5 AUTOFOCUS TIPS for Olympus OM-D

[@valdiskrebs566]

Another Auto Focus tip… use S-AF + M when you are close-focusing on complex objects like insects or flowers. The AF gets you close to what you want, and the M allows you to get the exact part of the object you want in focus… eye of insect or stamen of flower.

[@robinwong]

If you found this useful for you, then go ahead and use it. I don't recommend this for many reasons. 99.999999% of the time the AF is already accurate, the tendency to "manual focus after autofocus" tends to screw up the image badly, almost all the time. Also, when I use AF, I don't want the manual focusing ring to function. Allowing S-AF + MF activates the MF ring, which will accidentally make things worse if I touch that ring even just by a little bit, and this can happen a lot since the lenses I use are small, and I hold the lens for better grip.

[@valdiskrebs566]

@@robinwong I wish I could post a photo of a flower here, where I used both AF and MF so you could see what I was talking about. Yes, the MF ring is sensitive to touch...

[@mariskukainis7304]

I agree with your point! When I use S-AF + M, it allows me to focus more precisely on a small point when taking macro nature images. Many times the stamen of a flower or a similar small object will not be in focus when just shooting AF. I get better results by being able to manually focus at the end of process for these type of images.

[@elwirastadnik]

Allowing S-AF + MF activates the MF ring and I use it when shooting macro and find it really useful @@robinwong

[@pwx8460]

Fantastic. That last one is great. Knew it was there, but never fully considered it's usefulness. Especially changing the area size and focus type. Thanks.

[@pessachlevy4977]

I admire your way of teaching photography and OMD using

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Ah that press and hold OK to move af to the center is a great tip. I did not know that. Thanks again Robin. Your videos are as always great.

[@robinwong]

That press and hold OK button is magic. You can also reset exposure compensation, highlight/shadow, and a few other settings quickly!

[@莊思妙]

Thank you robin, I switch from Fuji and learn so much from you

[@robinwong]

Glad you found the videos useful

[@Nathan-we8rz]

Great tips Robin!

[@robinwong]

Thanks Nathan, glad I can share

[@joanantonim.p.2400]

Thanks , Robin... 👌👍👍🙏 Greetings from Spain... 👋🙋

[@robinwong]

Thanks Joan, glad you liked the tips

[@abchappell01]

Those were excellent tips Robin.Thank you so much 😊

[@robinwong]

Thanks Anthony, glad you found them useful

[@dangreenberg8983]

Thanks Robin - those were great tips.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Dan, glad I can share

[@boatdetective]

Your enthusiasm and depth of experience are inspiring. I can always depend on you for practical, real world tips. Thank you!

[@gabrielfavilla7494]

As allways Your videos are amazing. Very very Clear!!!!!

[@christinecoughlan4699]

Thank you Robin .

[@robinwong]

Thanks

[@CheikoSairin]

Although I’ve watched your autofocus tips video before. But watching it again in this video I liken it to refreshing my knowledge. Thanks for always sharing photography tips with us. Big LIKE for you, Robin. Greeting from Singapore.

[@irishrose89775]

Thanks so much Robin! Great 4th of July video!

[@robinwong]

Thanks Caitlin, happy Fourth of July!

[@tonyb4326]

Thanks Robin your videos are always interesting and full of helpful information, we are lucky to have people like yourself to guide us in the use of our Tech packed M4/3 cameras.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Tony, I share what I can!

[@alan.macrae]

Thank you, Robin. Great information, as always.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Alan, glad I can share

[@harrya1039]

Thanks Robin your videos are always interesting👌

[@robinwong]

Thanks Harry, glad I can share

[@LouisDallara]

Many thanks Robin, I have forgotten a lot and needed a refresher.

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you Robin Wong & that was funny about picking all the focus points :)

[@robinwong]

Thanks Lecky, you have no idea how many times I have been asked about this.

[@carmenfissenden2530]

As always Robin , these tips will be invaluable to many , even experienced users , who may have forgotten them or never thought of using some of those tips , but may do so now . It was also wonderful to see another video from you at this time - do keep them coming Robin .

[@ekkanofiqandriyana7325]

My 3rd purchase of the OM system just recently a pen F and some olympus official lenses is influenced by this Robin channel, after leaving the system twice a em5ii i was sold then jump to 3 another brand and come back to the OM system and i sold it again and jumpt to some other brand again, and just recently iam confidence to come back again to the OM system wich is Pen F because of influenced by this awesome channel. Now iAm really happy with penF like never before. Thanks Robin. Salam from Indonesia.

[@coeurvision33]

Thank you Robin, always very good tips in your hat ! Have a nice day ! Cheers from France !

[@danthegeetarman]

WOW!!! That touch shutter just saved my life oh my…. I just spent an hour doing street photography while using the arrows to select auto focus points. What a pain. This is A GAME CHANGER. Can’t wait until I go out again and now have the amazing ability to press and shoot!!!

[@vh9040]

Hi Robin, thanks for these great videos. I just got an OM-5 and also just discovered your channel. 😊

[@gilbertwalker6769]

Thanks for these tips, Robin! You are always so helpful to us.

[@williamtell-345]

Robin, your tips are so valuable. I have just switched from Nikon DX camera bodies and got my first Olympus, an E-M1X. I am currently in the process of setting my M1X up using my preferences from all your settings/tips videos. Keep up the fantastic work sir, you help so many of us 👍

[@Lordvader330]

excellent video! I love a good refresher

[@jonastruemper637]

@Robin: To get to center AF point, you can also just press the joystick. At least works with E-M1III and I assume all other models with joystick.

[@petersmitham8273]

Yep, this seems to be the obvious method that I’ve always used?

[@robinwong]

Most OM-D cameras don't have a joystick.

[@jonastruemper637]

@@robinwong agreed, but IMHO still worth mentioning for those who own a model with. :-)

[@garyk4017]

Thanks for these tips, Robin. Another one I found is that when using S-AF with the small AF point, my E-M1 Mk II can focus on things outside of the AF point. I read that this happens with the hybrid AF (contrast detect/phase detect) that is used in this mode. Using C-AF causes the camera to use phase detect AF only, and then it will actually use only the area included in the AF point. This is useful for doing things like focusing through a fence on something beyond the fence.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for sharing Gary! However from what I understand, during C-AF, the camera does use both phase detect and contrast detect. When S-AF was used, only contrast detect was engaged. Mechanics on how the AF works for S-Af and C-AF aside, you may have a good recommendation there!

[@garyk4017]

@@robinwong I tried to post a link to the thread from DPReview that illustrates the AF box difference between S-AF and C-AF, but my comment was apparently deleted. In another DPR thread link I tried to post, there is a table from Olympus for the E-M1 Mk II that says for Still Images, in S-AF hybrid AF (contrast detect/phase detect) is used, while in C-AF only phase detect is used.

[@elwirastadnik]

9:06 On OM -De M1 mark II this function is under J1 touch screen settings (on/off)

[@tonigenes5816]

Very interesting video, Robin ! Thank you ! I also have a tip for better low-light focusing. S-AF is better than C-AF in low light. S-AF has probably 2 more stops sensitivity compared to C-AF. When I use 300mm F/4.0 + MC-20 and C-AF, the camera has already problems to focus when is very cloudy or a bit before sunset. When I switch to S-AF, the focus starts to works fine.

[@caballoarabe]

Thanks for this tip . Yesterday was cloudy and I tryed to take a photo from some deer fa away and I never could to foucs them

[@imcoop13]

Thanks Robin I’ve been finding my focus point shifting recently & missing shots - not sure why- maybe I’m accidentally hitting a dial or arrow key. Your tips will help me quickly get back to centre. Wish you were still an OM ambassador. You’re the best!

[@thomasli2561]

Thank you so much!

[@robinwong]

Glad you found them useful

[@ajudd489]

Thanks, Robin! I watched your first autofocus tips video when I got my E-M1 II and it helped me get going with the camera. I've had the camera for a while now, and found this new video just as helpful. I made some changes in my settings, now that I kind of know what's going on... :-)

[@JonoRob]

thank you so much 😊

[@kumarananthasubramonian7841]

Thank you 💖

[@robinwong]

Glad I can share

[@JeffBourke]

Some good tips. LETS DO THIS!!!!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and yesss LETS DO THIS

[@Centauri27]

All-points AF (with face detect enable) could be very handy in situations where things are happening rapidly and you want to be as spontaneous as possible (for example, photographing the kids at an amusement park). Usually if the first press doesn't lock on what you want, trying again lets the camera "cycle" through other potential focus points. Also with the "return to Home" shortcut: don't you also need define what "home" is, in addition to setting the shortcut button?

[@pauldaniels921]

Thanks Robin. Another great, informative video. Especialy the touch focus! Must start using the touch screen more.👍👍 P.s. just recieved the Olympus 45mm f1.8, looking forward to getting out and using it 👍

[@WMARUoriginal]

Great tips! Although looks like the original E-M10 doesn’t have the ability to link AF point with spot AE unless I’m missing something.

[@neutrin082]

Hi Robin. Nice video. Did you ever performed pdaf adjustment/calibration from the camera menu (A3 on m1iii) ? Is it worth it?

Robin, also for in focus shots you should have the right speed. Normally the inverse of the focal lenght of the shot, but I have found that one speed faster is safer

[@PHUMNGUYEN]

Hi, I am facing the issue with Linking Spot Metering to AF Point on OM 1 (OM System), I have checked all boxes (Spot, Spot Highlight and Spot Shadow) however when I move the AF point the screen didn't react to the change of ambient light? I also have OM1 MKII and it works well as your guide. Please help.. Thank A Lot

[@numbersix8919]

The Touch Shutter icon is a tiny hand pushing a gigantic shutter button! It's bigger than the camera!

[@tomhyer]

I love your videos! I have been watching only for a short time, but you helped me decide on the Mark IV over 2 other cameras. I feel like I knew the camera before I owned it. I have one question for you (or anyone else who reads this and knows the answer). At 4:28 you talk about the Center AF Shortcut; it's a brilliant function and I want to use it, but the "home" position is not on my list of programable functions. Is there some way for me to add it, or will I only have the ""ok" button option? Thanks again for your great videos.

[@MosheHagshur]

Hi there is not “gear” option at MK-II ?

[@tomasventoremedios5704]

Other "Tip 3": Pag. 217 MENU GEAR [Center Button] Home (AF area HOME) The multi selector performs the function selected for [Button Funtion]>[Home] (P.118). * This option applies in still photography modes only.

[@andrewbatchelor5498]

Magic !

[@mehulshewakramani8218]

Great tips Robin! Does anyone know if it's possible to link the AF to the spot metering point on the EM10-IV? I checked the menu and the manual but couldn't find anything so I'm assuming it's not possible

[@medicoreza9033]

hey help me get olympus E-500 charger or if any alternate charger can be used let me know

[@MikeC2K10]

My E-M5 Mk II disables face detection autofocus if I link spot metering to AF point. Is this an issue on other cameras?

[@ayuen100home6]

Hi Robin, thank you for the tips. I'd really like to use Tip 3 but it doesn't seem to work with my E-M1 mkii. I tried setting Fn1 to the Center AF shortcut but pressing this button later just resets AF to use all AF points

[@RevHengSure]

I had the same problem and then I noticed that my camera was in manual focus mode. After I switched back to S-AF auto focus, the reassigning AEL/AFL button to "Home" worked as Robin described.

[@ayuen100home6]

@@RevHengSure I just double checked, I was originally on S-AF auto focus so I'm still not able to center the AF box. I also tried to assigning the AEL/AFL button to "Home", so it's not a buggy Fn1 button for me lol

[@garyk4017]

In the notes for the setup of my E-M1 Mk II, I have this: Set AF Home (AF Target Mode=Single Point/Small, AF Target Point=Center). I have it assigned to the Fn1 button, and so far it seems to work for me. I don't set an AF mode with the Set AF Home feature, because I change from S-AF to C-AF using the function lever.

[@ayuen100home6]

@@garyk4017 This has worked for me :D Thanks bud. Just to confirm for others I found the setting "Set Home" as Gary mentioned, checked AF Target mode and configured to Center spot

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Problem with that focusing point shortcut it won’t reset if you are in that mode and you have to use the normal way to reset it to the center.

[@robinwong]

It works for me though and a few others who have commented

[@WhoIsSerafin]

@@robinwong maybe it’s my model? If you aren’t in the mode picking a focusing point it works. But if you are in the mode picking a focus point it won’t reset.

[@jerryeisner1]

Robin Thank You! Do you do One on One tutorials by Zoom or possibly by email? Please let me know. Thanks again!! je

[@satyarambabunamboori5975]

Thanks Robin for very useful tips. On OMD EM10, When trying to focus by pressing shutter button, I hear motor whirring that continues for sometime. I know there is a setting to stop but could not figure it out. can you help

[@robinwong]

AF for all cameras that I have tested have been quite silent. I am not sure what you are referring to, it could have been the image stabilization. Which is useful!

[@satyarambabunamboori5975]

@@robinwong It continued even after I switched of IBIS. Its as if camera trying to focus.

[@ekkanofiqandriyana7325]

@@satyarambabunamboori5975 do you using 75mm f1.8.? If yes that is the case, in some copy i hear from my friend that 75mm do some whirring when focusing but my 75 dont its totally silent

[@johnflorey5277]

Robin, can you link spot metering in the OMD E10 mk iv as I cannot find the option in the camera menu?

[@robinwong]

I think that feature is not available for E-M10 series unfortunately.

[@f-low]

Did you also do star photografy? I always have issues with focus.

[@robinwong]

No I don't. Maybe try manual focus?

[@f-low]

@@robinwong I will try and figure out. Thanks

[@DreainCZE]

Hey Robin. If I may ask. I have EM10 MkII and I cannot find the anywhere in the menu or on the web how to link AF to spot metering. Is it only reserved for higher up cameras ?

[@DreainCZE]

@Eckart Hofmann Thanks a lot. At least I found that spot measuring will measure when you halfpress so you can expose and than recomposition or how ever you want to call it. Didn't know that either. Altho I am really confused now that There is spot measuring and Center measuring which pretty much do the exact same thing. I am probably wrong tho.

[@joerghummerjohann4854]

BIRDS IN FLIGHT? Here are my tipps I learned from other wildlife photographers and got very good results. (In case you own the OM-1: Use bird detection mode without tracking, it's fantastic) C-AF, group of AF fields e.g. 3x3 or cross, 20fps serial mode, S 1/2500, ISO auto

[@kit888]

Back button focus?

[@robinwong]

no.

[@thomasli2561]

Hi Robin. I am using EM10 mark II. It does not seem possible to link spot metering to AF point. Is the function not available on EM10 markII? I cannot find the E3.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Go to E and scroll down to Spot Metering …

[@thomasli2561]

@@valdiskrebs566 I can only find metering. There is no spot metering on my camera

[@robinwong]

I don't think this feature is available for E-M10 series unfortunately

[@thomasli2561]

@@robinwong Thanks Robin. Maybe sometime in future, upgrade to EM1.

[@rodmehta5356]

👍

[@robinwong]

Cheers mate

[@NoralfBrandser]

Hi! I have a problem getting focus when I use the self timer. The camera focuses on the background at the moment I press the shutter button, but does not refocus when I get in the front of the camera. Do you have any tips for this? I am using the OM-D-M1X.

[@davebellamy4867]

I look for an object that's level with me - if there is one - and focus on that. Sometimes there isn't though!

[@davebellamy4867]

Alternatively I go to where I intend to stand and manual focus on where the camera will be - ie on the tripod or whatever. Then do the photography. Also I turn lens reset off so it doesn't go back to infinity if the camera times out and sleeps.

[@jesuslofrano7605]

👏👏👏

[@houssamreg9360]

A 6000 good 👌

[@ayuen100home6]

@Robin, another query here. I've always struggled capturing people walking towards the camera. Do you have any tips on this? I usually move the AF square and snap as they walk but thought this is cumbersome and hit and miss. I suppose your Tip 4 Tap Shutter can help with this, but is there a better way with the actual shutter button?

[@robinwong]

I never struggled with that. Just fully press the shutter button immediately when AF is confirmed, don't linger and delay.

[@blindsouris]

When a walk street photography with a legacy lens video? :-)

[@robinwong]

Did you mean manual focus lenses? No AF no go for Robin

[@blindsouris]

@@robinwong Yes old lens, no AF of course, just to slow down, fun garanty. :-)

[@jaspersjasper6989]

Hey robin, I have an em10 3s. when adjusting the autofocusing points, I always want to get it to the smallest point and most accurate point possible. For me all I can do is 1 point, 9 points, or all of them. Now one point would be fine, except I want to get it to the even smaller square that you have gotten it to. Not the rectangle. I’ve tried to switch through the control dials to get what I want but because of human error I cannot. Can I get some help? Also, the 5 point cross points would be nice too. Thanks

[@robinwong]

Try disabling digital teleconverter. Never, ever use that gimmick, it makes your photos look really bad.

[@BrendanPatterson]

Birds in flight!!!

[@robinwong]

No

[@BrendanPatterson]

Why not ;) Sometimes to achieve our best we have to go beyond our comfort zone.

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

I know you keep saying you don't do BIF and Wildlife, but that's exactly what Olympus/OM is marketing the brand to these days: BIF and Wildlife. OM realized that's where the competitive advantage is due to micro four thirds 2x crop factor.