Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Just got an amazing price on a brand new 5d MK II so I will have to part with my D90.

Some questions for Canon users or other Nikon users that switched to Canon:

1) Is a programmable button on the camera? For example I usually shoot with a flash and on m D90 I had the front custom button set to turn the flash off because it's quicker than actually turning the flash off. Is there any similar option for Canon?

2) What kind of settings can be saved in the C1/C2/C3 buttons? Will it hold exposure values also (for example if I like shooting at a specific aperture & shutter is there a way to recall that also?

3) Is there a way to lock the focus point to the center focus point so I don't accidentally switch it?

4) no af-assist lamp? seriously?

1 probably not, I think 1series and 7d can
2 yes exposure settings are retained, so is mirror lockup, and I think everything else (menu)
No lock for focus point either I believe, never shot that camera though.

thanks....so basically if I want to shoot an exposure without my flash while it's mounted on the camera, i'll have to lock focus, turn the flash off then fire off a shot?

would be nice if there was an easier way to do this

There is, read the manual.

As I mentioned I got a price I couldn't refuse and I plan on using the camera for video work as well (the video on the 5d is simply beautiful even a Nikon loyalist has to admit his)....there are some quirks to the Canon system that will take some adjusting to but overall I'm very happy with the purchase. I'm especially liking the idea of mounting my Nikon lenses on it for videos.

I read the manual and couldn't find it anywhere...there is an option to customize the SET button to certain functions but turning off the flash when there is one mounted isn't one of the options.

On a 580EXII make sure Flash custom function 8 is enable under the "External Speedlite Control". Then in "flash function settings" - Flash Firing - Disable/Enable. If you select disable the flash will not fire but the AF-assist still activates.

I think I know the easiest solution. Go back to Nikon.

Just kidding, enjoy your new camera!

You can then save this, along with any other settings you like, under the custom settings on the top dial.

but it wouldn't be a one-button-press toggle, would it?

Once you save it to a custom mode you just select it on the dial.

Not quite as easy with my Nikon as I can have a dedicated button for this but I guess you're right I can use one of the three custom modes to save a setting for this, thanks!!