EOS-1D X Mark II won’t face track in AI Servo mode

[Tamarascamera]

Per the manual, this camera will face track in AI servo. I have it set to EOS ITR AF ( face priority), and also have AF method set to the same.  I have my drive set to Servo. I have AF area set to large zone.  The little tracking square will not appear at all, unless I switch to live view in which it automatically puts it in one shot mode, and cannot be changed to Servo.  I’ve watched hours of videos and cannot figure this out.  Specifically bought this camera for sports photography! Please help!? Thank you!!!

[Waddizzle]

I could be wrong, but my DSLRs only made EOS iTR AF available in Live View mode.  There are also a couple caveats associated with using EOS iTR AF.

[Tamarascamera]

 Thank you -  I have the same manual - we have a choice to put it in EOS iTR AF (face priority), or EOS iTR AF.  That third paragraph says “ with AI servo AF, the subject is tracked while giving higher priority to using facial information than with the [EOS iTR AF] setting”.  To me that says that AI servo is better than EOS iTR AF, but the EOS iTR AF (face tracking) option is better than them both? I don’t know if this is just unclear semantics or what? It sounds like the only face tracking option is going to be on the live view - it works for me that way in One Shot mode- are you able to get it to work in  AI Servo in live view? Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

[wq9nsc]

You do have to be in Live view mode to use face/head/eye tracking but it allows full selection of the various cases for AF servo mode.  I suspect somewhere in your setup, you have restricted available AF methods in Live View which is preventing servo mode from being selectable.

However, unless you shoot sports far differently than me you will find using Live View with the rear display is incredibly awkward.  A mirrorless camera is better suited for action Live View shooting.

With that being said, I have now tried a R-1 three different times for significant periods of time at multiple sports events and I have no inclination to switch from my 1DX III bodies at this time.  Different people have different techniques for shooting sports but face/eye detection is of zero use for me because I am almost shooting action shots with groups of players and the closest player often isn't the one of interest, I have to control the system so having it automatically choose a face or head would be a negative for me since it likely wouldn't be the choice I would make.

So if you want to try using Live View, check the custom settings to ensure you haven't locked out some available modes and although I don't believe in doing full resets as a problem solving method that is the go to for many people so that is an option.  Then start over configuring the AF system with Live View selected.

Also note that battery life will be greatly decreased in Live View so plan accordingly.  Wednesday I shot an afternoon soccer match and then dress rehearsal for a musical and captured a bit over 3,000 images between two 1DX III bodies and both are still showing full battery level after hours of usage.

Rodger