Autofocus settings have become incredibly sophisticated on Canon's latest mirrorless cameras, like the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II. Knowing how to harness these powerful autofocus features can significantly improve your photography, especially when you're shooting fast-moving subjects like athletes.
Coming to you from David Bergman with Adorama, this informative video explores the autofocus system of Canon's newest mirrorless cameras, specifically highlighting the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II. Bergman demonstrates how he configures his autofocus settings to quickly shift between different focusing modes, from eye-tracking to manual point focus, using customized buttons. He emphasizes the importance of Expanded AF Area as his default mode because it balances precision and tracking. Unlike Whole Area AF, Expanded AF provides visible focus points that help you manage your composition and subject selection. Bergman further explains why he avoids using Spot AF regularly due to its limited tracking capability and tendency to lose focus quickly if you move slightly off your subject.
The video also covers the beneficial Register People Priority feature, which allows the camera to recognize and prioritize specific individuals you've previously photographed. This setting is particularly helpful for live events, concerts, and sports, ensuring your main subject remains sharply focused even in complex scenarios. Additionally, Bergman touches on Canon's newer Eye Control feature, explaining how it allows the camera to detect where you're looking through the viewfinder to direct focus points. Despite acknowledging its impressive accuracy, Bergman explains why he personally opts out of Eye Control, preferring the direct manual selection provided by Expanded AF and button customization.
An essential aspect Bergman addresses in detail is button customization. He shows how assigning different autofocus functions to separate buttons allows you to rapidly switch between tracking and precise single-point focus modes without having to navigate through menus. Bergman's favorite configuration assigns AF-ON to tracking mode and the star button to manual single-point focusing, enhancing his ability to swiftly manage focus during dynamic shoots. These practical tips are demonstrated clearly with real-world examples from his concert photography work, where quick adjustments are crucial.
Bergman then expands on how he configures his remote camera—the R5 Mark II—which requires a distinct setup compared to handheld shooting. By reverting autofocus control back to the shutter button and disabling Eye AF, Bergman ensures his remote camera effectively focuses on performers rather than being distracted by crowds. This setup illustrates the importance of tailoring your camera's autofocus system precisely to match your shooting environment and style. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bergman.
Worst thing on Canon full-frame mirrorless is size of minimum autofocus, it's always an area (even the smallest autofocus point). On DSLR it was really a point, so it was a lot more accurate than now on mirrorless. If there are zones with different depths in that area, it is normal for it to focus poorly. It's something incredible.