chuckwilly wrote:
Is there a way to set the camera for 4x5 or if not what is the best setting if you need to make a lot of 8x10 photos?
I'm sure you are referring to the "aspect ratio" of the images taken by the camera.
Some Canon have means of changing their native 3:2 aspect ratio to others, such as 5:4 (not 4x5). But many models don't give you this option. It's mostly just the high-end, full frame DSLRs and the full frame mirrorless (R-series) that have user-selectable aspect ratios. Some Canon can display a grid in the viewfinder and/or on the rear LCD screen to help with some of the optional aspect ratios.
If your camera doesn't have those features, simply shoot the native 3:2, make some allowance for cropping and crop the image later in post-processing.
There really is no "perfect" aspect ratio. 3:2 is the standard for many cameras, but some use others... Such as Olympus/Panasonic with 4:3 (more similar to, but not quite the same as 5:4).
A 3:2 aspect ratio allows the full image to be printed 4x6", 6x9", 8x12", 10x15", 12x18", 13x19", 18x24", 24x36" and so on.
A 5:4 aspect ratio equates to a print 4x5", 8x10", 16x20", 24x30" and so on.
There are a number of standard print sizes in between the typically used aspect ratios, such as 3.5x5", 5x7", 11x14", 20x24", etc.
If you use a standard print size, you'll be able to find lower-cost, pre-cut mats and ready-made frames. Custom made mats and frames typically cost 3X to 6X more than ready-made.
Even though they have means of changing the aspect ratio, I've never done so with my Canon cameras. I shoot with 3:2 all the time and later crop the image in post processing to a different aspect ratio, if it's appropriate for the particular image. I've also got a background in the matting and framing business, so have a pretty good idea of what print sizes to use... and which to avoid, unless absolutely necessary!