
The Variable Macro System consists of four modes and two separately available accessories for macro shooting. This system makes it possible to capture amazing photos of the tiniest details.
This mode provides amazing macro shooting capabilities, able to photograph subjects up to 1 cm away from the end of the lens. Using the optical zoom, it is possible to zoom in on subjects for a view that is almost like looking through a microscope. (35mm equivalent image magnification: 7x)
The display magnification factor appears on the rear monitor when a subject is 1 cm away from the end of the lens, and it can be switched between 1x, 2x, and 4x with a single touch of the screen. This feature delivers an observation and shooting experience as if switching the objective lens on a microscope. The display magnification factor can be set to a maximum of 44.4x* (shooting magnification: 28x).
This mode composites varying depths of field by capturing multiple images at different focal positions. It lets you take macro photos that are completely in focus from the front to the back. 3 to 10 shots can be set for compositing. A smaller number of composite shots means that compositing time is shorter, and a larger number results in a greater range in focus.
Simply press the shutter once to capture up to 30 shots while gradually shifting the focal location in Focus Bracketing. Because the impression of macro photos changes drastically according to the focal location, Focus Bracketing can be used to select the best shots depending on the focal location when checking recorded images. The amount of focal shift can be selected from three different options. (35mm equivalent image magnification: 7x)
Up-close macro shooting up to 1 cm* from the end of the lens is possible even in P and A modes.
There are two types of separately available accessories in the Variable Macro System.
This is an accessory that evens out the illumination of the camera's built-in LED light. This makes it possible to light the scene even when the camera casts a shadow on the subject.
This accessory uses the cameras built in flash to light scenes. It is perfect for lighting macro shots in dark locations, and for shooting moving subjects such as insects. The FD-1 Flash Diffuser is equipped with light output control, allowing you to adjust the lighting output in approximately 1.4 steps to match shooting conditions.