"When focusing using group-target AF in [C-AF] and [C-AF+MF] modes, the camera always assigns priority to the center target in the selected group for a repeated series of focus operations. Only if the camera is unable to focus using the center focus target will it focus using the surrounding targets in the selected focus group. This helps you track subjects that are moving quickly but relatively predictably. Center priority is recommended in most situations."
i think i understand what is being said and I have always turned this function OFF on all the m4/3 bodies I have used.
BUT...I seem to recall some 'experts' and Oly/OM employees advising to use Center Target Priority for birds/BIF.
-OK, the reason I am bringing up the subject today is...I normally set up my camera (any/all brands) as similar as possible to one another and then forget the menus. set it and forget it.
I recently noticed on my OM1II that Center Target Priority was in fact checked on a few boxes/options.
I am guessing that happened during a f.w. update. I'm not sure.
Anyhoo...I un-checked all the boxes which had Center Target Priority enabled and went on my merry way.
One fine afternoon after that I had captured a lot of BIF and was surprised to 'feel' that the keeper rate wasn't quite what I expected. Plenty shots absolutely nailed but it seemed there were a few more pics that I expected to be 'nailed' that weren't.
Made me wonder if Center Target Priority was not as unhelpful a thing as I assumed (for BIF).
When I first switched from Lumix G9 and G9II's to OM-5's, I used the whole field or smaller partial areas, just as I had with the Lumix cameras for over a decade. The big advantage that I was hoping to get with the OM was C-AF performance, which was always a bit lackluster with the Lumix bodies. I found that focus was perfect, on whatever thing it had decided to focus on in the frame, usually not my intended subject though. Often something closest to the camera in a far corner of the frame. Not good.
The Center Target Priority however has made it work much better. I can put what I want in focus in the center of the whole frame, or if I'm using a smaller target area it works the same, and will stick to whatever I put it on even if it moves around the frame or if I recompose.
The C-AF with the OM1-II works great with a small target, just put it on your intended subject and it will stick well to whatever you're following no matter where in the frame it will go. With the OM-5, I use C-AF+Tr to mimic what the OM1 does in just regular C-AF mode with a smaller box.
So, for BIF or any moving subject, absolutely use the CTP in whatever focus box that works for your technique. This allows you to be absolutely specific about what your AF target is on, rather than expecting the camera to find it. Birds on a busy background are a challenge for any camera to figure out. Better to make your own choices.
majypoo wrote:
I unticked Centre Priority off for flying birds. I was getting around 30% sharp shots when I had it ticked, now I get around 60-70%.
I can’t say for sure(I don’t keep that close a count) but it seems with Center Target Priority-Off, I have less BIF shots where a wing is in clear and critical focus. The wing normally being more in the center of the subject/frame.
