Hmmm, interesting question which had me resorting to my manual. I think what you're asking is, will these models perform an auto depth of field function of the kind that was on my EOS 30. In the Canon version, you had to select a subject with your chosen AF point, then select another subject further away. The camera would then calculate optimum aperture to ensure depth of field covered both subjects. Having looked at my E-500 manual, I think I would have to conclude that there does not appears to be any similar facility. To achieve what your suggesting, I think you would have to focuss on the nearest subject and guestimate a suitable aperture for sufficient DOF to cover your other subjects.

For example, using aperture priority mode, you could set the aperture to a middling f8 and see if that works. If there's fast action about, this might slow your shutter speed too much though. A little trial and error would probably pay dividends here.

BTW, I never used the auto DOF facility on the Canon as it was too complicated to remember how to control it.

Regarding how your Oly 'knows' which AF point to select, I can only say it seems to have an uncanny knack of getting it right. So much so in fact, I began to wonder if my E-500 had some kind of secret eye-control like my EOS 30 had (I was really convinced at one point that Oly might have left an undisclosed feature in place because they were not 100% happy with its performance). I suppose in reality, in most situations the main subject is obvious by being the biggest or brightest object in the frame.