canon eos 5 d mark iii af and custom function settings

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home info About Press galleries Award Winners Wedding Faves Engagement Faves Millennium Biltmore Wedding :: Diane + Ramon blog venues testimonials workshops San Diego Photography Lighting Workshop Shoot Like A NINJA Photo Workshop Photoshop Like a NINJA Photo Workshop articles Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator 18 Essential SEO Tips for Photographers Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings 600EX Multi Master and Slave Setup contact Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is here and it’s a joy to use. Long time 5D and 5D Mark II users have lots to look forward to in the AF department. Karen and I have been a San Diego Wedding Photographer duo for over 7 years and we haven’t been this excited about a camera this much in all those years. There are a bevy of settings in the new 5D Mark III. This article covers some of the new 5D Mark III AF and Custom function settings available on the Mark III and the settings we have settled on for now, along with commentary on the settings. This list will be revised as the wedding season progresses. Disclaimer: we get nuts and bolts technical on this, so stop here if F stops or setting AF modes give you headaches. For the technically fearless, read on… Canon 5D Mark III AF Settings There are tons of new AF settings with respect to previous 5D models (AF has 5 submenus alone!). Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/ 1 of 23 8/5/2012 5:46 PM

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Page 1: Canon eos 5 d mark iii af and custom function settings

home

info

About

Press

galleries

Award Winners

Wedding Faves

Engagement Faves

Millennium Biltmore Wedding :: Diane + Ramon

blog

venues

testimonials

workshops

San Diego Photography Lighting Workshop

Shoot Like A NINJA Photo Workshop

Photoshop Like a NINJA Photo Workshop

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Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator

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Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings

600EX Multi Master and Slave Setup

contact

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is here and it’s a joy to use. Long time 5D and 5D Mark II users have lots to look forward to in the AF

department. Karen and I have been a San Diego Wedding Photographer duo for over 7 years and we haven’t been this excited about a

camera this much in all those years. There are a bevy of settings in the new 5D Mark III. This article covers some of the new 5D Mark III

AF and Custom function settings available on the Mark III and the settings we have settled on for now, along with commentary on the

settings. This list will be revised as the wedding season progresses. Disclaimer: we get nuts and bolts technical on this, so stop here if F

stops or setting AF modes give you headaches. For the technically fearless, read on…

Canon 5D Mark III AF Settings

There are tons of new AF settings with respect to previous 5D models (AF has 5 submenus alone!).

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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AI Servo AF Characteristics. There are 6 AF tracking cases you can choose from. All cases are based

on two parameters* 1) first parameter deals with tracking responsiveness vs focus locking tradeoff and2) second parameter deals with acceleration and deceleration of subject (more aggressive settings track

faster but are prone to more focus error). From Cases 1 to 6, we’re giving Case 2 a go initially as weprefer it’s advantages of allowing you to continuously track a subject, whilst ignoring possible obstacles.This is great for reception and dance floors where someone briefly comes between the camera and

subject, possibly throwing off focus. Drastic changes in focus tend to be ignored so that tracking ismaintained with the subject.

The different cases in more detail:Case 1: Default tracking for general subjects.

Case 2: Continues to track subject with intermittent obstacles blocking subject.Case 3: You can think of this as the opposite of Case 2. Instantly tracks new subjects entering theframe.

Case 4: Good for subjects that are abruptly accelerating or decelerating. Not to sure this is useful forweddings, but if you were shooting sports such as tracking a basketball being passed I’d imagine this

would be useful.Case 5: For erratic subject movement. Might be useful at a skeet shooting themed wedding I suppose.Case 6: Useful if you are shooting multiple skeet shooting themed weddings simultaneously.

* we lied. There are actually 3 parameters but the last one deals with automatic AF point

selection. We don’t use auto AF point selection at all so we don’t care about this parameter.

We use Manual AF Selection and Expanded AF area modes only (see pg 99 of the manual).

UPDATE: 2012-04-01

Case 2 handled beautifully for a wedding processional we shot this past weekend. As the

wedding party was making way down the aisle, each person had to walk passed some trees

and AI Servo maintained lock on the subjects as they passed behind the trees. Ed shot from

the front of the ceremony aisle and nailed 100% of the processional using the 2nd to top

center cross AF point to focus on the face in AI Servo. As noted in the user manual, the 2nd

to top center cross AF point is a dual cross type, the topmost is a regular cross type so keep

that in mind.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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AI First and Second Image Priority For continuous action we prefer focus over release

responsiveness. For AI Servo focussing, we’re usually continuously tracking a subject prefer

focus over responsiveness (processional / recessional). For Second image we again use focus

priority.

Side note: About 95% of time during a wedding subjects are not moving much, so we’re

using Single Shot AF mode with the shutter on release priority. So in cases where a moment

happens in a split second, we do not need to wait for focus to lock prior to shutter release.

(More on that later).

Focus Priority over Release Priority.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We only have one lens that really takes advantage of this setting (85mm f/1.2L MkII). It’s

helpful to be able to use manual focus on this lens, so we leave this enabled.

Enabling MF after AF operation.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We leave the AF assist on. Helpful for very dark receptions.

For One Shot AF, we use back button focusing, so the shutter button operates in shutter

priority (focus lock not required) so this setting doesn’t really matter in our setup. We default

it to focus priority just in case we ever disable back button focus.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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When using large aperture or large telephoto lenses in very dark situations, AF can get

thrown way off in difficult lighting situations. We prefer the AF to stop focusing instead of

continuously racking focus. We’ll opt to manual focus when AF can’t focus.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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This may be a bit controversial, but we don’t use all 61 AF points and only care for the high

precision cross type sensors. The AF points on the very left and right edge of the frame (in

horizontal shots) do not focus well for subjects with dominant vertical detail. Maybe we’ll

revisit this down the line, but for now the leftmost and rightmost AF points are just a pain in

the ass.

One of the nice aspects of the AF selection button (joystick) is you can bounce between

center AF point and and edge by pressing down on this button. This can be very useful when

you have two subjects in frame that you are continuously switching focus on, e.g reception

speeches.

AF selection mode allows you to enable various AF areas.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We only care for the manually configured AF area selections. No David Jay Spray and Pray

crap here.

The main dial seems to be easier for us to adjust settings, so we prefer that over M-Fn button.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We find orientation link very useful. Set the AF point and AF mode separately for each

orientation, that is hold the camera horizontally set the AF point and mode, then hold the

camer and set a different AF point and mode. Whenever you switch your hold, the camera

will remember the position you set. Awesomeness.

We like the wrap around Asteroids setting. This allows one two quickly jump from one edge

to the other, say if you have a subject on extreme left and right side of the frame that you are

bouncing focus between. 1 button click > 10 button clicks.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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Asteroids wraps around setting.

We like seeing all the AF points on display as a visual reminder for the AF points and we

also use them for keeping our horizons level.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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AF points light up in very dark scenes when this is enabled. AF illumination is set to auto in

order to conserve battery. We’ll try to leave this on for a whole wedding and report back if it

indeed drains battery quickly.

We haven’t done AF microadjustments for our lenses yet, but here’s a way of doing AF

microadjustments using your monitor. That’s it for AF settings.

Playback Settings

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We only really care for highlight alerts enabled. Everything else we leave as default. In

another submenu, there’s an in camera raw processor… that’s kind of cool if you’re far away

from a computer and need to convert a RAW to JPG.

Do you shoot in BEASTMODE?

Canon 5D Mark III Custom Function Settings

This is where the fun starts.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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All defaults. We haven’t bracketed a shot since the advent of LCDs on the backs of cameras.

Ahhhh custom controls, how we love thee.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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The new graphical custom control display is a welcome addition to the 5D menu setup. Hey,

we’re photographers after all and are visual folks by nature. When you scroll through this

menu, the picture highlights the button/control that you are about to set. There are tons of

options for customizing controls and we’re still exploring them all, but here are some of the

settings we are pretty stoked about below.

We use the AF-ON (back button) to focus, so we set the Shutter button for metering only.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We swap the AF On and Flash Exposure Lock buttons. We’re used to the old 5D, where there

is no dedicated AF-ON button. You know what they say about old habits…

We use the * button for AF and metering start. Our preferred shooting method is to have AF

set to single shot, then when we shoot we pre-focus on subject and recompose. This is way

we shoot 90% of the day. Processional and recessional is the one few times where we set use

AI Servo.

There are a couple advantages for separating focus and shutter release.

1) One doesn’t have to focus recompose every time when a subject is placed in an extreme

corner of the frame.

2) Another advantage is one does not need to have focus locked before releasing the shutter.

We prefer having a moment slightly out of focus rather than having missed the moment that

is in sharp focus.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We’re super stoked about being able to custom set the DOF preview button. We can count on

one hand the number of times we use this button per year on our old 5Ds. We love setting

this to One Shot AF / AI Servo toggle. So now, when we press and hold the DOF button the

AF mode switches to AI Servo. No need to press the button. One thing to note: it’s not a real

toggle, as you have to hold down on this button for it to stay on AI Servo, but still a welcome

addition. We’d love it to be a toggle though. Are you listening Canon?

We haven’t messed with this really as we don’t have super massive Javelin missle launcher

telephoto lenses.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We set the multi-function button to VF electronic level when we really need precision on

leveling our shots. 90% of the time we’re using the AF layout for leveling our shots.

We setup this control to quickly set ISO. We’ve been wanting a way to set ISO while keeping

our index finger on the shutter button. It’s a very welcome addition. Thanks, Canon!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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We always enable the Multicontroller “joystick.” As mentioned previously, one of the nice

new additions is toggling between a designated AF point and the center AF point. Enable this

setting so you can toggle between a selected AF point and center AF.

We don’t mess around with this control, and keep it to the default Canon style: shutter on the

top dial, back dial for aperture.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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See previous caption.

Lastly, for My Menu we add Format and Set Time. Needless to say, these are things we

always sync camera times and format cards before a shoot, so it makes sense to have quick

access to these.

If you have any custom settings you prefer or would like to share, please feel free to comment below. We hope you found this article useful.

Thanks!

UPDATE: 2012-07-23

More 5D Mark III AF tips

There’s been a lot gripe about the Mark III taking a very long time to focus in very dark situations, such as a dark wedding reception. The

problem happens especially when using single shot. We’ve been using AI Servo for dancefloor and have been getting much better results vs

single shot. Also, on thing to note when using the Mark III is even though the in focus red light doesn’t light up, the image still tends to be

in focus. You’ll just have to trust it and have faith just like Luke Skywalker using the force to blow up the Death Star.

Another tip: to get your bearings in very dark lighting situations, and find the focus select point, use the AF selection button to quickly

display where the AF select point is.

Ed Atrero, San Diego Wedding Photographer

Do you shoot in BEASTMODE?

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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Canon 5D Mark II Cameras

Upto 29% Off on Canon DSLR Cameras Free Shipping. EMI Options. Buy Nowwww.tradus.com/Buy-Camera

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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Add a comment19 comments

José de Sousa · Macao, China

The 5D Mark III originally do not possess the GPS so I have to send it to Canon HK to upgrade the firmware and now I'm trying it. Inside the building it seems it

doesn't work so you need to be outdoor therefore you have to take that into account. Recently I bought another one Canon 1DX which is the top range of the

Canon EOS so no more as I'm spending money like hell!

Reply · · Like · July 29 at 7:12pm1

José de Sousa · Macao, China

Dear Ana, Thanks for your feedback as I tried already to contact Canon service centre in Hong Kong as it seems a bit complicated since the GPS needs to get the

signal from the sattelite otherwise there will be no record on the photo. I found the histogram function already but not toally satisfactory yet.

Reply · · Like · July 27 at 12:06am1

Ana Sierra Steiert

That's a pity, Mr José de Sousa…Oliver considered the same camera before because of the GPS…but because of the lenses we have already & for

"efficiency" reasons…our second one is also an Olympus…BTW…I'm sure you know that if you open your photos with Photoshop, you will be able to

find some infos about your image...

Reply · Like · July 29 at 2:33pm

Candice C. Cusic · Chicago, Illinois

Miss you, Ed! You have one thing I absolutely admire in other people... a brilliant, technical mind. Wish I could steal it for a while and REALLY wish you shot Nikon,

brotha! Love this post and all of your info... you are quite amazing and man, are your clients the lucky ones to have found you! :-)

Reply · · Like · March 29 at 7:16pm4

Ed Atrero · Top Commenter · Photographer at Atrero Photography · 216 subscribers

I ♥ Candice!

Reply · Like · March 29 at 7:27pm

Candice C. Cusic · Chicago, Illinois

Not as much as I love you both! And, once again, that brilliant technical mind... I don't know how to make a heart thingie. :-) You guys continually

inspire me and I'm so happy to have met you!!!

Reply · · Like · March 29 at 7:34pm1

Tim Forbes · Top Commenter · Kingston, Ontario

Nice! Makes me want one SOOO BAD!

PS Asteroids RULEZ!

Reply · · Like · March 29 at 8:21pm4

Shayne Bampton · Owner/Photographer at SB images

"no david jay spray and pray crap here". lol

now i have the bug too.... af heaven!! i hadnt really read the specs on it yet so i wouldnt make myself sick wanting one.

Reply · Like · March 30 at 3:48am

Ray Anthony Iavasile · Owner/Photographer at Ray Anthony Photography

LOL! "Case 5: For erratic subject movement. Might be useful at a skeet shooting themed wedding I suppose.

Case 6: Useful if you are shooting multiple skeet shooting themed weddings simultaneously."

Reply · · Like · April 2 at 11:59am3

Richard Ware · Owner/Photographer at Richard Ware Photography

Great post! I will read this through with my camera later and see what a difference it makes....

Reply · · Like · April 11 at 2:13am2

Rex Larsen · Works at The Grand Rapids Press

Wonderful article that is really, really helpful. Thanks! Please now treat us to one about color choices and RAW size options etc. Keep it coming. Thanks a lot.

Reply · · Like · April 1 at 11:38pm1

Stephen Chiang · La Mesa, California

Nice write up... curious to see how well that autofocus microfocus adjust method works on the 5DIII since they reduced moire. or does that even matter?

Reply · · Like · March 31 at 7:01am1

Ed Atrero · Top Commenter · Photographer at Atrero Photography · 216 subscribers

Great point Stephen! I will test it out and update my post. Thanks.

Reply · Like · April 1 at 1:34am

Brent Foster · Owner, and Picture Taker at Brent Foster Photography (The Studio)

Thanks guys! I'm loving the camera, and have mine set up almost the same, but really, really struggling with the color difference compares to the Mark II. Would

love to hear your color profile choices! :)

Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF and Custom Function Settings http://www.atrero.com/articles/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-af-settings/

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