Google’s Pixel phones are known for their excellent imaging performance. But apart from regular photos, you may also use your Google Pixel 7 Pro to capture stunning macro photos or videos. In macro mode, you can get really close to a subject to capture details that won’t be visible in a regular photo.
Sounds interesting? Follow this guide to learn how to use the Macro Focus feature on your Google Pixel.
Macro Focus on a Google Pixel: What You Need to Know
You get macro camera functionality only on the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Its smaller sibling doesn’t have a macro feature. As for the Pixel 6 series, none of the models have macro capabilities. You can use the Pixel 6 Pro’s telephoto shooter to capture “fake” macro pictures, but the results won’t be close to what a dedicated macro camera can do.
On the Pixel 7 Pro, the ultra-wide camera doubles up as a macro shooter, letting you shoot images as close as 3cm from the subject. Since this sensor is notably smaller than the primary 50MP camera, do not expect impressive results when there’s not enough light around. The quality of images captured will be average at best, and in low light, expect a lot of noise to creep in.
When the Pixel 7 Pro launched, it was limited to capturing macro photos. With theJune 2023 Feature Dropthough, Google has added the ability to record macro videos as well.
Barring the Pixel 7 Pro, none of the previous Pixel phones have the requisite hardware to capture macro photos or videos. Some third-party apps might claim to replicate the macro camera’s functionality, but the result won’t be anywhere as close.
How to Take Macro Photos on a Google Pixel 7 Pro
Capturing macro photos on the Google Pixel 7 Pro does not require any third-party app. In fact, you must use the native Google Camera app.
There can be instances where you don’t want to trigger the macro mode. Simply tap the flower icon displayed in the camera app’s viewfinder to turn off the functionality.
Check out a couple of macro photo samples shot using the Google Pixel 7 Pro below.
How to Record Macro Videos on a Google Pixel 7 Pro
Avoid moving the phone too far away from the subject when recording macro videos. The Pixel 7 Pro does not automatically switch between macro and regular mode while capturing videos. Similarly, the phone won’t switch into macro mode when you bring it close to an object while recording a video.
You can record macro videos in up to 4K resolution on the Pixel 7 Pro. However, ensure there’s ample light or the video will have a lot of noise. You can back up macro videos orshare them with your friends using Google Photosjust like any other regular video.
Macro Photos Look Stunning When Captured Right
Compared to regular pictures, there’s a bit more effort involved when you try to click a macro photo. But if done right, they look stunning and allow you to capture a subject in a previously unexplored way.
