R8 Changing Focus Control Settings Quickly

[garymak1]

I am looking for advice from R8 users only.

I am considering buying an R8 as a travel backup & 2nd camera to my main R5.  (For studio work I use the R5 and 5Diii.) I took the R8 out for a spin to compare image IQ and overall handling with my other cameras, including my R5.  Overall, I had a good impression, and it was reasonably easy to guess most of the control function locations based on general Canon organization logic.  And of course I'll figure out differences and specifics if I buy one.  

However, I was confounded by the lack of joystick (such as I'm used to on the R5, 5D) to quickly change the focal points, (AF Point Selection) e.g., spot, extended, etc., as usually on the R5 & 5D, pushing the AF Point Selection button, and then turning the Main Dial allows you to quickly change modes, and then using the joystick, quickly move the AF Point position.  The R8 doesn't seem to have that function with the AF Point Selection button and without a joystick, while shooting and looking through the viewfinder, I couldn't figure out how to move the focal point.  

So, that's my question: on the R8, while shooting, how do you quickly change from AF Point setting to another, and then move the AF focal point from one position to another in the viewfinder screen?

Thanks!

[justadude]

You can set touch and drag on the screen, which is what a lot of people do.  Personally I disable the touch feature on the screen.  To change the focus point I press the AF button on the back, then use the cross keys (circle around the set button) to move it whichever direction I want (not diagonal... right - left, or up - down ... one way at a time only).

[garymak1]

OK, so it can be done, not necessarily as elegantly as on an R5, but reasonably well with the "L<>R, U<>D" hash marks on the outer circle.  That's good to learn!  

RE: Touch Screen: I agree.  I always disable the touch screen. When you are trying to focus, having to pull away and look at an LCD screen and move a focus point there is ridiculous as then your camera is off track from your subject, which makes the whole process pointless. (And that assumes you can even see the LCD screen well enough in bright sunlight or glare anyway!)

What about the AF Point Selection button?  As I mentioned, it seemed that pushing that button and then turning the Main Dial did not work to shuttle between AF Point Selection options... 

Again, I don't have one in front of me and this was my one bugaboo so to speak that I want to be sure about before buying this camera.

Thanks for your time!

[justadude]

I'm not 100% sure I follow exactly what you are asking. If you mean how do you change from single point to one of the zone settings (expandable focus points, whole area, etc.), I always have done that with the info screen (Info button) simply because it is a hardwired habit since my DSLR days.  I haven't really looked into seeing if there are other ways of doing it simply because this is almost a non-thinking way for me to change that setting.

Is that what you are asking?  Or did you mean something else?

[garymak1]

Sorry. Let me define:

1) "Change Focal Point Setting" = "change from single point to one of the zone settings (spot, expandable focus points, whole area, etc.)"  

2) "Change Focus Point" = "Change AF Point position in the screen" i.e.,., move the focal point square (or rectangle, etc.) around in the screen.

So, your answer "To change the focus point I press the AF button on the back, then use the cross keys (circle around the set button) to move it whichever direction I want (not diagonal... right - left, or up - down ... one way at a time only)" would be as #2 above: to change/move around the focus point in the screen.  So, asked and you answered.   Much thanks!

Regarding #1 however,  1) "Change Focal Point Setting" = "change from, for instance, single point to one of the zone settings (spot, expandable focus points, whole area, etc.)"... On an R5 and 5D, you press the AF Point Selection button, and then turn the Main Dial which allows you to quickly change modes in the viewfinder.  I tried this on the R8 and it was something else.  So I'm asking how to quickly switch between Focal Point Settings in the viewfinder.  Pulling the viewfinder away from your eye to then use the LCD screen wastes time menu-diving, and is distracting (and difficult to see in bright sun) and you lose contact with your subject.  So, there's got to be a way. I just couldn't figure it out (and don't have an R8 in front of me to figure it out now.)

Hope I clarified it.  Thanks!

[SignifDigits]

I hope I've understood your questions.

Regarding your #1, the  "AF point selection/index/magnify/reduce button" comes programmed to perform that function by default.

Regarding your #2, Live View is not required to use the screen to choose the focal point focus - it is called "Touch and Drag AF" and typically you'll just use the right half of the touch screen whilst your eye is pressed to the electronic viewfinder, much like the joystick.  Many people, including me, prefer it to the joystick, though one does need to train ones' thumb and cheek accordingly.

The AE lock button is easily reprogrammed to then recenter your focus area.  This is how I use that button.  A snip from the manual to help you visualize:

Since I do not use back-button AF I use that button to switch between servo and one-shot.  I found that useful for me.

As to your #1 # setting SF Areas  there are several other options for this (I apologize in advance for any misstatements someone has to correct as I no longer have my R8 to test, so this is just from memory) :

• Quick Control Dial can be reprogrammed to perform this (I never did this)
• Info button then Quick Control Dial (definitely used this)
• And likely others

See manual at https://cam.start.canon/en/C013/manual/html/UG-00_Before_0110.html for more details

[jrhoffman75]

You can use Touch & Drag with your thumb while eye is at viewfinder.

[justadude]

"You can use Touch & Drag with your thumb while eye is at viewfinder."

I mentioned that as well, but he replied further up in the post that same as me, he disables the touch screen.  With me, my big nose gets in the way - lol

[justadude]

"Regarding #1 however,  1) "Change Focal Point Setting" = "change from, for instance, single point to one of the zone settings (spot, expandable focus points, whole area, etc.)"..."

That's what I thought that you meant.  It seems like there should be a way to do this without pulling the viewfinder away from your eye, but I honestly do not know.  I don't delve into the menu like SignifDigits suggests (although I know that is the common way).  When I pull my camera from my eye I simply hit the "Info" button, then the "Set" button, and I can quickly switch from Whole Area, to whatever I need.  Yes, it still means taking the camera away from your eye, but it's a LOT faster than diving into the menu.  Even on sunny days, the high contrast black and white screen is easy to see for these few simple visual steps.  See sample images below.

If you do find another way, I'd like to know.  I agree that it was simpler on many of the DSLRs I have owned.

[jrhoffman75]

I am away from my camera, but I believe you can disable touch shutter but still enable touch & drag.