What does the "flower" do?

[frankie_frank1]

<p>When we flip the dial to "flower", what exactly the camera inside does to help close-up photo? Do SLRs work the same as those P&S digicams?</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>It's macro mode. With most automated P&S cameras this mode will shift the optical elements to be optimized for closeups, and stop down the aperture for maximum depth of field, possibly forcing a slow shutter speed. A tripod should normally be used in this mode. With dSLRs and SLRs macro mode won't necessarily shift any optical elements, leaving this under the photographer's control depending on the lens selected. This stuff is usually covered in the instruction manual.</p>

[Matt Laur]

<p><em>When we flip the dial to "flower", what exactly the camera inside does to help close-up photo? <br /></em><br />Different P&S camera handle it different ways, but in essence: telling the camera that you want to use it in macro (close-up) mode means that it alters the relationship between the camera's simple lens and the sensor. It also tells the camera's auto-focus system to think differently about the distances at which it attempts to focus, and to think differently about how it meters and uses the built-in flash, etc.<br /><br />On SLR cameras, the photographer typically changes lenses, choosing one that's designed specifically for up-close work. The camera itself doesn't need to change anything - it just has to have you focus the right lens for the right job.</p>

[Michael R Freeman]

<p><img src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u255/mikerfns/photonet%20stuff/closeupflowermode.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Besides the above, the camera will shoot in program exposure mode, which for this "photography for d.u.m.m.i.e.s mode" ;-) will almost certainly be biased for smaller apertures for increased depth of field (and slower shutter speeds ... hence the recommendation for a tripod).</p>