New to this cam. Can someone explain what the Direct Menu option is for in the "others" menu on this cam? There is full and part....

I don't have time to fully explain it right now, but DO NOT CHANGE it to "Full". The important thing is just to leave it on "PART" or suddenly many of the other buttons and functions won't work anymore.
This is a constant source of problems for new EX owners.

I got it. Cool feature. Allows shooting settings to be highlighted and changed with the scroll buttons while looking at the LCD screen

But it does mean that the positions of the switches stop meaning anything or, as Doug says, they stop working. Not a problem if you are happy working that way, but try both and see which suits you better.

For a "better" explanation get Doug's Vortex Media DVD on operating the ex3. An absolute must have for anyone new to the camera and worth its weight in gold to get you operating well, quickly and with confidence.

For a "better" explanation get Doug's Vortex Media DVD on operating the ex3. An absolute must have for anyone new to the camera and worth its weight in gold to get you operating well, quickly and with confidence.

Yes, I totally agree with that.

I bought Doug's DVD before I bought my camera.

Without doubt a conversation piece.