6D Mark II - Setting exposure compensation in Manual / Auto ISO mode

[Skip70]

I'm going on a wetlands bird shoot in a few weeks, so I want to use Manual mode with Auto ISO, but want the ability to adjust exposure compensation on the fly. The manual says under C: Fn III-4 there is an option to assign that to the main dial by selecting a square icon with a diagonal line with a plus and minus symbol in it. My menu does not show that icon (yes, I am in Auto ISO mode when trying to do this). As well it later says "hold btn" — not sure what button they mean. 

Any help, please?

Thanks. 

[stevet1]

Skip70,

If you are in Manual with Auto ISO, changing the exposure compensation will only adjust your ISO. The other settings are fixed by you.

On my camera,(a T8i), you can assign the exposure compensation to the SET button. If I hold down the SET button and rotate the main control wheel, it will adjust the exposure compensation up or down.

You have to set this up ahead of time by assigning a Custom Control to the SET button.

I can get to those Custom Functions one of two ways.

One way is to hit the Q button, and look for the Custom Function settings Hit that and scroll down to the SET button.

The other way is to go into your Menu settings and choose the Wrench Menu settings. On my camera, the Custom Functions are on the 5th page in the Wrench Menus. If you choose that, assigning the Custom Controls are Custom Function# 13. Your camera may be slightly different, but the concept is still the same. You are looking for assigning the Custom Controls.

Hope this helps.

Steve Thomas

[Waddizzle]

I agree with Steve. 💯 Use the [SET] button. Restore the default functionality to the control dial.  Using the [SET] works on all advanced Canon bodies. It’s a game changer, IMHO. 

[Skip70]

To be clear, I understood how to get to Custom Functions/Controls. My question is how to assign Exposure Compensation to one of the control dials from the Menu.

[Skip70]

Just got it! There was yet another menu under SET (Off). I did not realize that selecting that automatically assigns it to one of the dials. 

[Skip70]

Thanks. I now see it. Agree on game-changer, Between that and Back Button Focus, both great tools. 

[Waddizzle]

“ Thanks. I now see it. Agree on game-changer, Between that and Back Button Focus, both great tools. “

You’re welcome!

Here’s another game changer for action photographers. Don’t use the typical BBF configuration. 

Restore default configuration to the Shutter Buttom. Metering start + AF start. Now go against the grain of “classic” BBF programming for the [AF-ON] button. Program it for [AF-OFF].

Why? You will be able to get that first shot off more quickly. More importantly, if you lose tracking in your desired subject, then a quick tap on [AF-OFF] will reset the Initial AF Tracking Point to the AF point you chose for 1-pt autofocus, not Spit AF. Read that again.

Onc again this programming can be used on any advanced Canon body. The same user interface is available on DSLR. and MILC bodies. 💯💯💯