How I nailed these tricky macro shots for a major CNET feature story

At a glance:

• Used a Canon R5 with a DZO Films X‑Tract probe lens and focus‑stacking to capture the Pixel Watch 4
• Video was shot with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, two LED lights and dual DJI Mic 2 audio rigs
• The home studio was converted into a dedicated space with shelving, backdrops and a Zhiyun Molus G300 LED light

Macro photography: gear and setup

The shoot centered around a Canon R5 – a high‑resolution mirrorless body with in‑body stabilization and accurate autofocus. The author’s “secret weapon” was the DZO Films X‑Tract probe lens, a long, thin macro lens that provides a wide‑angle view while allowing extreme close‑ups. For lighting, a Zhiyun Molus G300 LED equipped with a narrow‑strip box modifier spread soft, even light across the watch. Additional bounce was achieved with white‑card reflectors and even small pieces of paper to tame reflections on the shiny case.

Camera settings and focus stacking technique

To capture the hero images, the author dialed in a classic macro exposure:

• ISO 200
• Aperture between f/16 and f/32
• Shutter speed around 1/15 s Because the shutter was slow, the camera sat on a sturdy tripod and was triggered via a remote release cable. The critical sharpness across the entire watch face was obtained through focus stacking – roughly 20 individual shots taken from the closest point outward, later merged in Helicon Focus and refined in Adobe Photoshop (dust removal, color correction, and occasional soft‑box removal).

Video production for the feature

The accompanying video used a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro paired with a 35 mm Arles Prime cinema lens (DZO Film). A pink paper backdrop set the tone, while the same Zhiyun Molus G300 LED served as the key light on the presenter’s face. A SmallRig RC 450B LED acted as a fill light. Audio capture employed two microphones:

1. Rode VideoMic NTG shotgun mic on a boom arm, wirelessly linked to a DJI Mic 2 transmitter.
2. A second DJI Mic 2 unit clipped to the presenter’s collar. For the teardown segment, the lens switched to a 75 mm Arles Prime to get tighter framing without obstructing the watch disassembly.

Post‑production workflow

After filming, CNET producer JD Christison handled the edit, stitching together the presenter’s narration, the teardown footage, and the macro stills. In Photoshop, the author composited multiple focus‑stacked images of the watch body with separate shots of his hand holding pincers, creating a seamless final image that showcases both the device and the repair process.

Building a home studio for professional work

To accommodate the extensive gear, the author transformed a large bedroom into a functional studio: wall‑mounted backdrop supports, specialist shelving for lenses and lights, and a clear work surface. This setup allowed overnight shoots and weekend marathons without disturbing other household activities, though it required diligent cleanup after each session.

Why the effort matters for CNET’s repairability story

The feature on the Google Pixel Watch 4’s repairability demanded visuals that matched the article’s high‑contrast, Apple‑style aesthetic. By investing time in meticulous lighting, focus stacking, and post‑production compositing, the images not only illustrate the disassembly steps but also elevate the story’s credibility. The author, a 15‑year CNET veteran, notes that seeing his own photography in a major feature provides a strong sense of professional pride.