subject: Understanding The Intricacies Of Macro Video [print this page] Inexperienced videographers make the mistake of thinking that the way to film a small object is to zoom into it. A camera's zoom control is to film far objects, not small objects. Images of small targets use a technique called macro photography, and when those images are in motion, this is called macro video. This type of videography has its own set of challenges.
Physical Limitations
When we want to see something small, we bring it close to our eyes. This is the same technique used in macro video. The camera is brought as close as possible to the subject while the lenses are zoomed out as far as possible. However when sharply focused on a small object, the camera also brings out other, sometimes undesired details. A few dust particles on the subject would be invisible in a normal video but they stand out like boulders in macro video.
Another problem arises as you get close to the subject. Suddenly a giant shadow eclipses the scene and after a moment you realize it's the camera. Close up photography requires precise placement of the camera and the light sources to get a well-lit picture without any shadows. If the target is moving, it is challenging to keep the scene properly lit.
Optic Limitations
The most noticeable obstacle when taking macro video is the depth of field. The camera is brought so close to the target that the region of sharp focus is limited. It becomes difficult to keep the entire subject in focus. Cameras with special macro mode bring the lenses forward to increase the depth of field, but some objects still cannot be filmed clearly without using specialized lenses and techniques.
Macro and micro video requires extremely specialized lenses. When conventional lenses - designed for relatively far distances - are pressed into service for macro work, they create distortion around the edges of the image. This may not be noticeable if the target is in the center of the frame, but if the subject fills the image the distortion becomes obvious. Not only is this visually unappealing, it can misrepresent the true scale or details of the object.
Getting Help
Aspiring videographers quickly learn macro video is not as simple as filming a kid's birthday party. When done right the videos are breathtaking, showing far more detail than the human eye can discern. However getting these amazing results requires patience, experience and the right equipment. Instead of doing it themselves, many choose to hire a professional.
Veteran macro video specialists have the tools and knowledge needed to create sharp, accurate and highly-detailed video records of a subject. For clients with occasional needs, professional services are always the way to go. Even those who need videos made frequently often find it faster and more cost-effective to bring in a third-party rather than do it themselves.
Video packs a tremendous amount of information into a small package, but if a movie is not sharply focused or is highly distorted that information is lost. Find the right person for the task and get the expert documentation your project requires.
