Canon R6 (or R5) Joystick Focus Point Selection Like on DSLR

Julius_1 · Feb 22, 2021

Here's a question on selection on AF points on Canon R6 (or R5): Can I somehow get them to behave similarly to older Canon DSLRs where I pick the point with the joystick?

I started Photography on a 50d and moved from there to NEX-5, a 5D classic, and a 5d Mark II. One thing I love about all the Canon cameras is that I can use the Joystick to move the active AF point to the direction I point the joystick. Most commonly I would switch between the center and the left and right points based on the rule of thirds. This has been working great for me because I know exactly where the AF will be and I can switch within a fraction of a second.

I recently saved up enough money for an r6 and I'm very happy with it and it made my photography workflow so much better. However, I do miss the option to pick the AF-point selectively because it is very tedious to move the AF-Point and I might even overshoot and have to go back which costs me precious seconds if I am not using the face/eye AF.

I checked the menu and searched the Internet but I could not find anything. So my question is: Can I somehow get the one-point AF to move to a specified area (preferably a third/two thirds left/right and in the center vertically) with just one tip of the Joystick in the specified direction?

Thanks a lot!

Ray Chen · Feb 22, 2021

I've asked the same question for my R5, and the answer is no. This is super useful if I were to limit my focus point selection to 9, and the joystick is one toggle away to read my mind. I mainly just need rule of thirds for shootings, but Canon thinks I need more freedom than that.

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Ray

pekr · Feb 22, 2021

I think you can't, but one of the many AF videos on YT suggests to slow down the movement of the AF point to prevent overrun situations. There is a dedicated menu item for that.

Tazz93 · Feb 22, 2021

I was slow to jump on the Touch and Drag AF selection bandwagon because it seems too gimmicky. But then I found a reason to try it, and found that they did a really good job implementing it. Give it a shoot and see if it suits your need. Its very easy to control and very fast to move. I use it with Eye AF. Together, it gives you the best of both worlds when the camera's AI falters.

Julius_1 · Feb 22, 2021

pekr said:
I think you can't, but one of the many AF videos on YT suggests to slow down the movement of the AF point to prevent overrun situations. There is a dedicated menu item for that.

Thanks! Unfortunately, that solution is only somewhat satisfactory as that means it also takes longer to get there.

Julius_1 · Feb 22, 2021

Welp, the one time I'd like to get less freedom from Canon they decide not to grant it.

Thanks for the reply! Now I don't need rack my brain about something that's not possible.

Julius_1 · Feb 22, 2021

Thank you - I'll give it a shot!

pkoenig2001 · Feb 28, 2021

Another solution discussed here previously which I use often is to “track” static subjects. Set camera to Servo and make sure Initial Focus Point option is set to either option that is not Auto. Frame photo with initial focus point over subject. Engage auto focus with shutter half press. Recompose frame - camera will keep desired point in focus. This is not what we used to think of as “focus and recompose” with DSLRs. Works great, is very fast, and you don’t need to move focus point with joystick or back screen.

When I want to use One Shot and select the focus point myself on R6, I either use joystick or back dials. Touch screen doesn’t work well for me. Despite large number of focus points, I find these methods work well when taking a little longer to compose the shot is ok. If those additional seconds are critical, try the approach above. It is something that is unique to mirrorless as opposed to DSLRs.

Good luck!

Swerky · Feb 28, 2021

pkoenig2001 said:
Another solution discussed here previously which I use often is to “track” static subjects. Set camera to Servo and make sure Initial Focus Point option is set to either option that is not Auto. Frame photo with initial focus point over subject. Engage auto focus with shutter half press. Recompose frame - camera will keep desired point in focus. This is not what we used to think of as “focus and recompose” with DSLRs. Works great, is very fast, and you don’t need to move focus point with joystick or back screen.

When I want to use One Shot and select the focus point myself on R6, I either use joystick or back dials. Touch screen doesn’t work well for me. Despite large number of focus points, I find these methods work well when taking a little longer to compose the shot is ok. If those additional seconds are critical, try the approach above. It is something that is unique to mirrorless as opposed to DSLRs.

Good luck!

I may be wrong but doesn't AI focus work the same way as what you mentioned here?

pkoenig2001 · Feb 28, 2021

Swerky said:
pkoenig2001 said:

Another solution discussed here previously which I use often is to “track” static subjects. Set camera to Servo and make sure Initial Focus Point option is set to either option that is not Auto. Frame photo with initial focus point over subject. Engage auto focus with shutter half press. Recompose frame - camera will keep desired point in focus. This is not what we used to think of as “focus and recompose” with DSLRs. Works great, is very fast, and you don’t need to move focus point with joystick or back screen.

When I want to use One Shot and select the focus point myself on R6, I either use joystick or back dials. Touch screen doesn’t work well for me. Despite large number of focus points, I find these methods work well when taking a little longer to compose the shot is ok. If those additional seconds are critical, try the approach above. It is something that is unique to mirrorless as opposed to DSLRs.

Good luck!

Click to expand...

I may be wrong but doesn't AI focus work the same way as what you mentioned here?

JustUs7 · Feb 28, 2021

If you’re worried about thirds, just overlay the 3x3 grid in the EVF.

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Canon R6 (or R5) Joystick Focus Point Selection Like on DSLR

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