EM1 continous AF and tracking

Andrew Ellis wrote:

Hi all, quick question please.

I've never used the EM1 before for anything other than single point AF. But we have just bought a new puppy to fill the hole in our lives left by the passing of our beloved cocker spaniel "Jake" a few weeks ago, and I want to document "Charlie's" life in photos and video.

With the advent of the Olympus Firmware V3 (which I have), one of the improvements was CAF and tracking, however there were also mixed comments about needed to have the correct frame rates (Continuous high vs medium), and Tracking vs non tracking etc. and it all got a bit confusing.

The question is then basically for an unpredictable Puppy, what's the best camera settings for CAF modes, drive modes, tracking etc. from all you experts that have already figured this out ?

Whilst I know that the Olympus will not be as good as the best DSLR set ups, if I can get a 50% keeper rate, I'd be happy with that. I will be mainly using either the 12-40 F2.8 Pro or the 40-150 F2.8 Pro.

Thanks.

Hi Andrew,

Sorry you lost your buddy, but I'm sure you're enjoying your puppy.

E-M1 CAF response with those two Pro zooms is the best I've experienced. I use the 40-150 every weekend for soccer. I don't use tracking, as it's more for a subject crossing the frame while I'm busy following the ball.

I use center nine pattern, high burst rate, mode 2, release priority off, CAF lock low (still researching this setting ) matrix metering. ..half a dozen other settings I'm forgetting.

Folks reporting trouble with this pairing have simply not explored the settings deeply enough. It has taken me months and I'm still learning. Hopefully Don Parrot will check in, he's the acknowledged master of shooting dogs in action.

Good luck!

Rick