Sony Alpha cameras let you assign functions to many physical buttons and to the Fn menu through the custom key settings in the menu. Open the menu, find the custom key options, choose a button, and assign the function you use most. Exact menu names and numbers vary by model, so follow your camera’s own guide for the details.
Find the Custom Key Menu
On most Alpha bodies the custom key settings sit in the camera settings area of the menu, often split into still, movie and playback groups. Some models share one list, while others let you set different layouts for photo and video modes.
- Press the menu button and move to the camera settings or operation customization section.
- Open the custom key option for the mode you want, such as still image or movie.
- Scroll through the list of buttons, which may include the front and rear dials, a custom button, the center button and others.
- Select a button, then choose a function from the list.
- Exit the menu and press the button to confirm it does what you expect.
Functions Worth Assigning
Choose functions that save you from diving into menus.
- Focus area or focus mode, for quick changes between wide and small focus areas.
- Eye autofocus, so you can trigger subject tracking with one press.
- Focus magnifier, helpful for checking manual focus.
- ISO or white balance, if you change them often.
- Drive mode, to switch between single shot and continuous.
- Recording begin and end on a thumb-reachable button for video work.
- Exposure compensation, if your dial is set to other tasks.
Set Up the Fn Menu
The Fn menu is the quick panel that appears when you press the Fn button. Most models let you edit its slots, so your most-used settings are one press away. Open the function menu setting in the menu, choose each slot and assign a function. Keep related items together, such as focus options in one row and exposure options in another.
| Shooting type | Useful button functions |
|---|---|
| Portraits | Eye autofocus, focus area, exposure compensation |
| Action | Drive mode, focus tracking, focus area |
| Video | Record, focus magnifier, white balance |
| Landscape | Focus magnifier, ISO, drive mode |
Tips for a Setup That Lasts
- Change one button at a time so you remember what each does.
- Keep the layout the same across camera bodies if you own more than one.
- Write down your layout, or save the camera settings to a memory card if your model supports it.
FAQ
Can I use different buttons for photo and video?
On many models, yes. Look for separate still and movie custom key lists.
Why is my chosen function missing from the list?
Some functions are limited to certain buttons or modes. Try another button, or check the manual for that model.
The Short Version
Open the custom key menu, assign your most-used functions to easy-to-reach buttons, and tidy the Fn menu. Test each button, and adjust until your common changes need no menu digging.
