Originally posted by c.a.m I also read that 164 functions can be assigned to 17 custom keys -- how does a user remember all these settings?
Well, Sony let the choice open to the user, Pentax decides where to put things. So what's the difference for us users? In the case of Sony, you have to do the thinking about how to create the camera button/function layout so that it will fit you own usage and then memorize your own layout "system". For Pentax, they do the thinking and tradeoffs of what's most appropriate for photography use, and as a user you just have to learn it. The K1 was the first camera where I used User settings (U1,2,3 etc.) it took me a while to decide what to put in there, and then refine it after using it, it wasn't obvious. So with the Sony configurable buttons and menus, I think users must be having enough practical experience and logical thinking effort to define what they need , and stick to it without getting lost. This requires a good deal of personal discipline, because if you change customization often, you end-up not knowing where thinks are anymore, then have to dig into the menus again to find what was customized where again. Personally, I like to have 3 or 4 buttons on a camera: shutter speed, ISO, aperture and exp. compensation and nothing else, so that I can free up my attention to look at the subject.