Google's Pixel 10 Cameras: Smarter, Sharper, and More Inclusive
Google's latest Pixel 10 series is here, and it's packed with camera upgrades that might just make you reconsider your phone choices. Let's dive into what's new and exciting.
Standard Pixel 10: A New Telephoto Lens
The standard Pixel 10 model is making waves with its first-ever dedicated telephoto lens. This 10.8MP lens, borrowed from the Pixel 9 Pro and 10 Pro Fold, brings 20x Super Res Zoom to the base model. But there's a catch: the main camera sensor has been downgraded from 50MP to 48MP. It's a trade-off that might leave some users scratching their heads.
Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL: Pro Res Zoom
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are leveling up their zoom game with a new feature called Pro Res Zoom. This AI-powered tool can magnify subjects up to 100x, replacing the old Super Res Zoom. It's a cool feature for capturing distant subjects, but it relies heavily on AI to upscale and enhance photos. Will it deliver crisp, clear shots, or will it feel like a gimmick? Only time will tell.
Enhanced AI Features
All Pixel 10 models come with enhanced AI features, thanks to the integration of improved Gemini models.
- Camera Coach: A new preview feature offers real-time feedback to help you improve your photography skills. It's like having a personal coach, guiding you on framing, composition, and more.
- Guided Frame: Enhanced to provide full image descriptions for all scenes, not just faces. This is a game-changer for users with visual impairments, offering detailed audio and text cues to help them capture better photos.
Automated Best Take
The popular Best Take feature has been automated on the Pixel 10 series. Now, when taking a group photo, the camera will analyze up to 150 split-second snapshots to find the best facial expression for each person. It's a handy feature that saves you the hassle of sifting through dozens of photos.
Built-in C2PA Support
Another first for the Pixel 10 is built-in C2PA support. This technology catalogs and documents any AI-based edits an image has undergone, promoting transparency in an age of sophisticated AI-powered photo manipulation.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Unique Camera Features
While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold won't be available alongside the other Pixel 10 devices, it does come with some unique camera features.
- Instant View: Displays a carousel of your recent photos next to the viewfinder, allowing for quick review and comparison of shots.
Improved Portrait Mode
Google has also claimed significant improvements to Portrait mode, with better segmentation for more accurate subject-background separation. This software-based enhancement aims to deliver sharper, more professional-looking portraits.
Video Modes
Video modes haven't seen tons of attention this year, but all Pixel 10 models can now shoot video at a cinematic 24fps across all resolutions. This feature, along with enhanced OIS at 2x zoom and higher (on Pro models), makes the Pixel 10 a more capable tool for aspiring filmmakers. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are also capable of 8K video recording at 24fps with the help of Video Boost.