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Google’s flagship smartphones from 2023, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, pack excellent cameras. While you can click some great pictures and record stunning videos with them out of the box, you should change the camera settings below for even better results.
1. Enable Palm Timer
The Pixel 8’s 10.5MP front camera can capture great selfies. While you can use the volume keys as a shutter button in thePixel Camera app, there’s a better way to snap pictures from the Pixel’s front camera.
you’re able to show your palm to start a timer and automatically take a selfie. This feature makes taking group selfies easy, especially when you have placed the phone on a tripod or against a surface for better framing.
After this, show your palm to the front camera when taking a selfie. You must hold your hand for a few seconds to ensure the camera app detects it. Once it does, it will start a three-second timer before capturing a picture.
2. Shoot in Macro Mode
The ultrawide camera on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can double up as a macro shooter, letting you get close to a subject and capture photos from a different perspective. you’re able to even record macro videos with great detail.
Enabling the Macro Focus feature on the Pixel 8’s camera appis easy. Follow these steps:
Using the automatic option is the best, as your Pixel 8 will enable the mode when you get close to a subject. A flower icon will appear on the viewfinder to denote this. This works in both photo and video mode. You can also tap the icon to quickly turn it off.
Note that macro videos will come out noisy unless you record the video with plenty of light. But this is the best option if you want to get close to a subject while shooting with your Pixel 8.
3. Record HDR Videos
Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro can record notably better videos than their predecessors. And if you want better dynamic range, colors, and contrast in the videos, consider recording them in HDR. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can record 10-bit HDR video from all four cameras, including the 10.5MP front shooter, in 4K resolution at up to 30FPS. Here’s how to turn this on:
You can now record HDR videos on your Pixel with higher brightness and life-like colors.
HDR videos can appear with washed-out colors when shared in an unsupported app or incompatible platform. They’re recorded using the H.265 codec and might not play back on older devices.
4. Video Boost
If you own a Pixel 8 Pro, you’re able to record even better videos using Video Boost. Think of this feature as Night Sight for videos. It will boost the brightness and sharpness of your recorded videos to make them stand out. While Video Boost also works for footage captured during the day, its benefits are more apparent when shooting in low light and challenging lighting conditions.
There are a few limitations to be aware of when recording videos using Video Boost:
Despite the above limitations, Video Boost can help you capture better videos using the Pixel 8 Pro, especially when recording a scene with poor lighting. Follow these steps to enable it:
You can now enjoy superior colors, brightness, and sharpness on your recorded videos. Given Video Boost’s various limitations, you should use this mode to record videos only in specific scenarios.
5. Night Sight in Time Lapse
Do you frequently record time-lapse videos using your Pixel 8? you may enable Night Sight for time-lapse videos to capture even better footage in low-light conditions. Once enabled, the feature is simple to use; you just need to place your Pixel on a steady surface.
Your Pixel 8 will now record time-lapse videos with Night Sight enabled with more details and better brightness. The ability to record time-lapse videos in Night Sight is anunderrated Pixel 8 featureyou must try.
Note that time-lapse videos with Night Sight enabled will take up more storage space than regular time-lapse clips. To generate 10 seconds of footage, you must record five minutes of video in 1080p resolution or 20 minutes in 4K resolution.
6. Save to Locked Folder
Google Photos has a handy Locked Folder feature where you’re able to save your private photos and videos away from prying eyes. You don’t have to move such media after the fact; instead, you can use the Pixel Camera app on your Pixel 8 to save photos and videos directly to this secure folder.
You might be prompted toset up a Locked Folder in Google Photosif you haven’t already. Any picture or video you move to this folder won’t appear in your Google Photos library. To access the Locked Folder, you’ll need to enter your Pixel 8’s unlock pattern or PIN.
Changing the above settings on your Pixel 8 will further elevate the experience of taking pictures and videos. You can shoot photos from a new perspective, enjoy better video quality in low-light scenarios, easily take selfies using the Palm timer, and quickly hide your private photos.
