Macro.
1. Macro photography is closeup photography that does not involve microscopes. True macro photography is generally considered to be 1:1 or greater. In other words, the subject is the same size as the final negative - in the case of 35mm film, 24x36mm in size.
However the term is often used loosely, and lens makers frequently advertise very ordinary lenses as having “macro” capabilities even if they aren’t capable of 1:1 photography unassisted. Anything to make a sale. However, it’s often possible to take macro photographs using regular lenses through the use of extension tubes and closeup filters.
Macro is often identified by a small flower icon on cameras and lenses. For some bizarre reason people frequently mistype “macro” as “marco” even though it has nothing to do with either explorers or Italy.
cf. closeup filter, extension tube.
2. A pre-programmed exposure and shooting mode built into many cameras.
Such modes are designed to help novice photographers by setting up the camera in a way that helps macro photography. For example, the mode may attempt to shoot with a fairly small lens aperture in order to maximize depth of field. Some point and shoot cameras may also adjust the lens so that it can focus closer than usual. Commonly indicated on cameras by a macro mode icon.
cf. aperture, depth of field, PIC.
Entry last updated 2002-04-06. Term 751 of 1487.
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