EOS R, tracking with new firmware

Tried some non-human subjects as I am not interested in eye AF. All with 100-400 II.

Face tracking AF (left most option) works almost flawlessly when the subject is big, such as cars and motorbikes. In a few sequences comprising more than a hundred shots, three were slightly out of focus. These were easy to shoot as the subjects were large and the direction of movement was predictable. Random examples from each sequence.

Few from a sequence when the subject passes behind another object.

Last three are 100% crops, the first three size reduced. You can click on the 'original size' to view the full size.

With the same focus mode, initial focus acquisition was unpredictable for fast-flying birds. But if/when a focus was acquired the camera remained stuck with the bird most of the time. An example (100% crop).

And a sequence (100% crops).

The last is not in good focus. It was at the edge of the frame, probably because of the slideshow effect.

So, yes, the slideshow effect is still there. But I feel that I am able to keep more shots with the bird near the center than before, as a result, tracking is easier and the keeper rate is higher. The best part of the new firmware is that now more shots are in critical focus.

For birds though, 5 points, 9 points or small zone AF mode is better in initial focus acquisition and with almost no hunting. Face tracking AF mode is excellent for bigger subjects and especially for those with predictable direction.

Overall, this was a significant upgrade for tracking.

Today, I wasn't able to shoot my favorite BIF test birds, the terns. They were nowhere to be found. I will try tomorrow again.

And a gull.