How To Shoot Close-Up Macro Photos With Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro doesn’t have an official macro mode like Apple’s and Samsung’s latest flagships, but Google’s smartphone is capable of capturing some amazing close-up photos with just a little practice and patience. Macro photography might be the final frontier, now that good quality medium-range zooms and wide-angle lenses have become relatively standard on top-tier smartphones.

Apple’s entire iPhone 13 lineup includes an automatic macro mode. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra does the same, switching to short-range focusing as the camera detects the distance to the object is less than a few inches. With the Galaxy S21 Ultra and any iPhone 13, good quality macro photos are easy as long as there is sufficient light.

While Google didn’t give the Pixel 6 Pro an automatic macro mode, it autofocuses with its telephoto camera, and a four-times zoom brings the subject much closer. The minimum focus distance of the telephoto camera is about four inches. Since there is some decent working room, lighting isn’t as much of a concern as stability. Tapping the ‘4x’ symbol, then moving closer is all that’s needed to take a close-up photo. Macro photography is tricky even with the best gear, so a few tips will help get the most from this hidden talent of the Pixel 6 Pro.

Pixel 6 Pro Macro Tips

The Pixel 6 Pro can shoot close-up macro photos by using the telephoto camera. With higher levels of zoom, any movement is amplified, so keeping steady is essential. Google stabilizes images, but that can affect the framing, which is critical for macros since the goal is often to get as tight on the subject as possible. Using both hands and bracing against a wall, the ground or any large object will help. Lighting probably won’t be an issue since the 4-inch working room means the camera won’t be blocking ambient light, and flash can be used if needed. When using the optical four-times zoom, the Pixel 6 Pro captures an area that is about three-quarters-inch by one inch. That means it’s perfect for taking photos of coins, flowers, mushrooms, larger insects or groups of insects.

Pinching in will switch to Super Resolution zoom, which allows up to seven-times zoom at close range — currently, zooming further causes the image to suddenly blur. Also, the camera sometimes insists on focusing on faraway objects outdoors, even when tapping on the close-up subject. Temporarily blocking the distant view with a hand will help focus closer. In general, the four-times zoom works more reliably and captures better macros with less effort than the longer zooms. Brushstrokes on a painting, fibers in fabric, even the dots that makeup printed photos or screens can be photographed. With a bit of patience and a curious eye, the Pixel 6 Pro can capture great macro images almost anywhere.

Source: Google

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Alan Truly
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Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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