Canon 1D Mark IV custom functions

The custom function of the Canon 1D type series let you configure the camera to your whishes. After a lot of testing I have finally optimized the camera to my needs. I will share with you all my costum settings and try to motivate why I have shosen for these settings.

Costum Functions I: Exposure
  1. Exposure level increments: 0 / This is the standard setting and also mostly commenly used setting.
  2. 2 ISO speed setting increments: 0 / 1/3-stop let's me get the lowest ISO possible to suit the situation.
  3. Set ISO speed range: enabled from H3 to L / gives me the complete range to work with.
  4. Bracketing auto cancel: 0 / This is the default value.
  5. Bracketing sequence: 0 / This way it starts with the correct exposure which is easier for me during post production.
  6. Number of bracketed shots: 2 or 3 / Most of the time I use setting 2 but in some situations more shots are needed for more dynamic range.
  7. Spot metering linked to AF point: 1 / I use spot metering a lot and it is easier for me if it is linked to the AF point.
  8. Safety shift: 2 / If I'm working in Av or Tv mode and the camera wouldn't be able to get the shot he is allowed to raise the ISO to be able to get the shot I need.
  9. Select usable shooting modes: Disable / I want to be able to use all shooting modes.
  10. Select usable metering modes: Disable / I want to be able to use all metering modes.
  11. Exposure mode in manual exposure: 0 / I want to be able to chose the metering mode during manual exposure, depending on the subject.
  12. Set shutter speed range: Disable / To be able to make use of the full range.
  13. Set aperture value range: Disable / To be able to make use of the full range.
  14. Apply shooting/metering mode: Disable / I want to be able to chose the metering mode depending on the subject.
  15. Flash synchronisation speed in Av mode: 1 / If I ever work in Av mode with flash I don't want the shutter speed to go too long.
  16. AE Microadjustment: 0 / Didn't find it nessecary.
  17. FE Microadjustment: 0 / Didn't find it nessecary.

Costum Functions II: Image/Flash Exposure/Display
  1. Long exposure noise reduction: 0 / I don't want the camera to do noise reduction during long exposure because it is really slow. It takes almost the same time as the exposure time.
  2. High ISO speed noise reduction: 0 / The standard setting is fine.
  3. Highlight tone priority: 0 / I don't want to give priority to highlights.
  4. Auto Lighting Optimizer: 0 / It is the default value.
  5. E-TTL II flash metering: 0 / I want an evaluative metering.
  6. Shutter curtain synchronisation: 0 or 1 / This setting doesn't matter to me because I set the curtain synchronisation on the flash and not on the camera.
  7. Flash firing: 0 / I want to be able to use flash.
  8. Viewfinder info during exposure: 1 / It is just a handy feature.
  9. LCD panel illumination during Bulb: 1 / Comes in really handy during Bulb exposure.
  10. Info button when shooting: 1 / Gives the most useful information.

Costum Functions III: Autofocus/Drive
  1. USM lens electronic MF: 0 / Allows the most flexibility.
  2. AI Servo tracking sensitivity: 0 / Gives good tracking capabilities without hunting when working with the right technique.
  3. AI Servo 1st/2nd image priority: 0 / Gives priority to AF and tracking of the subject.
  4. AI Servo AF tracking method: 0 / Gives the main AF point priority while tracking.
  5. Lens drive when AF impossible: 0 / Allows a focus search.
  6. Lens AF stop button function: 0 / AF stop.
  7. AF Microadjestment: 2 / Every lens has a different correction factor if needed correction.
  8. AF expansion with selected AF point: 2 / Surrounding AF points.
  9. Multi-controller while metering: 1 / Let's me adjust the AF point.
  10. Selectable AF point: 1 / 19 points is enough for me but more importantly, spot metering linked to the AF point only works with 19 or less AF points.
  11. Switch to registered AF point: 1 / Let's me go quickly from the selected AF point back to the previous one.
  12. AF point auto selection: 0 / This setting is the one I'm used to.
  13. AF point display during focus: 0 / Always shows the active AF point.
  14. AF point brightness: 0 / Normal brightness is visible enough.
  15. AF-assist beam firing: 0 / Allows the AF beam to fire even when the flash function is turned off.
  16. Orientation linked AF point: 1 / Selects different AF points depending on the orientation of the camera.
  17. Mirror Lockup: 0, 1 or 2 / This setting depends on the subject I'm shooting.
  18. Continuous shooting speed: Enable / I have change the number of images during slow continous shooting from 3 to 4 because it gives me that little bit more speed without the overkill of 10 fps during slower action shots and thus saving memory and time during post processing.
  19. Limit continuous shot count: Disable / I will determine how many shots are needed.

Costum Functions IV: Operation/Others
  • Shutter button/AF-ON button: 1 / This allows for continuous AF except for when I push the AF-ON button.
  • AF-ON/AE lock button switch: O / I don't use this function because I mostly shoot in manual.
  • Quick control dial in metering mode: 0 / The most usefull setting.
  • Assign SET button: 0 / All other functions are assigned to other buttons and LiveView is already assigned to the SET button.
  • Tv/Av setting for manual exposure: 0 / The default setting on all Canon cameras and thus the logical choise when using multiple bodies.
  • Dial direction during Tv/Av: 0 / The default setting on all Canon cameras and thus the logical choise when using multiple bodies.
  • Av setting without lens: 0 / I never set the aperture value beforehand.
  • WB + media/image size setting: 0 / Assigned to the rear LCD panel.
  • lock/memo button function: 2 / Plays the memo when pressed shortly and records one when pressed for a longer time than 2 seconds.
  • Button function of the function dials: 1 / Disables the functions of both dials and the multi-controller when the ON-OFF switch is set the ON. The prevents any settings to be changed inadvertenly, which is convenient when you want to keep shooting with the same settings.
  • Start movie shooting: 0 / Starts shooting from LiveView.
  • Focussing Screen: 0 / The standard focussing screen.
  • Timer length for timer: Disable / The standard settings are fine.
  • Shortened release time lag: 0 or 1 / Depending on the subject I'm shooting. I use the shortened release time lag when shooting sports, which normally is shot using wide apertures.
  • Add aspect ratio information: 0 / This option is not needed for me.
  • Add image verification data: 0 / I don't have the Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 from Canon so this option isn't usefull for me.


    • If you want my opinion on the Canon 1D mark IV go over to my review page by clicking here.
    I hope you have found this information helpfull. If you have any more questions, you can always contact me using the contact page.