What a modern smartphone can do in high-speed and macro photography using the example of the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra

Thanks to gadgets, it has become the norm for a modern person to be able to take a photo or video of something at any time. However, simply “taking good pictures” for a smartphone, especially in the upper price segment, is no longer enough. Therefore, manufacturers have recently been trying to stand out with various features.

For example, HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra offers Ultra Speed ​​Snapshot mode, or simply “High-Speed ​​Shooting,” which allows you to take clear pictures of fast-moving objects. In addition, this smartphone has a very unusual macro mode. We already mentioned this in our Pura 70 Ultra review, but here we talk about these distinctive features of the smartphone in more detail.

But first, let’s recall the technical characteristics of the cameras: the main module is built on an inch 50-megapixel sensor with optics with variable aperture (f/1.6-f/4.0), optical stabilizer and hybrid autofocus; the zoom camera uses a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/2.1 lens and 3.5x zoom, phase detection autofocus and optical stabilization; The wide-angle camera has a 40-megapixel sensor with f/2.2 aperture optics and autofocus. HUAWEI does not specify which matrices are used in each module.

High-speed shooting on HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra

The most important thing for shooting moving objects is the fastest and most tenacious autofocus. And with this, the Pura 70 Ultra is all right: the main camera combines phase and contrast methods with laser illumination, and the other two have phase focusing, which also works very quickly. However, even the fastest autofocus may not be enough to ensure that the object in the frame is clear – after all, we are not talking about a professional camera, but about a smartphone. This is where software algorithms come into play.

HUAWEI used the XD Motion Engine. When shooting moving objects, the smartphone takes two pictures with different exposures: a short exposure captures the details of the moving object, and a long exposure preserves a clear background. Then AI Motion Vector Computing comes into play, calculating motion vectors using artificial intelligence, and Regional Motion Restore compares long- and short-exposure shots. As a result, these images are combined into one photo with a clear moving object.

Thanks to the software algorithms of the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, it is possible to take clear pictures of moving objects using any of the three cameras. Moreover, the algorithms are not picky about the subject of photography. I was able to capture moving people, vehicles, animals and birds, and even drops of falling water in a fountain. And also (though not on the first try) I managed to photograph the moment the lighter was ignited.

In general, thanks to the Ultra Speed ​​Snapshot mode, you can get truly spectacular shots of moving objects that you can brag about on social networks. Owners of cats and dogs will especially appreciate this mode, since with its help it is possible to capture the pet’s games and genuine emotions on its face. Of course, you are unlikely to use this mode all the time, but in some cases it turns out to be extremely useful.

Macro shot of HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra

Macro photography in the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra is not done in a very ordinary way. Typically, in smartphones, the wide-angle module is responsible for this mode, since it has the shortest focal length. However, in the Pura 70 Ultra the role of the macro camera is played by the zoom module. And this solution worked out great.

First of all, because for macro photography with the Pura 70 Ultra you do not need to bring the smartphone very close to the subject. And this allows you to shoot, for example, insects without fear of scaring them away. At the same time, the minimum focusing distance is very modest – only 5 cm, so you can shoot from a very close distance if there is such a need. Another selling point for a macro zoom camera is that it allows you to capture extreme close-ups using the 10x hybrid zoom. And if this doesn’t seem enough for you, then you can use the 35x digital zoom. With the latter, for example, it is possible to perfectly see the subpixels on the screen of a computer or smartphone – the photographs below show exactly how the LCD panels (left) and OLED panels (right) differ.

For macro photography, the Pura 70 Ultra has a “Super Macro” mode, and the camera itself switches to this mode when it realizes that you are shooting something close-up. But you can activate it manually. I also note that in the “Super Macro” mode you can shoot with both the main camera (including with 2x hybrid zoom) and the wide-angle one. But the best effect is obtained when shooting with a zoom camera.

As I said in the review, the Pura 70 Ultra excels at macro photography. The photos are high-quality, detailed, with a pleasant soft bokeh effect. In Super Macro mode you can get interesting photos of a wide variety of objects. For example, I got interesting pictures of a smoldering stick and sugar crystals. Most often, of course, plants are photographed in this mode, and during the tests I also accumulated a collection of photographs of my cat’s eyes and nose. In general, here you are limited only by your imagination.

Finally, I note that the Pura 70 Ultra supports shooting video with a macro effect. But here it is important to consider several points. Firstly, at 10x zoom, the video turns out to be very jerky, which in general is not surprising for such a zoom. Secondly, if the object moves too quickly, you won’t be able to follow it – it will quickly end up outside the frame. And thirdly, it can be difficult for the camera to quickly switch focus if the subject has moved or changed – you have to touch the screen with your finger for the camera to focus again.

And yet, making an unusual video will not be difficult – the videos are of high quality, and even switching the focus not too quickly does not spoil the impression.

Obviously, the shooting modes described here are quite specific. And it’s unlikely that anyone will choose the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra just because this smartphone is great at taking pictures of active cats or is great at macro photography. However, having a gadget in your pocket that can take such photos is a very nice bonus.