Jack Wallen demonstrates how to use the new Pixel 7 Pro for close-up shots. Macro Focus Mode on the Pixel 7 Pro leverages the lens to create a pseudo-macro mode and performs a surprisingly good job at making up for the lack of a dedicated macro lens.
I’ve been quite pleased with the images I’ve gotten from using the Macro Focus mode and its combination of the 12 MP ultrawide lens, the Tensor Chip, and AI. Not even my previous flagship phone, the Galaxy Note 8, could get as close to the subject as the Pixel 7 Pro does when taking macro photos.
The Macro Focus Mode on the Pixel 7 Pro doesn’t seem to be a selectable option. Instead, artificial intelligence and Tensor Chip detect when you are near a target. Enhance the auto-detecting Macro Focus Mode’s close-up performance by using the 5x optical zoom to get in tight.
To that end, I was wondering how one would make use of the Pixel 7 Pro’s Macro Focus Mode. What is it?
Pixel 7 Pro: That's it pic.twitter.com/lYfBM4A1xQ
— SnoopyTech (@_snoopytech_) October 2, 2022
Requirements
You can only use the Macro Focus Mode on the Pixel 7 Pro, so that phone is a need if you want to take use of the function. Having a steady hand is especially important when using a 5x zoom on your subjects.
When and how to use Macro Focus Mode
- Open the Android camera app
Launch the camera app on your Pixel 7 Pro by navigating to it from the App Drawer or home screen.
- Enable the Macro Focus Mode
However, the camera does not feature a dedicated button for switching to Macro Focus mode. Why? Given how well the Camera app handles automatically enabling the option, this is the case. Simply moving in close to your topic after switching to Macro Focus Mode. When you do, a flower icon should appear on the screen.
Simply tapping on the symbol will turn off Macro Focus Mode. Just another tap will activate it. This indicator appears when you are close enough to a subject to switch to Macro Focus Mode.
- Default zoom
Even at the default 1x zoom setting, the camera is capable of taking impressive close-ups. Try out the Macro Focus Mode at 1x zoom on a cactus to see how well it works.
- Even More Detail
Use the 5x magnification to see every last detail. In this step, you’ll want a steady hand more than anything. Every little tremor is accentuated fivefold when you switch to Macro Focus Mode and a 5x magnification. But with some experience, you can accomplish a lot with little effort.
You won’t believe how simple it is to use the Pixel 7 Pro’s Macro Focus Mode, but there you have it. It may take some practice before you achieve truly impressive results, but once you do, your close-up photography skills will astound your friends and family.