What is the * button?

I answer with ‘Check the manual’ quite often but only AFTER I either give the direct answer to the question or provide the link, reference, page number… that leads to direct answer.
‘Check the manual’ is kind of general reference for the future, not an answer to the question.

Hawg Hanner wrote in post #2362547
I firmly believe the manual is the single greatest source of information for learning one's camera.

While it's always good advice to read the manual at least twice and keep it handy for reference, there are many functions of Canon's DSLRs that are poorly explained. Canon manuals are often ambiguous and sometimes contradictory.

Such is the case with the * button. It has a multitude of different functions depending on several variables, and these different functions are explained in different parts of the manual, making it difficult to put all the pieces together.

I have read a three-page document that includes a very complex table, dedicated to Custom Function 4 alone. It's full of important details which are no where to be found in the manual. Canon has a habit of poorly documenting complex technology. For instance, I don't know if the 30D uses partial or spot metering with FEL.

Shall we discuss their flash manuals?

jfrancho wrote in post #2362727
Shall we discuss their flash manuals?

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No, but a good point nonetheless. Rather than Canon doing something different with their flash manuals I will be happy the day Canon comes out with a 'real' flash. The day that happens I will be a very happy man. When it does happen, they can update the manual accordingly.

Jon wrote in post #2358808
Read the rules. Section 4.9: If you know an answer to a question either answer it or say nothing. Giving newbies blunt answers like "search the forum" is not allowed - please use the typing effort to giving the answer instead. Or just give the link to that post you wished the newbie should have searched for. Respect newbies - you were a newbie once.

I know- I hate when people do that. Instead of expending the energy to type "read the manual" or "search the forum", just type the damn answer. Maybe this person doesn't understasnd the manual?

ok it appears this has got side tracked, Now I have a question, in what instances would you use this?

I have tried differant experiments and would like a few examples to try to get a better grasp of this and when you would want to use it.

Thanks guys, yes I am new to this, yes I know what it is, just not where I would use it..

Thanks in advance for experiments to try to get an idea of when I would want to use it and etc..

cbr929rrerion wrote in post #2364670
ok it appears this has got side tracked, Now I have a question, in what instances would you use this?

I have tried differant experiments and would like a few examples to try to get a better grasp of this and when you would want to use it.

Thanks guys, yes I am new to this, yes I know what it is, just not where I would use it..

Thanks in advance for experiments to try to get an idea of when I would want to use it and etc..

Curtis posted this link above: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=46965