Chapter 6: Customizing the Canon EOS 70D

The Canon EOS 70D offers a full complement of options, so that you can customize it to suit your style and shooting preferences. The 70D offers three major categories of customization. First are the Custom Functions that enable you to change camera controls and behavior, as well as to set up the camera for both general and venue-specific shooting situations. The Custom mode (  ) enables you to set up virtually everything on the camera, save all the settings, and then recall them by switching to the Custom mode (  ). In My menu (  ), you can place your six most frequently used menu items for quick access.

These three features not only save time, but they also offer shooting advantages that are well worth the time it takes to set them up.

One of the first things I do with a new camera is set the Custom Functions to suit my personal preferences, so I’m always ready to capture scenes like this. Exposure: ISO 400, f/8.0, 1/250 second.

Exploring Custom Functions

The 70D has 23 Custom Functions that enable you to tailor the camera to your shooting preferences. Some Custom Functions have a broad range of uses, and others are useful for specific shooting specialties, subjects, and scenes.

If you’re new to setting Custom Functions, the functions may seem intimidating, as they did when I began as a photographer. However, I assure you that setting the functions will pay off in time saved and making shooting more pleasurable. If you don’t like your changes or want a do-over, you can go back to the camera’s original (default) settings by choosing Clear all Custom Functions on the Custom Function menu (  ).

Canon organized the 23 Custom Functions, abbreviated as C.Fn, into three groups: C.Fn I: Exposure; C.FnII: Autofocus; and C.Fn III: Operation/Others. The three groups are listed on the Custom Function (  ) menu.

These are the Exposure functions (and any limitations) by shooting mode:

• Exposure level increments.

• ISO speed setting increments. These are available in Movie mode (  ) only when using Manual mode (  ).

• Bracketing auto cancel. This setting is unavailable in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ).

• Bracketing sequence. This option is unavailable in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ).

• Number of bracketed shots. This setting is unavailable in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ).

• Safety shift. This option is unavailable in Movie mode (  ).

These are the Autofocus functions (and any limitations) by shooting mode:

• Tracking sensitivity. This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• Acceleration/deceleration tracking. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• AI Servo 1st image priority. This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• AI Servo 2nd image priority. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• AF-assist beam firing. This function is available in the Live View shooting mode (  ) when using the AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• Lens drive when AF impossible. This is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• Select AF area selection mode. You can select this option in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• AF area selection method. This option is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• Orientation linked AF point. You can use this function in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• Manual AF-point selection pattern. This function is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ).

• AF-point display during focus. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• VF display illumination. This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• AF Microadjustment. This option is available in Live View (  ) when using Quick focus mode (  ).

These are the Display/Operation functions (and any limitations) by shooting mode:

• Dial direction during Shutter-priority AE ()/Aperture-priority AE (). This option is available in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• Multi-function lock. This is available in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

• Warning icon () in viewfinder. This function is unavailable in the Movie (  ) and Live View shooting (  ) modes.

• Custom Controls. This controls the customization settings in the Movie (  ) and Live View shooting (  ) modes. Availability depends on the setting.

Setting Custom Functions

After reviewing the functions and options, there may be specific functions that you can identify immediately as being helpful for your daily shooting. Other functions may be suited for scene-specific shooting. Whether used separately or together, Custom Functions can significantly enhance your use of the 70D.

To set a Custom Function, follow these steps:

1. On the Custom Functions menu (), press down on the Multi-controller () to highlight the Custom Function group you want, and then press the Setting button (). The last visited screen for that Custom Function group appears.

2. Press left or right on the Multi-controller () to navigate to the Custom Function number you want, and then press the Setting button (). A number box at the top right of the screen displays the function numbers. When you press the Setting button (  ), the function options are activated.

3. Turn the Quick Control dial () to select the option you want, and then press the Setting button (). Refer to the descriptions earlier in this chapter to select the function and the option number that you want. Some options require you to set a check mark. The steps for setting those options are detailed in previous sections.

If you want to reset one of the Custom Functions, repeat these steps to change it to another setting or the default setting. If you want to restore all the Custom Functions to the default settings, go to the Custom Functions menu (  ). Press down on the Multi-controller (  ) to highlight Clear all Custom Func. (C.Fn). Press the Setting button (  ), and then choose OK. All Custom Functions are restored to their defaults, except the Custom Controls you set and the micro-adjustments made to lenses.

The following sections describe the Custom Function options that you can set. As I detail each one, consider how you can use them in specific shooting situations. If you use Custom Functions thoughtfully as they pertain to your shooting, you will be surprised by how much difference they make in everyday shooting.

6.1 The Custom Functions 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 exposure increment that is used for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) changes. The increment you choose is displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen with either one or a double set of tick marks at the bottom of the Exposure Level Indicator. Your choices are:

• 0: 1/3 stop. By default, the 70D uses 1/3 stop as the exposure level increment, providing a fine level of change. For day-to-day shooting, this is a good option. If you choose this option, a single tick mark is displayed under the Exposure Level Indicator in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen to show the exposure change.

• 1: 1/2 stop. This option sets 1/2 stop as the exposure level increment for a larger exposure change than Option 0. The 1/2-stop increment can be useful if you bracket images for later compositing in an image-editing program. If you choose this option, double tick marks are displayed under the Exposure Level indicator in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.

C.Fn I-2 ISO speed setting increments

With this function, you can set the level of change that is used when you change the ISO sensitivity setting. For most shooting, the 1/3-stop option is a good choice because if you increase the ISO, you get less digital noise in the image with a smaller increase. If you are increasing the ISO incrementally to get to a fast enough camera handholding speed, the 1/3-stop option gets you there and keeps the ISO as low as possible. The 1-stop option gets you there faster, but you may end up setting the ISO higher than it needs to be, and high settings introduce digital noise to the image. This function is available in Movie mode (  ) only when using Manual exposure mode (  ). Your choices are:

• 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, and so on.

• 1: 1 stop. This option sets 1 f-stop as the ISO adjustment-level increment. With this option set, the ISO speeds are Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and so on.

C.Fn I-3 Bracketing auto cancel

With this function, you can choose to have the camera completely or temporarily cancel AEB and White Balance Bracketing (  ) settings when you turn off the camera, use the flash, or switch to Movie mode (  ). Very often, AEB and White Balance Bracketing (  ) are specific to a scene. Therefore, these are not settings that you want to retain. It is also easy to forget that you have set either bracketing option, and you end up shooting with the bracketing inadvertently set. Unless you often shoot with AEB and White Balance Bracketing (  ), I recommend using the default 0: On option. This function is not available in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ). Your choices are:

• 0: On. Both AEB and White Balance Bracketing (  ) are permanently cancelled when you turn the power switch Off, use a flash, or switch to Movie mode (  ).

• 1: Off. Both the AEB and White Balance Bracketing (  ) settings are retained even after you turn off the camera. If you use the built-in or an accessory flash, or switch to Movie mode (  ), bracketing is temporarily cancelled, but the camera keeps the AEB range.

C.Fn I-4 Bracketing sequence

With this function, you can change the sequence of both exposure-bracketed and white-balance bracketed images. The White Balance Bracketing (  ) depends on how you set the Blue/Amber or Magenta/Green direction. For example, with a Magenta/Green direction, the under (-) is the Magenta bias and the over (+) is the Green bias. This option is unavailable in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ).

Your choices are:

• 0: 0, -, +. Zero is standard exposure and white balance. The minus sign (-) means decreased exposure, and less blue or magenta white-balance bias. The plus sign (+) means increased exposure, and more amber and green white-balance bias.

6.2 The Bracketing sequence screen.

• 1: -, 0, +. The minus sign (-) means decreased exposure, and less blue or magenta white-balance bias. Zero is the standard exposure and white balance. The plus sign (+) is increased exposure, and more amber and green white-balance bias.

• 2: +, 0, -. The plus sign (+) means increased exposure, and more amber and green white-balance bias. Zero is standard exposure and white balance. The minus sign (-) means decreased exposure, and less blue or magenta white-balance bias.

CROSS REF White Balance Bracketing (  ) is covered in Chapter 5.

C.Fn I-5 Number of bracketed shots

With this function, you can change the number of bracketed shots that the camera makes for exposure and white balance bracketing. The traditional number is 3 shots: a standard exposure or white balance, and then an under- and over the standard exposure or color bias. However, now you can choose 2, 5, or 7 shots, as well as the default 3 shots. If you use High Dynamic Range shooting often, the 5- and 7-shot options are handy for getting a good range of shadow, standard, and highlight exposures. This setting is unavailable in Movie mode (  ) unless you’re shooting a still image with White Balance Bracketing (  ). The options are:

• 0: 3 shots

• 1: 2 shots

• 2: 5 shots

• 3: 7 shots

If you set the Bracketing sequence Custom Function to the 0, -, + option, and choose to make three shots, then the shot sequence is standard, under, and over. However, if you choose to bracket two, five, or seven images, then the exposures or color-biased images are made as shown in Table 6.1 in 1-stop increments. For the two-shot option, you set whether you want an over or under shot when you set the AEB range on the camera.

Table 6.1 Bracketing Sequence for 2, 5, and 7 Shots

C.Fn I-6 Safety shift

With this Custom Function, the 70D automatically adjusts the exposure settings if there is a sudden shift in lighting that would cause an improper exposure at the current exposure settings. With the first option, Safety shift adjusts the aperture or shutter speed in Shutter-priority AE (  ) and Aperture-priority AE (  ) exposure modes to get a proper exposure. With the second option, Safety shift adjusts the ISO in Program AE (  ), Shutter-priority AE (  ), and Aperture-priority AE (  ) modes. Safety shift isn’t used in Manual mode (  ).

Safety shift can be very helpful in scenes with sudden changes in lighting such as stage and theater venues where performers move from bright spotlit areas to shadows. This function is also helpful outdoors. Say you’re photographing a deer at 1/1000 second with the aperture set to f/22, which is the minimum aperture for the lens. Then the deer moves into very bright sunlight, and the change in light calls for closing down another f-stop. However, you’ve run out of apertures. This is where Safety shift steps in to set a faster shutter speed to get a correct exposure. Or say that you’ve set a fast shutter speed, and the light dims so that even the lens’s maximum aperture won’t provide an accurate exposure. Safety shift sets a slower shutter speed instead of producing an underexposed image. As you might guess, a slower shutter speed can cause blur from handshake or subject movement, so use this function with the understanding that there can be unwanted consequences. This option is unavailable in Movie mode (  ).

The options are:

• 0: Disable. The exposure you set is maintained regardless of lighting changes.

• 1: Shutter speed/Aperture. In Shutter-priority AE (  ) and Aperture-priority AE (  ) exposure modes, the shutter speed or aperture shifts automatically if the subject brightness suddenly changes.

• 2: ISO speed. This option adds Program AE mode (  ) to Shutter-priority AE (  ) and Aperture-priority AE (  ) modes from the first option, and changes the ISO setting to get a correct exposure if the scene brightness changes. If you change the ISO speed range manually or set the minimum shutter speed on Shooting menu 3 (  ), Safety shift overrides your settings if necessary. The minimum and maximum ISO settings used will be the Auto ISO Range you set in Shooting menu 3 (  ). If the shutter speed, aperture, or ISO is set, Safety shift will be used even if you use a flash.

6.3 The Safety shift screen.

C.Fn II: Autofocus

With the 70D, you have a good number of ways to fine-tune autofocus, particularly for action shooting when you’re using AI Servo AF mode (  ). Many of these Custom Functions are detailed in Chapter 4, the chapter about the autofocus system for all exposure modes except Live View (  ) and Movie (  ) modes. I include the functions here with a brief description, but see Chapter 4 for more detailed information.

C.Fn II-1 Tracking sensitivity.

This setting determines how AI Servo AF (  ) responds to either maintain focus on the original subject or switch focus to a subject that suddenly enters the frame, and how to respond when the subject moves out of the AF-point array. This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the choices:

• 0: The default setting that is a general-purpose setting for most moving subjects.

• Locked on: -2/Locked on: -1. With this option, the camera endeavors to keep the original subject in focus. There is a noticeable delay before the camera focuses on the new subject if another subject or object enters the scene. A -2 setting extends the delay.

• Responsive +2/Responsive +1. Use this when you want the camera to focus on successive subjects that are at different distances. Also, this option determines the speed at which the camera focuses on a new subject, particularly the subject that is closest to the camera. A +2 setting is faster than +1. A +2 setting can cause the camera to focus on the wrong subject.

6.4 The Tracking Sensitivity screen.

C.Fn II-2 Accel./decel. tracking

With the acceleration/deceleration tracking function, you adjust how the AF system responds to subjects that start, stop, and change direction erratically and unpredictably. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the options:

• 0: This is the default. It is designed to provide good focus tracking when the subject’s speed is steady.

• +2/+1: A plus setting tells the system to expect erratic direction shifts and sudden starts and stops and to keep focus on the subject; for example, the motion of a soccer player.

C.Fn II-3 AI Servo 1st image priority

This and the next Custom Function, AI Servo 2nd image priority, are useful when you use focus tracking coupled with one of the continuous drive modes. Use the options here to prioritize subject focusing, and shutter release for the first image during continuous shooting. This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the options:

• Equal priority. This is the default that gives equal priority to focusing and shutter release. You can shoot fast, but the subject may or may not be in sharp focus.

• Release priority. Choose this if you want to be able to take the picture regardless of whether the camera has had time to establish sharp focus.

• Focus priority. Choose this option if you want an in-focus picture even if you might miss a shot because the camera hasn’t yet established focus.

C.Fn II-4 AI Servo 2nd image priority

This tells the 70D what priority to use for the second and subsequent images when you shoot a continuous burst of images. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. You have the following choices:

• Equal priority. This is the default with which both focusing and shutter release (for example, shooting speed) have the same priority.

• Shooting speed priority. Choose this if you want to be able to take the picture, regardless of whether the camera has had time to establish sharp focus.

• Focus priority. Choose this option if you want an in-focus picture at the cost of shooting speed.

C.Fn II-5 AF-assist beam firing

This determines whether the built-in or accessory flash fires a series of light bursts to illuminate a subject in low light or when the contrast is low to help the camera establish focus. With this option enabled, when you press the shutter button halfway, the flash fires a series of short flashes so the camera can establish focus.

In the Program AE (  ), Shutter-priority AE (  ), Aperture-priority AE (  ), Manual (  ), and Bulb (  ) modes, flip up the built-in flash, and a series of beams fires (without actually firing the full flash) anytime the camera needs extra light to focus. In Creative Auto (  ) and some other automatic exposure modes, such as Scene Intelligent Auto (  ), Portrait (  ), and Close-up (  ), the AF assist beam fires along with the flash in low light scenes. However, the assist beam never fires in Flash Off (  ), Landscape (  ), or Sports (  ) modes. The assist beam also never fires in any exposure mode when the autofocus mode is set to AI Servo AF (  ). This function is available in the Live View shooting mode (  ) when using the AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the options for this function:

• 0: Enable. The built-in flash or external Speedlite’s focus-assist light is used to establish focus whenever necessary. This is useful in low-light scenes and when the subject contrast, texture, and detail are low. This is the default setting.

• 1: Disable. The AF-assist beam isn’t used. Use this in venues where flash isn’t allowed or when the series of assist beams may disturb others.

• 2: Enable external flash only. The assist beam fires only when an accessory Speedlite is on the camera and turned on. For this to work, the Speedlite’s Custom Function for AF-assist beam firing must be enabled.

• IR: IR AF-assist beam only. If your accessory Speedlite has an infrared AF assist beam, then only that beam is used if you choose this option. The advantage is that the IR beam is used instead of the Speedlite firing a series of small flashes and that can be less intrusive. Also, if the Speedlite has an LED, the LED doesn’t automatically turn on for AF assist. For accessory Speedlites, if you’ve set the Custom Function on the Speedlite itself to disable AF-assist beam firing, then that setting overrides the settings on the 70D. To use the AF-assist beam, just change the Custom Function on the Speedlite to Enable.

C.Fn II-6 Lens drive when AF impossible

This is a handy function to explore if you often shoot scenes on which the lens cannot focus, but continuously tries to find focus. You’ve probably been in situations in which the lens goes far out of focus range while attempting to find focus, particularly with telephoto and super-telephoto lenses. Setting this function to option 1 stops the lens from seeking focus and going into extensive defocus range. This is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the choices:

• 0: Continue focus search. The default where the lens continues to seek focus.

• 1: Stop focus search. This stops the lens drive if it cannot find focus, and it keeps it from going into extreme defocus range. Use this option if you shoot with super telephoto lenses.

C.Fn II-7 Select AF area selection mode

If you routinely use only one or two of the AF area selection modes, then you can limit the number of modes that you can select while shooting. For this function, first press Setting button (  ) to activate the options. Then, press the left and right key on the Multi-controller (  ) to select the mode you want, and then press the Setting button (  ) to place a check mark (  ) beside the mode. Select OK. The default, 1-point AF manual selection mode cannot be deselected. You can select this option in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the options:

6.5 The AF area selection mode screen.

• Manual selection: 1 pt AF. Single-AF point selection.

• Manual select: Zone AF. To use this mode, choose the five AF zones.

• Auto selection: 19-point AF. Choose this mode to be able to use 19-point automatic AF-point selection.

C.Fn II-8 AF area selection method

The options for this function enable you to customize the buttons you use to switch among the AF area selection modes. The choice is personal for every photographer, but I find that the second option that uses the Main dial (  ) is easier and quicker. It creates a bit of a conflict, though, because the Main dial (  ) is also used to move horizontally through the AF points during manual AF-point selection.

This option re-assigns the Main dial (  ) to choose a selection mode instead of choosing an AF point. However, you can easily work around that by using the direction keys on the Multi-controller (  ) to move horizontally through the AF points. This option is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the options:

• 0: (then press) AF area selection button. This is the standard way to select an AF area by pressing the AF-point Selection button (  ), and then pressing the AF area selection mode button (  ) one or more times until you get to the mode you want. This leaves the Main dial (  ) free for cycling horizontally through AF points, as mentioned earlier.

• 1: (then turn the) Main dial. With this change, you use the Main dial (  ) to move among AF area selection modes instead of pressing the AF area selection mode button (  ) repeatedly.

C.Fn II-9 Orientation linked AF point

This very cool and handy function allows you to set the AF point or AF area selection mode to use when the camera is in the horizontal or one of the two vertical (grip up, grip down) orientations. Then, when you change the camera orientation, your go-to AF point and AF area selection mode is selected automatically. You can use this function in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the choices:

• 0: Same for both vertical/horizontal. This is the default with no remembered AF point, AF area selection mode or zone.

• 1: Select separate AF points. You choose and register three manually-selected AF points or zones — Horizontal, vertical with grip up, and vertical with grip down.

C.Fn II-10 Manual AF point selection pattern

Use the options in this function to control how you cycle through AF points when you manually select one. As you cycle through, you can have the cycle stop at the edges or cycle back through continuously. The option you choose works when you manually select an AF point and when you use 19-point automatic selection with AI Servo AF (  ). This function is available in Live View mode (  ) when using AF Quick focus mode (  ). Here are the options:

• 0: Stops at AF area edges. As the description says, when you reach the end of the row of AF points, the selection stops. It’s annoying at times, but not if your next move is in the opposite direction and you want to stay on the outer edge of the bank of AF points.

• 1: Continuous. This option provides endless cycling through a row of AF points from left to right or top to bottom and back again.

C.Fn II-11 AF point display during focus

Some people are sensitive about what they see in the viewfinder, particularly when focusing and making the picture. For some, the constant display of the 19 AF points while they are composing and focusing is distracting. To other photographers, hiding the AF point display is equally annoying. Canon puts the control in your hands with this Custom Function. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the choices:

• 0: Selected (constant). Choose this option to have the selected AF point displayed all the time. If you are shooting anything other than action subjects, you likely want to know which AF point is selected so that you can change it if necessary to place sharp focus precisely where it should be in the scene.

6.6 The AF point display during focus screen.

• 1: All (constant). This option does just what it says — you see all 19 AF points all the time. With this option, you see the AF points when you’re selecting the AF point, when the camera is ready for shooting but you haven’t started focusing yet, during focusing, and when the camera has established focus.

• 2: Selected (pre-AF, focused). The selected AF point(s) is displayed when you select the AF point, when the camera is ready to shoot but you haven’t started focusing, and when the camera establishes focus. With AI Servo AF (  ), the AF point isn’t displayed when focus is achieved.

• 3: Selected (focused). You see the AF point(s) when you select an AF point and when the camera achieves focus. With AI Servo AF (  ), the AF point isn’t displayed when focus is achieved.

• 4: Disable display. This option turns off AF point display except when you select an AF point. If you want a clean display in the viewfinder, this is your best choice.

C.Fn II-12 VF display illumination

As with the previous function, this one gives you control over the viewfinder display by illuminating the AF points and grid in red based on the amount of light in the scene. Alternately, you can turn it off. However, when you press the AF-point Selection button (  ) or the AF area selection mode button (  ), the AF points and grid are automatically lit in red, and choosing an option for this function does not change that behavior. With AI Servo AF (  ), the AF point is not illuminated in red when the camera achieves focus.

This function is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the options:

• 0: Auto. This is the default where the camera displays the illuminated grid and AF points in red when the scene light is low.

• 1: Enable. If you want to see the grid and AF points illuminated in red all the time, choose this option.

• 2: Disable. If you don’t want to see the grid and AF points in red, this is the option to choose.

C.Fn II-13 AF Microadjustment

Using this function, you can fine-tune the camera’s focus. This option is unavailable in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

CROSS REF The AF Microadjustment option is covered in Chapter 4.

C.Fn III: Operation/Others

This group of Custom Functions gives you control over many of the dials and controls of the camera, as well as some display settings. The Custom Controls option is the most extensive in giving you the ability to reassign functions to 10 of the camera controls.

C. Fn III-1 Dial direction during Tv/Av

If the direction of the camera dials for changing the aperture and shutter speed seem backward to you, use this Custom Function to change the direction in Shutter-priority AE (  ) and Aperture-priority AE (  ) shooting modes. This option is available in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes. Here are the options:

• 0: Normal. The default dial directions are used. Turning the Main dial (  ) to the right in Aperture-priority AE (  ) shooting mode results in a smaller aperture.

• 1: Reverse direction. Turning the Main dial (  ) to the right in Aperture-priority AE mode (  ) makes the aperture larger. In Shutter-priority AE (  ), turning the Main dial (  ) to the right makes the shutter speed slower instead of faster. In Manual mode (  ), both the Main (  ) and Quick Control (  ) dial turning directions are reversed. However, for setting exposure compensation in Manual mode (  ), the Quick Control dial (  ) direction is not reversed. In the remaining exposure modes, only the direction of the Main dial (  ) is reversed.

C. Fn III-2 Multi function lock

With this Custom Function, you can prevent changes to the exposure and other camera settings by choosing to lock the Main (  ) and Quick Control (  ) dials, and/or the Multi-controller (  ) when the Lock switch (  ) is set to the up position. This helps prevent changes when other people handle the camera and when you move the camera in and out of the gear bag. This is available in the Live View (  ) and Movie shooting (  ) modes.

6.7 The Multi function lock screen.

As a reminder, the camera displays an L in the viewfinder, on the LCD screen, and on the camera settings screen when you try to use a locked control. Even with the Lock switch (  ) in the locked position, you can still use the controls to navigate the camera menus and the Quick Control screen.

To choose a control, press the Setting button (  ) to activate the options. Next, press the down key on the Multi-controller (  ) to select one of the options, and then press the Setting button (  ) to add a check mark indicating that the control is included. Select OK. Here are the options:

• Main Dial

• Quick Control Dial

• Multi-controller

C.Fn III-3 Warnings in viewfinder

Some settings on the camera are typically scene- or subject-specific. As a result, you want to change to different settings after shooting, but it’s easy to forget to make the changes. This function gives you an alert for the settings that you choose so that you remember to change them. A warning icon (  ) at the bottom right of the viewfinder is displayed as a reminder. You can have a warning icon (  ) displayed for one or all of the items. This function is unavailable in the Movie (  ) and Live View shooting (  ) modes.

To choose a control, press the Setting button (  ) to activate the options. Next, press the down key on the Multi-controller (  ), press the Setting button (  ) to add a check mark (  ) indicating that the control is included, and then select OK. Items with a check mark will display the Warning icon (  ) in the viewfinder. Here are the options:

• When monochrome () set. This warning is displayed when the Monochrome Picture Style (  ) is set. You can’t convert a monochrome image back to color, so it’s advisable to make this one of your choices.

• When WB is corrected. This reminds you that White Balance Correction is set. Because White Balance correction is usually scene-specific, this is a good reminder to reset the correction.

• When ISO expansion is used. This reminds you if you’ve set ISO H (25600). You definitely do not want to use this ISO for normal shooting, so I recommend adding a check mark here.

• When spot meter. is set. If you’ve switched to Spot metering mode (  ) for one or a series of images, this reminds you to switch back to Evaluative (  ) or another metering mode when you finish.

6.8 The Warnings in viewfinder options with the first two checked.

C.Fn III-4 Custom Controls

If you’ve ever wanted to customize virtually everything on the camera to your liking, this Custom Function is a wish-come-true. The Custom Controls screen gives you a diagram of the camera from which you can change the function of many buttons and dials. Availability of this function in the Movie (  ) and Live View shooting (  ) modes depends on the setting.

NOTE For all step-by-step tasks in this chapter, be sure that the Mode dial is set to a Creative Zone mode, such as Aperture-priority AE () or Shutter-priority AE ().

This screen is different from most of the other Custom Function screens, but you can follow these steps to use it:

1. On the Custom Functions menu (), highlight C.FnIII: Operation/Others, and then press the Setting button (). The C.Fn III: Operation/Others screen appears.

2. Press the Multi-controller () left or right until the number 4 is displayed in the box at the upper right of the screen, and then press the Setting button ().

3. Turn the Quick Control dial () to highlight the name of the button or dial you want to customize, and then press the Setting button (). A screen appears with the functions that you can assign to the button or dial.

6.9 The Custom Controls screen.

4. Turn the Quick Control dial () to select the function you want to assign to the button or dial, and then press the Setting button ().

5. Repeat step 4 to continue setting additional Custom Controls.

If you get confused and want a do-over, just press the Menu button (  ) to get back to the main Custom Controls screen, and then press the Erase button (  ) The changes you make to the camera controls are not cancelled when you choose the Clear all Custom Func. (C.Fn) option on the Custom Functions menu (  ).

In the following list, the first item is the camera control and action (if applicable), followed by the default setting of the camera control — the setting that you can change. Note that the LENS button is the AF stop button that is available only on super-telephoto Image-Stabilized (IS) lenses. The 70D instruction manual provides more detail and a chart that is useful in reassigning button functions. Here are the choices:

• : Metering and AF start. Instead of metering and focusing when you press the shutter button halfway, you can assign these functions to the AF-ON (  ), AE lock (  ), or AF stop (  ) button.

• : AF Stop. Pressing the button you choose stops the camera from focusing. You can use this to lock focus during AI Servo AF (  ). This function can be assigned to the AF-ON (  ), AE lock (  ), or Lens buttons.

• : One-shot (switch) AI Servo. Pressing the button you choose switches from One-shot autofocus mode to AI Servo AF mode, and vice versa. In AI Servo AF (  ), it switches to One-shot AF (  ) only as long as you press the button. Use this when the subject starts and stops. While the AI focus AF mode (  ) switches between One-shot and AI Servo (  ) focusing, you may find it more convenient to control it with the press of a button rather than relying on the camera to detect subject movement, especially if there are multiple subjects in the scene, such as at a sporting event. This function can be assigned to the Depth of Field Preview (  ) or Lens buttons.

• : AF-point selection. This enables you to choose an AF point using the Multi-controller (  ) without first needing to press the AF-point selection (  ) or the AF area selection mode (  ) button. You can assign this function to only the Multi-controller (  ).

• : Metering start. Pressing the shutter button halfway performs metering rather than metering and focusing. You can assign this functionality to the shutter button.

• : AE lock/FE lock. When you are not shooting with the built-in flash or an accessory Speedlite, the button you choose will meter the light and lock the exposure — the traditional AE lock functionality. When you’re using a flash, pressing the button fires a preflash to determine the correct flash output, and locks the flash exposure (FE). You can assign this to the AF-ON (  ), AE lock (  ), Depth of Field Preview (  ), or Lens buttons.

• : AE lock. You can change the button used for AE lock. AE lock temporarily locks the exposure settings from the most recent meter reading, so that you can meter for exposure in one area and focus on a different part of the scene. The exposure is retained as long as you see the AE lock symbol (  ) in the viewfinder. You can reassign this function to the AE lock button (  ) to the AF-ON (  ), Depth of Field Preview (  ), or Lens buttons.

• : AE lock (while button pressed). The exposure is locked only as long as you press the shutter button. You can assign this only to the shutter button.

• : AE lock hold. This enables you to hold a locked exposure until you no longer need it. The exposure remains locked until you press the button that you assigned to this function again. This is a good option if you want to take a series of pictures at the same locked exposure settings. You can assign this to the AF-ON (  ), AE lock (  ), Depth of Field Preview (  ), or Lens button.

• : FE lock. Pressing the button you assign to this function causes the flash to fire preflashes, calculate, and then hold the correct flash exposure for the scene. You can assign this to the AF-ON (  ), AE lock (  ), Depth of Field Preview (  ), or Lens button.

• : Set ISO speed (hold the button and turn ). With this option, you can set the ISO sensitivity, by holding down the Setting button (  ) as you turn the Main dial (  ). If you had the ISO set to Auto, this switches it to manual. In Manual mode (  ), this option means that you can make exposure changes using the ISO, while maintaining the current aperture and shutter speed. You can assign this only to the Setting button (  ).

• : Shutter speed setting in mode. Using this option, you can set the shutter speed in Manual mode (  ) by turning the Main (  ) or Quick Control (  ) dials. Normally, you can use only the Main dial (  ). You can assign this to either the Main dial (  ) or Quick Control dial (  ).

• : Aperture setting in mode. Using this option, you can set the aperture in Manual mode (  ) by turning the Main (  ) or the Quick Control (  ) dials. Normally, you can use only the Quick Control dial (  ). You can assign this to either the Main (  ) or Quick Control (  ) dial.

• : Flash exposure compensation. This and the next three options enable you to assign a function to the Setting button (  ) so that it has a function during shooting. With this option, you can press the Setting button (  ) to display the Flash Exposure Compensation setting screen on the LCD screen. Of course, you can assign this only to the Setting button (  ).

• : Image quality. This is the second option for assigning a function to the Setting button (  ). You can press it to display the Image Quality setting screen, in which you can change the image quality. You can assign this to the Setting button (  ).

• : Picture Style. This is the final option for assigning a function to the Setting button (  ) during shooting, and here you can press it to display the Picture Style screen. You can assign this to the Setting button (  ).

• : Depth-of-field preview. When you press the button assigned to this function, the lens aperture stops down so that you can preview the depth of field in the viewfinder.

• : IS start. Pressing the button you assign to this function starts Image Stabilization on the lens, provided, of course, that the IS switch is set to the On position. You can assign this to the Depth-of-field preview (  ) or Lens buttons.

• : VF electronic level. Press the button you assign to this function to use the AF points to display an electronic level and grid before you make the picture. You can assign this to the Depth-of-field preview button (  ).

• : Menu display. With this function, you can press the Setting button (  ) to display the menu on the LCD screen. You can assign this only and predictably to the Setting button (  ).

• : No function (disabled). Use this setting to turn off the functionality for the button you choose. You can assign this to the AF-On (  ), AE lock (  ), Depth-of-field preview (  ) or Setting (  ) button, or the Multi-controller (  ).

Registering Custom Mode Settings

With the Custom mode (  ) on the Mode dial, you can preset the 70D with your favorite shooting mode, exposure settings, drive and autofocus modes, and Custom Functions. Then, when you’re ready to shoot, just switch to the Custom mode (  ) on the Mode dial. If you need to, you can change the settings as you shoot. If you want to save an adjustment for future use in Custom mode (  ), you can turn on automatic update.

It does not take long to think of a plethora of ways to use Custom mode (  ). For example, you could be set up for shooting nature and landscape with the camera preset to the exposure mode you prefer, with exposure bracketing, mirror lockup, as well as to your favorite drive, autofocus, and exposure modes, and Picture Style. You could also preset it for shooting studio portraits, weddings, concerts, or whatever works for you.

TIP If you forget the settings you’ve registered for the Custom mode (  ), just press the Info button (  ) to display them.

When you register camera settings, the following are saved and recalled when you turn the Mode dial to Custom mode (  ):

• Shooting settings. These shooting settings are saved in Custom mode (  ): Exposure mode, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, AF operation, AF point, metering and drive mode, and the amounts set for exposure compensation and Flash Exposure Compensation.

• Menu settings. In Custom mode (  ), the following settings are registered:

• Shooting menus (). Shooting menu 1: Image quality, VF grid display, Viewfinder level, Beep, Release shutter without card, Image review. Shooting menu 2: Lens aberration correction, Flash control, E-TTL II metering, Flash sync. speed in Aperture-priority AE mode (  ), Red-eye reduction, Mirror lockup. Shooting menu 3: Exposure compensation/AEB, ISO settings, Auto Lighting Optimizer, White balance, Custom white balance, White balance Shift/Bracketing, Color space. Shooting menu 4: Picture Style, Long exposure noise reduction, High ISO speed Noise Reduction (NR), Highlight tone priority, Multiple exposure (options), HDR mode (options).

• Live View menus (). Live View shooting menu 1: Live View shooting, AF method, Continuous AF, Grid display, Aspect ratio, Exposure simulation. Live View shooting menu 2: Silent LV shooting, Metering timer.

• Movie menus (). Movie shooting menu 1: AF method, Movie Servo AF, Silent LV shooting, Metering timer. Movie shooting menu 2: Grid display, Movie recording size, Digital zoom, Sound recording, Movie recording count, Movie play count, Video snapshot.

• Playback menus (). Playback menu 2: Slide show (options), Image jump with the Main dial (  ). Playback menu 3: Highlight alert, AF point display, Playback grid, Histogram display, Movie play count.

• Setup menus (). Setup menu 1: File numbering, Auto rotate. Setup menu 2: Auto power off, LCD brightness, LCD off/on button. Setup menu 3: Touch control, Info button (  ) display options. Setup menu 4: Auto cleaning.

• Custom Function menus. C.Fn I: Exposure: Exposure level increments, ISO speed setting increments, Bracketing auto cancel, Bracketing sequence, Number of bracketed shots, Safety shift. C.Fn II: Autofocus: Tracking sensitivity, Acceleration/deceleration tracking, AI Servo 1st image priority, AI Servo 2nd image priority, AF-assist beam firing, Lens drive when AF impossible, Select AF area selection mode, AF area selection method, Orientation linked AF point, Manual AF point selection pattern, AF point display during focus, VF display illumination, AF Microadjustment. C.Fn III: Operation/Others: Dial direction during Shutter-priority AE/Aperture-priority AE (  )/(  ), Multi function lock, Custom Controls.

• My Menu (). The My Menu settings are not registered.

Before you register the camera settings, ensure the camera is set to Program AE (  ), Shutter-priority AE (  ), Aperture-priority AE (  ), or Manual (  ) mode.

Follow these steps to register camera settings:

1. On the camera, choose all the settings that you want to register. The settings will be the ones registered for this mode.

2. On the Setup menu 4 (), highlight Custom shooting mode (), and then press the Setting button (). The Custom Shooting mode (  ) screen appears.

6.10 The Custom shooting mode screen.

3. Select Register settings, and then press the Setting button (). The Register settings screen appears.

4. Choose OK, and then press the Setting button (). The Custom shooting mode screen appears.

5. If you want any of the changes you make while shooting in the Custom mode () to be saved, highlight Auto update set., and then press the Setting button (). The Disable and Enable options appear.

6. Highlight Enable, and then press the Setting button (). Changes you make during shooting are saved as part of the mode settings. You can set the Mode dial to Custom mode (  ) and begin shooting.

In Custom shooting mode (  ), neither the Clear all Camera settings on the Setup menu 4 (  ), nor the Clear all Custom Function option on the Custom Functions menu (  ) can be used. If you want to clear the registered user settings, choose Clear settings on the Custom shooting mode (  ) screen in step 2.

Customizing My Menu

The My Menu option (  ) on the 70D is a timesaver. With it, you can add your six most frequently used menu items and options. In addition to frequently used menu items, you can also add your most-often used Custom Functions to My Menu (  ).

You can arrange the menu items, and you can easily add or delete items from the menu. You can also set the 70D 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.

As an example, I usually register Multiple exposure, HDR Mode, External Speedlite control, Mirror lockup, High ISO speed NR, and Custom white balance. 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 My Menu screen (), highlight My Menu settings, and then press the Setting button (). The My Menu settings screen appears.

2. Highlight Register to My Menu, and then press the Setting button (). The Select item to register screen appears with a scrollable list of all menu items and Custom Functions available on the camera. To scroll through the list, turn the Quick Control dial (  ).

6.11 The My Menu settings screen.

6.12 The Select item to register screen.

3. Highlight the menu item you want to register, and then press the Setting button (). The Select item to register confirmation screen appears.

4. Choose OK, and then press the Setting button (). The Select item to register screen reappears so that you can select the next item.

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 items, follow these steps:

1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 in the adding items to My Menu task, if necessary.

2. On the My Menu settings screen, highlight Sort, and then press the Setting button (). The Sort My Menu screen appears.

3. Highlight the item you want to move to another position, and then press the Setting button (). The camera activates the sort control arrows to the right side of the menu item.

4. Turn the Quick Control dial () to move the item up or down in the list, and then press the Setting 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. Lightly press the shutter button to dismiss the menu.

You can follow these general steps to access My Menu settings. Once there, you can delete one or all items from the menu and have My Menu (  ) displayed each time you press the Menu button (  ).

Now you have a good idea of how you can set up the 70D 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.