In-camera focus stacking

[EcoPix]

Sorry if this has been covered but I did an unsuccessful search.

Is anyone getting good macros from this feature? I read that the Olympus Tough TG-3 and 4, the OM EM1, and maybe some Hasselblads can do it in-camera. Are there any others?

Is this viable, productive? Does it save the fiddling about in post? I guess the high-end ones work, but how does the little Tough go, which can be bought quite cheaply?

Thanks.

 

[pulsar123]

In-camera focus stacking is possible with Canon DSLRs, once you installed a third party firmware hack Magic Lantern (you also get a zillion other features). I did experiment with it, using a reverse mounted MF 50mm f1.7 lens on top of my Canon 135L autofocus lens. It works fine; the most serious limitation (compared to using an automated focus stacking rail) is that the focusing range of an AF lens is not large enough to cover a large depth of field. My recollection is that I could get DoF up to ~1/3 of the frame width. That can be sufficient for many situations, but obviously you normally get a stronger 3D effect if your DoF is comparable to the frame width.

Here my example shots using this technique:

https://flic.kr/p/acGFNr

https://flic.kr/p/aiP2SW

Since then I switched to using my DIY Arduino-based automated macro rail,

Arduino based automated focus stacking rail

I've finally written a detailed tutorial describing how I built my portable and cheap (~150$ total) DIY macro focusing rail based on micro-controller Arduino. Have a look here: http://pulsar124.wikia.com/wiki/DIY_automated_macro_rail_for_focus_stacking_based_on_Arduino It also contains a link...

www.dpreview.com

which allows me to make shots like these:

https://flic.kr/p/yK4Xit

https://flic.kr/p/ANYDcC

The above shots would be hard or impossible to make using in-camera focus stacking feature.

 

[daddyo]

Here are a few from my E-M1 using the 12-40mm f/2.8 lens. Be aware that in-camera focus stacking only works with the Olympus 'Pro' line lenses -- including the excellent 60mm f/2.8 Macro which I do not own. 'Focus Bracketing' (not in-camera) however, works with any Olympus Micro Four Thirds lens.

These are all in-camera focus stacking results:











--
God Bless,
Greg
www.imagismphotos.com
www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com
www.pbase.com/daddyo

 

[EcoPix]

Many thanks for these enlightening answers. I see what the problem is with the limited focus range of the lens, but I think it would be enough for my field use.

I don't think I have the nerve to hack my beloved 5D2, though! If they can write it in a hack, does someone do it as a plug-in device?

Oly has made a fine implementation (as usual), by your excellent examples. I'm still keen to know how it goes on the cheap little cameras.

 

[pulsar123]

I've been running Magic Lantern on my 50D for years, no issues. Used it for some crazy stuff (recording RAW video in HD, at 84 MB/s sustained speed, and 50D is 2008 model which doesn't officially have video, leave alone RAW video). I can't imagine living without it - things like automated dot-tune lens calibration and bulb timer for >30s are priceless. ML was actually originally developed for 5D2, in 2009, so despite their scary warnings, I'd imagine it should run the best on that camera. Check their user guide: http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/userguide

 

[perry rhodan]

http://cameras.olympus.com/tg4fd1review/en/

and

Olympus TG-3 macro focus stacking

Anyone tried this camera that has built-in focus stacking for macro work? I'm especially interested in results of shots of minerals but would like to see any samples you have.

www.dpreview.com

Hope this helps. I am in the same boat. Always wanting a nice easy and tiny setup for real macro and lots of DOF. Don't like having to stack afterwards. My only hope is there will be a TG5 with 21 mm wide. If not soon, I will definitely get the TG4 for snorkeling (with oly housing) and macro on the go (with the FD-1 diffuser).

The camera I use at the moment for macro(-ish) shots on the go is the fuji X30, with the EF 20 flash and lightbox.