There have been a number of questions about some of the features and terminology on newer Canon bodies, like the R3 or R6 II for example. Recently, “worldrider” here on KZfaq asked the following question, pasted below in full, which I passed on to Rudy. Rudy’s very detailed answer follows the question. “ Great vid, dude! First time viewer as I just picked up a new R6 Mark II - and there are several differences-some in nomenclature such as AF Area vs AF Method. Also, there is no Face Detect + Tracking on the Mkll-so I'm confused. Rudy says the eye detection only kicks in when this is selected. So, how or when is eye detection operable on the Mk Il? Oh, and I should note that on the Mk Il for there is an "Auto" option for Subject To Detect. Also, on your R5, I see only two options, One Shot and Servo. The Mk Il also has Al Focus. What's that do? Then, instead of those Zone AF options your R5 has on the Mk Il, we've got what is called "Flexible Zones." Have you seen this? Finally, I don't see Continuous AF on my menu, but I have Preview AF, and I'm wondering if the name changed, as Rudy clearly pointed out the wording was terrible. Again, thanks. I will have to watch your back button operation again as I didn't quite follow it in the first go-round, but it sounds interesting- though it seems like a lot to keep track of in a fast shooting environment? That is, if your shutter half-press doesn't lock focus in, you have to use your thumb to focus? Thanks again for such an in depth look at Canon's focusing system and set up!” I answered his back button AF question inline with the original question, and proving again how awesome Rudy is, here’s his answer: “AF TRACKING WITH EOS R6 Mark II: Canon made a fundamental shift in AF operation, beginning with the introduction of the EOS R3 camera (launched in 2021). With this camera, the ability to select ANY AF Area, even a single AF point, still allowed the subject-recognition and tracking capabilities to be active. Thus, you no longer have to be in “Face Detect + Tracking” AF Area (AF Method) to have the system be able to move AF points to follow a detected subject around the frame. R6 II gives several Menu settings to modify this behavior, depending on the user’s preferences and the situation he or she is currently in… it’s entirely plausible that a user might opt to take advantage of Tracking - the ability to follow a subject around the frame, changing AF point location as the subject or camera moves - in some situations. Likewise, there might be times the same user would prefer to turn the clock back and simply select an AF point, move it to a specific location, and not have it drift away or move to “track” a given subject. These Menu settings are on Screen #1, in the R6 II AF Menu: Whole area tracking Servo AF Even if the user has selected just one AF point (or any AF Area), will the camera simply use that area at whatever location in the frame the photographer has placed it? Or do you want to initially grab a subject with a user-defined AF Area (and location in the frame), and from there, have the camera be able to keep AF upon that subject, even if it moves around the frame? Old-school users will usually prefer to leave this off, but that does remove a lot of the newer technology from the camera’s operation. With first-generation EOS R5/R6, this basically happened if you selected “Face Detect + Tracking.” Now, you can still select the entire available screen area to focus upon (now called Whole Area AF), or any other available AF Area, and still have tracking active and ready to kick-in if you want. Subject to detect Two points here: first, for old-timers who just want the camera to act like their EOS 5D (or whatever) did, turn this to NONE. Now, the EOS R6 II is not devoting resources to looking around the frame to potentially locate an identifiable subject, even if you’ve opted for the “precision” of a small, single AF point. Also: the new “AUTO” option here, for users who do want to take advantage of this remarkable AF capability, does simplify the general task of “what do I focus upon?” in most situations. However, actual reaction speed and response may be better - assuming the user does want Tracking capability, to follow something if the camera or subject moves - if a known subject type is specifically chosen here. Switching tracked subjects This doesn’t exactly answer the viewer’s question, but if a user DOES tell the system to track a subject, it defines how readily will the AF system leave that subject, and grab onto something else now in the viewfinder? Users who want the camera to do its best to stick with an initial subject (example - a bird in flight, that may be joined by other birds entering the frame) should turn this to the “-1” or Initial Priority setting. Or vice-versa. AI Focus AF This actually isn’t new, although it’s true that higher-end models usually haven’t had this. AI Focus AF basically automates the process of selecting either One-Shot AF (locking focus upon a stationary subject) or Servo AF (continuously updating AF, to consistently keep sharpness upon a moving subject). Camera reads the scene, and seamlessly selects either One-Shot AF or Servo AF; the primary indication the user will get in AI Focus AF is that if the system has selected One-Shot (in other words, no movement detected, or movement has stopped), the identifying AF Area is green; with Servo AF, the viewfinder/LCD screen shows blue AF point(s). Flexible Zone AF The Zone AF settings were explained in the video we did, if memory serves. With original EOS R5 and R6, the size of the zone was fixed - users could move it around the frame, and expect AF to attempt to put sharpness upon the nearest detailed subject within the confines of that Zone. Starting with the EOS R3, and now even with entry-level cameras like the EOS R50, you instead have three different Flexible Zone AF options. With these, users can select almost ANY size and square/rectangular shape for a zone, and still be able to position it almost anywhere within the frame. Once any Flexible Zone AF setting has been picked - it doesn’t matter if it’s #1, 2 or 3 - pressing the RATE button, and then turning either the top-mounted Main Dial, or the rear Quick Control Dial, will alter the size/shape of the zone. Flexible Zone AF continues to use the “Zone AF” concept of focusing upon whatever’s nearest in the zone (or, if a detectable subject is identified within the zone, to jump to that instead for focus), so it’s a potentially very useful way to put AF over a larger area when it’s desirable. Preview AF As the viewer notes, this is an update to the wording for this function, previously called “Continuous AF.” Either way, it’s especially useful in unmanned or remote situations - beginning with the now-ubiquitous use of a mirrorless camera for things like Zoom or MS Teams meetings, telling Servo AF to be continuously ready for changes in subject-to-lens distances, without a user’s finger being on a camera button to separately activate AF. The function itself hasn’t changed. Finally, while I’m sure you separately clarified the back-button AF question for the viewer, his assessment is correct - you are activating/de-activating AF via a separate, rear button of your choice, via the user’s thumb.” Hope this clarifies some things for some of you, and thank you, Rudy!

Rudy is a legend! I wish there weren’t as many interruptions when he was trying to answer a question.

Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for doing this Steve and thanks to Rudy for the easy to understand explanations. I work at a camera store and literally the same day as watching this, I was able to provide some meaningful help to a customer who had questions about autofocus on the R series. I've also updated my own R5 settings - can't wait to try them out.

An incredibly valuable episode. I always listen to your podcasts while driving, but I watched the entire episode with my R5 in hand and finally understand the AF cases. I also completely agree with your spot metering linking to the focus point critique. Thanks very much for doing this and keep up the good work.

Thank you for the great video. I own an R5 and you and Rudy helped me tweak my auto focus. Everyone needs to listen to this video from the beginning to end.

You can't go wrong having Rudy on to give a 'down to earth' overview of the AF system. Thanks, Steve, now following!

Awesome and very informative. I will take a good portion of this and apply it to my 5D IV. I have had the pleasure of being present at another presentation by Mr. Winston and he never disappoints. Thank you both for your insight.

I own an R6 and take wildlife / motorsports as a hobby and usually seek out experts preferred settings as a starting point for mine with a few tweaks to get what I want. This is the first informative session I have ever seen that truly explains (in clear terms I can understand and follow) that now gives me knowledge to make my own judgements to set my camera up as I need it. A truly exceptional session, Steve and Rudy are to be congratulated - many thanks guys, just a brilliant video

A great watch guys,it works really well when the jargon is explained in simple terms for us users.One thing Rudy said about learning things in stages and taking the time to understand the learning in each stage, was that it does remove the confusion of trying to learn everything to quick and too soon.I do a lot of bird photography and took shots in stages using different settings on servo different settings on tracking and focusing points.Then doing comparisons of the shots which teach me what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong.

Absolutely LOVE the understandability of this episode. It so clearly explained what each button actually does! Can't tell you how valuable this is to one who doesn't speak tech.

This has been an EXCELLENT video! Actually the best I have seen related on the AF settings of Canon R5/R6. Kudos and thank you very much

Excellent, Thank you so much for bringing Rudy and explain all the settings in detail, and lot of practical QA's, and sharing your settings, it helps a lot.

This is one of the best in-depth explanation of the Canon Mirrorless AF settings that I have seen so far. Worth seeing multiple times. And Rudy knows what he's talking abount.

The full story of how the Canon works in the background unfolds with every word from Rudy. Together with the great host this is a phantastic video.

This interview with Rudy Winston was well done, and really helpful. Although I have watched many KZfaq videos about setting up the R5 and read everything I could find, I was able to learn alot about the settings, and make a number of changes on both my R5's. Thanks so much.

This is insanely useful. I'm a hobbyist photographer been shooting with older gear for 10+ years, so this is all new to me. Now reviewing upgrade options to Canon's latest offerings before getting some hands on demos. Huge thanks to both you and Rudy. Subscribed.

This video is PHENOMENAL! Great job, Steve and thank you to Rudy for being a wonderful resource!

Really excellent review of the focus characteristics and controls. Huge respect for Rudy and thanks to you for setting this up.

I’m a technical person and I absolutely enjoyed this video! Thank you Thank you Thank you both so much for the deep dive into Canon’s AF system. Loved it!

I love how he explains these functions so well. Moving from an M50 Mark II to an R6 gave me a lot to learn about these menu options that didn't exist on my previous camera.

I have learned so much from listening to Rudy over the years. He knows is stuff and articulates it so well.

can't wait to rewatch this again and again...this is by far the most useful info I've seen on how to photograph anything.

Rudy Winston, I first came across him when the EOS R was launched, and he was heading some intro vlogs into the camera. These convinced me to move from DSLR to mirrorless. I could listen his explanations all day long. Thanks for sharing this feature, I shall bookmark this too should I ever afford to upgrade to EOS R5

This was one of the best that’s available anywhere! You both speak so well and with great knowledge. Thank you very much.

Thank you for having Rudy on to explain so many things on the camera. It was very informative and better than going back and forth through the manual which doesn’t explain everything.

Worth seeing multiple times. And Rudy knows what he's talking abount.

Thank you so much for doing this interview with Mr. Winston I watch and trust him. And for this deeper detailed explanation. Awesome. Saving this video for future references.

Brilliant video. Found it while researching my R5 purchase and watched it three times while waiting for the camera to arrive. Now I have the R5 I watched the video again. I learned so much from this. Thank you!

Found you. Now love you. The information in this video is priceless. I'm rewatching it today and most likely again and again, until it sinks in and I can manage myself up a shot I can be proud of out of my 5D MIII.

Thank you so much Rudy, I have a 5D Mk4 and a 7D mk2 and I struggled with the servo at fast paced horse events, cattle and horses, now I know why, wrong case. I shall try case 4. Thank you once again.

I’ve just found your excellent channel Steve and subscribed. This was the best video I’ve seen on Canon’s autofocus system and I’ll be watching it over and over to get the best out of my 5Dmk 4

Excellent show! Reinforced a few things I'm doing correctly, and learned a few things that I'll be testing out. I had bbf set up nearly the same as you, but learned I needed to change a setting there too. Thank you for all you do, Steve, and thanks for taking the time, Rudy!

Thank you very much for the interview! Nobody never tells so detailed and knowledgeable about Canon's autofocus. Invaluable information. Great!

Just found your podcasts and this one is a great start. Bought R5 recently and set up the camera based on a number of pros. This video provides an additional level of insight which is not available elsewhere. Thanks and really enjoying your work.

This was seriously one of the best & most informative videos I’ve watched on photography. Thank you both for this.

I listened, re-listened, tried the various settings, re-listened, and absorbed lot of good information. THANK You

Amazing Video! Thank you both for the detailed information on the focus system! God knows I've been looking for a video like this for months and I am so happy to have finally found it. Truly helpful!

After watching about 20 videos this is the best explanation of 'Initial Servo AF point for face tracking' on page 5 that I have seen. I believe most KZfaq guys gloss over this setting because they actually don't understand it. Thank you Rudy for clearing up a 5-year question that has never been adequately answered until now.

Thank you, finally I have found out the difference between AI Servo AF and Continuous AF I have been confused by it until now. I watch a lot of Rudy Winston’s videos he explains things so clear and precise and is a true gent & Canon professional.

What an exceptional interview. The first watching already has given me a better understanding of all that is there for the user. I know I will gain more insight with additional viewings. My mind is blown.

This was fantastic! I have had my R5 and R6 for about a year now and this has helped explain so much. There are MANY vids on YT that discuss these AF menus, but this vid is the best.

Rudy is really great at this. Not just running through menus and a quick explanation but also relating the settings to real life situations (Steve did this too!). Excellent episode.

Wow! Fantastic episode, Steve. Will be used as a "reference book" for a long time by me. BTW, I share Marty's question of birds on branches getting lost by the eye detection AF. I find I have to switch to the standard AF method (no eye detection) if I can't get the eye detection to work. Fortunately the dual back-button system makes this easy.

Thank you. THE best AF for Canon video and I have watched many! Made some adjustments to my current setup and very happy. Only one that explains and not just prescribes. Excellent for letting you do what you want and then you know what you have and can make changes if needed.

I've had a R6 for over a year and I just re-programmed mine, because the wording was without context. Thank you for getting Rudy to explain everything. The * bit toward the end led to me doing a deep dive giving me 2 very different AF modes that will help me and my team provide way better images for my company's clients.

Brilliant session! Rudy is a real gem. Thanks so much for this.

Brilliant video. Thank you so much, both of you. I use a simplified version of back button focus as, being in my mid seventies, there is no way I can do away with the normal use of the shutter button as it is so deeply etched into my neural pathways! I therefore leave it on its default setting but set the AF-ON button to Eye Detection. When I am out birding I press the shutter button half way to focus roughly on the bird and then hit the AF-ON button to switch to eye detection. I keep my finger on this button to maintain the eye detect mode and, when I'm happy, I press the shutter button fully and bingo - picture taken with the eye sharply in focus.

Excellent conversation. Thank you for partnering with Rudy from Canon to demystify the Canon EOS R5 AF menu and its abundant features! I'm now a subscriber to your channel and look forward to other videos you've produced.

Just Amazing Intersection with Measters. I am wildlife photographer just acquired Canon EOS R7 and with this session I learned a lot about canon menus and meanings of those.. Really appreciate your efforts to bring Rudy to answer.. no one better than him can do this.. Truly Impressed. Thanks and keep doing great work. 👍🏻👏👏👏💐

The best video I have watched in a long long time. I have the R5 and you answered about 95% of all my questions. Thank you for having Rudy as your guest speaker, he is fantastic and super knowledgeable.

Thank you both for such a wonderful and informative program!

Truly an incredible podcast. I now better understand the intent behind some of the functions which enables me to make better choices for the types of photos I enjoy taking. The information was clear and concise, using terms that are generally familiar to amateur photographers. I liked that neither presenter went off-topic and the examples were relevant and relatable. The menu visuals were very helpful. I plan to re-listen to this in a few months as I know that there is a lot more for me to learn.

Excellent video! So great of Mr Winston to take the time to do this!

Like doesn't even describe this episode. Love it! Thank you for bringing this, I thought that I knew enough about Canon's autofocus... boy was I wrong!

Rudy Winston is the man. Excellent vid. Informative on some more of the details on the menu. I also was confused on the "Continuous AF" The "Switching Tracked Subjects" makes sense too.

Just bought my Canon R5 about six months ago. Love this camera. This show gave me some great clarity on my focusing system. Thanks for doing this you guys were great!!❤

Millions of thanks for this Steve and Rudy and this is absolutely mind blowing from when I did some photography 20 years ago with an EOS 10D. And now after returning to the hobby 4 months ago, I'm upgrading already from an R10 with a mind blowing 100 to 500, to an R6 MKII for wildlife combined with this priceless info, is going to make my journey so much more exciting, so thank you both incredibly for your experience as well as your priceless time. Obviously I have liked and subscribed 👍

Rudy is simply OUTSTANDING.

Would love to see a follow up video from you with live in-camera demonstrations of each of the AF modes and cases. I now understand the theory but would love a feel for how each works in practice. Great work!

This an absolutely wonderful and informative video, truly enlightening for us Canon shooters. I feel like I know Rudy watching him in so many short videos. Your questions are on point and answered many of mine. Thanks 😊 Great job

Really enjoyed the depth of conversation on the menu items and explanation behind them. Well worth the long episode. Just what I needed for my R5 use.

Rudy is one of the nicest guys you can meet.

Rudy is like a walking encyclopedia of digital cameras and lenses.

Outstanding deep, thorough explanation of the whole AF section of the cameras. I learned all sorts of new details. Thanks much!

A really good video. Rudy’s explanations are the best I’ve yet heard.

This has been awesome. I wish this had come out 10 years ago for the 5DM3

Very informative! Thank you for doing this. My question - Why can't you just set the asterisk button to face tracking in the first place, instead of using the info button? I have mine set to People eye focus, without changing anything in the info settings and it works fine. I use the focus point selection button (to the right of the asterisk) to rotate between spot, expanded and Face tracking, the AF-on button meters and focuses with whatever mode is selected, then the asterisk uses people eye focus no matter what the other 2 are set for. Not sure what advantage the settings in the Info button provide?

Oh my gosh this was GREAT! I was struggling with my AF for volleyball, and it was the “initial” focus was set to auto, and the mono of “switch” from initial subject to new subject entering the frame… I was hitting shots as the focus was changing… so happy you did this. Awesome.

Thanks for this great interview, Howie! Great to see you on KZfaq!

Excellent video. I just wish the host would not cut the guest off mid sentence so often. This occurred too many times IMHO and was more often than not, unhelpful.

OMG THANK YOU! Amazing is an understatement! Soooo much info, I think I'll hit replay a few times to sink it all in. All the best to you guys! Sending some love from Slovenia, Europe!

This tutorial was absolutely incredible…. I’ve been fumbling with my R6 AF settings for months - thank u 🙏🏼

Wow, outstanding video and great guest. I sure I will be sharing this one as so many questions have been answered. Looking forward to following your page. 👍

Thank you Rudy and host. This demystifies the cases operations to me. This sells me on Canon with its tremendous usability. Canon give Rudy a Raise !

Fantastic video. Great explanations and thanks so much to both you and Rudy for this great resource. I bookmarked it right away!

First time viewer and I am impressed. Thank you for this amazing episode. Liked & subscribed.

So glad i came across this video. As a live music player and photographer, I just "upgraded" from a EOS 1-dx to the EOS R6. Still trying to find the best settings, but this helped explain a lot. Great video!!

Found this video almost by mistake and what amazing insights about Canon Autofocus system. Really enjoyed my time and learnt a lot about my R6. Thanks and greetings from France !

Thanks for a fantastic video Steve. Having Rudy explain in detail, in as simple a way as possible, the Canon AF system was great, especially for someone like myself, who learns better fro listening & watching rather than reading. I'll definitely be watching this video multiple times in the future, as I learn to use my EOS R6. It'll be especially useful, as I am only a hobbyist & haven't been able to get out shooting much since I bought this camera. Btw...among others, I have recently been watching some of your Podcasts recently & though what you shoot, or mostly shoot, is not my 'cup of tea', I've enjoyed the episodes I've watched. I love your style and you have a great voice for Podcasts. Thanks too for recommending a David Bergman video, which I'll also watch soon.

Terrific! I have shot Canon digital since the beginning and I learned so much. And getting is straight from Rudy is gold! Thanks for doing this.

Wow! Rudy is awesome, thanks for having him on your channel.

OMG! Sure glad I stumbled onto this video. Rudy solved all my questions on AF settings for my new R5/R6 cameras. Explanations were so clear and understandable. Thank you both. (Dear Canon, don't let Rudy retire until I am done shooting.)

Earned a sub - I've been working with the R6 for over a year now and it was time to reevaluate my focus settings and understanding. Great insight into the often confusing Canon menu settings.

Great video. Love Rudy’s knowledge of system and your knowledge of what users need.

a so fantastic video about AF systems, all has been cleared and we learned a lot - thanks a lot guy

Great talk guys thank you Rudy and "Behind The Shot"...I really enjoyed the auto focusing portion..

Thanks so much for this. Rudy is terrific, he explains things so well. It's now one of my saved videos for R5 setup and future reference.

Thank you for this video, great info and very well explained! It will be great to have someday a new interview with Rudy with specific questions!

In all of the years I have been on KZfaq, I have never watched an almost 2 hour video in its entirety.... I did today... great content

Great show, I will have watch it several times to understand all of it but such detail is very welcome and you did it, thanks

I just got my Canon R5c Camera and I can´t tell you how great and helpful this video was for me. Thank you guys.

A real Canon AF System MASTER CLASS. Excellent job both. Thank you!

Great information--from a reliable source! Thanks, Steve! When most people talk about setting the "Tracking Sensitivity" for shooting football, they think about wanting the camera to stay focused on the subject--like a running back. I am more commonly considered about switching focus rapidly from the quarterback to a receiver. So, I have my AF set to switch subjects as quickly as possible.

I can't evaluate how useful is this video, it's just great. Thanks a lot for the information and explanations on it.

The best video on KZfaq about canon system. I cannot thank you enough.

this was awesome. You can tell rudy is passionate about this what a great guy. You guys killed it

By far the best video I have watched on Canon focusing! (and I've watched a lot of them! )

It really was one of the best tutorial content I've seen. Rudy, thank you...

This is probably the first info-video of this length for my R5 (fortunately, I do have an R5!) that I've watched all the way through, and happily so. I gained a huge amount of knowledge about the workings of my camera's AF system. Thanks so much for sharing this info with us! New sub, too!!!

This specific podcast should be mandatory for all Canon users.. they should include the link for this podcast in the box, Rudy is amazing such a knowledgeable guy and the way he explains everything is perfect.