This was a response I got from Canon about the AF issues:
Dear Dan Bellyk,
Thank you for your E-mail inquiry regarding your EOS 1D Mark III digital camera.
We have released a firmware for the EOS 1D Mark III. The firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor. Fixes a problem in the operation of the dials (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main).
Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.
Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted. (Version 1.0.9 only)
The Version 1.1.0 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.9. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Should you require further assistance, please feel free to email us or visit our customer support website at http://www.canon.ca
okay, my camera was fine until I installed the firmware! Now I am having al-servo issues! I called canon today and they said that there are NO known issues with the camera and that people need to learn the camera before saying that there are issues. He asked if i was using one point tracking and I was not, so he said that this could be the problem. He also said that the firmware makes the tracking more sensitive (and I don't understand why it needed to be more sensitive when it already was)
but anyway, I will try a few more tests and consider sending it to Canon. but I got the feeling that there would really be nothing done , so what would be the point in sending it in? Perhaps I do need to learn the camera more, but don't get that it was fine before the firmware...I wish Canon would put out a manual about these issues if they really believe it is user error.
susi wrote:
okay, my camera was fine until I installed the firmware! Now I am having al-servo issues! I called canon today and they said that there are NO known issues with the camera and that people need to learn the camera before saying that there are issues. He asked if i was using one point tracking and I was not, so he said that this could be the problem. He also said that the firmware makes the tracking more sensitive (and I don't understand why it needed to be more sensitive when it already was)
but anyway, I will try a few more tests and consider sending it to Canon. but I got the feeling that there would really be nothing done , so what would be the point in sending it in? Perhaps I do need to learn the camera more, but don't get that it was fine before the firmware...I wish Canon would put out a manual about these issues if they really believe it is user error....Show more →
Was the firmware you installed 1.1.0 or the latest one rummored to be 1.1.1.
susi wrote:
okay, my camera was fine until I installed the firmware! Now I am having al-servo issues! I called canon today and they said that there are NO known issues with the camera and that people need to learn the camera before saying that there are issues. He asked if i was using one point tracking and I was not, so he said that this could be the problem. He also said that the firmware makes the tracking more sensitive (and I don't understand why it needed to be more sensitive when it already was)
but anyway, I will try a few more tests and consider sending it to Canon. but I got the feeling that there would really be nothing done , so what would be the point in sending it in? Perhaps I do need to learn the camera more, but don't get that it was fine before the firmware...I wish Canon would put out a manual about these issues if they really believe it is user error....Show more →
"People need to learn the camera before saying there are issues." What a jerk. I know the camera inside and out and it doesn't work worth a hoot. I will never buy another Canon camera. Period.
ben_is_in wrote:
"People need to learn the camera before saying there are issues." What a jerk. I know the camera inside and out and it doesn't work worth a hoot. I will never buy another Canon camera. Period.
hello everyone , it's very clear and now I finally understand : according to Canon , there are no (AF)-issues at all : WE are the stupid people that ( after 10, 20 , 30 years of experience ) even don't know how to use a camera . Why didn't you say that before ? : so ,
we are the problem(s) , not the camera.. Thank you Canon for this compliment.
ben_is_in wrote:
"People need to learn the camera before saying there are issues." What a jerk. I know the camera inside and out and it doesn't work worth a hoot. I will never buy another Canon camera. Period.
I actually got a similar story from Canon CPS UK but I am now working with them and will implement their suggestions to see if it makes a difference in tracking people sports. After multiple 1D series cameras I like to think I wouldn't need any assistance, that I would know how to set the camera up for my needs but I guess with the Mark 3 there could well be an adjustment period, who knows, but if CPS UK can help resolve my issues I am not bothered, I just want my Mark 3 to be as reliable as my N.
To increase servo tracking sensitivity to +1 or +2 and use AF expand to give the AF more of a chance get getting and maintaining focus lock. I have yet to try it though I am shooting a big rugby match this Saturday so will try a few hundred shots with the 1D3 without these set, then a few hundred with these set and see what the difference is.
Those from Canon who are saying that people has to learn working with there camera, well I invite them to shoot sports.
I wonder how many keepers they having, and say after that there are no AF problems at all? Well Canon do not make me laugh, this is not funny anymore
I have shot about 2000 frames without any serious problems and, mostly, they have come from fiddling with the custom menu. It seems to be doing the job very well, and I have replicated some of the tests with running kids. Very sharp.
Tracking sensitivity set to fast (+2) works best for me
At a nature reserve last week, canada geese were taking flight, running across the lake to take off
All the shots were in focus but one, that was my error
My settings were: sensitivity fast / AFno expansion / low speed drive
Two of the shots are on my home page
I have started to use AFexpansion left / right, this seems to work well with BIF also
After reading Les Zigurski,s recommendations for settings for the mkIII I tried them out, and they work for me, now my camera performs as it should
Alan.
Yep, Low-speed continuous shooting,
I usually use high-speed but the action happend quickly, just proves three FPS can work if you time your shot just right
Alan.
Over the life of this poll it's actually been slowly creeping back up towards the 50/50 mark. It started out at about 1/3-2/3 and has been rising ever since.
But what to your OOF rate of your use high speed?
Yakim.
Using the same settings, for high speed, my keeper rate is better than my 1d mkII especially birds flying head on where the mkIII excels
Its not perfect, but most of the oof shots are mostly my errors
Alan
I have had my MKIII for awhile now. For the most part I am quite pleased with the results--my keeper rate is far above my MKII even with a slight AF problem.
Th only issue I am finding is that I cannot for the life of me get the camera to focus on a "moderately" small subject against almost any background. Today I had a duck taking off on the water that was fairly low contrast and about 100 yards away and the camera never caught hold--when the duck cleared the tree line the AF grabbed it right away. This happens consistently--and I know I was getting these shots with the MKII. Today I had the ring of fire enabled, but one shot is no better and very hard to track a fast moving duck with.
Hope Canon has the fix coming for this!
