Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon 6D Mark II Overview

The Canon 5D and 6D require completion of an orientation in order to check them out. The only exception is if you are enrolled in certain course(s). Check with your professor to confirm.

Click the section headings below to collapse the content.

Different Camera Modes

Fully Automatic Shooting (A+)

This is a fully automatic mode. The camera analyzes the scenes and sets the optimum setting automatically. It also adjusts the focus automatically.

Close-up of a camera mode dial with 'A+' highlighted in red

For more information, see the following manual entries:

Program AE (P)

In this setting, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture to suit the subject's brightness.

Only the shutter speed and aperture are set automatically in Program mode. The user can still freely change the focus, metering mode, exposure and other functions. In AutoMode these functions are set automatically in order to prevent ruined shots.

Close-up of a camera mode dial with 'P' highlighted in red

For more information see the following manual entries:

Shutter-Priority AE (TV)

In this mode, the user sets the shutter speed and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to obtain the exposure that best suits the brightness of the subject. A faster shutter speed can freeze the action of a moving subject. A slower shutter speed can create a blurred effect, giving the impression of motion.

Close-up of a camera mode dial with 'Tv' highlighted in red

Two black-and-white images compare blurred and frozen motion of fountain water at different shutter speeds.

For more information, see the following manual entries:

Aperture-Priority AE (AV)

In this mode, the user sets the desired speed and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed to obtain the exposure that best suits the brightness of the subject. A higher f/number(small aperture hole) will make more of the foreground and background fall into focus, whereas a lower f/number(larger aperture hole) will make less of the foreground and background fall into focus.

Close-up of a camera mode dial with various settings, highlighting "Av" in red.

Comparison of depth of field using low and high aperture settings with playing cards.

For more information, see the following manual entries:

Aperture-Priority section of the 6D manual
Aperture-Priority section of the 5D manual

Manual Exposure (M)

In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture as desired. To determine the exposure refer to the exposure level indicator in the viewﬁnder or use the exposure meter.

Camera mode dial with "M" highlighted in red circle.

For more information, see the following manual entries:

Formatting the SD Card

Formatting an SD card means erasing all the data/files on it. It is good practice to routinely format personal SD cards, and also to format shared SD cards after uploading so that there is space on the card to store more data and prevent confusions and errors.

Press MENU and locate Format card, which is under the wrench icon. Press SET.

Camera settings menu with "Format card" highlighted.

For the Canon 5D, there are two card slots and the system will ask you which card you want to format. Use Slot 2 if using an SD card.

Camera screen interface with options to format card 1 or 2.

Optional: If you would like to completely wipe the card of all data, press the trash can button to add a checkmark to Low level format.

Digital interface showing storage usage and low-level format option.

Select OK, then press SET.

Digital interface for formatting a card, displaying storage information and options to cancel or proceed.

Warning: Formatting your card erases all data

Ensure that you have your files saved somewhere else first before completing this action.

Setting Custom White Balance

In order to set custom white balance, you cannot be in Auto mode. You must use one of the following modes: P, TV, AV, M, or B.

Close-up of a camera mode dial with various shooting modes.

Take a photo of something white (e.g. a white balance card).
Press Menu and locate Custom White Balance, which is on the second page under the camera icon. Press SET to select it.

Camera settings menu screen showing exposure and white balance options.

Select the white image you captured in step 1.
On the dialog screen that appears, select OK, and the data will be imported.
Press the MENU button to exit the menu.

White screen with a red icon in the top-left corner and a gray bar with function buttons at the bottom.

Press Menu and locate and select White Balance, which is directly above the Custom White Balance setting in step 2.
Select Custom (icon looks like a square in between two inward facing triangles).

Camera screen showing white balance settings with a series of icons and "Custom" selected.

Need Help?

For more assistance, you can speak to Media Studio consultants during regular studio hours, or you can email as-mediastudio@virginia.edu.