EOS R5 IBIS and tracking strangeness

[johnrmoyer]

EOS R5 IBIS and animal eye tracking strangeness. The beak of the woodpecker was moving, but instead of a blur, there is a double exposure.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) in Norman, Oklahoma, United States on March 26, 2025 ; EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM +1.4x III ; 1/640 ; F/11 ; 560 mm

[Waddizzle]

That’s very odd. You would not think that a double exposure would happen on such a limited area.  Do you think that you could have captured an image of a bird with a genetic deformity?  

[johnrmoyer]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

That’s very odd. You would not think that a double exposure would happen on such a limited area.  Do you think that you could have captured an image of a bird with a genetic deformity?  

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No. The bird was normal. Other photos of the same bird have the expected blur.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

My best guess is that the little fella twitched and turned its head just as the shutter was firing.  The camera must have caught it just right.

[johnrmoyer]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

My best guess is that the little fella twitched and turned its head just as the shutter was firing.  The camera must have caught it just right.

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I think you are correct. Exposed twice first in one position on one part of the sensor and then in another position on another part of the sensor. They move quickly.