topic Re: Canon R7 subject tracking in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon R7 subject tracking

firstmirrorless — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:20:42 GMT

I have a question about the subject tracking feature on the R7. Of note, I use back button focus. My question: Once the camera has locked onto its subject and is tracking it around the viewfinder, is it also focusing on it? Or is it only tracking it without focusing? Do I need to be pressing the BB focus button to get it to focus? Also of note, when I DO press the back button focus, the white tracking squares disappear and the square goes back to being the blue servo color. Some imperfect experimentation suggests that it's tracking-only, not focusing, which makes me sad.

Anyone got a quick answer for this one?

Big thank yous!

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Waddizzle — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:38:30 GMT

The default behavior with a DSLR, when you press the BBF button it turns on the AF and Metering systems. When you release the BBF button, the AF system stops tracking and the AF points will actually turn off and disappear.

The behavior is similar in a MILC body, because of an added twist. The MILC bodies are capable of continuously tracking a subject and focusing even after you take your finger off the Shutter or BBF button.

You should assume that you need to keep the BBF button pressed with the R7 when using Servo AF mode. Personally, I leave AF on the Shutter Button. Your thumb will get tired over time from pressing BBF. In addition to being tiring during a long ball game, I find it also makes hand holding the camera a little more unsteady.

I also recommend that you activate AF points display during Image Playback in the camera. This is a helpful diagnostic tool. You may discover some photos do not have a locked AF point. These same photos will probably look a little soft, too.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

deebatman316 — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:40:25 GMT

If you want the camera to focus you need to press the "AF-ON" button or "*" (which ever is configured for BBF). Mirrorless cameras track all the time unlike DSLR cameras. Focus lock only happens in One Shot not Servo AF.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

firstmirrorless — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:56:48 GMT

Thank you. I'll activate AF points in Playback. But my base question: When the subject is actively being tracked, as evidenced by the double white square, is it also focusing, or only tracking?

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Waddizzle — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 01:37:09 GMT

“ You should assume that you need to keep the BBF button pressed with the R7 when using Servo AF mode. “

Remember, the camera will only do what ask it to do. If you ask the wrong questions, then you will get the wrong answers.

It takes a lot of practice to get it all figured out. I like to compare learning to use a camera to learning to play a musical instrument, like a guitar or piano. Practice.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

ctitanic — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:26:09 GMT

in AF Servo, if you keep the BBF pressed the camera and Subject tracking is on in the AF Menu, the R7 will keep focusing all time. You can test it by focusing on something and get closer while you have the button pressed. If the subject moves the camera still will track the subject keeping the focus as long as you keep the BBF pressed. That's how it works in a R7.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

firstmirrorless — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:08:08 GMT

So I guess the bottom line is that whichever button is used to focus, it needs to be pressed even if the subject is being tracked. Subject tracking is tracking-only, not also focusing. Canon, if you're listening- I think there are several of us who would like the subject being tracked to ALSO be continually in focus. Firmware upgrade?

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Waddizzle — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:31:14 GMT

@firstmirrorless wrote:
So I guess the bottom line is that whichever button is used to focus, it needs to be pressed even if the subject is being tracked. Subject tracking is tracking-only, not also focusing. Canon, if you're listening- I think there are several of us who would like the subject being tracked to ALSO be continually in focus. Firmware upgrade?

You’re assumption is incorrect. The refocuses as it tracks subjects.

Learn how to use the camera as it was designed to be used. You have complete control over when and how the camera tracks subjects and focuses on subjects.

Sometimes you want to be able to pause the focusing, such as when something comes between you and your subject. In this case you probably would not want the camera to refocus on the new object that has gotten in the way. Remove your finger from BBF to pause the focusing and tracking until whatever is blocking your view of the subject has moved on.

There is nothing “wrong” with the camera, just your understanding of how it works. This means you can rule out a firmware upgrade to fix an operator error.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

deebatman316 — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 01:12:18 GMT

Subject Tracking and AF are 2 completely different things. If you want the camera to AF you need to tell it. By using the BBF you've set up. I don't think you completely understand how your camera works. Read up on the features your camera has in the manual. Canon provides an electronic copy free of charge. EOS R7 Manual

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

firstmirrorless — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 01:52:16 GMT

I understand nothing is wrong with the camera, and the snide tone is unnecessary. The AF function has a special case scenario to keep focus on an object even when obstacles get in the way, so why not have the tracking feature also keep focus on the subject as well, so when it emerges from behind the branches you can snap immediately? It's not a huge leap to want the process simplified. My question was not an invitation to be shamed, so kindly keep your superiority complex in check.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

firstmirrorless — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 01:52:57 GMT

Your judgment is noted.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Billy-Bob — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 04:59:25 GMT

First, check your menu under AF1. Is Continuous AF enabled or disabled? If enabled, disable it.

Then the answer would be: Pressing the BBF button acquires initial focus. With the BBF button remains pressed, focus is automatically maintained on the subject while it or your camera moves and is being tracked.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Waddizzle — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 10:54:40 GMT

@firstmirrorless wrote:
I understand nothing is wrong with the camera, and the snide tone is unnecessary. The AF function has a special case scenario to keep focus on an object even when obstacles get in the way, so why not have the tracking feature also keep focus on the subject as well, so when it emerges from behind the branches you can snap immediately? It's not a huge leap to want the process simplified. My question was not an invitation to be shamed, so kindly keep your superiority complex in check.

If truly understand that nothing is wrong with the camera, then why did you express a wish for a firmware update to fix your issue?

The “special case scenario” that you describe above does not exist. It is wishful thinking. Magic bullets do not exist in the real world.

FACT! The camera cannot focus on a subject when it loses “line of sight” contact with the subject. I am sorry if you disagree with the science. This is basic physics and common sense.

I am not expressing an opinion. The camera cannot focus on that which it cannot “see.” Depending upon your camera setting, it will either stop refocusing or it will focus on another subject.

I stand by everything that I have said. Learn how to use the camera as it has been designed. Just because you do not get the results that you expect does not mean there is a bug in the firmware.

The camera is not omnipotent. It will only do what you ask it to do. If you ask the wrong questions, then you will get the wrong answers.

If you have not already downloaded the full User Guide, then follow the link below to download a copy. Good Luck!

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

cid69 — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:33:18 GMT

Geez. Firstmirrorless I have the same question....and before everyone chimes in to tell me in a snide way that I don't know how my camera works....you're right! I wouldn't be asking the question if I knew how this works. Simple question requires a simple answer. With back button focusing do I need to continue to depress the back button when subject tracking locks on to a subject. Yes or no please.

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Waddizzle — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 20:15:39 GMT

@cid69 wrote:
Geez. Firstmirrorless I have the same question....and before everyone chimes in to tell me in a snide way that I don't know how my camera works....you're right! I wouldn't be asking the question if I knew how this works. Simple question requires a simple answer. With back button focusing do I need to continue to depress the back button when subject tracking locks on to a subject. Yes or no please.

Yes, you need to keep pressing BBF. I explained this multiple times to the OP.

The problem is not being unfamiliar how a camera works. The problem is not being familiar with how a camera works and declaring long established behaviors are bugs in the camera firmware and demand that they be corrected.

“It should work like the way I want it to work.”

Re: Canon R7 subject tracking

Tea_and_Me — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:18:33 GMT

Hello, I would like to add that if you want the R7 to have constant tracking, you can enable that in AF menu tab 3 "Preview AF" select Enable. This will keep subjects in constant focus, will drain the battery, but is useful in some cases.