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11/29/2005 02:48:14 AM · #1 |
I was wondering if anyone out there can help me with this....
Many cameras have Macro settings. But I was wondering exactly what this setting does to the camera?? For instance, I can't really imagine that it somehow changes the size of the sensor or anything like that....but I don't really know what that feature DOES technically.
Is it merely a setting which gives the best aperture for taking a picture that close? Is it simply an array of predetermined camera settings?
Or is is something more complicated?
I guess I'm curious cause I've noticed lots of cameras have the setting, but quite a few do not as well....and I can't imagine that cameras without that setting would be INCAPABLE of taking macros...but I really don't know. So I'm hoping someone out there can help me out :-) |
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11/29/2005 02:57:56 AM · #2 |
It's more a feature of the camera that let's it focus at close range. For Instance my Nikon 8700 can focus at 3cm in macro mode. But it can only focus that close if the lens in zoomed at a prime location.
With the dSLRs the macro ability of the camera depends on the capabilities of the lens mounted to the camera,
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11/29/2005 03:00:40 AM · #3 |
On my Olympus the macro setting seems to make the focusing faster by not trying to focus on the entire range of distance -- that is, it only hunts for the proper focus point within a smaller area of distance from the camera. It may also do something with the optics to make it focus closer than normal, but I would have to check the manual to know for sure -- mainly I just notice it doesn't hunt as much when focusing.
David
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11/29/2005 12:00:36 PM · #4 |
| So on a camera without a macro setting, could this be overcome by using spot focus? |
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11/29/2005 12:13:00 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
So on a camera without a macro setting, could this be overcome by using spot focus? |
For macro work, it's often difficult or impossible to get autofocus to function reliably. It's usually better to set for manual focus, set the focus point to get the desired subject magnification, then move the camera to achieve focus.
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11/29/2005 12:13:47 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Britannica:
mainly I just notice it doesn't hunt as much when focusing. |
this was true on my old coolpix, as well. it also set the apature to a higher value and turned on continous focus, so i'm sure it varies from camera to camera.
on the d70, i _never_ use the macro setting on the dial... i just leave it in A mode and set the apature to get the DOF i'm after...
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11/29/2005 12:19:16 PM · #7 |
Wonderful!!! So it DOES have to do with aperture as well as focus...I'm glad to know that I haven't completely lost my mind! --thanks kudzu
Aha....autofocus..yes....manual focus is more better :-) Hurray! --thanks kirbic
I'm getting to borrow an old 80-300mm Minolta lens for three weeks and wanted to do some experimenting :-) Thank you all so much for the help!
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