Focus Stacking in ElectroSpotmatic and Spotmatic Magic

What It Does

Focus Stacking automatically combines multiple images taken at different focus distances into a single image with extended depth of field. This technique is essential for macro photography, close-up work, and any situation where you need everything in focus but a single exposure can't achieve it due to depth of field limitations.

The feature automatically captures a sequence of images at different focus distances, then analyzes and blends them to create a final image where everything from foreground to background is in sharp focus.

You can download test images for use with SpotmaticMagic from: Google Drive

When to Use It

Use Focus Stacking when:

• Macro Photography: Insects, flowers, small objects where depth of field is extremely limited
• Close-Up Photography: Product photography, jewelry, detailed objects
• Landscape with Foreground: When you want both a close foreground and distant background in focus
• Extended Depth of Field: Any scene where you need more depth of field than a single exposure can provide

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 images (more images = smoother transitions)
• Static scene (tripod highly recommended)
• Consistent exposure across all frames

How to Capture Focus Stacking Sequences

1. Enable Focus Stacking: Open ElectroSpotmatic camera, tap the exposure control ring, find and enable the "Focus Stacking" button
2. Configure Focus Stacking (optional): Frame count (3-15, recommended: 5-7), focus range
3. Set Up Your Shot: Mount camera on tripod, frame composition, ensure scene is static
4. Set Focus Range: Set closest and farthest focus points
5. Capture the Sequence: Press shutter button, camera captures frames automatically
6. Processing: Images are aligned, sharpness analyzed, and blended automatically

Settings Configuration

Focus stacking settings are configured in iOS Settings → ElectroSpotmatic:

• Focus Stacking Algorithm: Advanced LoG (Recommended), Advanced Gaussian, or Wavelet-Based (Metal)
• Image Alignment Algorithm: Vision Framework (Recommended), IC-LM, or Metal ECC

Best Practices

• Use a tripod (essential)
• Recommended: 5-7 images for most scenarios
• Ensure overlap between focus planes
• Keep all settings consistent except focus

Troubleshooting

Some areas are not sharp: Increase frame count, adjust focus range

Blending artifacts: Try different stacking method, ensure consistent exposure

Processing takes a long time: Normal for high-resolution focus stacking (2-4 minutes for 5 frames)

Technical Details

• Recommended: 7 images
• Maximum: 15 images
• Automatic focus adjustment and alignment
• Processing time: ~2-4 minutes for 5 high-resolution images