- Decouple AF from the shutter button.
- Set focus point to the center.
- Turn off the beep.
- Set image to RAW only (I use PEF - just my way).
- Set color space to AdobeRGB.
- Set picture review to display histogram.
- Set custom menu to allow for manual setting of f/stop.
- Set time to live (how long the meter is active when after you start up the camera) to 1 minute. (I usually turn the camera off rather than let the timer shut it down)
- Turn the camera to AV.
- Tune the e-dials to front=ISO, rear=f/stop.
- Set ISO to the lowest non-auto setting.
- Format the SD card in the camera - never from your computer.
- Make sure that all the functions available using the fn button are correct for the situation. (I have ended up shooting in bright sunlight with ISO 3200 (*istDS) and shooting outside with color balance set to tungsten (K10D)
This setup allows me to have the greatest flexibility over the situation. When
I deem it necessary, I change things to fit the situation. I prefer to have the camera do as little as possible other that set the exposure (shutter speed for the most part - in AV I control the DOF). As for metering preference (matrix, center, spot etc) that depends on the situation.
I know where all the "buttons" and "switches" are, so for the most part I do not have to take the camera away from my eye - although some mistakes have been made. I also sat down and read the manual --- before ever taking a picture, just to get a feel for where all the settings are.
The Elitist - formerly known as PDL