The big cameras on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. And now, Macro mode is better...
When the iPhone 13 Pro launched, there was one feature which caused consternation in some quarters. It wasn’t that the feature itself was unwelcome, but its implementation which divided users. I’m talking about Macro mode, a new addition to the iPhone’s range of camera innovations and it’s being improved in the next expected iPhone software update, iOS 15.2.
If you’ve tried it, you’ll know that it works like this: as you approach your subject using the iPhone 13 Pro’s wide camera, something happens as you get up close. And when I say up close, I mean within inches of whatever you’re shooting. At that point, the image onscreen shimmers as the iPhone switches to the ultra wide camera and your subject springs into pin-sharp focus, revealing details that most phone cameras can’t. The results are spectacular.
But what people didn’t like was the lack of control offered to users. Supposing you didn’t want the iPhone to switch cameras? Or how about if you were shooting video, in which the shimmer lens-shift was a noticeable distraction?
Personally, I love Macro and it works just great for me the way it is. I know when the shift happens and can see the improvement perfectly. But I almost exclusively use it for stills shots.
Apple responded quickly to criticisms—faster than I’ve seen for quite a while—and announced an update would be coming, even before the phones went on sale. It then implemented a software update pronto so that users could soon simply turn the auto macro switch off if they didn’t like it.
Well, that was a good start but it meant that you had to go to settings to turn Macro back on again when you wanted it. With iOS 15.2, things are getting much better. The update will offer granular control.
If you’ve turned off the Auto Macro toggle in settings, you won’t have to go back there when you do want to take a macro shot. Instead, as the camera gets sufficiently close to the subject, a yellow icon will appear on the iPhone camera screen. It’s a flower, a perfectly symmetrical flower, which is the default to indicate Macro. Though you don’t have to restrict yourself to photographing flora, you understand.
When the icon appears, the camera shift takes you to those great close-up images or with a tap you can turn it off if you don’t want it.
In other words, it’s much more under your control, while still being easily to hand. The update is currently in public beta and expected to be on general release in the coming weeks.
