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!

[garymak1]

I actually cannot conceive/imagine how one would do that.  Really.  My face is pretty much locked into my right hand, i.e.,.blocks my right hand fingers from moving anywhere but up and down on the right side of the camera (where all the controls are, coincidentally and conveniently).  The only way I could move my right hand left is to slide it under my face - quite awkwardly - which means pulling my face away from the camera viewfinder (which is the whole point not to do (and wiping my nose in the process, which you know, can add a bit of smudge the screen with stuff🤣...) My left hand is supporting the camera/lens.  So, where does this third hand come from?🤔🙄😉 

[garymak1]

Thanks for that! It wasn't the information I was hoping for, but it was the information I was asking for!😉 Thanks!

So it seems that, despite being on their cameras/software for well over a decade, and for no good technical reason, Canon simply took this functionality out of the R8! 😱

This reminds me of the famous story - and "moral lesson" - Ansel Adams told in his book, "The Camera" about mysterious white dots appearing on his negatives from a new, very expensive camera from a very famous camera maker.  He told about a design flaw so basic, it literally was inconceivable to him and so he spent a tremendous amount of effort and countless hours trying to figure out why he was having the problem.  Finally, he found the culprit: the engineers who designed the camera used a glossy, reflective black enamel coating inside the bellows, which of course sent bits of light bouncing all over, which then caused the random white dots on his negatives.  He then took the following lesson from the experience: "Never assume the people designing a product (in this case, a camera) are the people actually using the product."  

I will assume the "Adam's Principle" (as I fondly call it now) is at work here.😉

Thanks again for your time to explain!

[justadude]

I figured there HAD to be another way without using the screen, so I asked Google.  Keep in mind this is an AI answer, so I can't vouch for accuracy - but it may be worth a try...

[Waddizzle]

“ I actually cannot conceive/imagine how one would do that.  Really.  My face is pretty much locked into my right hand, i.e.,.blocks my right hand fingers from moving anywhere but up and down on the right side of the camera (where all the controls are, coincidentally and conveniently).  “

The top left corner can be used, instead of the entire screen. You would need to use the left thumb, which would also find awkward and prohibitive. I let the camera do the work. It’s a lot faster than I am. 

I don’t use the joysticks, at all.  I program the [AF-IN] button to AF-OFF.  Releasing resets the AF to my selected AF Starting Point,  Iwhich is always the center. I recompose and keep shooting.

I have shot this way for years with DSLRs. The AF tracking by Canon is exceptional.  

[jrhoffman75]

I'm a right eye shooter and have no difficulty using my right thumb to move focus points, I configure the Top right area.

[garymak1]

Ah!  That explains it!  Makes sense then... But not for left eye shooters!

[garymak1]

Well, it's encouraging that there seems to be enough "possibilities" of a workaround!!  Thanks for delving into this!!

 It is a shame, though, that so many manufacturers seem to play an odd game of "take away" when introducing new features that customers may or may not like or need, at the expense of taking away (or not including) previous well-used/standard/expected old features.  (Just like the lack of a "shrug" emoji on the Canon forum here...🤣)

[SignifDigits]

I sort of don't get your argument.  Are you comparing a higher-end DSLR to low-end full frame mirrorless in that statement?  I moved from an RP up to an R8 and felt that I got more features, not fewer.  Sorry, I'm just not getting the 1:1 comparison where Canon is taking away features.

[Waddizzle]

“ 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. “

i suggest that you take a pass on the R8, and invest in a camera that has the features that you want. I suggest the R6ii. The R8 uses the same sensor.  Unlike the R8, you will get better battery life, LP-E6 style batteries.

[garymak1]

I