Why You Might Want to Reset Your Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a 30.4-megapixel full-frame camera with a DIGIC 6+ processor, 61-point autofocus, 7fps burst, 4K video, Dual Pixel RAW, and a weather-sealed body. Over time, with all the custom functions, shooting modes, AF tweaks, and personal settings available, it is easy to end up with a configuration that feels off. Maybe autofocus is behaving strangely, exposure readings seem inconsistent, or you just cannot figure out which setting you changed three months ago that is causing problems.
There are a few common reasons to reset the camera. You might be selling it and want to clear your personal setup. You could be troubleshooting a weird behavior that no single setting fix has resolved. Or maybe you just want a clean slate to rebuild your configuration from scratch.
Whatever the reason, here is how to reset the 5D Mark IV step by step.
Before You Reset: Try Individual Fixes First
A full factory reset wipes every custom setting you have configured. Before going that route, try narrowing down the problem. If autofocus is acting up, reset just the AF custom functions. If exposure is off, check your exposure compensation and metering mode. If a specific Custom Shooting mode (C1, C2, or C3) is misbehaving, clear just that mode.
A reset is the nuclear option. It works, but it means you will need to reconfigure everything afterward. Make sure simpler fixes do not solve the problem first.
How to Reset Shooting Settings
This clears all of your shooting-related settings back to their factory defaults. It resets exposure compensation, drive mode, ISO, white balance, AF mode, metering mode, and picture style, among others.
Step 1: Press the MENU button.
Step 2: Navigate to the Set-up menu (the wrench icon). It is the fifth tab from the left.
Step 3: Scroll to the fourth page of the Set-up menu (Set-up 4).
Step 4: Select “Clear all camera settings.”
Step 5: Select “OK” to confirm.
The camera will return all shooting parameters to their out-of-the-box defaults. Your shutter count, date, time, and language settings are not affected by this reset.
How to Reset Custom Functions
Custom Functions (C.Fn) on the 5D Mark IV control things like back-button focus assignment, mirror lockup behavior, safety shift, and dozens of other tweaks. If you have made multiple custom function changes and want to start over, you can clear them all at once.
Step 1: Press the MENU button.
Step 2: Go to the Custom Functions menu (the orange wrench icon with C.Fn).
Step 3: Scroll to the last page of the Custom Functions menu.
Step 4: Select “Clear all Custom Func. (C.Fn).”
Step 5: Select “OK” to confirm.
This resets every custom function to factory default. Back-button focus will be removed, any custom button assignments will revert, and all behavioral tweaks will return to standard operation. If you had back-button focus set up, you will need to re-enable it manually after the reset.
How to Clear Custom Shooting Modes (C1, C2, C3)
The Canon 5D Mark IV lets you save complete shooting configurations to the C1, C2, and C3 positions on the mode dial. If you want to clear these and start fresh, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: Press the MENU button.
Step 2: Navigate to the Set-up menu (wrench icon), page 4.
Step 3: Select “Clear all Custom Shoot. mode (C1-C3).”
Step 4: Confirm by selecting “OK.”
This wipes all three custom shooting modes. The C1, C2, and C3 dial positions will now behave as if you never programmed them. You can re-register your preferred settings at any time by configuring the camera the way you want, then going to Set-up 4 and selecting “Register shooting mode to Custom Shooting mode.”
Clearing Personal Data Before Selling
If you are selling or giving away your 5D Mark IV, you will want to clear more than just the camera settings. Here is what to address.
Wi-Fi and Network Settings
Go to the Set-up menu, then select “Communication settings” or “Wi-Fi settings.” From there, choose “Clear settings” or “Clear all comm settings” to remove saved Wi-Fi networks, FTP configurations, and any linked devices. This prevents the next owner from accessing your network information.
Copyright Information
If you entered your name in the copyright field (Set-up menu, Copyright Information), make sure to delete it. Highlight the Author and Copyright fields and clear the text.
GPS Log Data
If you used the built-in GPS, go to the Set-up menu and select GPS. Clear any stored log data so your location history does not transfer with the camera.
Format the Memory Cards
Go to Set-up menu, page 1, and select “Format card.” Format both card slots (CF and SD) to wipe all images and data. This does not securely erase the data in a forensic sense, but it removes all files and directory structures.
What Gets Reset vs. What Stays
The “Clear all camera settings” function resets shooting parameters like ISO, white balance, drive mode, metering, AF settings, and exposure compensation. Here is what it does NOT touch:
Date and time stay set. Language remains as configured. Video system (NTSC/PAL) is unchanged. Custom shooting modes (C1/C2/C3) require a separate reset as described above. Custom functions require their own separate reset. Wi-Fi and communication settings need to be cleared manually. Copyright info needs to be deleted manually. Firmware version is unaffected.
This means a complete factory-fresh reset requires three separate steps: clear camera settings, clear custom functions, and clear custom shooting modes. If you are selling the camera, add the manual steps for Wi-Fi, copyright, GPS, and card formatting.
Post-Reset Setup Checklist
After resetting, here are the settings you will probably want to configure right away.
Set your preferred image quality (RAW, RAW+JPEG, or JPEG).
Choose your default ISO range (Auto ISO with a maximum limit is a good starting point).
Set up back-button focus if you use it (Custom Functions, assign AF-ON).
Pick your preferred metering mode (Evaluative for general shooting).
Set white balance to Auto or your preferred preset.
Configure the C1, C2, and C3 modes for your most common shooting scenarios.
Re-enter your copyright information if desired.
Set the date and time if they were affected.
Reconnect Wi-Fi and pair with your phone app if needed.
Taking ten minutes to rebuild your core settings after a reset saves confusion later. You can also photograph your menu screens before the reset so you have a reference for what to put back.
