jteee Loc: Montana

A couple of weeks ago I posted my first photos from my new R5, with the topic pertaining to the Eye Tracking focus option. Since there were a few folks that appeared interested in the camera, I thought I would provide an update. Please know that these comments aren't based on scientific experimentation, but just an old guy with a new camera that is noticing a few things.
Photo 1 of the hummingbird in the shade, made me notice that the Eye Tracking option doesn't work quite as well in the shade. The camera made some great shots, but in the deep shade, there were noticeably more failures than successes. (In my opinion, still more successes than with my 5DIV).
Photo 2 of the Sisken in the shade, backlit, on a water feature and in the sprinkler. This was a difficult situation for any focus system, but the Eye Tracking option gave me at least a couple of good captures. It did, however, require some persistence to have success. Using AF, I can't remember ever being successful in similar conditions with the 5DIV.
Photo 3 of the stream. This was my first attempt to see what the IBIS might do (although it is on all the time so trying to actually interpret its' effect is difficult at best). Here is the caveat; I'm an old guy with shaky hands, so in all reality it is often difficult for me to achieve sharp focus (handheld) at 1/100. So, standing in this creek, I shot this photo at 1/20, f11, ISO 400, handheld, bending down in a crouch, using a wide angle 16-28 lens at 18. Although not tack sharp, I was astounded at the sharpness I was able to achieve given how much I was bouncing around.
Anyway, just thought I would throw out some of my experiences so far for those that might be interested. My overall evaluation remains the same from my first shots, WOW.

Canon R5, 100-400II @ 400, f5.6, ISO 1600, 1/500

(Download)

Canon R5, 100-400II @ 400, f7.1, ISO 400, 1/320

(Download)

Canon R5, Tokina 16-26, f11, ISO 400, 1/20

(Download)

kufengler Loc: Meridian, Idaho 83646

These all look pretty good through this old guys eyes.
Thanks for sharing.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

The images look good!

Ruherek

I'm an old guy also, and I have to compensate for camera shake so, I can appreciate your pics which turned out very nicely. I am still using a Nikon D850 and watching remarks by people that have bought the new Canon R5. I also have a Canon Mark III, and an 5D SR. So, my concern is having to buy new Canon lens unless there is an adapter for my existing Canon Lens that auto focus.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Well done and thanks for the update on the camera.

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

Could you please explain what the "Eye tracking feature" is? Those of us not familiar with that terminology would welcome an explanation on how that works. We would then be more able to understand what you are trying to explain when using it.
Thanks.

leftj Loc: Texas

Google it and you will find more than enough info on eye tracking.

recb

yes Canon has adapters for EF lenses to work on R cameras and provide AF and IS.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Your results mirror what Tony Northrup noted in his review. While the R5 is not the perfect camera for everyone, for us still photographers, it is better than the 5D4 in many regards. Enough better to switch? I am waiting a bit and will continue on with my 5D4 for a while. By the way, there is an adapter to use your L lenses on the R5. Canon charges 200 for theirs and I bought a Fotodiox for $40 for use on my wife's M6II.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I am a qualified senior, as well. My only comment is that your shots are "pretty good" for an old guy. 😎

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Me too. I just bought my 5D4 last Christmas and it’s barely broke in. I will probably eventually move to the R5 but I’m in no rush.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Better to show you than to tell you.

Jared Polin "Fro Knows Photo" is sorta obnoxious, but he does cover it well in two Youtube vids. He uses an Atomos on the camera, which gives you a view just like looking through the camera's viewfinder (though it makes for a bit less steady hand held shooting, since the viewfinder is blocked when doing this, so he has to use the rear LCD to shoot).

Animal Eye Focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYuOUmhKbzY

People Eye Focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDl9sk9Xc2M

Just try to ignore the hair do, smart ass commentary and occasional self-promotion.

P.S. Not to be confused with "Eye Control", which was a feature on some Canon film cameras in th e1990s, where the AF system would track the photographer's eye and use the AF points where they are looking. (I used EOS-3 and Elan 7 cameras with Eye Control, found it "iffy" and quit using it.)

Today's "Eye Focus" is another thing entirely. When it's enabled, it rapidly focuses on the subject's eye. Will be a real game changer for folks who aren't very skilled with their AF system or are just plain lazy... But certainly will have some actually useful applications as well. Would be a useful tool when shooting fast moving wildlife, for example.... such as birds in flight. Same with people in fast action sports.

Sony (and others?) have had Eye Focus on select models for a while. Early reviews of the new EOS R5 and R6 say that Canon's is now just as good, maybe even better.

A lot of cameras have Face Focus, where they detect and track faces.

Some have "object tracking".... For example I know some recent DJI drones, you can tap virtually any object on the viewing screen and the drone will follow it, keeping the camera on it as best it can.

Mr.Ft Loc: Central New Jersey

Thanks for sharing your Hands on!!!

maciej

Great photos - I can't wait for my new R5 to arrive! Probably a few weeks off.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Amazing.
These look incredible.
It looks to be meeting or exceeding all expectations as a great camera for photos.
You did some very difficuly eye focus situations and it still worked.
I am amazed especially in the dark and with water splashing.