One of the toughest image focus challenges for a camera is when a bird is flying straight into the lens. This article shares a series of 9 consecutive photographs of a gull flying straight into the lens of my E-M1X when I was using Bird Detection AI to acquire focus.

Each image is followed by a 100% crop to give readers a good idea on how well the Bird Detection AI on my E-M1X performs. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard bird settings in post.

Topaz Sharpen AI is not part of my standard approach in post processing was NOT USED for any of these photographs.

It should also be noted that the DxO PhotoLab 4 lens module for the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom lens is not yet available. When it is I would imagine that these results would be improved to some degree.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

The E-M1X’s Bird Detection AI uses deep machine learning to acquire focus. It does this by using artificial intelligence to analyse the entire photograph, and determines focus based on a sophisticated algorithm contained in the camera’s firmware.

None of the auto-focus points on the camera’s sensor are used to determine focus. The processing of the image and focus determination are all done by the dual TruePic VIII processors inside the E-M1X.

The E-M1X’s Bird Detection AI recognizes birds, either perched or in-flight. When the shutter it half-depressed on the E-M1X, Bird Detection AI then determines focus on the bird’s body, or if possible on the bird’s head… or eye. Technology like Bird Detection AI and Pro Capture are redefining what is possible with bird photography.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Images were produced from RAW files using my standard process. Photographs are displayed as full frame captures, as well as illustrating some 100% crops. A lens module for the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS lens was not yet available for DxO PhotoLab 4 at the time of writing this article.

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