Make it mine
Customizing your camera, just how you like it
The latest generation of EOS cameras are truly amazing; they make pictures almost without any light at all, and have loads of clever automatic functions to help every photographer make better pictures. But the key to making the most of the technical marvel in your camera bag is getting it to work for you, the way you want.
In our hands we have custom shooting modes, custom functions, focus tuning, image processing features and plenty more. With what must seem like an overload of features and menus, we need help to simplify and tailor the camera to do as we want. The camera designers do a mighty fine job, but like all craftsmen it is your role to turn the camera into your camera.
Many years ago there was the arrival of something new: the green-tabbed My Menu. It has continued to develop and grow, but so many photographers that I meet on training courses have missed its value. Initially it was just an area where you could put your favourite six items from the camera’s regular menu system.
The EOS 7D Mark II brought My Menu 2.0 and multiple tabs to create, fill and name. This second generation ushered in the option to simply hide all the other menus if you choose. For most of my photography, I need just four or five carefully planned My Menu tabs, and I can get on with enjoying my photography.
I’ve got a My Menu dedicated to autofocus settings. I loved the original AF menu, but five tabs of AF settings is more than I need on a daily basis and My Menu gives me access to the ones I need quickly. The EOS 5DS/5DS R, EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS 5D Mark IV also have the possibility to customize the information shown on the LCD screen. I’ve customized mine and hidden away the standard version, as I just don’t need it anymore.
The combination of customizing the LCD screen and the menus has allowed me to get easy access to all that I need to quickly and simply. It is an evolving setup, which develops with me over time. So are you making the most of the options on your camera? Get customizing and you will!