1DsMkII Useability Nits

[DCB]

Before I get used to them :) I figured I'd catalog the things about the 1DsMkII that don't seem intuitive to me. Eventually I'll get used to them, but for now they stand out as "nits" on a camera that otherwise I'm very happy with:

First, it ought to be easier to lock the mirror up:
--1. Hold down "menu" and scroll to custom functions.
--2. Release "menu."
--3. Select "custom functions."
--4. Release "select" button.
--5. Hold down "select" and choose "custom function #12."
--6. Release "select" button.
--7. Hold down "select" button and choose "enable."
--8. Release "select" button.
--9. Press "menu" button.

Then reverse when you are done! Geez. Seems like there ought to be some programmable macro function that would utilize the simultaneous application of two buttons, like "select" and "menu" or several other possibilities. Or even a couple of empty programmable buttons.

Second, changing the writable card is not intuitive. It's under "display." Select that and then choose the "folder" option. Then select Card 1 or Card 2. Why would it be under display? ???

Third, the "card full" message ought to be more specific. If, for example, you are using a 2 GB CF card a 1GB SD card, and if you've selected "Backup 1 -> 2" in the menu options, you'll get a "card full" message when Card 2 is full and no longer backing up Card 1. It should say "Backup Card Full" or something. And on a related note, you should be able to turn backup off quickly so that you can keep shooting.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to retract any of these "nits" if I simply missed an easier way to do things in the manual and this post will serve to just make me look stupid! :D

[rickyd]

Im with you!! Just spent 4 days in yellowstone national park and between trying to shoot wildlife and shooting geyser scapes I was constantly shifting from mirror lock up/2 sec timer to standard and back frequently as animals suddenly apeared in the area. What a pain in the _ ss. Cmon Canon fix this one!
Rickyd

[pcasciola]

Do you actually have to hold down the menu and select buttons while you select?

It's a pain to set mirror lockup on the 20D too, but I don't have to hold down any of these while selecting:

1. menu
2. scroll to custom functions
3. set
4. scroll to mirror lockup
5. set
5. scroll to enable
6. set
7. press menu again or press shutter release

Still too many steps, though. What would be nice is user configurable buttons (at least on the 1 series anyway) that you could use to quickly switch the custom functions that you define.

[CyberDyneSystems]

When I got my 1D I too was amazed at how much more difficult most of the menu functions are...

I mean.. changing ISO settings on a Digital should be seemless.. But on a 1 digital it takes two hands and at least three fingers simultaeneously! :mad:

Now.. 4 Cameras later (1Ds, 1D MkII, 1DsMkII) it is simply sad that Canon will NOT apply what it is learning regarding menu systems on the D30-10D-20D cameras to the "Pro" models. (change ISO one hand, one finger)

I had assumed that the MkII would much improved in this regard..

It is not.

I understand there is this desire for backwards familiarity.. and somone allways brings this up,..

But lets be real. There has to be a point where the line is drawn between legacy support and forward advancement. In the case of the "1" Digitals.. the menu system goes back to Film bodies and is hopelessly over cumbersome for no good reason at all.

I mean.. how hard will it be for 1V owners to learn a new EASIER menu system?

Someday Canon will replace the 1V.

It should have been with the MkII didgitals that the Menu was overhauled.. and from that point forward all Pro bodies,. including any new film pro bodies,.. should be using a more evolved menu system.

[DCB]

I understand there is this desire for backwards familiarity

One option would be to give the user a choice: old familiar method or newer method. You'll see that in menu selections in popular software, like Word.

[CyberDyneSystems]

True..
And you do see changeable options allready in the 1 series.. like the ability to swap controller dials.. thumbwheel Vs. Finger wheel.. for most if not all of there functions.

I'd really like to see the 20D's "eraser head" added to the next pro model too ;)

And yet most of the issues with the 1 series can be solved simply by allowing us to work the menu with a single button push as opposed to;

A: Having to hold the button down and work a wheel simultaneously,
B: Having to hold down two buttons simultaneously,

Your Right,. I would think that in the cases of simply replceing a held button (or two) with a pressed and released button.. even firmware could allow the change.. but now I'm dreaming... ;)

[defordphoto]

Heheheh! Yeah, I remember when I first got my 1DMKII. I was freaking lost. Getting through menus was a major chore.

Now, it's like breathing. You'll get used to it. In fact, now that I am used to it I appreciate it as there were many times with the 10D where options got changed by accident and then I'd have to try and figure out what the heck I did. I think that's the method behind the madness on the 1D pro cams is to make it not so easy to change options so you don't do that bay accident. I read it somewhere, I think even from Chuck Westfall, but I'm far too busy to go and try and find that quote.

Once you get used it it it's no big deal. It's no more difficult than learning to drive a stick.

[DCB]

Once you get used it it it's no big deal. It's no more difficult than learning to drive a stick.

You mean "learning to drive a car with manual transmission?" I've never tried to drive a stick, but I think it would be difficult to do. :p

[KennyG]

I have always preferred the 1 series bodies method of selection. I suppose it is a matter of use and a long time in the 1 series saddle has made it comfortable for me. Canon's prime market for this range is the pros, and any changes would have them shouting a lot louder than anyone else.

[defordphoto]

You mean "learning to drive a car with manual transmission?" I've never tried to drive a stick, but I think it would be difficult to do. :p

Stick shift. Geeze. :rolleyes:

[Longwatcher]

I don't use mirror lock-up much, but can feel your pain.
I am with you on the card choice. Although, I don't use back-up card much, for me backup is I need to take a shot now and ran out on my primary. In this case, pulling the CF card is the fastest way to select the SD card unless I just happened to already be in the correct menu slot for changing cards. And I don't think the 1V had CF and SD cards, so Canon really has no excuse. Until I RTFM, I thought that maybe one of the three buttons at the bottom changed the cards in cunjunction with the rear dial.

Other then that, I am getting used to it and actually like the set up better for most occasions I shoot in. But every once in awhile I which I had my 10D buttons and CF card change out method back.

[davidwegs]

Seems the same to me.

I found the two handed button holding methods of these 1 series cameras not nearly as intuative as the 20d's. Particularly the MLU feature.

Perhaps 'more to fix' is the strategy of Canon. Gives them room to grow (make a larger profit).