Locking Mode Dial.

[kidnaper]

The mode dial has certainly caught a lot of heat from both sides of the fence. People either love or hate that little button you have to press to switch modes but rarely don't care about it. I personally don't care. I've only switched modes accidentally once or twice, but I welcome the change just to see if all the hate is rational.
I wasn't expecting it, but if Canon would have given the 5D3 the mode selection of the 1-series cameras I would have been very happy. It would increase the weather sealing a bit more, be one less mechanical part that could break, and one less obtrusion to snag on something.

That said, what type of mode selector would have have chosen if you could decide?

 

[Drizzt321]

I've done it more than once or twice on my 5d2, although it's not a common occurrence by any means. I'm more happy that the on/off is being moved up like the 7d so I won't be hitting it accidentally.

 

[eeek]

I've knocked it a ton of times from being on sidelines or in photopits. I usually have two cameras so one will hit it. Once I get my mk III, I'll be able to send my 7D and 5DmkII in and get it done.

 

[westbild]

That said, what type of mode selector would have have chosen if you could decide?

i hated the old mode dial and i'm more than happy with the new solution. The other thing i reported to CPS was the wish for a second joystick for portrait-mode. They included that as well. With a 100% viewfinder, better sealing and better usability (video-switch etc.) they build the perfect camera for me (and most important with the pro AF).

 

[Daniel Flather]

So every time you want to change the mode you have to hold the centre button down? So, to change modes is a two hand job?

I've never used this hot topic Canon mode lock button.

 

[eeek]

Nah, one hand. Squish it with your pointer, turn it with your thumb and middle finger.

 

[awinphoto]

From a purely cosmetic/atheistic POV, the mode dial screams amateur, but functionality wise it fits the bill and moves easily... maybe too easily. I'm thrilled the freaking thing has a lock now.

 

[pwp]

Give me the lock every time. Particularly when working with two bodies, the 5DI or II, without the lock, hanging at your side either with the standard strap or a Black Rapid, the mode dial often gets easily bumped.

On my old 5D I had to tape the mode dial onto the chosen setting. Not a good look. Working fast and in the zone on commissioned jobs I have lost shots due to the dial being bumped.

Thank you Canon, this is what the user feedback requested, and you have delivered.

Paul Wright

 

[bchernicoff]

I've used it on a 60D and it's a bit cumbersome, but I have missed pictures from having accidentally bumped my 5D Mk II into the wrong mode, so it's probably the right answer.

 

[dstppy]

I've used it on a 60D and it's a bit cumbersome, but I have missed pictures from having accidentally bumped my 5D Mk II into the wrong mode, so it's probably the right answer.

I didn't really mind it on the 60D but had several times when I was on the wrong mode with the 5D mk II . . . so I'm all for it.

 

[Rob]

Got the mode dial upgrade done to both my 5D2's, its really worth it, as I was constantly knocking it to the wrong setting by accident at Weddings.

 

[wickidwombat]

I shoot almost exclusively in manual so for me a lockable mode dial or better still 1 series buttons is best
it is really annoying when it ends up in Av or bulb accidentally.
I think anyone that has used 1 series would agree the mode buttons are much better than the dial.

did someone say you can hav ethe 5Dmk2 modified to have a lockable mode dial?

 

[wickidwombat]

did someone say you can hav ethe 5Dmk2 modified to have a lockable mode dial?

Canon can modify the camera for you. In the USA I believe it is a $200 service fee.

hmm $200 better to just sell em and get more mk3 bodys

 

[Michael_pfh]

When upgrading to 1D series I fell in love with the mode buttons. However, a lock for the mode dial would be a major improvement.

 

[eeek]

did someone say you can hav ethe 5Dmk2 modified to have a lockable mode dial?

Canon can modify the camera for you. In the USA I believe it is a $200 service fee.

It is $100 USD.

 

[pwp]

When upgrading to 1D series I fell in love with the mode buttons. However, a lock for the mode dial would be a major improvement.

One thing I value on my 1D4 is the option to switch modes OFF.
For 99% of my work it's either going to be manual or AV aperture priority.
So I can toggle from one to the other very quickly without taking my eye off the viewfinder. Cool!

Paul Wright

 

[Bennymiata]

When I first got my 60D, I wasn't so keen on the locking dial, but after using it a few times, I really like it.
It's easy to use your pointer on the button then turn with your thumb and middle finger, and this becomes second nature very quickly.
I've also bumped the mode dial accidently on other cameras, so I'm happy the III will have this feature.

 

[weixing]

Hi,

When I first got my 60D, I wasn't so keen on the locking dial, but after using it a few times, I really like it.
It's easy to use your pointer on the button then turn with your thumb and middle finger, and this becomes second nature very quickly.
I've also bumped the mode dial accidently on other cameras, so I'm happy the III will have this feature.

I also had the 60D, but prefer not having the lock on the mode dial. I mainly use my 60D for birding and sometime need to take some video quickly which happen to be on the other end of the dial... the lock made switching to video mode quickly an issue.

Have a nice day.

 

[Mark D5 TEAM II]

Real men have buttons instead of amateurish dials on the left shoulder of their DSLRs. Just ask the pros who use one of those hyphenated EOSes. ;D

 

[stefsan]

From a purely cosmetic/atheistic POV, the mode dial screams amateur, but functionality wise it fits the bill and moves easily... maybe too easily. I'm thrilled the freaking thing has a lock now.

+1