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

[JFG]

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!

[Rojoyinc]

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. 

[Rojoyinc]

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!