Here’s how to use the Pixel 7’s Macro Focus mode

One of the most significant improvements of the Pixel 7 series is undoubtedly the camera, both in software and hardware. With that, a new macro focus mode has found its way to the Pixel 7 Pro, and it works pretty flawlessly. Here’s how to get started.

The Pixel 7 series’ camera array is really impressive. The Pixel 7 houses a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP main sensor, which is consistent with what we’ve seen in the previous generation. In addition to these two, the Pixel 7 Pro has an additional 48MP telephoto lens that can achieve up to 10x optical zoom. Additionally, the Tensor G2 chip helps stitch multiple sensors together for up to 30x optical and digital zoom, resulting in some pretty decent shots.

Related: Here’s what each camera does on the Pixel 7 Pro

One key feature that could deliver on its promise is the Pixel 7 Pro’s new macro focus mode. This new mode allows you to frame most objects head on and capture absolutely incredible detail without needing a dedicated macro lens like most phones would have you believe. In fact, the Pixel 7 Pro’s macro focus is significantly better than some other macro lenses we’ve tried recently.

How macro focus works

As mentioned above, the macro focus mode on the Pixel 7 Pro doesn’t require an extra lens anywhere. In fact, it uses the ultrawide lens with a newly added autofocus to take really close-up shots. Google claims you can move 3cm away from your subject, and that seems to hit the nail on the head.

What really brings Macro Focus and the rest of the camera setup together is the fluidity of the design in the camera app. When switching from the main sensor to the telephoto lens at 10x, you hardly notice a difference. This also applies to the macro focus.

When using the Pixel 7 Pro’s camera app, all you have to do is get close to a subject to activate macro focus. From there, the Pixel automatically turns on macro focus and prioritizes with the ultrawide lens. Then you can zoom in up to 5x. No matter how much you do, you’ll still use the ultrawide lens, it just crops a little to the focal length you want.

If you don’t want to enable macro focus and use your other lenses, just tap the flower icon next to the focus circle. Instantly regain access to your other lenses and switch between them. Alternatively, you can just reset a bit and the macro focus mode on the Pixel 7 Pro will just turn off.

How do photos look in macro focus?

Although the ultrawide lens is only 12MP, Macro Focus produces some fantastic images. You can see most subjects directly and see details that you can’t necessarily see with the naked eye, which is useful for detailing plants and insects, or even minute details in everyday objects.

In the backend, the Tensor G2 chip does a lot of post-processing. With this, the final product looks pretty good. Here are a few examples:

Why doesn’t the Pixel 7 have macro focus?

There are a few camera differences between the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Aside from the fact that the Pixel 7 doesn’t have a telephoto lens, the Pro’s little brother also packs another ultrawide lens.

The Pixel 7 has a 114-degree 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, while the Pixel 7 Pro has a 125.8-degree ultra-wide-angle lens with autofocus. Autofocus plays a big part here, allowing the Ultrawide to do a lot when it comes to finding subjects up close. We’d have liked to see the Pixel 7 get the same ultrawide setup or even a Macro Focus update across the board, although it looks like the device won’t be able to take advantage of that feature any time soon .

Overall, the Pixel 7’s macro focus is an incredibly easy feature to use. What’s more, it makes for some really decent photos that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to take with just an ultrawide lens under normal circumstances. Let us know if you’ve had a chance to use macro focus on your Pixel 7.

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