According to Google, the new Pixel smartphones ships with the advanced camera designed using the latest technologies such as HDR+, Smartburst and Lens Blur. As expected, Google launched the new 5-inch Google Pixel and the 5.5-inch Google Pixel XL with Snapdragon 821 processor on October 4.
The internals are same except the display and battery. Will you be able to capture great looking images and videos using Google Pixel? Let us find out the technology used to create Pixel handset.
Firstly, you should note that both Pixel and Pixel XL ships with same camera sensors. When competing manufacturers provide trimmed camera sensors in lower variants, Google has infused same camera specifications on both Pixel and Pixel XL.
The new Google Pixel and Pixel XL feature a 12-megapixel Sony IMX378 image sensor with large, 1.55-micron pixels. Moreover, the phone also includes a comparatively wider f/2.0 aperture lens. Interestingly, Google has not integrated a dual camera like iPhone 7 Plus.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL: HDR+ technology
The main attraction of the sensors included with Pixel handsets is the addition of HDR+, a high-dynamic range shooting mode. This unique mode enables you to capture extremely wide and beautiful color even in tough lightning conditions. Hence, you will be able to capture excellent images even if there is a lack of light.
The new HDR+ mode produces a subtle effect without any huge contrast or saturation boosts. By default, this mode is activated for all images. According to industry analysts, the introduction of HDR+ poses a huge risk to the processor.
Technically, an HDR image is captured as the handset captures multiple regular images. It also automatically layers them together. The ultimate effect of these new changes is that this will result in slow capturing of images and ghost-like effects when shooting moving objects.
Meanwhile, Google claims that their product team has designed and developed the fastest HDR enabled smartphones. This will not sacrifice the quality of the captured images.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL: Smartburst, Lens Blur and more
According to Google, the camera integrated with Pixel and Pixel XL has the capability to capture stunning images in both low and bright lighting conditions. With Smartburst, you will be able to capture a rapid-fire sequence of shots and the handset sensor automatically selects the best one.
You can make use of Lens Blur to achieve shallow depth of field and bokeh effects. This will help you to focus aggressively on the subject in action. It is also possible to capture intuitive and dramatic landscapes including the ability to glow faces with newly introduced exposure controls.
Talking about videos, Google has added advanced software stabilization (EIS), which enables you to shoot real world videos without losing clarity. However, the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL will not provide support for optical image stabilization (OIS).
As part of the launch offer, Google is providing free unlimited storage for original quality photos and videos at full resolution in Google Photos.
