What is the meaning of macro and digital zoom in photography?

Question

there is some people advice me to not use digital zoom and use macro setting but what that means?
i'm freaking new in photography..

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Answer 1

Macro photography:



It refers to close-up photography; the classical definition that the image projected on the "film plane" (i.e film or a digital sensor) is close to the same size as the subject. On 35 mm film (for example), the lens is typically optimized to focus sharply on a small area approaching the size of the film frame. Most 35mm format macro lenses achieve at least 1:2, that is to say, the image on the film is 1/2 the size of the object being photographed. Many 35mm macro lenses are 1:1, meaning the image on the film is the same size as the object being photographed. Another important distinction is that lenses designed for macro are usually at their sharpest at macro focus distances and are not quite as sharp at other focus distances.



In recent years, the term macro has been used in marketing material to mean being able to focus on a subject close enough so that when a regular 4×6 inch (102×152 mm) print is made, the image is life-size or larger. This requires a magnification ratio of only approximately 1:4, more easily attainable by lens makers.







Digital zoom:



Digital zoom is a method of decreasing (narrowing) the apparent angle of view of a digital photographic or video image. Digital zoom is accomplished by cropping an image down to a centered area with the same aspect ratio as the original, and usually also interpolating the result back up to the pixel dimensions of the original. It is accomplished electronically, without any adjustment of the camera's optics, and no optical resolution is gained in the process.



Because interpolation disturbs the original pixel layout of the image, as captured by the camera's image sensor, it is usually considered detrimental to image quality. The results of digital zoom are, however, sometimes superior to the results of manual cropping and resizing (interpolation) in post-production. This is because the camera may apply its interpolation before performing lossy image compression, thereby preserving small details that would otherwise be lost. For cameras that save images in a raw format, however, resizing in post-production will yield results equal or superior to digital zoom.

Answer 2

Hi, I agree about not using the digital zoom ,just the optical zoom.

Macro is a setting in the camera for real close ups and it is a great shot when used properly .

I have several Digitals and I don't get a good result when I use the zoom with macro.I use macro setting and get real close to a flower or bug or what it is I am taking a photo of.

I am in several clubs about photography ,you maybe should join one and have fun and learn too.

Hope I have helped you.

By the way also hold the button for taking them half way down and look and you will see it focus then take the picture

Dixie

Answer 3

Digital Zoom Photography Definition

Answer 4

Digital zoom'd pictures get distorted because your camera doesn't take new information/pixels when zooming so it stretches the picture making it blurry and wierd.

Macro is to be able to get upclose to a subject, i mean real close and get nice clear shots. This works best if you have a macro lens made specifically for that kind of photography.

It would help if you mentioned what kind of camera you have and what options it does have.

I have a DSLR w/no macro lense and I tried the macro setting but I didn't find much difference than just using regular manual settings. With your camera you can zoom in some just not too far. Well i know i probably didn't help too much but at least you have some understanding on the differences.....Hope that helped. =)

Answer 5

You actually have 2 questions which are totally separate.



First off, Macro is close range photography. It's basically the ability to focus on objects closer than 2-5 feet depending on the lens you use (SLR and point-and-shoot). From the link you have, the picture of the flowers (which is a prime reason for Macro) would have come out clearer using a Macro setting. The reason I say depending on the lens you use the longer the telephoto capabilities, the more distance you need to focus.



Now digital zoom is a completely different story. People say to stay away from digital zoom because it uses interpolated pixels and the image isn't 100% pure. I actually wrote a long lesson about this in CNET:



http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11224_7-6549426-2.html?messageID=2185405



The post should give more than a basic understanding of optical vs digital zoom. My advice is to stay away from digital zoom but if you have no choice, don't limit yourself because it's of slightly lesser quality.



If you have more questions, feel free to contact me.

Answer 6

Digital zoom is a method of decreasing (narrowing) the apparent angle of view of a digital photographic or video image. Digital zoom is accomplished by cropping an image down to a centered area with the same aspect ratio as the original, and usually also interpolating the result back up to the pixel dimensions of the original. Because interpolation disturbs the original pixel layout of the image, as captured by the camera's image sensor, it is usually considered detrimental to image quality. The results of digital zoom are, however, sometimes superior to the results of manual cropping and resizing (interpolation) in post-production.



Macro photography refers to close-up photography; the classical definition that the image projected on the "film plane" (i.e film or a digital sensor) is close to the same size as the subject. On 35 mm film (for example), the lens is typically optimized to focus sharply on a small area approaching the size of the film frame. Most 35mm format macro lenses achieve at least 1:2, that is to say, the image on the film is 1/2 the size of the object being photographed. Many 35mm macro lenses are 1:1, meaning the image on the film is the same size as the object being photographed. Another important distinction is that lenses designed for macro are usually at their sharpest at macro focus distances and are not quite as sharp at other focus distances.



In recent years, the term macro has been used in marketing material to mean being able to focus on a subject close enough so that when a regular 4×6 inch (102×152 mm) print is made, the image is life-size or larger. This requires a magnification ratio of only approximately 1:4, more easily attainable by lens makers.





What kind of camera do you have and use? there are some web sites that have free lessons and teach you have to use your camera. If you have a canon they have a great site and also HP. A google for their sites will give great results. I am considering getting a macro lens for my digital camera as I love to take pictures of the inside of flowers and pictures of insects. the macro gives great detail where digitial zoom wouldn't go small enough and not blur.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

the term macro means close up. When you take a picture of something very close like someones eye. Or insects.

The term digital zoom is understood but understanding optical zoom. Optical zoom is when the lens get you closer to your subject. On the other hand digital zoom is after the lens gets as close as it can the camera then zooming with in the picture. and enlarges the pictures . That is why the digital zoom picture are blurry. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

They are not related except in the sense that they both allow you to "move in close" to your subject..



Macro allows you to take close ups.