How to use the Pixel 7 Pro’s Macro Focus Mode for amazing macro-like photography
Although the Pixel 7 Pro doesn’t actually have an official macro lens, but does have a built-in macro focus mode that uses the lens to create a pseudo-macro mode that does a pretty remarkable job.
The macro focus mode uses the 12MP ultrawide lens in combination with the Tensor chip and AI to achieve this feat and I’m pretty impressed with the results so far. I don’t have another phone capable of getting so close to a subject that I can capture macro shots, even from a distance, that rival the Pixel 7 Pro.
Likewise: Pixel 7 Pro: Finally! Google fixed my biggest problem with the Pixel 6 Pro
What’s confusing about the Pixel 7 Pro’s macro focus mode is that it’s not one of the modes you switch to. Instead, the built-in AI and Tensor chip will recognize when you get very close to a subject. You can give the auto-sensing macro focus mode a boost by zooming in with the 5x optical zoom for very close-up results.
How do you use macro focus mode on the Pixel 7 Pro? let’s find out
requirements
Macro focus mode is only limited to the Pixel 7 Pro, so you’ll need that phone to use the feature. You also need a steady hand, especially when zooming in on your subjects 5x.
How to use macro focus mode
Sign in to your Pixel 7 Pro and open the Camera app from the app drawer or your home screen.
You won’t find a macro focus mode button anywhere on the camera. Why? Because the camera app does a remarkable job of automatically turning on the mode for you. To activate macro focus mode, all you have to do is bring the camera lens very close to the subject in question. When you do this, you should see a small flower icon on the display. Tapping this icon disables macro focus mode. Tap it again to activate it. You only see this icon when you are close enough to a subject to activate macro focus mode.
The small flower icon indicates that the macro focus mode is one. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
By default the zoom is set to 1x and you can get some pretty good macro shots at that level. A quick test of a cactus will show you how good the macro focus mode is at 1x zoom.
A cactus photo taken with the Pixel 7 Pro at 1x zoom. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
For even more detail, tap the 5x zoom. You really need a steady hand at this point. At 5x zoom in macro focus mode, even the slightest movement is greatly exaggerated. But with a little practice, you can get pretty remarkable results without having to do a lot of work.
A nickel as seen through the Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x zoom in macro focus mode. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Believe it or not, that’s all you need to use the Pixel 7 Pro’s macro focus mode. It may take a little trial and error to get really good results, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll impress your friends and family with the quality of the close-ups you can capture.