Custom Functions: Because I shoot almost exclusively in manual, I never really looked into custom functions. As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom...

Larz

Because I shoot almost exclusively in manual, I never really looked into custom functions. As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom functions?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I have no idea myself. A good many of the custom functions I have on my cameras won't work for RAW captures. The only thing that I find very useful is the custom WB I use to obtain the optimum exposure I find necessary. Like yourself, I expose 99% of the time using manual settings.
--Bob

Larz wrote:

Because I shoot almost exclusively in manual, I never really looked into custom functions. As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom functions?

Larz

Thanks Bob.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I do wish there was a critical review site that reports the effectiveness of auto WB. You can set sunny WB and just as you click a cloud intrudes an the incident wavelength distribution changes and you can't. I leave my Sony a6300 on auto WB, but have no idea how effective it is. WB is a technical matter that resolves only by laboratory testing.

rmalarz wrote:

I have no idea myself. A good many of the custom functions I have on my cameras won't work for RAW captures. The only thing that I find very useful is the custom WB I use to obtain the optimum exposure I find necessary. Like yourself, I expose 99% of the time using manual settings.
--Bob

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Larz wrote:

Because I shoot almost exclusively in manual, I never really looked into custom functions. As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom functions?

See what functions your camera allows you to save. You may be able to quickly switch from wildlife to landscape, or whatever, and not have to do many further adjustments other than shutter, aperture, etc.

Larz

I don't know how other manual shooters do it but all of the adjustments are done in my head as I evaluate the scene as I prepare to shoot. I don't know what information I would save between shots. I suppose for a studio shoot it could be helpful though.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Larz wrote:

As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom functions?

One would use custom functions because virtually every scene is different.

Larz

I don't follow.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

OddJobber wrote:

One would use custom functions because virtually every scene is different.

Many of us undoubtedly have no idea which settings can be saved for a starting menu that would provide for the basics for different and quickly changing opportunities. Just to clarify, I am including the Custom Menu Bank settings.

Larz

I think I see your point but it seems like it would be easier to learn the proper manual settings and use that knowledge while evaluating the scene than to try to remember what settings you have saved in custom functions.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Larz wrote:

I think I see your point but it seems like it would be easier to learn the proper manual settings and use that knowledge while evaluating the scene than to try to remember what settings you have saved in custom functions.

Please check my edit to include Custom Menu Settings.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Larz wrote:

Because I shoot almost exclusively in manual, I never really looked into custom functions. As virtually every scene is different, for what would one use custom functions?

I use them for action shooting. I set parameters and then I instantly have what I WANT. Then I have a B&W custom setting with parameters I like already set so I just turn to that cf on the knob and no worries. They are great.
I seldom waste time on manual unless there is a specific task that it is required for.

Larz

Thanks.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Reviewing your posting history, you have never mentioned what kind of equipment you use.

My entry-level D3100 has no custom setting. Nikon D800, D750, D850, D500 have as many as 54 custom settings and from none to 4 custom setting banks that can be saved. As is, you're asking for speculation about equipment you have not specified.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

OddJobber wrote:

Reviewing your posting history, you have never mentioned what kind of equipment you use.

My entry-level D3100 has no custom setting. Nikon D800, D750, D850, D500 have as many as 54 custom settings and from none to 4 custom setting banks that can be saved. As is, you're asking for speculation about equipment you have not specified.

Precisely why I recommended that he see what his equipment offered.