What is Macro Focus for Digital Cameras?

Compact digital cameras come with a variety of features, including a macro focus option. This advanced feature is useful for people wanting to take pictures of small objects close-up. Coin collectors, jewelry enthusiasts and nature photographers may find the macro focus option beneficial when trying to photograph details on small objects. Advanced hobbyists may decide to purchase a macro lens, which provides even more detailed picture taking. A macro focus lens is applied to an SLR camera body.

Instructions

Types

1. Compact point and shoot digital cameras offer a menu of advanced picture taking features. Embedded within the menu system, or positioned on a button, you may find a macro focus option. This is usually available on higher end compact digital cameras. Turning on this feature is usually as simple as pressing a button or making a menu selection, however, it is usually not available when the camera is set to operate in automatic mode.
   SLR, or single lens reflex cameras, that accept a variety of lenses can also provide a photographer with macro capabilities. A lens designed specifically for macro photography can be mounted on a film or digital SLR camera body.

Identification

1. On a compact digital camera the macro focus feature is usually noted with a symbol of a flower. The symbol can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the flower is the most common one used. The symbol is used because close-up photography of flowers is a popular use for macro photography.
   An SLR camera lens will be labeled with the word "macro" on the barrel of the lens.

Effects

1. Macro photography, or macro features on a camera or lens, are designed to take close-up, detailed pictures of small objects. When this features is selected on a compact digital camera, the focusing feature is adjusted so the photographer can be mere inches away form the subject matter and get a sharp picture. The minimum focusing distance is decreased, and clear pictures are possible.
   A macro focusing lens for an SLR camera is designed to focus very close to the object being photographed. This feature is constant in these lenses and cannot be turned off.

Benefits

1. The benefit of using a macro lens is the ability to take a very close-up detailed picture. The ability to see the veins in leaves, the pollen grains on a flower and the scales on a snake are all possible with macro photography. Often pictures are taken so close-up it can be hard to identify the original subject matter.

Considerations

1. When using a macro feature or macro lens, a tripod is advised to keep the camera steady. It can be difficult to keep the subject matter in focus when concentrating on such a small area.
   Be sure good light is available. Try using the macro feature or macro lens outside during a sunny day to get started. Additional lighting will be needed for macro photography in dark indoor areas.