Excitement is brewing for the upcoming release of Google’s next-gen Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, with leaks suggesting powerful camera upgrades. However, it seems that while the Pixel 8 Pro will have advanced hardware and software improvements, the standard Pixel 8 might miss out on some of these features.
According to leaked information, Google itself has revealed some of the camera upgrades through an official-looking promo video shared by popular Pixel leaker Kamila Wojciechowska. The video introduces several previously unseen camera features for the Pixel 8 series, including Night Sight mode for video, “Best Take” photo merging, and an Audio Eraser to eliminate background noises. The Real Tone skin-tone matching feature will also be expanded to video.
One of the brand new features is Video Boost, which not only provides smoother video recording but also automatically adjusts color, lighting, stabilization, and graininess for a more cinematic experience. This feature will be available soon after the launch and implemented via the Google Photos app.
Another significant upgrade is the introduction of Night Sight mode for video. This feature enhances the brightness and color reproduction when recording in low-light situations. Although it’s unclear if the effect shown in the promo video is real or simulated, if the real-world results are as impressive, Night Sight for video will make a substantial impact. However, this feature will only be available on the Pixel 8 Pro, as it relies on the upgraded camera hardware.
Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to gain “Pro level” DSLR-like photography controls. These controls include individual shutter speed, ISO, manual focus, and a dedicated “reset” button, allowing users to have more creative freedom and capture high-quality images. The leaked Google Store pages also reveal that the Pixel 8 Pro will unlock the ability to shoot full-resolution images for richer detail.
Disappointingly, these advanced controls will be limited to the Pixel 8 Pro model, leaving the standard Pixel 8 without these capabilities. It is unclear why Google has chosen to exclude these features from the standard model, as its camera hardware is similar to the Pro model. However, there is hope that Google may bring these “Pro” controls to other Pixel models in future updates.
While it’s unfortunate that the base Pixel 8 might be limited in certain ways, the full extent of the camera upgrades will be revealed on October 4. Camera enthusiasts and mobile photography enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of the Pixel 8 series to see how these powerful camera upgrades will enhance their photography experiences.