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

JPG on the SD / RAW on the CF, never got a problem

When i need more buffer, i put only RAW on the CF, but when i've finish and don't need anymore buffer+, i put everything back as above.

Reservoir Dog wrote in post #17383333
JPG on the SD / RAW on the CF, never got a problem

When i need more buffer, i put only RAW on the CF, but when i've finish and don't need anymore buffer+, i put everything back as above.

I used to do that, but the issue I have is that when you delete an image from whatever your playback slot is, it doesn't remove the corresponding file on the other card. When I shoot a game, there are several dead spots in the game where I can do some of my chimping and chucking of bad images. Then when I pull all files for processing, I ended up with all those mismatched files and takes a while to clean those up even further.

Does the new 7D2 have this same issue, or did Canon correct the problem with that new model? I find the 5D3's handling of the two cards annoying, but I get around the problem by inserting a new CF card before closing the card door. It would be nice to have this fixed and not have to worry about it, though. Seems like a simple firmware patch would do the trick.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #17383436
I used to do that, but the issue I have is that when you delete an image from whatever your playback slot is, it doesn't remove the corresponding file on the other card. When I shoot a game, there are several dead spots in the game where I can do some of my chimping and chucking of bad images. Then when I pull all files for processing, I ended up with all those mismatched files and takes a while to clean those up even further.

I never pay really attention to that um ... a lot explanations come back now with your comment (you will laugh ),
But first at all you should know i don't delete often, even it's quite rare, because i prefer to see on the computer to delete.
In fact, i thought that it was me which forget to confirm with "Erase" to delete, or the memory card have a slight problem
(yeaaa you can laugh now )

Scott M wrote in post #17383444
Does the new 7D2 have this same issue, or did Canon correct the problem with that new model? I find the 5D3's handling of the two cards annoying, but I get around the problem by inserting a new CF card before closing the card door. It would be nice to have this fixed and not have to worry about it, though. Seems like a simple firmware patch would do the trick.

To my knowledge, Canon hasn't addressed this concern in any of their bodies yet. Just 2 more options on the menu would be great:

a) Default slot to use when cards are removed/added (CF1 or CF2 (for 1DX) or CF or SD (for others))
b) If files are going to both cards, delete from both, or just the replay slot? (Yes, No)

I don't have my 5D3 with me tonight to try this but if the OP wants to carry the SD in the camera but always wants to use the CF unless it's full or for some other reason, try sliding the protect tab on the SD card. I wonder whether you will get an error code to slide it back or whether it will jump back to the CF etc. As stated above, the 5D3 always defaults to whatever card was put in first - until it's removed.

You get card 2 error

Although mine just chooses whatever I had it set to before I remove the card(s) It only changes to the SD if I close the door with the CF removed. Whatever order I remove and replace the cards in, it goes back to the one it was last on.

OK, I figured an error message would pop up but it does assure that he won't unknowingly be recording to the SD card even though he is storing the SD card in the camera. A decent workaround and foolproof.

This issue isn't a deal breaker on loving this camera, just an aggravation a) when suddenly my burst is low and b) when I've carried a card up to my computer only to find I've carried the wrong card up. Small issues but aggravating.

it's certainly odd that it's not a menu option, threw me off once when I put my CF card in the computer and there where no images on the card, but on camera I could review them just fine. Luckily both RAW, but really, I can see no good reason not to offer this little software tweak.

buddy4344 wrote in post #17384678
This issue isn't a deal breaker on loving this camera, just an aggravation a) when suddenly my burst is low and b) when I've carried a card up to my computer only to find I've carried the wrong card up. Small issues but aggravating.

Sorry, but this made me smile, because I can see myself doing exactly the same thing so often on both counts.

Fortunately for me I do like Magic Lantern and can live with the slower startup and so always had it on the camera. I wish I'd discovered the preferred card option earlier though.

You guys still use 5 1/4 SS/SD floppies too?

When you get ready to download images from your CF card just get your spare CF card ready, eject the full card, insert the empty card, and close the door. The CF card should still be the preferred card. If you ever close the door with the CF card removed then you will have to manually select the CF as the primary card or the camera will default to the SD card. It's an aggravation, and I'm sure almost every 5DIII user has at some time ended up recording to the SD card accidentally, but until Canon decides to change it we will have to live with it.

Joe, that's what I'm gathering from these replies. I guess I never saw the correlation. I will test this out. I think I close the door instinctively to minimize dust or chance of breaking the door by bumping something with it open, but a minute or two should not hurt the camera.

I turn off the camera and then drop the battery out before removing the memory card. Takes a fraction of a second. When you put everything back in, everything is the same as it was. Its definitely an aggravation.