Canon 7D Custom Function Settings
I’ve had a few people interested in my 7D settings so I’ve decided to share them. The Canon 7D is a great camera with many advantages over my old 40D. However, it is more complicated to use and set up properly. I did lots of research on the web and got advice from other photographers on the custom function settings. Here are my settings for wildlife photography. Once you get the settings that you like, I’d highly recommend that you write them down. If you send your camera in for repairs, like me, they change all of your settings back to the original factory settings. If you didn’t write them down you have to start over again.
| Custom Function | Description | Setting | Setting Description | Notes |
| C.Fn I: Exposure | ||||
| 1 | Exposure level increments | 0 | 1/3 stop | |
| 2 | ISO speed setting increments | 0 | 1/3 stop | |
| 3 | ISO Expansion | 1 | On | |
| 4 | Bracketing auto cancel | 0 | On | |
| 5 | Bracketing sequence | 0 | 0,-,+ | |
| 6 | Safety shift | 1 | Enable | |
| 7 | Flash sync speed in AV mode | 0 | Auto | |
| C.Fn II: Image | ||||
| 1 | Long exposure noise reduction | 0 | off | |
| 2 | High ISO speed noise reduction | 0 | standard | Affects JPG’s only. Depends on how much in-camera noise reduction that you want when shooting jpgs. |
| 3 | Highlight tone priority | 0 | disable | may cause more noise if enabled |
| C.Fn III: Autofocus/Drive | ||||
| 1 | AI Servo tracking sensitivity | 1 | Slow | Keeps AF from hunting too quickly if you lose focus temporarily |
| 2 | AI Servo 1st/2nd image priority | 0 | AF priority/tracking priority | |
| 3 | AI Servo AF tracking method | 1 | Continuous AF track priority | |
| 4 | Lens drive when AF impossible | 0 | Focus search on | |
| 5 | AF microadjustment | 0 | Disable | |
| 6 | Select AF area select move | varies | ||
| 7 | Manual AF point selection pattern | 1 | Continuous | |
| 8 | VF display illumination | 1 | Enable | |
| 9 | Display all AF points | 0 | Disable | |
| 10 | Focus display in AI Servo MF | 0 | Enable | |
| 11 | AF assist beam firing | 1 | Disable | |
| 12 | Orientation linked AF point | 1 | Select different AF points | |
| 13 | Mirror lockup | 0 | disable | |
| C.Fn IV: Operation / Others | ||||
| 1 | Custom controls | default | personal perference | |
| 2 | Dial direction during TV/AV | 0 | Normal | |
| 3 | Add image verification data | 0 | disable | |
| 4 | Add aspect ration information | 0 | Off |
Tim Timmis Photography 
Very good idea to write them down. They could be gone in a splash.
April 11, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Agree. Splash… Brings back some interesting memories. Some that I hope noone repeats.
April 13, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Always a good idea to write things like settings down. I think another good idea would be to also laminate anything you’ve written on because its easy to spill something or otherwise damage a piece of paper. Once you’ve done this put it away somewhere safe for safekeeping.
May 27, 2011 at 11:58 am
I created a spreadsheet with different settings in each column. I have a row for each camera function. Then I could easily add new settings to a new column. I keep a copy in my camera bag- very handy. I have settings for macro, BIF, moon shoots, night, etc.
August 14, 2011 at 9:11 am
Hello Mr. Tim,
Just want say that you really have a good pictures and i’m really impress.
I work as a News Cameraman since 1992 base here in Phil. up to present but just recently last Dec.2011, i bought my own Canon 7D and i just started learning photography and i was hoping someday i would be able to learn your camera work with my 7D although i’m still in process of saving my extra income to buy lens like 70-200mm Canon which maybe from my starting of investment. I really enjoy looking on your pictures
Keep it up Mr. Tim
From ; Arnold
March 13, 2012 at 3:35 am
Thanks Arnold. The 7D is a great camera so you have a good starting point. Have fun and get lots of practice.
March 13, 2012 at 4:55 pm
like to say thankyou for your comments very helpful ,i am only new at taking pictures with my new canon 7d with 24-105 USM lens
December 29, 2013 at 9:31 am