8 Best Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Camera Tips and Tricks

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (see Google Pixel 8 review ) are among the best camera-centric smartphones on the market. With a new 50MP main sensor and a host of other new features, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will not leave avid photographers wanting more. What’s more, Google has also added new AI features to enhance your photos even more. It goes without saying, then, that you should know about the best Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Camera Tips and Tricks to elevate your photography experience.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best camera tips and tricks for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro that every user should know about. These hidden features and cool camera tips will definitely help you take better pictures with your Pixel. So, let’s get to it.

Read Also: 8 Best Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Tips and Tricks

1. Take Macro Shots

One of the biggest new features of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is the ability to take macro shots. Macro mode allows you to focus on subjects as close as 4cm away, resulting in stunning close-up photos.

The macro mode is set to Auto by default. As such, simply point your camera at your subject, and the phone should automatically trigger the macro mode, thereby allowing you to take a nice closeup shot.

However, in case the macro mode doesn’t trigger automatically, you can force it manually, too. Just tap on the camera settings icon in the bottom-left corner. Now, change the Macro focus to ‘locked’. And that’s it.

2. Shoot in DCI-P3 Color Gamut

The Pixel 8 series also supports the DCI-P3 color gamut, which boasts a wider color space than the sRGB color gamut. As such, your photos will have more vibrant colors and look more true to life.

To shoot photos in the DCI-P3 color gamut, open the camera app and tap the Settings icon. Then, tap on ‘More Settings’. Now, tap on Advanced, and finally enable the toggle next to ‘Rich color in photos’.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all devices have a good DCI-P3 panel, so your shots may look different on them. However, if you’re someone who works in the creative space and relies on extremely color-accurate images, this is one of the first things to do with the smartphone’s camera.

3. Take RAW Images

The Pixel 8’s camera has the ability to shoot RAW images. RAW images are unprocessed image files that contain all of the data captured by the camera sensor. This gives you more flexibility when editing your photos, as you can adjust all of the settings without compromising on quality.

On the Pixel 8, you will first have to enable the toggle for RAW photos. To do that, open the camera settings, navigate to More Settings > Advanced, and then enable the toggle next to ‘RAW/JPEG control’. Thankfully, you don’t have to change any settings on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Once you’ve done that, simply go back to the camera app’s main screen and tap on the camera settings button. You can now switch between ‘JPEG only’ or ‘RAW + JPEG’. On the Pixel 8 Pro, you can find this feature under the Pro tab.

4. Adjust the Night Sight Timer

Night Sight is one of the Pixel’s most popular features, and it has gotten even better on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Now, you can set the exposure time for Night Sight photos with the new timer.

To adjust the Night Sight timer, open the camera app and tap the Night Sight mode. Then, tap the Timer icon in the bottom-right corner and select the desired duration.

5. Use Astrophotography Mode

Astrophotography mode is an extension of the Night Sight mode. It is a fantastic Pixel feature that allows you to take stunning photos of a starry night. On the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the Astrophotography mode has been improved to make it even easier to take great night sky photos. Unlike previous models, the Astrophotography mode cannot be forced manually. However, you can set it to trigger automatically on both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

Simply open the camera app and switch to the Night Sight mode. Now, open the camera settings and change the Astrophotography mode from Off to Auto. Once done, all you need to do is place the phone on a tripod or other stable surface and point it at the night sky. The shutter button will change its icon from a moon to stars.

Once done, tap on the shutter button and wait for 2.5 minutes to capture a detailed shot of the night sky. Additionally, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will also capture a time-lapse for the footage.

6. Use Pro Mode (Pro Only)

Despite featuring the same primary sensors, only the Pixel 8 Pro gets a Pro mode inside its camera app. Pro mode gives you complete control over the camera settings, such as shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. This is great for experienced photographers who want to take more creative photos.

To access Pro mode, open the camera app and then tap on the Pro mode icon in the bottom-right corner. You can then adjust the camera settings to your liking.

7. Shoot in Full 50MP Resolution (Pro Only)

The Pixel 8 Pro has an exclusive feature that lets users shoot in full 50MP resolution, which is great for capturing high-detail photos to be cropped or printed in large sizes.

To shoot in full 50MP resolution, open the camera app and tap the camera settings icon. Now, switch to the Pro tab. Finally, change the resolution to 50MP.

Both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro feature the same processor and the same sensor, but Google has unfortunately reserved this feature only for the Pixel 8 Pro. Hopefully, a future update brings this feature to the Pixel 8 as well.

8. Use Best Take

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro don’t just ship with superb hardware, but the smartphones also offer extensive editing features. One of their most impressive features is called Best Take. Best Take is a new Pixel feature that uses AI to automatically select the best face for each individual person in a group photo from a series of shots. This is great for capturing fast-moving subjects or large groups, ensuring you always get a fantastic photo.

To use Best Take, simply open the group photo you’d like to edit inside the Google Photos app. At the bottom bar, tap on Edit. Now, tap on Tools > Best Take.

And that’s it. The phone will automatically analyze the photo and search for similar shots. Once done, it will generate a shot of its own choosing. Additionally, you can tap on a person’s face to change their facial expressions.

Apart from Best Take, Google also offers plenty of other AI features, such as Audio Eraser, Magic Editor, and more. We’ve covered the same in our Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro device tips and tricks article, so do give it a read.

Shoot Better With These Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Camera Tips and Tricks

At the end of the day, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are two of the most powerful smartphones on the market. They are equipped with cameras that can take stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition. With the tips and tricks in this article, you can get the most out of your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro camera and take amazing photos and videos that you’ll be proud to share. Let us know your favorite features of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro camera in the comments below.