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Can Canon AF do real time tracking of objects (not just faces,eyes,cars,animals etc)?

Started 1 month ago | Discussions thread
Joe Reynolds
Joe Reynolds Regular Member • Posts: 326
Re: Can Canon AF do real time tracking of objects (not just faces,eyes,cars,animals etc)?
2

>>>>Yes, I keep my ( * ) back button set for Spot AF (Servo) for exactly such use cases. Just a quick press and release of the * button locks focus at that distance (no need to hold any buttons down). You can shoot all the various compositions that you want without the focal distance changing. You could even chimp your images or turn the camera off or whatever, and then when you want to take more shots you don't even need to refocus (it remains right where it was left). Easy peasy.<<<<<<

R2, you are correct but such usage does not involve servo tracking. The better implementation is one where you do as you suggest but keep the bbf button pressed so when you recompose the tracking keeps the spot in focus. As you are aware, focus and recompose in days prior to tracking meant the distance from film/sensor plane to focus spot changes somewhat. Not a problem in most cases except when the depth of field at the focus spot is narrow.

Others disagree, but my experience with the R5 indicates somewhat unpredictable results. The Sony real time tracking for servo focus/recompose is much more reliable.

Of course I am talking of focusing on any random location in the frame, not a person, eye, etc. R5 does that well.

I am not not sure why some folks become so agitated over the issue.

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