← CAMERA SELECT
Canon EOS R8
Canon · EOS R8 · Pro lesson

Custom button map

Which functions belong on the R8's buttons?

https://camerasdecoded.com/camera-select/canon/eos-r8/custom-buttons.html
THE ANSWER
The cross keys take Direct AF point selection — the joystick this body doesn't have — M-Fn switches the AF area directly, and the AE lock button switches the subject to detect. The three mid-shoot changes, under your fingers.
Assign: Custom Functions → Customize buttons · Cross keys: Direct AF point selection · M-Fn: Direct AF area selection · AE lock: Direct select of sub. to detect · Save: register to C1
Pro lesson — the deep steps are in the guided run.
THE MAP

Buttons on one desk, dials on another

MENU→Custom Functions→Customize buttons

Canon splits the job: Customize buttons for the buttons, Customize dials beside it for the dials and the lens control ring. The same button can carry a different function for stills and for movies — build both sets. Cross keys: Direct AF point selection. M-Fn: Direct AF area selection. AE lock button: Direct select of subject to detect.

ASSIGNMENT 1

Cross keys — Direct AF point selection

This body has no multi-controller. Out of the box, moving the AF point means pressing the AF point button first, then steering. Direct AF point selection on the cross keys removes the first press — and Canon reserves the function for the cross keys alone.

ASSIGNMENT 2

M-Fn — Direct AF area selection

MENU→Custom Functions→Customize buttons

The area change is the most common mid-shoot move there is: portrait to action, Zone to Whole area. On the M-Fn button it costs one press, eye still to the viewfinder.

ASSIGNMENT 3

AE lock — Direct select of subject to detect

MENU→AF→Subject to detect

Canon built a one-press function for the subject switch. On the AE lock button, naming the subject becomes a habit instead of a menu dive while the moment leaves. Portrait-first shooters can swap: Eye Detection AF can only live on AF-ON, the AE lock button, or a lens button on this body — give AE lock the eye and the subject switch moves to the movie button.

SAVE IT

The map lives in C1

MENU→Set-up→Custom shooting mode (C1, C2)→Register settings

A C1 registration captures shooting, menu and Custom Function settings — the button map included. Register the finished map to C1, and the mode dial restores your settings and your buttons together.

TRY IT NOW

Assign cross keys → Direct AF point selection, then shoot for a day before adding the rest. Muscle memory is built one control at a time.