Still Lifes 4 – Using the Macro mode

You may want to take and keep pictures of your favorite gadgets and fashion accessories. But, especially with small jewelry, it is difficult to get the right close-up picture using the zoom or even using the normal macro function. In such case, try using the Super Macro function.

Use the Super Macro mode to take pictures of small objects

With the Super Macro mode, you can get as close as a few centimeters to the subject but you cannot use the zoom or flash. Since camera blur is more likely to occur, stabilize the camera and use a desk lamp to illuminate the subject.
The macro mode is useful to take enlarged close-up pictures of small subjects. There are two types of macro – Macro and Super Macro mode. In macro mode you can use the zoom to adjust the magnification, but if the subject is too small it may not appear larger even with the zoom at telephoto. With the Super Macro mode, you can get as close as a few centimeters to the subject. Keep in mind that even very small movements of the camera will result in blur, so stabilize the camera.

An idea of the setting of the picture Minimal distance to the subject using Super Macro mode · µ 720SW, µ 770SW, µ 750 and similar cameras — 3 cm. · SP-550UZ — 1 cm.

Compare the difference between macro and Super Macro

	Zoom at telephoto in normal macro mode		Close-up using Super Macro mode

Useful things to remember

• The closer you get and the more you enlarge the subject, the more noticeable blur will be. Stabilize the camera by using a tripod.
• If after stabilizing the camera, you find you cannot focus precisely on the point you want, set the AF mode to [SPOT] or [AREA]. You can assure the camera will focus on an exact point by placing the AF target mark over it.
• If an unwanted shadow is falling over your subject, use a drawing paper or a similar white sheet of paper to reflect some of the light from the window onto your subject in order to reduce the shadow.