Chapter 5: Customizing the 60D

One of the best ways to increase your shooting efficiency and enjoyment with the EOS 60D is to customize it for your everyday shooting as well as for specific shooting situations. The 60D offers three major categories of customization:

Custom Functions. These enable you to change camera controls and behavior as well as to set up the camera for both general and venue-specific shooting situations.

Camera User Settings (C) mode. This mode enables you to set up virtually everything on the camera and then save all the settings as C shooting mode.

My Menu. This is a menu tab where you can place your six most frequently used menu items for quick access.

All three features will save you time and offer shooting advantages that are well worth the time it takes to make the adjustments.

Exploring Custom Functions

The major advantage of Custom Functions is that you can set up many of the camera controls and operations to suit your shooting style and to get better image quality in specific situations. As a result, they save you time, provide better image quality in some cases, and make shooting more enjoyable.

Before you begin, you should know that Custom Functions can be set only in Program AE (P), Shutter-priority AE (Tv), Aperture-priority AE (Av), Manual (M), and Bulb (B) shooting modes. Also, after you set a Custom Function option, it remains in effect until you change it.

Canon refers to Custom Functions using the abbreviation C.Fn [group Roman numeral]-[function number]; for example, C.Fn II-3.

The 60D offers 20 Custom Functions. Some Custom Functions have a broad range of uses, and others are useful for specific shooting specialties or scenes.

Custom Function groupings

This section includes a description of each Custom Function and the options that you can set. I provide instances where the C.Fn would be useful in general, but also consider how you could use them to simplify or customize your specific shooting situations.

I encourage you to use Custom Functions to the fullest extent. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised by how much more you will enjoy the 60D after you customize it for your shooting needs.

If you set Custom Functions and later want to return to the camera defaults, you can do that easily by using the Clear all Custom Func. (C.Fn) option on the Custom Functions camera menu.

C.Fn I: Exposure

The Exposure Custom Functions are described here followed by the options that you can choose for each function.

C.Fn I-1: Exposure-level increments

With this function, you can set the increment that is used for shutter speed, aperture, Exposure Compensation, and Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) changes. The exposure increment you choose is displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD as tick marks at the bottom of the Exposure level indicator.

Option 0: 1/3 stop. By default, the 60D uses 1/3 stop as the exposure-level increment for changes in shutter speed, aperture, Exposure Compensation, and AEB.

Option 1: 1/2 stop. This option sets 1/2 stop as the exposure-level increment for shutter speed, aperture, Exposure Compensation, and AEB changes. It gives you a larger exposure change and is useful when you bracket images for later compositing in an image-editing program, and any time you know that you need a larger exposure difference than the 1/3-stop offers, such as when you use positive Exposure Compensation for snow scenes. When you choose this option, the Exposure level indicator in the viewfinder and on the LCD shows a double tick mark instead of a single tick mark. This is a handy reminder that you’re making 1/2-stop changes rather than 1/3-stop changes.

C.Fn I-2: ISO speed setting increments

With this function, you can set the increment level that is used when you change the ISO sensitivity setting.

Option 0: 1/3 stop. This is the default increment. With this option set, the ISO speeds are Auto, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, and 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, as well as H (12800) when C.Fn I-3 is set to On.

Option 1: 1 stop. This option sets 1 f-stop as the ISO adjustment-level increment. With this option set, the ISO speeds are the traditional settings of Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 as well as H (12800) when C.Fn I-3 is set to On.

C.Fn I-3: ISO expansion

With this function, you can choose the additional ISO sensitivity setting of H, which is equivalent to ISO 12800. To determine if you want to use this very high ISO setting, be sure to shoot test shots, and then examine the images and the prints to ensure that you get prints with acceptable noise levels at the size you most often use to make prints. And even then, to always get the highest image quality in terms of color, fine detail, and smooth tones, I recommend shooting at the lowest-possible ISO setting given light, lens, and other factors.

Option 0: Off. At this default setting, you cannot select the expanded ISO setting of H (12800).

Option 1: On. With this option, you can select the expanded ISO setting of H (12800). Just select H in the same way that you select other ISO settings. You can’t choose ISO 12800 if you have C.Fn II-3, Highlight Tone Priority turned on.

C.Fn I-4: Bracketing auto cancel

With this function, you can choose to retain AEB and White Balance Bracketing (WB-BKT) settings even after you turn off the camera. Very often, AEB and WB-BKT are specific to a scene, and, therefore, they are not settings that you want to retain. It is also easy to forget that you have set bracketing, and you end up shooting with the bracketing inadvertently set. Unless you often shoot with AEB and WB-BKT, I recommend using the default Option 0.

Option 0: On. Both AEB and WB-BKT are cancelled when you turn the camera power switch to Off, when the flash is ready to fire, if you clear camera settings, and if you switch to Movie shooting mode.

Option 1: Off. Choosing this option retains AEB and WB-BKT settings. When the flash is ready, bracketing is temporarily cancelled, but the camera remembers the AEB amount and restores it after you finish using the flash.

C.Fn I-5: Bracketing sequence

Use this function when you want to change the sequence of images when you use AEB and WB-BKT. For exposure bracketing, I find that the Option 1 sequence makes it easier to identify which image is which in a series of bracketed images after I download them to the computer.

Option 0: 0 (Standard exposure or standard white balance), – (Decreased exposure, or less blue, or less magenta white-balance bias), + (Increased exposure, or more amber, and more green white-balance bias).

Option 1: – (Decreased exposure, or less blue, or less magenta white-balance bias), 0 (Standard exposure or standard white-balance), + (Increased exposure, or more amber, and more green white-balance bias).

C.Fn I-6: Safety shift

If you enable this function, the camera automatically shifts the aperture or shutter speed in both Shutter-priority AE (Tv) and Aperture-priority AE (Av) shooting modes if there is a shift in lighting that would cause an improper exposure at the current settings.

Although photographers are watchful of lighting changes, this function can be very helpful in stage and theater lighting venues where overhead spotlights can dramatically shift as speakers or actors move around the stage, in and out of spot-lit areas and in changeable outdoor lighting such as at a sports event.

Option 0: Disable. This option maintains the aperture (Av shooting mode), or shutter speed (Tv shooting mode) you have set regardless of lighting changes.

Option 1: Enable (Tv/Av). The shutter speed or aperture automatically shifts if the subject brightness suddenly changes so that the camera’s standard exposure is used.

C.Fn I-7: Flash sync. speed in Av mode

This function provides options for setting the flash sync speed from the default setting of 1/250 second to 30 seconds, to either 1/250 second to 1/60 second, or to 1/250 second when you’re shooting in Av mode. With these options, you can control whether the flash light balances with existing light or provides the primary illumination for the scene. And Option 2 ensures a fast-enough shutter speed to handhold the camera and prevent blur from camera shake.

Option 0: Auto. This option automatically sets the sync speed for the built-in flash and an external Speedlite between 1/250 second and 30 seconds. This option uses both existing light and the flash to illuminate the scene for natural-looking images in many scenes. The downside is that at the slower speeds, you may cause blur if you handhold the camera.

Option 1: 1/250-1/60 sec. auto. This provides a fast-enough sync speed to handhold the camera and get a sharp image depending on the lens you’re using. This option also balances the flash with existing light, but at faster sync speeds, the background will be dark.

Option 2: 1/250 sec. (fixed). Option 2 automatically sets the fastest flash sync speed of 1/250 second in Av mode. With this option, the flash provides the primary subject lighting. As a result, the background is very dark. But, with this option, you are assured of having a fast-enough shutter speed to handhold the camera.

C.Fn II: Image

This group of functions enables you to set noise reduction for long exposures and high ISO sensitivity settings. And you can choose to use Highlight Tone Priority as well.

C.Fn II-1: Long-exposure noise reduction

This function offers options to turn noise reduction on or off, or to set it to Auto for long exposures. With noise reduction turned on, the reduction process takes the same amount of time as the original exposure. In other words, if the original image exposure is 1.5 seconds, then noise reduction takes an additional 1.5 seconds. This means that you cannot take another picture until the noise reduction process finishes. Normally, this isn’t a problem, but if you’re shooting star trails at 15, 20, or 60 minutes, the noise reduction process will take an equal amount of time to finish.

For everyday shooting, I keep the 60D set to Option 1 to automatically perform noise reduction if it is detected in long exposures. I consider this to be good insurance in counteracting digital noise in longer exposures.

Option 0: Off. No additional noise reduction beyond what the camera normally applies is performed.

Option 1: Auto. The 60D applies noise reduction when it detects noise in exposure of 1-second or longer.

Option 2: On. The camera performs noise reduction on all exposures of 1 second or longer. Obviously, the duration for noise reduction reduces the continuous shooting burst rate dramatically. But this is a good option for night scenes and low-light still-life subjects. If you’re shooting low-light portraits or interiors, this option slows down shooting too much to be a practical option. Canon notes that this option may not be effective with ISO settings of 1600 and higher, so be sure to test before choosing this option if you often shoot at high ISO settings.

If you use Live View and you have Option 2 set, then the current view on the LCD is suspended during the time that the camera performs the noise reduction and the message “BUSY” appears on the LCD.

C.Fn II-2: High ISO speed noise reduction

With this function, you can choose to apply more aggressive noise reduction to shadow areas in particular when you shoot at high ISO sensitivity settings. (The camera applies some noise reduction to all images.) If you turn this option on, noise in low-ISO images is further reduced.

Because Canon has an effective noise-reduction algorithm, using this Custom Function is a good idea, and reducing shadow noise is advantageous. However, it pays to check your images to ensure that the blurring of fine image detail resulting from noise reduction is not too heavy handed. Also plan ahead so that you have the best option for this Custom Function set before you start shooting at high ISO sensitivity settings.

Option 0: Standard. This is the default setting that applies some color (chroma) and luminance noise reduction to images shot at all ISO sensitivity settings. If you seldom use high ISO settings, this is a good option to choose.

Option 1: Low. Because the camera performs noise reduction on all images, not just high ISO images, you may not see much difference between this option and Option 0: Standard.

Option 2: Strong. More aggressive noise reduction is applied, and a loss of fine detail may be noticeable. In addition, the burst rate (the number of images you can shoot by continuing to press the shutter button) in Continuous drive mode is significantly reduced.

Option 3: Disable. No noise reduction is applied. If you prefer to use your favorite noise reduction program during image editing, this may be a good option to choose.

C.Fn II-3: Highlight Tone Priority

Highlight Tone Priority helps ensure good detail in bright areas such as those on a bride’s gown. With the function turned on, the high range of the camera’s dynamic range (the range measured in f-stops between deep shadows and highlights in a scene) is extended from 18 percent gray (middle gray) to the brightest highlights. Simply stated, it means that highlight detail blows out less often because the camera’s highlight range is extended.

Further, the gradation from middle gray tones to highlights is smoother with this option turned on. The downside of enabling this option is increased digital noise in shadow areas.

But if you are shooting weddings or any other scene where it is critical to retain highlight detail, the tradeoff is worthwhile. If noise in the shadow areas is objectionable, you can apply noise reduction in an editing program.

However, if you turn on Highlight Tone Priority, the default ISO speed range is reduced to 200–6400, which means you lose the ISO 100 and H (12,800) settings. The ISO display in the viewfinder, on the LCD panel, and in the Shooting information display adds a D+ to indicate that this option is in effect.

Option 0: Disable. This is the default setting.

Option 1: Enable. This option turns on Highlight Tone Priority, improving the detail in bright highlights and in gradation of detail from middle gray to the brightest highlights. The lowest ISO setting available is 200 and the highest is 6400. Auto Lighting Optimizer is also turned off automatically.

C.Fn III: Autofocus/Drive

This group of functions enables you to control the lens and camera autofocusing tasks. This is also where you can enable the use of Mirror lockup.

C.Fn III-1: Lens drive when AF impossible

This is a handy function to use when the lens has difficulty achieving automatic focus. You have likely been in situations where the lens seeks focus by going back and forth and goes far out of focus range. This is common with telephoto and super-telephoto lenses. Setting this function to Option 1 helps stop the lens from seeking focus and going into an extensive defocus range.

Option 0: Continue focus search. The lens continues to seek focus. If you use this option, then you manually adjust the lens’s focusing ring to get the lens into general focus range.

Option 1: Stop focus search. This stops the lens drive from going into extreme defocus range as it tries again to focus.

C.Fn III-2: AF-point selection method

This function enables you to reset the buttons and controls you use to manually select an AF point. Option 0 is the default method. The second option changes the functionality of two camera controls, and you should study it carefully before choosing it. With Option 1, pressing the AF-point selection button turns on automatic AF-point selection mode, the mode in which the camera chooses the AF points. To manually select an AF point, you press the Multi-controller without needing to first press the AF-point selection button. If you’re in the habit of pressing the AF-point selection button first, using Option 1 throws you into automatic AF-point selection mode, and you have to remember to use the Multi-controller to manually select the AF point. I’m not a fan of automatic AF-point selection, so the default behavior works best for me.

Option 0: (AF-point selection button) Activate AF selection/(Multi-controller) Select an AF point. This is the standard method of pressing the AF-point selection button to activate the AF points, and then pressing the Multi-controller to choose the AF point you want. Note that this option disables any choices you made in C.Fn IV-2 to assign functionality to the SET button during shooting.

Option 1: (AF-point selection button) Auto selection/(Multi-controller) Manual selection. This option changes the behavior of the AF-point selection button so that pressing it activates automatic AF-point selection mode. To manually select an AF point, you press the Multi-controller. The advantage of this option is that you skip the step of pressing the AF-point selection button before you manually select an AF point. This option saves time, but if you are accustomed to first pressing the AF-point selection button, and then choosing an AF point, you can inadvertently press the AF-point selection button and be thrown into using automatic AF point selection instead of manual AF point selection.

C.Fn III-3: Superimposed display

If it bothers you to have the AF point flash in red in the viewfinder when the camera achieves focus, you can use this Custom Function to turn it off.

Option 0: On. When you half-press the shutter button, the active AF point lights up in red in the viewfinder. This is a helpful reminder of the AF point that will be used for focusing.

Option 1: Off. The active AF point does not light in red in the viewfinder when the camera achieves sharp focus. But when you’re manually selecting the AF point to use, the AF point lights to make selection easier.

C.Fn III-4: AF-assist beam firing

With this function you control whether the 60D’s built-in flash or an accessory EX Speedlite’s autofocus assist light is used to help the camera establish focus in low-light scenes. The AF-assist beam fires a quick series of small flashes that are very helpful in speeding up and in ensuring sharp focus.

Option 0: Enable. The camera uses the built-in flash or an accessory Canon EX Speedlite’s AF-assist beam to establish focus. This beam helps the camera establish focus in low light or when the subject contrast is low. The flash also fires unless you have the flash firing set to Disable on the Shooting 1 camera menu.

Option 1: Disable. The AF-assist beam isn’t used.

Option 2: Enable external flash only. Only the Speedlite’s AF-assist beam is used to help establish focus. Obviously this is the option to choose if you’re using a Speedlite.

Option 3: IR AF-assist beam only. If your Speedlite has an infrared (IR) AF-assist beam, then only that beam is used with this option. The advantage is that the IR beam keeps the built-in flash or another Speedlite from firing the series of small flashes and the AF-assist beam.

C.Fn III-5: Mirror lockup

Option 1 for this function prevents blur that can be caused in macro, telephoto, and long exposure shots by the camera’s reflex mirror flipping up at the beginning of an exposure. Nature and landscape photographers who often use Mirror lockup can make this function more accessible by adding this Custom Function to My Menu. Customizing My Menu is detailed later in this chapter. Option 1 is also handy for manually cleaning the image sensor.

Option 0: Disable. This prevents the mirror from being locked up.

Option 1: Enable. This option locks up the camera’s reflex mirror before the exposure begins. For close-up and telephoto images this prevents mirror reflex vibrations that can cause blur. When this option is enabled, you press the shutter button once to swing up the mirror, and then press it again to make the exposure. In Bulb mode with either Self-timer/Remote drive mode, you have to hold down the shutter button through the timer delay and bulb exposure time. Even if the drive mode is set to Continuous, the camera automatically uses Single shooting drive mode. Also the mirror remains locked up for 30 seconds, and then flips down unless you take the picture. It’s best to use Remote Switch RS-60E3 with Mirror lockup.

When you use Mirror lockup with bright subjects such as snow, bright sand, and so on, be sure to take the picture right away to prevent the camera curtains from being scorched by the bright light. Do not point the camera toward the sun when the mirror is flipped up to avoid scorching the camera shutter curtains.

C.Fn IV: Operation/Others

This group of functions enables you to change the functionality and behavior of some camera buttons. It also includes options for adding image verification data and aspect ratio information. You can also access three of the Custom Functions in this group directly from the Quick Control screen. Just select the Custom Controls option on the Quick Control screen to access C.Fn IV-1, AF and metering buttons, C.Fn III-2, AP point selection method, and C.Fn IV-2, Assign SET button.

C.Fn IV-1: AF and metering buttons

This function gives you ten choices for modifying which camera button starts metering and autofocus functions on the 60D and which button locks the exposure. The option you choose depends entirely on what is most natural for your shooting. (The AE Lock button is located on the back right of the camera and it has a magnifying glass with a plus sign in it under it.)

Also some options may provide easier camera operation when you’re shooting video, using Live View, or using a telephoto lens.

Table 5.1 C.Fn IV Options
Option	Shutter button	AF-ON button	AE Lock button
Option 0 (default setting)	Metering and focusing	Metering and focusing	Lock the exposure
Option 1	Metering	Metering and autofocusing	Lock the exposure
Option 2	Metering	AE lock	Metering and autofocusing
Option 3	AE lock	Metering and autofocusing	AE lock
Option 4	AE lock	AE lock	Metering and autofocusing
Option 5	Metering and autofocusing	AE lock	Metering and autofocusing
Option 6	Metering and autofocusing	AF stop	AE lock
Option 7	Metering and autofocusing	AE lock	AF stop
Option 8	Metering and autofocusing	No function	AE lock

C.Fn IV-2: Assign SET button

This function enables you to change the function of the SET button so that it’s useful during shooting. The advantage to programming the SET button is that it provides quick access to the camera function that you use most frequently. For example, if you shoot JPEG images, Option 3: White balance, is an excellent choice for getting quick access to the White Balance settings. Regardless of the option you choose, the SET button continues to perform its default functions with menus and submenus.

If you assign a function to the SET button, and then change the AF-point selection method in C.Fn III-2 using Option 1, the SET button function you choose is cancelled.

Option 0: Default (no func). Pressing the SET button does nothing during shooting.

Option 1: Image Quality. Pressing the SET button while shooting displays the Image recording quality menu where you can change the quality setting.

Option 2: Picture Style. Pressing the SET button displays the Picture Style selection screen so you can change the Picture Style. Then press the SET button to confirm the selection.

Option 3: White balance. Pressing the SET button displays the White Balance selection screen so you can change the white balance, and then press the SET button to confirm the selection.

Option 4: Flash exp. comp. Pressing the SET button displays the Flash Exposure comp. (compensation) screen so you can set the amount of compensation. Press the SET button to confirm the selection.

Option 5: Viewfinder (Electronic level). Pressing the SET button displays the electronic level in the viewfinder so you can ensure the horizon is square with the frame.

C.Fn IV-3: Dial direction during Tv/Av

If it seems more natural to choose a faster shutter speed by turning the Main dial to the left instead of the right, then you can choose Option 1 to do that. Likewise, with Option 1 in Av shooting mode, you turn the Main dial to the right to move to a larger f-stop rather than a smaller f-stop. And in Manual (M) mode, Option 1 reverses the dial direction of both the Quick Control and Main dials, while in other shooting modes, only the Main dial direction is reversed.

Option 0: Normal. When you turn the Main dial clockwise in Tv or Av mode, the shutter speed increases or aperture gets narrower. In Manual mode, turning the Main dial to the right moves to a faster shutter speed and turning the Quick Control moves to a smaller aperture.

Option 1: Reverse direction. In Tv and Av shooting modes, the Main dial direction is reversed for setting shutter speed and aperture. In Av mode, turning the Main dial to the right moves to a wider aperture. In Tv mode, turning the Main dial moves to a slower shutter speed. In Manual mode, the directions of the Main and Quick Control dials are reversed so turning the Main dial to the right moves to a slower shutter speed and turning the Quick Control dial to the right moves to a wider aperture.

C.Fn IV-4: Focusing Screen

Use this function only if you install one of the two optional interchangeable focusing screens. Note that this is the only Custom Function that is not included if you register camera settings and recall them by switching to Camera User Settings (C) mode on the Mode dial. And if you clear all Custom Functions, this function is not cleared, which means the setting matches the currently installed focusing screen at all times.

Option 0: Ef-A. Standard Precision Matte. This is the focusing screen that comes installed on the camera, and it offers good viewfinder brightness and good manual focusing.

Option 1: Ef-D. Precision Matte with Grid. This screen features five vertical lines and three horizontal lines to help keep lines square during image composition.

Option 2: Ef-S. Super Precision Matte. This screen is designed to make manual focusing easier with f/2.8 and faster lenses. The viewfinder is darker using this screen with slower lenses.

C.Fn IV-5: Add image verification data

When this option is turned on, data is appended to verify that the image is original and has not been changed. This is useful when images are part of legal or court proceedings. The optional Data Verification Kit OSK-E3 is required.

Option 0: Disable. No verification data is appended.

Option 1: Enable. This option appends data to verify whether the image is original or not. During image playback, a lock icon denotes verification data. To verify the image originality, the optional Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 is required. Canon also notes that images are not compatible with the image encryption/decryption features of the Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3.

Setting Custom Functions

After reviewing the functions and options, you may be able to identify specific functions that will be helpful for your daily shooting. Other functions, such as Mirror lockup, are ones that you use for specific shooting scenarios.

You may also find that combinations of functions are useful for specific shooting situations. Whether used separately or together, Custom Functions can significantly enhance your use of the 60D.

To set a Custom Function, follow these steps:

For all step-by-step instructions in this chapter, you can access the 60D camera menus by pressing the Menu button. Then press left or right on the Multi-controller or turn the Main dial to highlight a menu tab, and then press up or down on the Multi-Controller or turn the Quick Control dial to highlight a menu option.

1. Set the Mode dial to P, Tv, Av, M, or B, and highlight the Custom Functions (C.Fn) group you want on the Custom Functions menu, and then press the SET button. The Custom Functions screen with the function group that you selected appears.

2. Press left or right on the Multi-controller until the Custom Function number you want is displayed in the number control box at the top-right corner of the screen, and then press the SET button. The first Custom Function option is activated.

3. Press up or down on the Multi-controller to highlight the option you want, and then press the SET button. You can refer to the descriptions earlier in this chapter to select the function and option number that you want. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to select other Custom Function groups, functions, and options.

If you want to reset one of the Custom Functions, repeat these steps to change it to another setting or restore it to the default setting.

However, if you want to restore all the Custom Functions to the default settings, go to the Custom Functions menu, highlight Clear all Custom Functions (C. Fn), press the SET button, and then choose OK. All Custom Functions are restored to their default settings except C.Fn IV-4, Focusing screen.

Additional Customization Options

In addition to setting Custom Functions, you want to program the C (Custom User Setting) mode, and you can choose your most frequently used menu items and add them to My Menu. The next sections show you how to make additional camera customizations.

Setting up Camera User Settings (C) mode

With the Camera User Setting, denoted as C on the Mode dial, you can preset the EOS 60D with your favorite shooting mode, exposure settings, drive and autofocus modes, and Custom Functions, and then make only minimal adjustments when you are ready to start shooting. And you are not locked into the setting that you register because you can still change the settings as you shoot.

It does not take long to think of a plethora of ways to use C mode. For example, C mode could be set up for shooting nature and landscapes with the camera preset to Av mode, Exposure Bracketing, Mirror lockup, as well as to your favorite drive, autofocus, and exposure modes, and Picture Style. Alternately, it can be set up for portraits, weddings, concerts — you name it. Without question, C mode offers a way to spend less time adjusting camera settings and more time shooting.

If you have forgotten what settings you registered for C mode, just press the INFO. button to display the current camera settings.

When you register camera settings, the following settings are saved and recalled when you set the Mode dial to the C mode under which you registered them:

Shooting settings. These shooting settings are saved in C mode:

Shooting mode, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, AF mode, AF point, AF-point selection mode, metering and drive mode, Exposure Compensation, and Flash Exposure Compensation.

Menu settings. These menu settings are saved in C mode:

Image quality, Beep, Red-eye setting, Release shutter without card, Review time, Peripheral illumination correction, flash control settings, Exposure Compensation, AEB, Auto Lighting Optimizer, white balance, Custom white balance, white balance shift and bracketing, color space, Picture Style, grid display, histogram, slide show, image jump settings, auto power off, auto rotate, file numbering, LCD brightness, sensor cleaning, INFO. button display, and Custom Function settings.

Live View shooting settings. These menu settings are saved in C mode:

Live View shooting, AF mode, Grid display, Aspect ratio, exposure simulation, Silent shooting, and Metering timer.

Unfortunately, the settings you use for My Menu are not registered to the C mode settings, and you can’t use the Clear all camera settings on the Setup 3 menu or the Clear all Custom Func. (C.Fn) option on the Custom Functions menu. Otherwise, all the camera menus are available, and you can change the settings you’ve registered while you’re shooting in C mode. However, any changes you make as you’re shooting in C mode are not saved as part of or changes to the registered settings.

Here is how to register Camera User Settings to C mode:

1. With the camera set to P, Tv, Av, M, or B mode, choose all the settings on the camera that you want to register. In addition to shooting, exposure, metering, focus, drive, and menu settings, you can set Custom Functions for specific shooting scenarios as detailed previously in this chapter.

2. On the Setup 3 menu tab, highlight Camera user settings, and then press the SET button. The Camera user settings screen appears.

3. Press up or down on the Multi-controller to highlight Register settings, and then press the SET button. The Register settings screen appears.

4. Turn the Quick Control dial to highlight OK, and then press the SET button. The Set-up 3 menu appears. The camera registers the settings except for the My Menu settings. Lightly press the shutter button to dismiss the menu.

5. To shoot with the registered settings, turn the Mode dial to C. You can change the camera settings if you want just as you would in other shooting modes.

If you want to clear the registered user settings, follow the previous steps, but in Step 3, highlight Clear Settings, and then click OK.

Customizing My Menu

Customization of the 60D includes the ability to set up My Menu with your most frequently used six menu items and Custom Functions. It takes only a few minutes to set up My Menu, and it will save you a lot of time over months to come.

In addition to adding and deleting items to and from My Menu, you can change the order of registered items by sorting them. You can also set the 60D to display My Menu first when you press the Menu button. The only drawback to My Menu is that you can only register six items. So before you begin registering, evaluate the menu items and Custom Functions and carefully choose your six favorite items.

My strategy is to include frequently used options that are not already quickly accessible using a button on the camera, or by using an option on the Quick Control screen. Here is what I have registered on My Menu: Custom WB, Format, Flash control, Grid display, Long exp. noise reduction, Highlight tone priority, and Mirror lockup. I have also set up My Menu as the first menu that is displayed when I press the Menu button.

Here is how to add items to My Menu:

1. On the On the My Menu tab, highlight My Menu settings, and then press the SET button. The My Menu settings screen appears.

2. Press up or down on the Multi-controller to highlight Register to My Menu, and then press the SET button. The Select item to register screen appears. This screen is a scrollable list of all menu items available on the camera. You can scroll through the list by turning the Quick Control dial.

3. Turn the Quick Control dial to highlight the menu item you want to register, and then press the SET button. The Select item to register screen appears.

4. Turn the Quick Control dial to highlight OK, and then press the SET button. The Select item to register screen reappears so that you can select the next item. To find individual Custom Functions, keep scrolling past the C.Fn group names, and you see the individual Custom Functions by name (the function numbers are not listed).

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until all the menu items you want are registered, and then press the Menu button. The My Menu settings screen appears. If you want to sort your newly added items, jump to Step 2 in the following set of steps.

To sort your registered camera Menu items and Custom Functions, follow these steps:

1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 in the previous list, if necessary.

2. On the My Menu settings screen, turn the Quick Control dial to highlight Sort, and then press the SET button. The Sort My Menu screen appears.

3. Press the SET button if you want to move the first menu item to a different position in the list, or press up or down on the Multi-controller to the move to the item you want to move up or down, and then press the SET button. The camera activates the sort control represented by up and down arrows to the right side of the menu item.

4. Press up or down on the Multi-controller to move the item’s placement within the menu, and then press the SET button.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to move other menu items in the order that you want.

6. Press the Menu button twice to display your customized menu. Or lightly press the shutter button to dismiss the menu.

You can follow these general steps to access My Menu settings where you can delete one or all items from the menu.

To automatically display the My Menu tab when you press the Menu button, go to the My Menu settings screen, select Display from My Menu, press Set, and then select Enable.

Now you have a good idea of how you can set up the 60D not only to make it more comfortable and efficient for your preferences, but also to have the camera ready in advance for different shooting scenes and subjects.