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!

[shadowsports]

Hey Joe,

Helpful information for sure.  Glad you are liking the new camera.  I think Newton (FloridaDrafter) has been equally impressed with his.  The R1 and R5mkII are both rumoured to be getting another firmware update soon.  I think the announcement is coming mid to the end of the month.

[JFG]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the heads up on the firmware update for the R5 Mark II.  Please let me know if you see it first.  Yeah, the R5 Mark II is an amazing camera. There's lot of people out there that don't want to like the Eye-control AF feature, and they don't know what they are missing.  Granted the feature may not work for everyone, however, if set up properly it will work for most everyone.  I wear eyeglasses and I followed the setup calibration instructions to the letter, and it works great for me.  

[Waddizzle]

Thanks, for the advice and tips about the Eye Focus.  Count me in as one of those people who will never use it.  It’s not a choice.  I’m not able to use it.  

[JFG]

Hi Waddizzle, 

I know that some will not be able to use the Eye-Contol-AF feature and I'm sorry to hear that you're one of those people.   I know that we all have different eyesight, some good and some not so good with limitations that makes it unable for them to use this feature.  I know that if you could you would at least try it and end up using it 😊