5D mkIII - how do you make CF always default first card?

Each time I remove a memory card I need to check to see if I have the CF card set as my first card to fill. Is there a way to set this as the first write card always as a default setting?

If there is a way I've never found it. I keep the record function+card/folder select in 'my menu' for quick access.

No there is no way to do this, but it has been requested a few times in the past. Hopefully Canon listens for future releases.

I have developed a habit to always pull the SD card and put in the CF card, then close the door, then open the door and put the SD card back in, in lieu of this option.

It is certainly possible for Canon to add this because Magic lantern has included it as an option.

Here is what the ML menu item looks like....

I don't think it changes card if you avoid turning the camera on without a CF card inserted.
I don't know too weel, since I frequently use Ethernet to transfer images from the camera instead of moving the card to a card reader.

Definitely an aggravation! Let's get this fixed, Canon!

Just leave the card door open until you replace the CF card.

Turn off camera, remove card, copy photos, re-insert card, turn on camera. The preferred card stays as it was. 5 easy steps.

I do it always because I prefer the SD card (my PC has a built-n reader), unless I am shooting high speed continuous. Even then, there is no penalty if I don't fill the buffer.

I haven't seen it in the menu but a quick press of the 'Q' button and you can select the card to use from the options/settings

Or just use a CF card only.

I hear these work arounds being suggested, and they are fine for slow days. When one is shoot the snow goose migration or a morning shooting yellow bill cranes in Africa followed by a large elephant herd crossing, leaving the card door open isn't an option. You swap cards when suddenly you notice you've lost your burst rate (i.e. you are now writing to the SD card). Then you change cards and keep shooting. Later in the day you do file transfer to the laptop and external hard drive.

Yes, I can and do manually shift back to the CF card, but having to do so is basically a Canon software flaw that apparently can be fixed based on the Magic Lantern comment above by MSOWSUN. I've never installed magic lantern as I didn't know if it voided any Canon support, but maybe that is my answer.

buddy4344 wrote in post #17382606
I hear these work arounds being suggested, and they are fine for slow days. When one is shoot the snow goose migration or a morning shooting yellow bill cranes in Africa followed by a large elephant herd crossing, leaving the card door open isn't an option. You swap cards when suddenly you notice you've lost your burst rate (i.e. you are now writing to the SD card). Then you change cards and keep shooting. Later in the day you do file transfer to the laptop and external hard drive.

Yes, I can and do manually shift back to the CF card, but having to do so is basically a Canon software flaw that apparently can be fixed based on the Magic Lantern comment above by MSOWSUN. I've never installed magic lantern as I didn't know if it voided any Canon support, but maybe that is my answer.

Using only a CF (large enough for your needs) not doable?

I agree, hopefully this will get addressed.

I use 64 GB cards. I've thought of going larger but have worried about having too much key material on one card .... but then again I'm solving Canon's problem with my money and a cheap hack. Yes, I get by, but was hoping a simple default setting would be there.

The 5DIII has a sweet tooth for SD.
Using ML or just using the CF as only card is the only sollution.