched, my subject is gone. This will definitely help me in changing shoot modes. Thank you!!!
Excellent video. Using the three custom-setting modes (on my R7) is very helpful. I use C1 mode for birds in flight (with high shutter speed, multiple focus points, and extra exposure to compensate for skylight entering the meter) and C2 for perched birds (with open aperture and single focus point). However, as this video points out, it can take a few seconds in the field to spin the mode dial. As an alternative, I custom set the (AF start button) to go into C1 (BIF) mode while it is depressed. If I see a bird in flight, an easy and quick reaction of pressing of the button sets my camera for what I want with no need for thinking or fumbling.
Thanks! With my R6 which has a dial I have a third back button set up, the rightmost top back button so when I press it I go to zone focus at 2500 frames per second and auto iso. I have af-on with spot focus and * with eye focus. These two regular back buttons use whatever shutter speed and iso I have set (usually in Fv mode), only the rightmost back button changes my R6 shutter speed. The French wildlife photographer in Nova Scotia showed me how to rig up the third rightmost rear button. He explained how to do it as a ‘bonus tip’ at the end of one of his videos.
Hi Duade, I have done this for some time, I set it up --- M [fast shutter mechanical shutter] - C1 [fast silent shutter] - C2 slow mechanical shutter] - C3 [slow silent shutter] -- its then always 2 button presses to get from BIF [fast shutter] to perched [slow shutter] settings or 1 button to go from mechanical shutter to silent shutter for same fast/slow setting. I also use Register a shooting mode to immediately add 1.3 stops exposure compensation for BIF against the sky assigned to a button - it has worked really well for me :-)
The register / recall function has been available since the 7DII (and 5DIII I think) though not every body from after that as “we don’t want to cannibalise” our premium body sales, or in your parlance the Canon hammer struck again! I have AF-ON set to whatever I’m doing that day and the * button set to 1/30th for panning race cars or 1/60th for freezing props / rotors on aircraft. It helps if your body has a save to card function as you can have more “favourite settings” available. I was using the C1-C3 single click of the wheel on my 40D, the only problem was that being severely dyslexic I would frequently spin it the wrong way! 🤣 I will certainly be trying this new function on my R5 and showing my mate with the R how to use it, he is severely visually impaired so this may be of biggest benefit for him. I found you a while back from your “Fv one setting to rule them all!” Video. Personally on the R5 with 3 wheels I found it unnecessary and even inconvenient in some ways!
I'm so glad to see you still have your R7. I've been watching all your videos in an attempt to make a decision on what to buy. In-between negotiating affordability against, well, everything else. Makes me happy to see you still have the R7 around, which I'm hoping means you decided to keep it. .
Thanks, yes, it is tough, the R7 is a real paradox, it has so many amazing features and takes wonderful shots. I just wish the readout speed was a little faster so we did not have any rolling shutter/AF inconsistencies in low light. But for the price it is hard to beat. Cheers, Duade
Great advice, Duade. You can actually get to these specific settings even easier,and in the same button press!! By going to back button focus, the setting one (or more!) of the back buttons in a pre-configured settings of your choice, including the auto-focus, or eye AF, you are even focusing at the same time! Give it a shot. Let me know if you are not sure of the settings I just mentioned, and I will write it out easier to understand. Thanks for the video - terrific.
I set up the front button on my R6 and R7 to choose the drive mode - it's usually either high-speed continuous for birds, wildlife, kids, and pets, or two-second delay for low-light landscapes on a tripod. I was not aware of the recall feature! I have C1 set up in Fv for birds and I usually keep the shutter speed selected so I can just spin the dial if the bird takes off, but this can be a little clumsy so I will see if I can spare a button for recall.
Nikon was the first to introduce this and on the D5 and D6 only. It's called "Recall Shooting" settings and on the D6 you can just hit a button and it switches to completely different settings. Plus on the D6, you can change it on the fly, whereas on the D5, you have to choose your exact settings and that's what will be recalled, but say you wanted to adjust your shutter speed or aperture while holding that button or after pushing it, you had to reset everything and it was locked on the D5! However now on the D6 you can either push to set or hold the recall shooting programmed button(s) and you can then also make adjustments to whatever setting on the fly, while in that recall mode. Actually the Nikon D6 is quite innovative in many ways, it's the most programmable or customizable DLSR ever made. I can switch from single point to Group AF or Auto Area AF to another button, and with some lenses I can even set a third different AF setting to a lens function button. Plus the D6 has an I-menu and you can put all of your favorite things on it, WB, AF, ISO, AF Area Modes, etc., etc.! After you setup your I-menu, you can simply hit the button with your right shooting hand and it turns on the rear touch screen with the menu options and you can just touch the screen or tap it and change anything. Lastly with the WT-6A wireless transmitter on my D6's I can simply pinch to zoom and hit quick crop and then flick up with my finger on the rear screen and within about 1 second the image is transferred to a laptop or editor, or iPhone/iPad and ready to be sent out to the world, which is awesome for photojournalism! I know the Sony A1 and other top-tier Sony cameras are also very customizable, but Nikon started this trend I would say. In fact on the D4s/D810 were the first camera's that allowed you to change your AF mode with 1 button press. So I had mien setup to switch from Group AF to Single Point AF, and with one push! In 2023 all camera's should be fully customizable and most if not all buttons should be programmable. Thankfully it seems that is the trend and more and more we are seeing new ways of shooting. I absolutely agree though this is a game-changing feature. I know my D6's have allowed me to get shots I would've missed with other camera's.
Thanks PJ, the D6 ability to alter the exposure and save is exactly what I need and is the reason I dont use the mode all that often as it is annoying that it resets after use. I will be trying the Z8 soon so I hope that has it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thank you as well for the reply, I'm slightly confused though or maybe I confused you? On the D6 you can set it to push and hold it down to "Recall Shooting Settings" and or you can push and let Go and it does not reset, unless you press it again. I personally prefer the press and hold, because you can also set it so it activates AF as well as recalls all your settings. You can set everything WB, ISO/Auto ISO/Aperture/Shutter/etc,.etc.! So with just one hit of the button you've gone from still life to action. I'm a back-button AF guy, but I'll take extra ways or buttons to engage AF! For instance on the D5 and D6 you can setup the AF joysticks so that when you press them down, it engages AF. This is almost as great as using the smart controller joystick on the R3/1Dx Mark III. I can't remember if Canon allows you to set the AF as well or if they allow you to engage it as well? Anyways, on the D6 the "Recall Shooting Settings" and I-menu are amazing. I honestly dismissed the D6 at first and thought it was just a D5s. However after using one for over a year and a half, I'm absolutely sold and in love. The only mirrorless that comes to close to what I'm looking for in mirrorless is Canon, and the R3. I personally have light sensitivity issues, and I don't like EVF's. I just prefer OVF and honestly I prefer a bit more control over my AF, meaning mirrorless is too AI based for me. The D6 does amazingly well AF wise though and it didn't get enough credit or good reviews. When I bought my second D6 it was only $4499 USD, so I got what I consider a better camera than the Z9, for less money than a Z9! However I do see and realize that mirrorless is the future and my D6's won't last forever. Only about 2,000 Nikon D6's were ever sold in the USA, far below the estimated 40,000+ Z9's in the hands of US customers already! Meaning it will be difficult for me another new D6 and it maybe difficult to find a low mileage used one in a year or two. I do love the Z7/Z7 II, but for what I do, photojournalism...the D6 is the best camera I've used. I admit that I have not wanted to or haven't tested the Sony A1, but that is only because I'd never buy one. Just strictly because of the ergonomics and weird things like the lens release button on wrong side, bad menus, no firmware updates, etc.! Even my DLSR got a pretty massive update, I think it was the 1.2 firmware, but the D6 got an update to its AF system. Now it's absolutely by far the best focusing, fastest focusing camera, certainly the best DSLR. For an old timer like myself, I prefer more manual control of my AF and I'm just so used to the joysticks by now, Nikon's had them since the D4! Being able to change your AF points quickly as well as being able to engage AF on one button or smart controller is cool though. It means I don't have to reach around as much to hit the back button AF. That was too long of a response, but hopefully it helps someone, someday, lol.
Thanks PJ, sounds like the D6 has ticked all the boxes for you. The D850 was also the best DSLR for that category as well. So I am happy to see Nikon kicking goals with the Z9 and Z8, I am hoping for a D500 mirrorless as well for the lower end of the market, pair that with the upcoming 200-600 and you could have a killer wildlife combo. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for this great video. I have the R7. I had it set up for dual back button focus, per Jan Weggener's and Glenn Bartly's recommendations. I found that the single point focus could be configured for eye detect, tracking, etc. by hitting the Info button in the Customize Buttons screen. I've now set it up with only single point (configured) on the AF-On button and Recall Settings on the star button. I've configured my C-1 for perched birds, my C-2 for birds in flight,and my C-3 for landscapes. The Recall Settings is set for birds in flight in C-1 and perched birds in C-2. I'm really glad to know about the Recall Settings option.
Awesome features... Since I have two bodies, R7 and R5, it's a pain, you know, hahaha, both are slightly different in customization... is great the tip on R5 to assign a custom function to Cicle through "C" and "M", thank you so much for your valuable time and tips!!
Hey Duade, fantastic video. First the FV mode now the MFn. Thanks for discovering these conveniences for us. I have an R7 and disappointed that Canon has crippled the MFn here with less options. Will configure the incovenient front button for recall feature and try it. Right now have configured that to re-center the focus point. Update:- I assigned the recall function to the inconvenient button. Set ISO, shutter speed and Aperture to be recalled to Auto, 1/2500 & F11 respectively. And it works as advertised. Thanks again.
Thanks for the tips. Some frustration I had when setting up c1-3 is to remember it’s saving all settings the camera is set to. People or animal recognition af type of focus. It can take awhile to set up be patient. Then you get all set up for wildlife and you want to take photos of kids sports. It can be switched fairly easy but need to switch the face recognition to people and save the settings again.
I'm a dual R5 user with a 100-500 and EF 500/4 and have been using the custom settings ever since the R5 came out and find it an indispensable feature when in a target rich environment. I shoot airshows so there can be a lot going on. Not just in the air but on the ground so quickly switching between settings is paramount. I use 3 custom modes. 1. Shutter Priority 1/250th, auto iso, mechanical shutter (prop aircraft in flight) 2. Shutter Priority 1/80th, auto iso, electronic shutter (aircraft taking off and landing) 2. Shutter Priority 1/1600th, auto iso, electronic shutter (jet aircraft in flight) As you say, set it to automatically update Custom modes as each shooting setting can be different depending on available light, ie, overcast, bright sun, etc. For a while there it was annoying having to set each body individually as settings couldn't be copied, but that was addressed in a firmware update. I only wish that you could sync both bodies to the same time so it makes culling photos in a chronological order much easier but alas, no. Keep up the good work. I may become a birder, one day.. Dumb thing is, I live about 15 mins from the werribee treatment plant and I have an entry key.
Glad to hear it is working well for you, I am the same, often think airshows could be fun but birds is my passion and I just struggle to do anything else ;-) But yes the WTP is well worth a visit and a drive around. Cheers, Duade
Hey Duane: This works GREAT. I had already set my custom modes with one mode for perched birds and one for flying birds. But changing modes on an R3 (or any other camera) by manipulating the dial quickly is impossible without looking at the camera and fiddling with the mode button and dial. Only thing I did differently is to put my perched bird setting on C1 and flying bird settings on C2. I find that switching to the flying mode needs to be done more quickly in cases where I am photographing a perched bird which may fly than the other way around. Setting it up this way allows selecting the flying settings with one push of the button rather than having to cycle through C3 to get to the flying mode. Thanks for the tip!
I have known this feature some months. I use C1 setting on my R6 for panning. The main feature is to set SS 1/30s or so. I love to shoot orienteering. During next weekend there is Jukolan viesti (en) for men and women. Men run through the night, and there is pitch black leg(s) - although we have no night at this time of year.
I had this feature way back on the 1DX and 1DXII. They allowed C mode cycling on the MF-n button only. Was one of my favourite features on the flagship cameras. I preferred to deactivate C2 and C3 and then it would just toggle back and forth between M and C1. M was my fast SS for BIF, C1 was my low SS for perched birds.
Plus Nikon has had similar options on the Nikon D5 and D6, called "Recall Shooting Settings" and you can setup completely different settings to a customizable button and switch from say action settings to still life/non moving settings, or whatever you please. On the Nikon D6 you can even adjust the settings on the fly, or while holding down the button or after pressing it. So not only can I change AF modes with three different modes/Area settings, but I can setup, up to two buttons for "Recall" mode and so even in portrait orientation I can reach the FN3 or program my Vertical Fn button to it, but I choose the Fn3 myself. Anyways, these types of near instant switches are absolutely game changing! However most of them are not anything new, but we're definitely seeing improvements and more brands are getting on board, so to say. Sony's A1 is very customizable and I think Canon is honestly a bit late to the game. I had access to Canon gear and I've used every Canon flagship from the 1D to the 1Dx Mark II/III. The Canon camera's have more buttons, four as opposed to three on the front grip area's. However for some reason Nikon just made it work way better and it is way easier to switch modes on the Nikon. However, obviously the Canon camera's have their own advantages, they are much better for video and Live-View AF, plus they are faster FPS wise, but for some odd reason I just prefer the Nikon way. All modern flagship and prosumer level camera's are more than capable, but only recently are we seeing the lower level models receiving more customization.
Thanks Duade. Will try this out, the recall button on the back is a good option for me. I tend to find too many options/button options can become confusing. Cheers Gary
Duade, what a great video. You brought forward a feature that will change the way I use my R5 for sure. I often find myself taking portrait type photos when an action opportunity arises. I always miss the action shot because it takes too long to get to the proper settings. The technique you outlined should put me in a position to get the shots where previously I would have missed. Love your story and your videos! Preciate cha,
I have an R7 and had spent several hours trying to trick it into a form of 3-button BBF. But… ran into all the blocked capability that you described. Using register recall on the awkward front button may be just what I need (if not exactly what I want, per The Rolling Stones). Thanks for the great video and for clarifying the differences between bodies! Very, very helpful.
Just jumping in to mention that there are ways of doing this on other cameras as well. I have a similar concept setup with my 7D Mark II. I have AF set to backbutton on the "AF on" button, and settings registered for high speed shooting to the * button. So all I need to do is tap that button to go from whatever I have dialed in on M to 1/1250, auto ISO, F/11, ExCom +1, wider AF range. Each custom mode on the dial allows for different settings on the customized buttons as well if I wanted to have those settings changed. So, not exactly the same as the feature here, but the idea of going from slower stills shooting to instantly catching bird in flight is doable with other methods on other camera bodies.
Thanks Duade used you setting on my R5 with my f11 600mm and got some the best shots I have ver had by changing the shutter speeds. A great tip thanks mate.
Hi Duane, wow this is great! I just ordered an R5 and have been learning what settings I need to change before I start shooting. This is exactly what is needed! The canon 500mm f4 is USM lens I purchased recently based on your recommendation has performed fantastic on my 7D mark ii. Looking forward to getting more in focus birds in flight shots with the R5 tracking ability. Thanks again, Andrew
It might be new to Canon but this has been available on Olympus cameras for years now. In fact, on my E-M1X I can assign all 4 custom modes to their own button.
I use the recall function on my Sony a9 all the time. The AF ON button is standard bbf on whatever settings I have set, but the AEL button immediately changes the SS to 1/2000, +1 exposure comp, wide area autofocus and auto iso. Makes those quick unexpected moments so much easier, just move your thumb over one button. Another use I can set it for is when photographing aircraft. For fast jets I want the fast shutter speed, but you can set the main shutter speed to like 1/125 for a nice prop blur and have both options on tap
This is brilliant! I'm always open to making custom settings on these cameras. All those buttons, they should be useful, lol. But, this is a much better idea than what I have now on the m-Fn button. I set up an instant video button too, but I want to use a different button for that. Cycling through the custom modes would be more helpful there... Thank you for this Duade!
The Recall function is also available on the 1DX. I have the BiF set to * as I back button focus on the AF On button, so just move my thumb over barely and bam, settings changed temporarily while I hold *
Great video. Whistling Wings photography channel also had this suggestion a while ago of the Register/Recall function and I used that. I like the MFn button to cycle through Cs or I may use the control ring for that. I agree that we need the ability to shoot in low shutter speed if you can as R5 introduces a lot of noise as the ISO creeps up past 2000 for me!
Hi Duade, brilliant video tutorial! I just set up my R5 with static birds on C1, BIF on C2. I plan to try this out on a trip next week to Gougan Barra in Cork Ireland. The asigning the M-Fn button to scroll through the shooting modes is fantastic, thank you.
What a simple yet powerful suggestion...great video. I set the Mfn button to switch Custom modes as recommended and what a difference it made in my most recent outing. I love the suggestion of adding a custom mode to quickly reduce shutter speed once you've nailed a few images at a higher ISO setting. All and all, an excellent tutorial mate!
Hi Duade, a question for you. I just discovered that if I change the exposure increments on the R5 from 1/3 to 1/2 stops, it increases the maximum aperture on the RF100-500 from f/7.1 to f/6.7 at 500mm, which also seems to assist in dropping the ISO ever so slightly. Can you think of any potential downsides of doing this?
Duade. With my R7 I have now set up so that ☆ is eye detect auto focus, The grid button below it is spot auto focus, So all I have to do is roll my thumb between the two. I have set the AF-ON button to the BIF mode with the "Register/Recall Shooting Function". I will try it out and report back. 😊 Thanks for the great tips.
@drkumarharaprasadmisra5562 No... I changed to using AF-On button for Spot AutoFocus and the * Button for Eye Focus and the Grid button below this to select FPS. I have kept these settings and they have worked well for me. I am pretty sure Duade and Jan do it around the other way, but it's my thumb and I will use it as I see fit. 😉
Got the R7 and I also made a custom button recall function. But I found that I have to make exposure compensation about 1, 1 1/3 stop compensation no matter which metering mode I put.
Thanks Duade! I didn't even know about the register/recall shooting function on my R6, but now my third back button finally has a good use! I've long used the C1/C2 dial settings for slow shutter speeds/auto ISO and fast shutter speeds/manual exposure, except I use C3 as my default instead of C1. That way I'm just one click away in the opposite direction if I want to shoot video. So, C2/C3/Video for birds in flight/normal/video respectively.
Loved this video -- for the first time, I've heard an explanation of the custom modes that clicked for me! Thanks for that, Duade. Planning to start using this functionality with my Canon EOS 90D.
Great suggestion on mode switching, going to try that out. I have triple back button focus. Af-on is eye tracking, star is centeal zone, which is geat when eye can't lock on, i.e. bird with busy background. Third button is spot focus.
I have AF on the shutter button, I shoot manual auto ISO and set the camera to BIF setting typically 1/2500 F6.3 H+ MFn cycles AF area options, EV on the adapter ring. AF-ON is set to recall custom hold for static subjects, spot focus, tracking disabled 1/500 . Eye AF On/OFF on front preview button.
Thanks duade , i have set this up on my Canon 1dx and will be using it whenever i see a flying bird, thanks for the tip all the way from sunny north wales.
Great video. I have recently upgraded to a Canon R7 from the original 7D. On the 7D I used back button AF and changed the AF areas with the M-Fn button. On the R7 I use the AF-ON and the star for back button AF, on the AF-ON I have a fexible zone AF that is about 1/9 of the screen, on the star button I have eye detection AF. I also use the front button on the AF-MF switch for recall shooting function with the smallest Af point. Eye AF and subject tracking is on for evrything.
Love the "custom recall set" on my Sony A7RIV for this, usually shoot M with auto ISO and spot bbf but have another rear button programmed to override for instant 1/2000 and AF wide tracking. Works wonders for those snap changes in subjects.
Great video.. I have not been using custom buttons because they have been confusing. Your explination really clarifed how I can use them Thanks for this video.
To Duade and also everyone who has the Canon RF 100-500. Go pick up the lens, remove the lens cap, and watch the center as you tilt it side to side. Do all of them wobble and "bang" around like mine? That's not a good design idea for a lens with that price tag right? Thanks for the new video Duade 😊
G'day, yes completely normal, I believe it is the IS system in the lens. You are not alone, everyone who sees that movement thinks it's broken. Cheers, Duade 👍
It is a great feature, I have been using it on Sony A9 for over 4 years. The camera can be reconfigure in multiple ways. The Custom Recall function from memory is the Sony name.
Fantastic. Thank you. This will apply to my sports photography when capturing the action on the field, or those off-the-field shots, where higher and lower shutter speeds are useful. I'll be setting this up for sure. Cheers from Queensland!
Very informative. Never investigated these button options before. I will have to think about how I might want to reset my C modes to take advantage of them. Thanks for another terrific video!
Nice, informative video this round, Duade - thanks for putting it together! I'm sure many others will find it quite helpful if they have the feature available. I have the recall function set to my front, DOF button on the R7, but rarely use it because I find having to manipulate 2 buttons on the front half of body (shutter & DOF) awkward. I do have my custom modes set up as you described, with the C1 being my main wildlife / more static subject setting & C2 being for birds in flight or high speed action. I find just reaching up to the dial & giving it one click in either direction works fine usually. The back button set up, as on the R5 would be better, but dial is functional. I have C3 set up with my standard landscape settings & I use M for my astro / nightscape images. I think there are plenty of options, at least with the R7, to make the camera effective for what I would like to use it for. Thanks again for all of the detailed info on those cameras & for again showing the community what can be possible with these bodies. Hope you are having a good Autumn (my favorite season here) & will continue to experience willing subjects in the field. Best regards & good shooting ~ Chris
Thanks mate, sounds like you have the R7 setup well and I agree the one turn is much easier, even if my brain tends to struggle from time to time. Yes, getting cold down here at the moment. Take care and happy birding, Cheers, Duade
When I moved to the R7 from the R I missed the C mode change function but the recall function is just as useful. I have different recalls programmed to different C modes. Usually I'm in C1 which is mainly for fairly static wildlife - so typically slightly stopped down aperture, moderate shutter speed, low speed burst. I use the front (DOF) button to 'recall' wide wide aperture, fast shutter speed, high speed burst. If I'm on C3, typically my 'landscape' setting - moderate aperture, slow(ish) shutter speed - my recall button now jumps to what's pretty much my C1 settings. So, it can be a very useful feature for a temporary change for an opportunistic shot that would be missed otherwise.
I did a video last year about setting the custom modes. Most people do it as you showed, but it makes more sense to register the mode that you are going to use (M, Tv, Av, etc.), keep the auto update enabled, and then update the settings to your liking. By updating the settings before registering, you now have to spend the time to un-set all those settings. Give it a try, I think you'll find it to be a time saver. I currently have M-Fn to switch quickly to video mode, but I may have to play around a bit more now. I keep customizing my R5 more and more as I learn new tricks.
Hi Duade. What a great and really useful video. An excellent solution to switching from 'static' to birds in flight mode for the R5. I've just been setting mine up as your video and yes it works just as you describe - C1 for static, C2 for birds in flight and M-Fn button to switch between. Also I've always had a problem on the R5 with how to change the initial servo AF point (AF menu 5) from single point (for birds on sticks, single birds/animals etc) to Auto (basically full screen) for birds in flight - there isn't really any way to make that switch without going right into the menu for several screen touches or button presses. Problem solved now. C1 set up with single point initial servo AF point and C2 set up with Auto (as well as shutter speed etc etc changes). Can't wait to get out and give it a try in the field. Thanks again. John
Thank you Duade! I currently have the fn button on my R7 set to toggle between silent and mechanical shutter, with the "star" button as toggle between spot AF and full-area AF. Setting the C1 and C2 for standard and BIF sounds interesting, and I will be giving it a go to see how it works for me. I completely agree that Canon needs to standardize their settings capabilities, but with so many button and dial combinations across their body lineup I don't see how or if it can be done. Going forward they need to unify their design a little more! They need to take a lesson from Nikon and Sony where control latout themes are more similar from one body to the next!
Thanks Rahul, yes, every person sets it up differently for sure, I am all for having the ability and letting the user decide, always frustrating when the feature is taken away. Cheers, Duade
The MFn Custom Mode cycle function can also be found on your 1DX! I used that for situations with changing lighting environments where my C2 had a 1/250th of a second shutter, lowest F stop the lens supported, and ISO 10,000 for low light shooting.
Some super useful tips Duade.. I use FV mode a lot on my R7. i assigned front button ro eye detect on/off but think I'll change to BIF. Shame Canon blocked use of register recall on that third back button so might assign eye detect. Thanks 😊
Great tip Duade Only thing is that you have to dial into M mode and stay there. If you have registered and saved all settings on the third button in M mode, you can't go to lets say Av mode and expect to jump back to the settings you did in M mode by hitting the third button. At least on my R6.
Great tip! Thank you. But with your current setting, if you want to change from C2 (birds stationary) to C1 (birds in flight) you have to press your custom button three times (C3-M-C1). Wouldn't it be better to set it the other way round? Then you have to press only once to change from stationary birds to birds in flight while this is the more time-critical situation. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks, yes, makes sense, I was not clear enough that I actually shoot in M mode most of the time, then one click to BIF. I then cycle back to M mode and shoot. When I want low ISO its two click from M to C2, then two clicks back to M. So my default is M. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for your helpful hints Duade, however I may apply something similar to my Olympus OM-1 (that you have also done a video on) where I have the four Custom modes on the dial, but each can also be recalled quickly with a programmed function button (one for each only). I don't use BB-AF, so in Aperture Priority I have AF-ON set for Birds AI (to whatever settings I am using there), but I specifically have C1 set for Birds, mostly static for where I am (birds around the home in the Blue Mountains) however your concept of catching birds taking to flight is still something I could add as you have suggested here & so I may be in Mode Dial C1 for static birds & press something like the Record button programmed for C2 for Birds in flight. Thanks for the 'food for thought' where I can apply some of your ideas to my gear too. Oh, Olympus/OM Systems don't have everything uniform across models either, although there is still a lot that is (but with buttons in different locations).
Thanks Ross, yes, I love the ability to assign custom modes to buttons, something we are missing on Canon. I need to get back to your part of the world one day, I loved Lake Wallace and Capertee Valley. Cheers, Duade
Oh that’s a nice feature for the R7! I might give that a whirl. I’m with you on parity between assigning buttons and to an extent features. I rented the R5 this weekend (what a monster!) and loved the m-fn to switch between video and photo mode (in both modes) but when taking burst self timed shots, it lacks that feature the R7 has. Iv been using custom modes for years really so but need to see if spot focus can be assigned on the directional button or similar for when focus does it’s own thing. IBIS R5 hi res mode too I’d like to see come to other bodies and implemented as a mode or assignable. Countless times my my short R5 higher I forgot it was in that setting lol. Oh and canon should have save the settings to your account via the app and then you can choose to apply it to any camera.
Bookmarked this so I could set up this feature. Finally tried it today. Looks like the only button the cycling of custom modes can be assigned to is the M-FN button. No "C" if you pick any other button.
Great video Duade! I had not been using this feature and programmed my R5 to use this immediately. Yes, it's a shame the R6 series don't have this - I hope Canon will include it in a firmware update.
Thank you! Even though I „just have the R7 this helps so much. A shame it cannot be put on the focus area selection button. I would have put it on the multi function dial but my fingers are not big enough. Guess I need to move a bit around and remove subject tracking. I mostly use eye tracking if any tracking. Hard decisions.
I had some of it set up on my R6. I obviously didn't know what I was doing when I followed someone else's instructions lol. Looking forward to giving it a go. Thanks Duade!!
Duade I have mine set up as follows C1=Birds/flight C2=Race cars C3=Night/sunrise I use all these features. C2 not as often but the other two all the time.
I've been using recall to jump up the shutter speed but I wish the recall button worked as a tap to change instead of hold only. I also find that even with 3 buttons on the R6 the back button focus is awkward so I still use shutter half press.
Many thanks, Duade! Indeed, the best tip ever! Just finished setting my R5 C1-mode to birds in flight! And I could make it work after linking it to the M-Fn button! In fact is quite funny to operate! I still need to set my options for C2 and C3 modes, maybe aiming a 'low noise' set up. Please, do you keep using 'C Raw' format in every situation? Thanks again, and we whish a Happy and Productive 2024 to you all! Julio & Luana, from South Brazil.
Awesome! Thanks Duade! I have an R6, so slightly bummed about Canon's cripple hammer there. But I will give the C1 and C2 a go and also try the recall out. You're a gem!
I set MFn to switch between photo and video. I also have custom recall button set as my third AF type. I found I do not really need to switch custom mode too much on the field.
At the duck pond first light this morning Duade, I was only a few shots in when a duck showed the signs of about to stand and flap. I went straight to my R6 3rd button recall 'bird in flight' and bingo it froze perfectly a great sequence. Thanks again 👍
Thanks Duade. Very helpful topic. I have my R7 set up just as you describe with the recall to the front button. A bit awkward for sure, but it’s definitely great to be able to respond in an instant to something flying by.
OM-1 (and some older Olympus bodies) allows you to assign each of C1-C4 to any assignable button. Allows you to toggle between any standard mode to any of the 4 custom modes with a single button press (without cycling through all). It's the envy of my fellow birders on other brands.
I had tried to use the custom buttons for burst mode, but it's not available on the R7, even tho canon say it should, but I like your idea, so now set up all three c buttons, bif, still birds, landscape, I look forward to trying this out, I had no problem flicking between modes, maybe it's cos the shape is easier on R7 than R5? Great video thanks.
I've really wanted to set this up on my R7, but use the 3 buttons for other settings. It would be great if Canon could release an update to allow for the 'lock' button to be customizable as well, as I imagine this would be quite an easy change and would be appreciated by a lot of users.
With the R7 I use an icon in the button customization section that looks like a camera with an arrow going in and out of it to assign numerous settings to just one custom button. You can be shooting at flying subjects or stationary subjects with the correct settings and have this button set to switch to the other settings. I have my Af-on button set with that icon to drop the shutter speed to 1/320th or whatever I set and switch to single-point AF. That way I can be shooting with a Zone and a fast shutter speed for birds in flight and hold down that one button for it to switch to single point AF and drop to a slow shutter speed which will lower the iso. It's similar to what you're talking about and only requires that one button once you set it up. The only difference is you're going from a fast shutter speed most of the time to a single point and a slow shutter instead of the other way around. You could set it up either way to speed up the shutter or slow it down of course. R7 Shooters and other people that don't have that custom switching feature that you're talking about can use this instead. Thank you for all of your great videos and best of luck to you! I made this comment before watching the entire video and seeing that you describe this also LOL! It's such a great feature on the R7!
I think Canon should pay you a fortune for releasing such awesome reviews and setting guide videos like this one. I'm pretty sure you made it possible for Canon to sell more cameras and lenses than their actual sales representatives or marketing people honestly. You're such a nice person and I love all your videos!
Thanks for the comment, that would be nice indeed, but I won't be waiting for Canon to contact me, Cheers, Duade
**crying at this in SL3/250D**
Great advice and tutorial...I cant wait to upgrade to a R body :P
Thank you, Duane. This is the first video that I have seen that acknowledges the use of the DoF button on the front of the R7 for autofocus. I find that my ring finger falls naturally on that button and I use it for my eye tracking option. I can hold that button for extended periods more easily than the back two buttons.
Duade you’re a M-Fn Legend! Love this, and the tip for exposure compensation on the control ring!
Lol thanks Chris, made me laugh, take care, Cheers, Duade
LOL!!
OMG, I now understand CI, C2, & C3. It makes sense to save your settings and shoot in the modes you want with one click. Another awesome video, thanks Duede. As the gentlemen below said, Canon owe you.
Desperately waiting for your Om-1 review! I’m going to make my purchasing decision based on that 😂
Right then: this is the very best advice RUclips channel, for me.
A couple of months ago I spoilt myself with an R3, and I knew that I’d quickly find a decent channel to help me through the
myriad of options and menus.
This is that channel.
A calm, friendly voice is at the core of this channel. No shouting. And I mean, no shouting. It’s a refreshing change.
And, anyone who takes the mickey out of themselves, and laughs at their own mistakes is a top banana in my book.
Thank you, Duade! I’ll be donating. It’d be rude not to 👍👍👍
Thanks Tony, you are too kind, I really appreciate the support, Cheers, Duade
AMAZING! Thank you. I like to shoot street but I also love panning. I struggled with changing setting from street to shutter priority. By the time I switched, my subject is gone. This will definitely help me in changing shoot modes. Thank you!!!
Excellent video. Using the three custom-setting modes (on my R7) is very helpful. I use C1 mode for birds in flight (with high shutter speed, multiple focus points, and extra exposure to compensate for skylight entering the meter) and C2 for perched birds (with open aperture and single focus point). However, as this video points out, it can take a few seconds in the field to spin the mode dial. As an alternative, I custom set the (AF start button) to go into C1 (BIF) mode while it is depressed. If I see a bird in flight, an easy and quick reaction of pressing of the button sets my camera for what I want with no need for thinking or fumbling.
That is great to hear, thanks for sharing how you setup the camera. Cheers, Duade
Thanks! With my R6 which has a dial I have a third back button set up, the rightmost top back button so when I press it I go to zone focus at 2500 frames per second and auto iso. I have af-on with spot focus and * with eye focus. These two regular back buttons use whatever shutter speed and iso I have set (usually in Fv mode), only the rightmost back button changes my R6 shutter speed. The French wildlife photographer in Nova Scotia showed me how to rig up the third rightmost rear button. He explained how to do it as a ‘bonus tip’ at the end of one of his videos.
Thanks Ron, I appreciate the support, have fun out there, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I have done this for some time, I set it up --- M [fast shutter mechanical shutter] - C1 [fast silent shutter] - C2 slow mechanical shutter] - C3 [slow silent shutter] -- its then always 2 button presses to get from BIF [fast shutter] to perched [slow shutter] settings or 1 button to go from mechanical shutter to silent shutter for same fast/slow setting. I also use Register a shooting mode to immediately add 1.3 stops exposure compensation for BIF against the sky assigned to a button - it has worked really well for me :-)
The register / recall function has been available since the 7DII (and 5DIII I think) though not every body from after that as “we don’t want to cannibalise” our premium body sales, or in your parlance the Canon hammer struck again!
I have AF-ON set to whatever I’m doing that day and the * button set to 1/30th for panning race cars or 1/60th for freezing props / rotors on aircraft.
It helps if your body has a save to card function as you can have more “favourite settings” available.
I was using the C1-C3 single click of the wheel on my 40D, the only problem was that being severely dyslexic I would frequently spin it the wrong way! 🤣
I will certainly be trying this new function on my R5 and showing my mate with the R how to use it, he is severely visually impaired so this may be of biggest benefit for him.
I found you a while back from your “Fv one setting to rule them all!” Video. Personally on the R5 with 3 wheels I found it unnecessary and even inconvenient in some ways!
I'm so glad to see you still have your R7. I've been watching all your videos in an attempt to make a decision on what to buy. In-between negotiating affordability against, well, everything else. Makes me happy to see you still have the R7 around, which I'm hoping means you decided to keep it.
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Thanks, yes, it is tough, the R7 is a real paradox, it has so many amazing features and takes wonderful shots. I just wish the readout speed was a little faster so we did not have any rolling shutter/AF inconsistencies in low light. But for the price it is hard to beat. Cheers, Duade
Great advice, Duade. You can actually get to these specific settings even easier,and in the same button press!! By going to back button focus, the setting one (or more!) of the back buttons in a pre-configured settings of your choice, including the auto-focus, or eye AF, you are even focusing at the same time! Give it a shot. Let me know if you are not sure of the settings I just mentioned, and I will write it out easier to understand. Thanks for the video - terrific.
Thanks Duade, I am going to experiment with my R7. Thanks to you I have been using Fv mode 😊
Great to hear Andrew, glad it is helping, have fun, Cheers, Duade
I set up the front button on my R6 and R7 to choose the drive mode - it's usually either high-speed continuous for birds, wildlife, kids, and pets, or two-second delay for low-light landscapes on a tripod. I was not aware of the recall feature! I have C1 set up in Fv for birds and I usually keep the shutter speed selected so I can just spin the dial if the bird takes off, but this can be a little clumsy so I will see if I can spare a button for recall.
Nikon was the first to introduce this and on the D5 and D6 only. It's called "Recall Shooting" settings and on the D6 you can just hit a button and it switches to completely different settings. Plus on the D6, you can change it on the fly, whereas on the D5, you have to choose your exact settings and that's what will be recalled, but say you wanted to adjust your shutter speed or aperture while holding that button or after pushing it, you had to reset everything and it was locked on the D5! However now on the D6 you can either push to set or hold the recall shooting programmed button(s) and you can then also make adjustments to whatever setting on the fly, while in that recall mode. Actually the Nikon D6 is quite innovative in many ways, it's the most programmable or customizable DLSR ever made. I can switch from single point to Group AF or Auto Area AF to another button, and with some lenses I can even set a third different AF setting to a lens function button. Plus the D6 has an I-menu and you can put all of your favorite things on it, WB, AF, ISO, AF Area Modes, etc., etc.! After you setup your I-menu, you can simply hit the button with your right shooting hand and it turns on the rear touch screen with the menu options and you can just touch the screen or tap it and change anything. Lastly with the WT-6A wireless transmitter on my D6's I can simply pinch to zoom and hit quick crop and then flick up with my finger on the rear screen and within about 1 second the image is transferred to a laptop or editor, or iPhone/iPad and ready to be sent out to the world, which is awesome for photojournalism! I know the Sony A1 and other top-tier Sony cameras are also very customizable, but Nikon started this trend I would say. In fact on the D4s/D810 were the first camera's that allowed you to change your AF mode with 1 button press. So I had mien setup to switch from Group AF to Single Point AF, and with one push! In 2023 all camera's should be fully customizable and most if not all buttons should be programmable. Thankfully it seems that is the trend and more and more we are seeing new ways of shooting. I absolutely agree though this is a game-changing feature. I know my D6's have allowed me to get shots I would've missed with other camera's.
Thanks PJ, the D6 ability to alter the exposure and save is exactly what I need and is the reason I dont use the mode all that often as it is annoying that it resets after use. I will be trying the Z8 soon so I hope that has it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thank you as well for the reply, I'm slightly confused though or maybe I confused you? On the D6 you can set it to push and hold it down to "Recall Shooting Settings" and or you can push and let Go and it does not reset, unless you press it again. I personally prefer the press and hold, because you can also set it so it activates AF as well as recalls all your settings. You can set everything WB, ISO/Auto ISO/Aperture/Shutter/etc,.etc.! So with just one hit of the button you've gone from still life to action. I'm a back-button AF guy, but I'll take extra ways or buttons to engage AF! For instance on the D5 and D6 you can setup the AF joysticks so that when you press them down, it engages AF. This is almost as great as using the smart controller joystick on the R3/1Dx Mark III.
I can't remember if Canon allows you to set the AF as well or if they allow you to engage it as well? Anyways, on the D6 the "Recall Shooting Settings" and I-menu are amazing. I honestly dismissed the D6 at first and thought it was just a D5s. However after using one for over a year and a half, I'm absolutely sold and in love. The only mirrorless that comes to close to what I'm looking for in mirrorless is Canon, and the R3. I personally have light sensitivity issues, and I don't like EVF's. I just prefer OVF and honestly I prefer a bit more control over my AF, meaning mirrorless is too AI based for me. The D6 does amazingly well AF wise though and it didn't get enough credit or good reviews. When I bought my second D6 it was only $4499 USD, so I got what I consider a better camera than the Z9, for less money than a Z9!
However I do see and realize that mirrorless is the future and my D6's won't last forever. Only about 2,000 Nikon D6's were ever sold in the USA, far below the estimated 40,000+ Z9's in the hands of US customers already! Meaning it will be difficult for me another new D6 and it maybe difficult to find a low mileage used one in a year or two. I do love the Z7/Z7 II, but for what I do, photojournalism...the D6 is the best camera I've used. I admit that I have not wanted to or haven't tested the Sony A1, but that is only because I'd never buy one.
Just strictly because of the ergonomics and weird things like the lens release button on wrong side, bad menus, no firmware updates, etc.! Even my DLSR got a pretty massive update, I think it was the 1.2 firmware, but the D6 got an update to its AF system. Now it's absolutely by far the best focusing, fastest focusing camera, certainly the best DSLR. For an old timer like myself, I prefer more manual control of my AF and I'm just so used to the joysticks by now, Nikon's had them since the D4! Being able to change your AF points quickly as well as being able to engage AF on one button or smart controller is cool though. It means I don't have to reach around as much to hit the back button AF.
That was too long of a response, but hopefully it helps someone, someday, lol.
Thanks PJ, sounds like the D6 has ticked all the boxes for you. The D850 was also the best DSLR for that category as well. So I am happy to see Nikon kicking goals with the Z9 and Z8, I am hoping for a D500 mirrorless as well for the lower end of the market, pair that with the upcoming 200-600 and you could have a killer wildlife combo. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for this great video. I have the R7. I had it set up for dual back button focus, per Jan Weggener's and Glenn Bartly's recommendations. I found that the single point focus could be configured for eye detect, tracking, etc. by hitting the Info button in the Customize Buttons screen. I've now set it up with only single point (configured) on the AF-On button and Recall Settings on the star button. I've configured my C-1 for perched birds, my C-2 for birds in flight,and my C-3 for landscapes. The Recall Settings is set for birds in flight in C-1 and perched birds in C-2. I'm really glad to know about the Recall Settings option.
Great to hear Stephen, glad it helped, have fun with your shooting, Cheers, Duade
Awesome features... Since I have two bodies, R7 and R5, it's a pain, you know, hahaha, both are slightly different in customization... is great the tip on R5 to assign a custom function to Cicle through "C" and "M", thank you so much for your valuable time and tips!!
Hey Duade, fantastic video. First the FV mode now the MFn. Thanks for discovering these conveniences for us. I have an R7 and disappointed that Canon has crippled the MFn here with less options. Will configure the incovenient front button for recall feature and try it. Right now have configured that to re-center the focus point.
Update:- I assigned the recall function to the inconvenient button. Set ISO, shutter speed and Aperture to be recalled to Auto, 1/2500 & F11 respectively. And it works as advertised. Thanks again.
My pleasure mate, glad to hear it helped, Cheers, Duade
I have also set up the DOF preview button on my R7 to re-centre the focus point. I just might re-assign the recall function to it
Thanks for the tips. Some frustration I had when setting up c1-3 is to remember it’s saving all settings the camera is set to. People or animal recognition af type of focus. It can take awhile to set up be patient. Then you get all set up for wildlife and you want to take photos of kids sports. It can be switched fairly easy but need to switch the face recognition to people and save the settings again.
I'm a dual R5 user with a 100-500 and EF 500/4 and have been using the custom settings ever since the R5 came out and find it an indispensable feature when in a target rich environment. I shoot airshows so there can be a lot going on. Not just in the air but on the ground so quickly switching between settings is paramount. I use 3 custom modes.
1. Shutter Priority 1/250th, auto iso, mechanical shutter (prop aircraft in flight)
2. Shutter Priority 1/80th, auto iso, electronic shutter (aircraft taking off and landing)
2. Shutter Priority 1/1600th, auto iso, electronic shutter (jet aircraft in flight)
As you say, set it to automatically update Custom modes as each shooting setting can be different depending on available light, ie, overcast, bright sun, etc. For a while there it was annoying having to set each body individually as settings couldn't be copied, but that was addressed in a firmware update. I only wish that you could sync both bodies to the same time so it makes culling photos in a chronological order much easier but alas, no. Keep up the good work. I may become a birder, one day.. Dumb thing is, I live about 15 mins from the werribee treatment plant and I have an entry key.
Glad to hear it is working well for you, I am the same, often think airshows could be fun but birds is my passion and I just struggle to do anything else ;-) But yes the WTP is well worth a visit and a drive around. Cheers, Duade
Hey Duane: This works GREAT. I had already set my custom modes with one mode for perched birds and one for flying birds. But changing modes on an R3 (or any other camera) by manipulating the dial quickly is impossible without looking at the camera and fiddling with the mode button and dial. Only thing I did differently is to put my perched bird setting on C1 and flying bird settings on C2. I find that switching to the flying mode needs to be done more quickly in cases where I am photographing a perched bird which may fly than the other way around. Setting it up this way allows selecting the flying settings with one push of the button rather than having to cycle through C3 to get to the flying mode. Thanks for the tip!
I have known this feature some months. I use C1 setting on my R6 for panning. The main feature is to set SS 1/30s or so. I love to shoot orienteering. During next weekend there is Jukolan viesti (en) for men and women. Men run through the night, and there is pitch black leg(s) - although we have no night at this time of year.
I had this feature way back on the 1DX and 1DXII. They allowed C mode cycling on the MF-n button only. Was one of my favourite features on the flagship cameras. I preferred to deactivate C2 and C3 and then it would just toggle back and forth between M and C1. M was my fast SS for BIF, C1 was my low SS for perched birds.
Thanks for that Geoff, great to hear, I will have to use it on my 1DX, I didn't realise it had been around that long. Cheers, Duade
Yep, on the R6M2, I have the recall function set for fast action. I did not know my EOS-R had the C option though.
Thanks Duade. I can't believe how useful that is.
Great to hear Bruce, glad it helped, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, if you didn't know the OM-1 has a very similar feature. You can program buttons to jump straight to C modes.
Plus Nikon has had similar options on the Nikon D5 and D6, called "Recall Shooting Settings" and you can setup completely different settings to a customizable button and switch from say action settings to still life/non moving settings, or whatever you please. On the Nikon D6 you can even adjust the settings on the fly, or while holding down the button or after pressing it. So not only can I change AF modes with three different modes/Area settings, but I can setup, up to two buttons for "Recall" mode and so even in portrait orientation I can reach the FN3 or program my Vertical Fn button to it, but I choose the Fn3 myself. Anyways, these types of near instant switches are absolutely game changing! However most of them are not anything new, but we're definitely seeing improvements and more brands are getting on board, so to say. Sony's A1 is very customizable and I think Canon is honestly a bit late to the game. I had access to Canon gear and I've used every Canon flagship from the 1D to the 1Dx Mark II/III. The Canon camera's have more buttons, four as opposed to three on the front grip area's. However for some reason Nikon just made it work way better and it is way easier to switch modes on the Nikon. However, obviously the Canon camera's have their own advantages, they are much better for video and Live-View AF, plus they are faster FPS wise, but for some odd reason I just prefer the Nikon way. All modern flagship and prosumer level camera's are more than capable, but only recently are we seeing the lower level models receiving more customization.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to work on the OM-1 if you are already on a C mode, only from PASM.
Thanks Robert, yes, I love that feature and wish it was also on Canon. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade. Will try this out, the recall button on the back is a good option for me. I tend to find too many options/button options can become confusing. Cheers Gary
Great to hear Gary, good luck with it, Cheers, Duade
Wow. That's awesome. Such a pain to cycle modes by rotating the dial. What a game changer! Thanks.
Duade, what a great video. You brought forward a feature that will change the way I use my R5 for sure. I often find myself taking portrait type photos when an action opportunity arises. I always miss the action shot because it takes too long to get to the proper settings. The technique you outlined should put me in a position to get the shots where previously I would have missed. Love your story and your videos! Preciate cha,
I have an R7 and had spent several hours trying to trick it into a form of 3-button BBF. But… ran into all the blocked capability that you described. Using register recall on the awkward front button may be just what I need (if not exactly what I want, per The Rolling Stones). Thanks for the great video and for clarifying the differences between bodies! Very, very helpful.
My pleasure Jack, yes, I have no idea why that restriction exists, seems silly. I hope it works out for you. Cheers, Duade 👍
Just jumping in to mention that there are ways of doing this on other cameras as well. I have a similar concept setup with my 7D Mark II. I have AF set to backbutton on the "AF on" button, and settings registered for high speed shooting to the * button. So all I need to do is tap that button to go from whatever I have dialed in on M to 1/1250, auto ISO, F/11, ExCom +1, wider AF range. Each custom mode on the dial allows for different settings on the customized buttons as well if I wanted to have those settings changed.
So, not exactly the same as the feature here, but the idea of going from slower stills shooting to instantly catching bird in flight is doable with other methods on other camera bodies.
Thanks again Duade for a very helpful video. Always look forward to your posts.
Thanks Duade used you setting on my R5 with my f11 600mm and got some the best shots I have ver had by changing the shutter speeds. A great tip thanks mate.
My pleasure David, great to hear, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duane, wow this is great! I just ordered an R5 and have been learning what settings I need to change before I start shooting. This is exactly what is needed! The canon 500mm f4 is USM lens I purchased recently based on your recommendation has performed fantastic on my 7D mark ii. Looking forward to getting more in focus birds in flight shots with the R5 tracking ability. Thanks again, Andrew
It might be new to Canon but this has been available on Olympus cameras for years now. In fact, on my E-M1X I can assign all 4 custom modes to their own button.
I use the recall function on my Sony a9 all the time. The AF ON button is standard bbf on whatever settings I have set, but the AEL button immediately changes the SS to 1/2000, +1 exposure comp, wide area autofocus and auto iso. Makes those quick unexpected moments so much easier, just move your thumb over one button. Another use I can set it for is when photographing aircraft. For fast jets I want the fast shutter speed, but you can set the main shutter speed to like 1/125 for a nice prop blur and have both options on tap
Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗
My pleasure mate, Cheers, Duade 👍
This is brilliant! I'm always open to making custom settings on these cameras. All those buttons, they should be useful, lol. But, this is a much better idea than what I have now on the m-Fn button. I set up an instant video button too, but I want to use a different button for that. Cycling through the custom modes would be more helpful there... Thank you for this Duade!
The Recall function is also available on the 1DX. I have the BiF set to * as I back button focus on the AF On button, so just move my thumb over barely and bam, settings changed temporarily while I hold *
Great video. Whistling Wings photography channel also had this suggestion a while ago of the Register/Recall function and I used that. I like the MFn button to cycle through Cs or I may use the control ring for that.
I agree that we need the ability to shoot in low shutter speed if you can as R5 introduces a lot of noise as the ISO creeps up past 2000 for me!
Hi Duade, brilliant video tutorial! I just set up my R5 with static birds on C1, BIF on C2. I plan to try this out on a trip next week to Gougan Barra in Cork Ireland. The asigning the M-Fn button to scroll through the shooting modes is fantastic, thank you.
What a simple yet powerful suggestion...great video. I set the Mfn button to switch Custom modes as recommended and what a difference it made in my most recent outing. I love the suggestion of adding a custom mode to quickly reduce shutter speed once you've nailed a few images at a higher ISO setting. All and all, an excellent tutorial mate!
Hi Duade, a question for you. I just discovered that if I change the exposure increments on the R5 from 1/3 to 1/2 stops, it increases the maximum aperture on the RF100-500 from f/7.1 to f/6.7 at 500mm, which also seems to assist in dropping the ISO ever so slightly. Can you think of any potential downsides of doing this?
Duade. With my R7 I have now set up so that ☆ is eye detect auto focus, The grid button below it is spot auto focus, So all I have to do is roll my thumb between the two. I have set the AF-ON button to the BIF mode with the "Register/Recall Shooting Function". I will try it out and report back. 😊 Thanks for the great tips.
Good luck Andrew, let me know how it goes, Cheers, Duade
Is it working ok with this settings?
@drkumarharaprasadmisra5562 No... I changed to using AF-On button for Spot AutoFocus and the * Button for Eye Focus and the Grid button below this to select FPS. I have kept these settings and they have worked well for me. I am pretty sure Duade and Jan do it around the other way, but it's my thumb and I will use it as I see fit. 😉
Got the R7 and I also made a custom button recall function. But I found that I have to make exposure compensation about 1, 1 1/3 stop compensation no matter which metering mode I put.
This is up there with back button focus. I use custom modes but this switching is a game changer. Can’t wait to set it up and try it
Thanks Duade! I didn't even know about the register/recall shooting function on my R6, but now my third back button finally has a good use! I've long used the C1/C2 dial settings for slow shutter speeds/auto ISO and fast shutter speeds/manual exposure, except I use C3 as my default instead of C1. That way I'm just one click away in the opposite direction if I want to shoot video. So, C2/C3/Video for birds in flight/normal/video respectively.
Thanks David, I used the exact same system on the R6 when I shot with it. Getting to video was a pain otherwise. Cheers, Duade
Loved this video -- for the first time, I've heard an explanation of the custom modes that clicked for me! Thanks for that, Duade. Planning to start using this functionality with my Canon EOS 90D.
Great to hear Ted, Cheers, Duade
Great suggestion on mode switching, going to try that out. I have triple back button focus. Af-on is eye tracking, star is centeal zone, which is geat when eye can't lock on, i.e. bird with busy background. Third button is spot focus.
Thanks for the great content!! This recall function is amazing on the R5. I am now using it, thanks to your video. Cheers!!😊
Thank you so much for explaining these features. I will definitely set up my R5 accordingly. Great video!
I have AF on the shutter button, I shoot manual auto ISO and set the camera to BIF setting typically 1/2500 F6.3 H+ MFn cycles AF area options, EV on the adapter ring. AF-ON is set to recall custom hold for static subjects, spot focus, tracking disabled 1/500 . Eye AF On/OFF on front preview button.
Thanks duade , i have set this up on my Canon 1dx and will be using it whenever i see a flying bird, thanks for the tip all the way from sunny north wales.
Great video. I have recently upgraded to a Canon R7 from the original 7D. On the 7D I used back button AF and changed the AF areas with the M-Fn button. On the R7 I use the AF-ON and the star for back button AF, on the AF-ON I have a fexible zone AF that is about 1/9 of the screen, on the star button I have eye detection AF. I also use the front button on the AF-MF switch for recall shooting function with the smallest Af point. Eye AF and subject tracking is on for evrything.
Many thanks for this interesting video, it helps a lot in mastering the camera! Best regards from Germany!
Love the "custom recall set" on my Sony A7RIV for this, usually shoot M with auto ISO and spot bbf but have another rear button programmed to override for instant 1/2000 and AF wide tracking. Works wonders for those snap changes in subjects.
Thanks Johan, Sony is where I saw this first, glad that Canon are using a similar feature now. Cheers, Duade
Great video.. I have not been using custom buttons because they have been confusing. Your explination really clarifed how I can use them Thanks for this video.
To Duade and also everyone who has the Canon RF 100-500. Go pick up the lens, remove the lens cap, and watch the center as you tilt it side to side. Do all of them wobble and "bang" around like mine? That's not a good design idea for a lens with that price tag right? Thanks for the new video Duade 😊
G'day, yes completely normal, I believe it is the IS system in the lens. You are not alone, everyone who sees that movement thinks it's broken. Cheers, Duade 👍
@@Duade Thanks Duade. Cheer's
It is a great feature, I have been using it on Sony A9 for over 4 years. The camera can be reconfigure in multiple ways. The Custom Recall function from memory is the Sony name.
Fantastic. Thank you.
This will apply to my sports photography when capturing the action on the field, or those off-the-field shots, where higher and lower shutter speeds are useful.
I'll be setting this up for sure. Cheers from Queensland!
Very informative. Never investigated these button options before. I will have to think about how I might want to reset my C modes to take advantage of them. Thanks for another terrific video!
Very helpful and well explained, thanks Duade. I'll be setting it up on my R5 for sure, I can see a big advantage to having this feature.
Nice, informative video this round, Duade - thanks for putting it together! I'm sure many others will find it quite helpful if they have the feature available.
I have the recall function set to my front, DOF button on the R7, but rarely use it because I find having to manipulate 2 buttons on the front half of body (shutter & DOF) awkward. I do have my custom modes set up as you described, with the C1 being my main wildlife / more static subject setting & C2 being for birds in flight or high speed action. I find just reaching up to the dial & giving it one click in either direction works fine usually. The back button set up, as on the R5 would be better, but dial is functional. I have C3 set up with my standard landscape settings & I use M for my astro / nightscape images. I think there are plenty of options, at least with the R7, to make the camera effective for what I would like to use it for.
Thanks again for all of the detailed info on those cameras & for again showing the community what can be possible with these bodies. Hope you are having a good Autumn (my favorite season here) & will continue to experience willing subjects in the field. Best regards & good shooting ~ Chris
Thanks mate, sounds like you have the R7 setup well and I agree the one turn is much easier, even if my brain tends to struggle from time to time. Yes, getting cold down here at the moment. Take care and happy birding, Cheers, Duade
When I moved to the R7 from the R I missed the C mode change function but the recall function is just as useful. I have different recalls programmed to different C modes. Usually I'm in C1 which is mainly for fairly static wildlife - so typically slightly stopped down aperture, moderate shutter speed, low speed burst. I use the front (DOF) button to 'recall' wide wide aperture, fast shutter speed, high speed burst. If I'm on C3, typically my 'landscape' setting - moderate aperture, slow(ish) shutter speed - my recall button now jumps to what's pretty much my C1 settings. So, it can be a very useful feature for a temporary change for an opportunistic shot that would be missed otherwise.
Thanks for your great teaching. It saves a lot time and really game change. Amazing…..👍🙏
I did a video last year about setting the custom modes. Most people do it as you showed, but it makes more sense to register the mode that you are going to use (M, Tv, Av, etc.), keep the auto update enabled, and then update the settings to your liking. By updating the settings before registering, you now have to spend the time to un-set all those settings. Give it a try, I think you'll find it to be a time saver.
I currently have M-Fn to switch quickly to video mode, but I may have to play around a bit more now. I keep customizing my R5 more and more as I learn new tricks.
Cool, I never used the custom functions before. Pleasantly, surprised that my EOS R can do this. Thanks!
Hi Duade. What a great and really useful video. An excellent solution to switching from 'static' to birds in flight mode for the R5. I've just been setting mine up as your video and yes it works just as you describe - C1 for static, C2 for birds in flight and M-Fn button to switch between. Also I've always had a problem on the R5 with how to change the initial servo AF point (AF menu 5) from single point (for birds on sticks, single birds/animals etc) to Auto (basically full screen) for birds in flight - there isn't really any way to make that switch without going right into the menu for several screen touches or button presses.
Problem solved now. C1 set up with single point initial servo AF point and C2 set up with Auto (as well as shutter speed etc etc changes). Can't wait to get out and give it a try in the field. Thanks again. John
Wonderful to hear John, glad it may help you with your shooting. Have fun out there. Cheers, Duade 👍
Thank you Duade! I currently have the fn button on my R7 set to toggle between silent and mechanical shutter, with the "star" button as toggle between spot AF and full-area AF. Setting the C1 and C2 for standard and BIF sounds interesting, and I will be giving it a go to see how it works for me. I completely agree that Canon needs to standardize their settings capabilities, but with so many button and dial combinations across their body lineup I don't see how or if it can be done. Going forward they need to unify their design a little more! They need to take a lesson from Nikon and Sony where control latout themes are more similar from one body to the next!
Thanks Rahul, yes, every person sets it up differently for sure, I am all for having the ability and letting the user decide, always frustrating when the feature is taken away. Cheers, Duade
The MFn Custom Mode cycle function can also be found on your 1DX! I used that for situations with changing lighting environments where my C2 had a 1/250th of a second shutter, lowest F stop the lens supported, and ISO 10,000 for low light shooting.
Great to hear Tyler, I will be sure to set it up on the 1DX, Cheers, Duade
Some super useful tips Duade.. I use FV mode a lot on my R7. i assigned front button ro eye detect on/off but think I'll change to BIF. Shame Canon blocked use of register recall on that third back button so might assign eye detect.
Thanks 😊
Thanks, yes, it is a shame, but still plenty of ways to set it up, have fun, Cheers, Duade
Great tip Duade
Only thing is that you have to dial into M mode and stay there. If you have registered and saved all settings on the third button in M mode, you can't go to lets say Av mode and expect to jump back to the settings you did in M mode by hitting the third button. At least on my R6.
Wonderful Egret photo Duade.
Brilliant! I have to say I have trouble remembering what function I've assigned to which button. LOL!
Thanks Kat, yes, it can be confusing and its often in the heat of the moment we forget, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade hence the issue with my AF, had assigned it to the * button !!!!
@@TheKatWatto Great to hear it is sorted, Cheers, Duade
Great tip! Thank you.
But with your current setting, if you want to change from C2 (birds stationary) to C1 (birds in flight) you have to press your custom button three times (C3-M-C1). Wouldn't it be better to set it the other way round? Then you have to press only once to change from stationary birds to birds in flight while this is the more time-critical situation.
I hope that makes sense.
Thanks, yes, makes sense, I was not clear enough that I actually shoot in M mode most of the time, then one click to BIF. I then cycle back to M mode and shoot. When I want low ISO its two click from M to C2, then two clicks back to M. So my default is M. Cheers, Duade
Absolutely great advice! Although I have an R6 and can not use it as you set it up. I hope canon is listening to you!
Thanks for your helpful hints Duade, however I may apply something similar to my Olympus OM-1 (that you have also done a video on) where I have the four Custom modes on the dial, but each can also be recalled quickly with a programmed function button (one for each only). I don't use BB-AF, so in Aperture Priority I have AF-ON set for Birds AI (to whatever settings I am using there), but I specifically have C1 set for Birds, mostly static for where I am (birds around the home in the Blue Mountains) however your concept of catching birds taking to flight is still something I could add as you have suggested here & so I may be in Mode Dial C1 for static birds & press something like the Record button programmed for C2 for Birds in flight. Thanks for the 'food for thought' where I can apply some of your ideas to my gear too. Oh, Olympus/OM Systems don't have everything uniform across models either, although there is still a lot that is (but with buttons in different locations).
Thanks Ross, yes, I love the ability to assign custom modes to buttons, something we are missing on Canon. I need to get back to your part of the world one day, I loved Lake Wallace and Capertee Valley. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I have to confess I haven't visited those locations myself, even though we have lived here (lower Mtns) for a few decades.
Oh that’s a nice feature for the R7! I might give that a whirl. I’m with you on parity between assigning buttons and to an extent features. I rented the R5 this weekend (what a monster!) and loved the m-fn to switch between video and photo mode (in both modes) but when taking burst self timed shots, it lacks that feature the R7 has. Iv been using custom modes for years really so but need to see if spot focus can be assigned on the directional button or similar for when focus does it’s own thing.
IBIS R5 hi res mode too I’d like to see come to other bodies and implemented as a mode or assignable. Countless times my my short R5 higher I forgot it was in that setting lol. Oh and canon should have save the settings to your account via the app and then you can choose to apply it to any camera.
Bookmarked this so I could set up this feature. Finally tried it today. Looks like the only button the cycling of custom modes can be assigned to is the M-FN button. No "C" if you pick any other button.
Great video Duade! I had not been using this feature and programmed my R5 to use this immediately. Yes, it's a shame the R6 series don't have this - I hope Canon will include it in a firmware update.
Very helpful Duade...learning so much for my R7...keep the videos coming. Vermont USA
Thank you! Even though I „just have the R7 this helps so much. A shame it cannot be put on the focus area selection button. I would have put it on the multi function dial but my fingers are not big enough. Guess I need to move a bit around and remove subject tracking. I mostly use eye tracking if any tracking. Hard decisions.
Good luck, it is always hard figuring out the best setup. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for the information. I'm been thinking recently how to switch to a birds in flight mode quickly. You have solved my problem.
Thanks Allan, good luck with it, I hope it works for you, Cheers, Duade
I had some of it set up on my R6. I obviously didn't know what I was doing when I followed someone else's instructions lol.
Looking forward to giving it a go. Thanks Duade!!
Good luck, Cheers, Duade
Duade I have mine set up as follows C1=Birds/flight C2=Race cars C3=Night/sunrise I use all these features. C2 not as often but the other two all the time.
I've been using recall to jump up the shutter speed but I wish the recall button worked as a tap to change instead of hold only. I also find that even with 3 buttons on the R6 the back button focus is awkward so I still use shutter half press.
Many thanks, Duade! Indeed, the best tip ever!
Just finished setting my R5 C1-mode to birds in flight! And I could make it work after linking it to the M-Fn button! In fact is quite funny to operate! I still need to set my options for C2 and C3 modes, maybe aiming a 'low noise' set up. Please, do you keep using 'C Raw' format in every situation? Thanks again, and we whish a Happy and Productive 2024 to you all! Julio & Luana, from South Brazil.
Fantastic advice thanks Duade. More please
Awesome! Thanks Duade! I have an R6, so slightly bummed about Canon's cripple hammer there. But I will give the C1 and C2 a go and also try the recall out. You're a gem!
I set MFn to switch between photo and video. I also have custom recall button set as my third AF type. I found I do not really need to switch custom mode too much on the field.
Thanks Robin, likewise, its more of a nice to have then using all the time. Cheers, Duade
Yep I have my BIF programmed on my DoF button (R7) works like a charm!!
At the duck pond first light this morning Duade, I was only a few shots in when a duck showed the signs of about to stand and flap. I went straight to my R6 3rd button recall 'bird in flight' and bingo it froze perfectly a great sequence. Thanks again 👍
Awesome Mike that is wonderful to hear, made me smile, feel free to email me the shot at duade.paton@gmail.com Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade. Very helpful topic. I have my R7 set up just as you describe with the recall to the front button. A bit awkward for sure, but it’s definitely great to be able to respond in an instant to something flying by.
Great to hear Barrett, Cheers, Duade
OM-1 (and some older Olympus bodies) allows you to assign each of C1-C4 to any assignable button. Allows you to toggle between any standard mode to any of the 4 custom modes with a single button press (without cycling through all). It's the envy of my fellow birders on other brands.
I had tried to use the custom buttons for burst mode, but it's not available on the R7, even tho canon say it should, but I like your idea, so now set up all three c buttons, bif, still birds, landscape, I look forward to trying this out, I had no problem flicking between modes, maybe it's cos the shape is easier on R7 than R5?
Great video thanks.
I've really wanted to set this up on my R7, but use the 3 buttons for other settings. It would be great if Canon could release an update to allow for the 'lock' button to be customizable as well, as I imagine this would be quite an easy change and would be appreciated by a lot of users.
Same here, I have customized those 3 buttons for other purposes
Thanks for showing us this feature.
With the R7 I use an icon in the button customization section that looks like a camera with an arrow going in and out of it to assign numerous settings to just one custom button. You can be shooting at flying subjects or stationary subjects with the correct settings and have this button set to switch to the other settings. I have my Af-on button set with that icon to drop the shutter speed to 1/320th or whatever I set and switch to single-point AF. That way I can be shooting with a Zone and a fast shutter speed for birds in flight and hold down that one button for it to switch to single point AF and drop to a slow shutter speed which will lower the iso. It's similar to what you're talking about and only requires that one button once you set it up. The only difference is you're going from a fast shutter speed most of the time to a single point and a slow shutter instead of the other way around. You could set it up either way to speed up the shutter or slow it down of course. R7 Shooters and other people that don't have that custom switching feature that you're talking about can use this instead. Thank you for all of your great videos and best of luck to you! I made this comment before watching the entire video and seeing that you describe this also LOL! It's such a great feature on the R7!
Great advice!