ABOVE: You can find the EOS iTR AF settings in the magenta AF menu. On most models it’s turned on by default.
With EOS iTR AF activated, the AF point is automatically selected based not only on AF information, but also face and colour data. It uses face tracking, with emphasis on the information from the AF point where focus was first achieved. You should set EOS iTR AF where the use of the face or colour information is advantageous for keeping the AF on the intended subject.
How does it work?
EOS iTR AF selects the autofocus points within the selected AF area based on the EOS iSA information. The EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis) system analyses the subject for brightness, colour, people and scene types to predict the most probable point of focus. Using thecamera’s metering sensor makes it possible to effectively detect, select, and track faces and colours that appear in the viewfinder.
Which models?
EOS iTR AF is found on some of the more advanced DSLR models. It first appeared on the EOS-1D X in 2012, and later the EOS-1D X Mark II, 5D Mark IV, 5DS, 5DS R and 7D Mark II.
The system is more advanced on the EOS-1D X Mark II and 5D Mark IV cameras, which have an additional option – EOS iTR AF (Face priority).
A different system was then developed for the EOS R full frame mirrorless system. Because mirrorless cameras use sensor-based focusing, the iTR AF system couldn't work as before; in DSLRs the optical viewfinder’s metering sensor gathers information about the subject. Mirrorless cameras do not have an optical viewfinder; instead it’s electronic.
The end result was EOS iTR AF X – the next evolution in intelligent autofocus tracking. With it came new subject recognition, including Animals (R5 and R6), as well as Motorsports (EOS R3).
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