Boring as it is, I read the manual and aquaint my self with all the settings. There are good articles on the Canon website as well.
+1... Actually, +100. I don't know when people stopped reading manuals, but it was a severe blow to human competency. When I bought my Mk II I read that thing front to back; yes, including the sections talking about full-auto this and that. And this was coming from the 5D Classic, so while much of it was familiar, there was still a lot to learn.
If focus is off, you will want to micro adjust. I just started using the FoCal autofocus micro adjust software, and find it better then doing it with a target. The autofocus system has a lot of variabiliity, so it keeps taking shots until there are enough to clearly determine the best AFMA setting.
Good to know. I was looking at buying one of those focusing targets, but if the software seems like a better route I may have to re-evaluate my decision.
+2, I think a lot of people's complaints about the AF on the 5D stem from lack of understanding the settings. Not that the 5D's AF couldn't use improvement, but some people talk about it like it doesnt even work. Did they have 1 autofocus point selected or all of them? If one, which one? One shot or Servo?
There are so many different options for different situations, it seems almost certain that some people end up getting the wrong impression of it and immediately blame the camera.
On a happier note, CONGRATULATIONS! You got a great camera and I'm sure you'll have a field day with it. I jumped from the T2i to the 5D, and yeah it was a little intimidating but you'll get the hang of it. Just go shoot and have a good time.
And remember, ISO's in multiples of 160 are your friend when shooting video, less noise. Figured that was worth mentioning since the T2i is in 1/2 stop increments.
