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DPChallenge Forums >> Current Challenge >> When does a close up become a macro?
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 06/28/2005 11:38:15 AM · #1
I have a camera with a macro feature, but it is not a high end super zoom type, so I'm wondering, since I can't get the inside of a gnat's wing with my camera, is a super close-up, showing texture not seen with the naked eye, considered macro??

thanks, Judy
 06/28/2005 11:39:35 AM · #2
To me yes!!!!
 06/28/2005 11:45:19 AM · #3
macro definition
 06/28/2005 11:51:36 AM · #4
Well, if I read the definition given by longlivenyhc, then I guess I"m good to go. I think we've come to think it has to be such a super close up and according to the definition, it isn't. I appreciate the input.
 06/28/2005 11:52:21 AM · #5
The posted defintion is a good one. For practical purposes, most folks define macro much more loosely. If your field of view is less than an inch (25mm) across, or even 2 inches (50mm), it's normally considered macro.
The tradidional definition of macro breaks down when cams with small sensors (all consumer/prosumer digicams) are considered; 1:1 magnification with these cams gives very high magnification at the final viewing size. For these cams, magnification as low as 1:4 can be considered macro.
 06/28/2005 11:54:58 AM · #6
That being said, do you consider your Toucan (wonderful shot by the way) as a macro or close up? Or is one sort of the same, with overlapping semantics depending on the ratio?

06/28/2005 11:56:54 AM · #7
for me a macro is a photo when viewed, subject is bigger than actual size. i dont know ratio's of zoom or macro but that is the simple way of stating it for me. Im a simple kinda girl and if you want me to understand ratios you have to give it to me in laymens terms.;o)
 06/28/2005 12:12:34 PM · #8
That seems a good definition but what happens when we resize for DPC and depending on what monitor settings you have changes the size, the original 'canvas' size for most digitals is very large (which all depends on the dots per inch the manufacturers set) but clearly when you resize and view on a monitor it's a lot smaller?
 06/28/2005 12:15:33 PM · #9
In layperson's terms:

if you take a picture of a bug, it's a macro
If you take a picture of a flower, it's a close-up.
If your flower has pretty waterdrops on it, it's a macro again.

:-)

Originally posted by smilebig4me1x:
for me a macro is a photo when viewed, subject is bigger than actual size. i dont know ratio's of zoom or macro but that is the simple way of stating it for me. Im a simple kinda girl and if you want me to understand ratios you have to give it to me in laymens terms.;o)

06/28/2005 12:26:44 PM · #10
Originally posted by Jutilda:
That being said, do you consider your Toucan (wonderful shot by the way) as a macro or close up? Or is one sort of the same, with overlapping semantics depending on the ratio?


Without a doubt, that shot is a close-up. I'd have neededd to be several times closer to meet my criteria for macro.
 06/28/2005 12:30:36 PM · #11
He-he...

Originally posted by srdanz:
In layperson's terms:

if you take a picture of a bug, it's a macro
If you take a picture of a flower, it's a close-up.
If your flower has pretty waterdrops on it, it's a macro again.

:-)


06/28/2005 12:40:28 PM · #12
I just reread the macro V instructions and it reads:

" You need not specifically use your macro feature, but your image should be a close-up shot. "

That will leave it open for people who may not be able to capture the speck of sand on the drop of water on a gnat's behind. I'm looking forward to seeing the entries. I already think I have mine in mind. hee hee

06/28/2005 12:43:02 PM · #13
Speaking of macro...

I've got a Nikon D70...my zoom/macro lens is a Sigma 70-300 APOII.

I've been messing with macro, but I'm disappointed with the results so far.

It seems my minimum focusing distance is still around 2 1/2 to 3 feet, and even at maximum zoom with macro on, I have trouble getting a high magnification zoom on the object. Here's an example of one I took last night...I had to crop this down to get this final product...and that resulted in a lot of graininess



Here's the original before cropping...



What could I do to get closer on macro?

What is a good macro lens for a Nikon D70?

06/28/2005 12:55:22 PM · #14
You could use extension tube(s) to get closer, which would be less expensive but less versatile than a macro lens. As far as macro lenses, a good 100mm (or 90mm, or 105mm) macro lens from Nikon, Sigma, or Tamron would do the trick, and provide a sharp 100mm short telephoto prime in the bargain.
 06/28/2005 01:19:33 PM · #15
Originally posted by Cooz:
Speaking of macro...
[snip]
What could I do to get closer on macro?

What is a good macro lens for a Nikon D70?


60mm is the least expensive Nikon macro
other brands may be cheaper ...
was done withthe Nikon 105mm
 06/28/2005 02:11:07 PM · #16
Originally posted by Cooz:
Speaking of macro...

I've got a Nikon D70...my zoom/macro lens is a Sigma 70-300 APOII.

It seems my minimum focusing distance is still around 2 1/2 to 3 feet, and even at maximum zoom with macro on, I have trouble getting a high magnification zoom on the object. Here's an example of one I took last


First off, I don't know anything about this lense and have never used a dSLR. But, how close can you get at 70mm? Specs on the lense say you should be able to get within about 2.5 - 3 inches. On my Canon p&s, you can get closer at the wide end than at the zoom end.
06/28/2005 02:45:38 PM · #17
Macro without bugs and flowers
In the previous macro challenge some "close ups" scored quite highly. The lesson from that challenge seemed to be: do the best you can with your camera and don't try to push it's limits. The challenge is still to get a great photo, it is not How-Low-Can-You-Go.
 06/28/2005 02:51:17 PM · #18
Did anyone notice that the top 5 were of water drops and 7 of the top ten had some sort of water in them? ;^)

Originally posted by emorgan49:
Macro without bugs and flowers
In the previous macro challenge some "close ups" scored quite highly. The lesson from that challenge seemed to be: do the best you can with your camera and don't try to push it's limits. The challenge is still to get a great photo, it is not How-Low-Can-You-Go.

06/28/2005 03:05:51 PM · #19
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Did anyone notice that the top 5 were of water drops and 7 of the top ten had some sort of water in them? ;^)

Because bugs/flowers were not allowed. Wait for this challenge and you will see bugs all around
 06/28/2005 03:10:21 PM · #20
Hmmm....I don't know. With the flower/bug hype going in a couple of threads I wouldn't be surprised to see a swing towards water...it's the next best thing! ;^)

Originally posted by gaurawa:
Because bugs/flowers were not allowed. Wait for this challenge and you will see bugs all around

06/28/2005 03:13:12 PM · #21
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Hmmm....I don't know. With the flower/bug hype going in a couple of threads I wouldn't be surprised to see a swing towards water...it's the next best thing! ;^)

Originally posted by gaurawa:
Because bugs/flowers were not allowed. Wait for this challenge and you will see bugs all around

Even with all that hype, bugs in general will score better than technically-similar water drop shots because they have great details and aren't easy to photograph.
Now only if I could get a macro of a bug in a water-droplet.....
 06/28/2005 07:19:22 PM · #22
Oh dear, techniques and I don't know anything about techniques.

Is this a macro or a close up? I think it's a close up


And would this one be considered a macro?


Message edited by author 2005-06-28 19:32:26.
 06/28/2005 07:24:32 PM · #23
I've seen photos in macro forums that have a span of maybe 8 inches... It still works as a macro for me, and some of the photos were just amazing.
 06/28/2005 07:26:57 PM · #24
Originally posted by Titia:
Oh dear, techniques and I don't know anything about techniques.
Can anybody tell me if I can make a macro with a Sony Cybershot 717 camera? I think I can, but I'll have to go study the book I guess.


Yes you can. On your main selection rocker switch, if you push the right side of it (the right arrow) you will see a small flower icon appear in your viewfinder. This means your camera auto focus is set to a macro mode. This does not apply to manual focus. I hope this helps.
 06/28/2005 07:30:38 PM · #25
This was taken with the same camera that you have (from the camera page here on DPC) -

Or, you could also ask Zoomdak, he's won a few ribbons with the same camera.

Originally posted by Titia:
Oh dear, techniques and I don't know anything about techniques.
Can anybody tell me if I can make a macro with a Sony Cybershot 717 camera? I think I can, but I'll have to go study the book I guess.

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