Any problem leaving Macro ON? at DVinfo.net

Jeff Bradt · August 12th, 2010, 02:10 PM

I can't figure out if there is any reason to turn the Macro off. If not, why even have an on/off?

I believe the default is ON. I'd like to leave it on but not if it's going to impact my non-macro shots in any way.

Thanks for any input on this.

Claire Buckley · August 12th, 2010, 03:26 PM

I often shoot in low light. I turn Macro OFF. I use both auto and manual depending upon the action and available lighting, or if I need to quickly relocate from a fixed position.

In my experience having Macro ON in auto focus for midshots and beyond screws me up on both Z5 and NX5. There appears to be more occasions when it "hunts" especially on faces where there is minimal contrast (a contrast based detection system I believe).

My rule of thumb - and it works for me: unless you're going in very close (auto or manual) turn Macro OFF.

Jeff Bradt · August 12th, 2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claire Buckley

I often shoot in low light. I turn Macro OFF. I use both auto and manual depending upon the action and available lighting, or if I need to quickly relocate from a fixed position.

In my experience having Macro ON in auto focus for midshots and beyond screws me up on both Z5 and NX5. There appears to be more occasions when it "hunts" especially on faces where there is minimal contrast (a contrast based detection system I believe).

My rule of thumb - and it works for me: unless you're going in very close (auto or manual) turn Macro OFF.

Interesting Claire. I'll have to do some experimenting along those lines. I have felt like the auto focus has been a little sub par at times and maybe that's why.

Tom Hardwick · August 19th, 2010, 01:17 AM

Now wouldn't it be good if the instruction book had a couple of lines of explanation. The on/off facility has obviously cost a few pennies so one has to surmise that it's 'on' for special occasions, as is the OIS.

Jeff Bradt · August 19th, 2010, 05:44 AM

I actually had an opportunity to speak to a Sony tech guy yesterday and ask him about this. He said that the zoom range is affected by the macro setting. I experimented and saw that although it's small, there was a change in the zoom range. I would be much more concerned about the possible long range focus difficulties.

I agree Tom, a simple explanation in the manual would sure be helpful!

August 12th, 2010, 02:10 PM	#1
Jeff Bradt Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Simpsonville SC Posts: 133	Any problem leaving Macro ON? I can't figure out if there is any reason to turn the Macro off. If not, why even have an on/off? I believe the default is ON. I'd like to leave it on but not if it's going to impact my non-macro shots in any way. Thanks for any input on this. __________________ Jeff

August 12th, 2010, 03:26 PM	#2
Claire Buckley Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: UK Posts: 176	I often shoot in low light. I turn Macro OFF. I use both auto and manual depending upon the action and available lighting, or if I need to quickly relocate from a fixed position. In my experience having Macro ON in auto focus for midshots and beyond screws me up on both Z5 and NX5. There appears to be more occasions when it "hunts" especially on faces where there is minimal contrast (a contrast based detection system I believe). My rule of thumb - and it works for me: unless you're going in very close (auto or manual) turn Macro OFF. __________________ Women don't hit harder, they just hit lower!

August 19th, 2010, 05:44 AM	#5
Jeff Bradt Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Simpsonville SC Posts: 133	I actually had an opportunity to speak to a Sony tech guy yesterday and ask him about this. He said that the zoom range is affected by the macro setting. I experimented and saw that although it's small, there was a change in the zoom range. I would be much more concerned about the possible long range focus difficulties. I agree Tom, a simple explanation in the manual would sure be helpful! __________________ Jeff

August 19th, 2010, 01:17 AM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Now wouldn't it be good if the instruction book had a couple of lines of explanation. The on/off facility has obviously cost a few pennies so one has to surmise that it's 'on' for special occasions, as is the OIS.