topic Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

JFG — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:21:15 GMT

Hello everyone,

So, as some of you all know, I received my EOS R5 Mark II on 8-21-2024. Of course, I took it for a spin right away to see how it worked, and I fell in love it with it. Having said that, life happened, and I got to learn and get more acquainted with all of its wonderful features by way of reading the manual and watching pod casts, I didn't take it out very much (Took my R6 to Australia and to Andalucia, Spain). So, the other day, (1-15-25), after I updated the firmware on my R5 Mark II, I watched a pod cast on the Eye-Control AF features and disabled the "Eye Pointer" on the "Eye Control" window "Pointer Display Settings" as suggested and tested it. I have to tell you that one little adjustment made the Eye-Focusing feature perform so much better and easier to use, because instead of looking at that little pointer and what it's doing, you are more focused on the subject. The function of that pointer is to let you know what your eye is looking at, and you don't need to know that because you already know what you're looking at. Also, the pointer is so distracting, if you're just checking on the background, that pointer will move to where your eye looks, and the Pointer will be wobbling around in the background, I found it a bit annoying. With out the pointer you look at your subject and the "Eye Control System" will immediately place the focusing area there, where your eye is looking. Then half press the shutter button 1/2 way to set your focus point and shoot. It doesn't focus for you; it positions the Focus Point for you. You still have to press the shutter button 1/2 way to set your focus point. The Eye Control AF feature is a lightning-fast way to focus, it's night and day on how quick you're ready to shoot. No more back button focusing for me! The more I learn and use the capabilities of the R5 Mark II, the more I fall in love with it!

So Glad I Got It!

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II ...

shadowsports — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:12:14 GMT

Hey Joe,

Helpful information for sure. Glad you are liking the new camera. I think Newton (FloridaDrafter) has been equally impressed with his. The R1 and R5mkII are both rumoured to be getting another firmware update soon. I think the announcement is coming mid to the end of the month.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II ...

JFG — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 04:14:04 GMT

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the heads up on the firmware update for the R5 Mark II. Please let me know if you see it first. Yeah, the R5 Mark II is an amazing camera. There's lot of people out there that don't want to like the Eye-control AF feature, and they don't know what they are missing. Granted the feature may not work for everyone, however, if set up properly it will work for most everyone. I wear eyeglasses and I followed the setup calibration instructions to the letter, and it works great for me.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II ...

Waddizzle — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:32:59 GMT

Thanks, for the advice and tips about the Eye Focus. Count me in as one of those people who will never use it. It’s not a choice. I’m not able to use it.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II ...

JFG — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:33:46 GMT

Hi Waddizzle,

I know that some will not be able to use the Eye-Contol-AF feature and I'm sorry to hear that you're one of those people. I know that we all have different eyesight, some good and some not so good with limitations that makes it unable for them to use this feature. I know that if you could you would at least try it and end up using it 😊

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

LaneW — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 01:12:41 GMT

Great to hear this. What might I expect for focus performance for birds in flight?

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

JFG — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 03:48:40 GMT

Hi LaneW,

Once you have set up your Eye-control AF you will love using it for any type of action photography such as wildlife, birds in flight, or whatever, for that matter any type of photography. It is a much faster way of focusing on your moving subject (or any subject as model photographers are attesting to it). All you need is to look at the bird in flight, the "Eye Control System" will immediately place the focusing area where your eye is looking (on the bird), then half press the shutter button to set your focus point and shoot. If your eye is looking at the birds head the eye-focus will lock on to the nearest eye and shoot. It is the fastest way to focus. It's lightning fast. The R5 Mark II's AF performance is unbelievably accurate. As long as your settings are properly set than you will be amazed and comeback and tell everyone about your experience. Also don't forget that you still have to follow the rules of The Trinity of Photography to get a great shot. AF is just part of it. The right Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO, and AF is what will give you a great picture.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

shadowsports — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 03:50:40 GMT

Hi Lane,

The FW updates are rumored for the R5mkII and R1. Announcement is expected mid to late Feb.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

LaneW — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 19:27:50 GMT

Thanks Joe and Rick,

I am pretty excited to hear about the eye control, having seen mixed reviews elsewhere. I have seen people saying they don’t care for it, but I sure like what you are saying about birds in flight, which is most of what I shoot. Were there improvements with the FW upgrade that you mention that may have changed some people's minds? Joe, I’d love to see the podcast that you mentioned. Can you send a link?

I don’t the the R5 M ii yet, and hope to be able to order one. The two features that interest me he most are the eye control and pre-capture. I only wish that those features would come to the R5, but that’s certainly not likely.

Hoping the M ii is in my future!

Lane

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

Rojoyinc — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:48:33 GMT

Do you find it works always? I keep hearing (it's great when it works). I was very impressed at first, but often the icon doesn't appear (its set to) or it sticks, or it doesn't appear. USALLY doesn't work, maybe 20% of the time it does... but after a while it (the icon) disappears. I need to make sure it works - before I can turn off the display icon.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

Rojoyinc — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:55:14 GMT

it can "when it works" Mine doesn't work most of the time. I use animal and eye tracking for birds in flight.
mine calibrates well and easily - but the crosshair doesn't always appear.

I still use animal/eye and it works well. Just recently when I go to calibrate and I click "START". it hands and I have to hit the shutter to leave the menu. REturning this camera for exchange.

Re: Update on my R5 Mark II: New firmware and eye-control AF improvements

Rojoyinc — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:01:44 GMT

Both are great- eye control more often doesn't work. But animal and eye tracking is great. PRECAPTURE is awesome... I now get the shot of the bird leaving the perch!