R3/R5ii Focus query for 240fps slow motion

[Der Fotograf]

I’m in need for technical advice to shape a purchasing decision. Driver is mainly functionality to capture high frame rate video.

i aim to capture 2K slow motion at 240fps. In reflection of my Sony and Panasonic bodies there are limitations to focus for 240fps slow motion. I currently have to preset the focus distance, change the dial and then use the preset focus distance.

For a future camera upgrade I don’t expect the camera to autofocus during the slow motion capture, but my question is, if the Canon bodies would allow me to use AF up until the point where the shutter button is triggered. The manual for the R5ii has no mention on focus limitations, but I don’t want to assume things.
Can I use AF up until the start of the slow motion capture? Do the R3 and R5ii operate in identical ways?

 

[Victor Engel]

I’m in need for technical advice to shape a purchasing decision. Driver is mainly functionality to capture high frame rate video.

i aim to capture 2K slow motion at 240fps. In reflection of my Sony and Panasonic bodies there are limitations to focus for 240fps slow motion. I currently have to preset the focus distance, change the dial and then use the preset focus distance.

For a future camera upgrade I don’t expect the camera to autofocus during the slow motion capture, but my question is, if the Canon bodies would allow me to use AF up until the point where the shutter button is triggered. The manual for the R5ii has no mention on focus limitations, but I don’t want to assume things.
Can I use AF up until the start of the slow motion capture? Do the R3 and R5ii operate in identical ways?

I've not tried 240 fps yet with my R5 Mark II. There are some caveats mentioned in the manual, but AF does not seem to be one of them. The caveats include: timecode is not accurate (based on 29.97), playback is in slow motion (1/8 speed), sound is not recorded.
If you program the record button to record at 240fps, you can operate the camera in the stills configuration, which will have normal AF. If you then press the record button, it will switch to record video using the settings you configured, and if the AF is not operational, it will use the focus in place just before you started the video. So that should satisfy your requirement.
Since I'm not reading anything about AF not working in that mode, I'll tentatively assume AF is operational during recording such video. I'll give it a try at some point. It definitely focuses during 120 fps slow motion. I've tried that.

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Victor Engel

 

[Pillar Lee]

Does AI servo focus available when shooting 240FPS slomo?

 

[homebodyMacro]

Does AI servo focus available when shooting 240FPS slomo?

In video mode, I think it's just servo, idk that it's "AI" like in stills mode.

In any case, just for this thread, I just tested a 2K 240fps recording and auto subject detect/servo mode AF worked fine, as expected. Doesn't seem like it is different from any other recording mode. This is on the R5II, to be clear, not the R3.

 

[Pillar Lee]

Thanks!

 

[homebodyMacro]

Thanks!

No problem

 

[Der Fotograf]

Thanks very much!

 

[Suntan]

Just to make you aware of your options, the nikon z6iii also has 2K 240p video, and the AF is functional during recording.