Canon 5D Mark IV Setup and Settings: A Guide After 4 Years of Professional Use

The Canon 5D Mark IV is a highly regarded camera that has been widely used by professionals for its exceptional performance. This article will provide an in-depth look at the setup and settings of the Canon 5D Mark IV, as well as some tips and tricks from someone who has been using it professionally for the past four years.

Camera Strap and Flash Trigger

The author starts by discussing their preferences for camera straps and flash triggers. They mention that they prefer using the Canon camera straps that come with the camera itself because they are reliable and don't have any metal parts that could scratch the camera. However, the author acknowledges that different photographers may have their own preferences.

They also mention using a flash trigger from a company called Essential Photo, which allows them to fire their off-camera flash remotely. They highlight its range, reliable connection, and good battery life as the reasons for their preference. The only downside mentioned is the wish for a brighter screen.

Camera Body Configuration

Moving on to the camera body, the author shares their setup and customization choices. They mention having the Manfrotto tripod plate attached to the bottom of the camera for easy mounting on tripods. Additionally, they discuss the use of a Zacuto Z-Finder plate for utilizing the live view function of the camera, particularly for taking still pictures, and highlight the benefits of this setup.

Menu Settings and Custom Controls

The author dives into the menu settings of the Canon 5D Mark IV, discussing various options, such as shooting in RAW mode, white balance settings, picture styles, autofocus settings, and more. They emphasize their preference for shooting in sRGB mode, using automatic white balance, and sticking with standard picture profiles.

They also mention their use of the back button focus technique and the customization of buttons to suit their shooting style. The author discusses their choices of assigning different functions to buttons like depth of field preview, ISO control, zoom, and more. They also touch upon the use of the C1, C2, and C3 custom settings on the top of the camera body.

Keyword

Canon 5D Mark IV, camera strap, flash trigger, camera body configuration, menu settings, custom controls, back button focus, button customization

FAQ

1. What camera strap does the author recommend for the Canon 5D Mark IV?

   • The author suggests using the Canon camera straps that come with the camera itself, citing their reliability and lack of metal parts that could potentially scratch the camera.

2. How does the author control their off-camera flash remotely?

   • The author uses a flash trigger from Essential Photo, which allows them to fire their off-camera flash remotely with a good range and reliable connection.

3. What customization options does the Canon 5D Mark IV offer for buttons?

   • The camera provides the ability to assign different functions to buttons, such as depth of field preview, ISO control, zoom, and more. The author shares their preferred button configurations based on their shooting style.

4. How can I set up the Canon 5D Mark IV for back button focus?

   • The author mentions disabling the autofocus function on the shutter button and assigning it to a button on the back of the camera instead. This allows for easier control over focusing and shooting.

5. Are the custom settings (C1, C2, C3) useful on the Canon 5D Mark IV?

   • The author explains that the custom settings can be helpful for quickly accessing personalized configurations and switching between different shooting setups. However, they also caution that using these settings can add complexity to the camera's operation.