Should you upgrade to the Google Pixel 6 Pro for its cameras?
Google finally improved their camera hardware, but after testing the phone extensively, I have a pretty surprising conclusion that you’re going to want to see before purchasing. Read on to learn about Google camera improvements, new features to the Pixel series, and whether or not I’ll be upgrading to the Pixel 6 Pro for mobile photography and filmmaking.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Camera Specs
The hardware improvements to the Google Pixel 6 Pro cameras are as clear as day.
- The main camera jumped from 12.2MP to 50MP
- The front camera jumped from 8MP to 11.1MP
- And there’s a new 48MP tele camera
All that being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that the ultrawide camera on the Pixel 6 Pro did get technically worse when compared to the Google Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Camera Features
Now, aside from the hardware camera improvements, there are some other upgrades to the Google Pixel 6 Pro worth mentioning. These include:
- a QHD+ Display, which to be honest, I don’t know what this means but the screen is noticeably clearer than my 4a with 5G.
- a 5003 mAh that lasts between 24 and 48 hours. For reference, that’s a 20% improvement over the Pixel 5.
- improved 12GB RAM and new storage options at 256Gb and 512GB
- the NEW Google Tensor Processor to compete with Apple’s Silicon
- a litany of new camera ish to include:
- Magic Eraser
- Motion Mode
- Real Tone
- Face Unblur
- Panorama
- Manual white balancing
- Locked Folder
- 3 microphone options
- Noise suppression
- and eligibility for Pixel Pass which means you can exchange the phone for the newest Pixel when it comes out and get all of this extra stuff too. It does cost like $45 a month though.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Camera Test
Camera
The basic camera mode is for your standard no-frills point-and-shooting and allows you to really see the improved hardware on the Pixel 6 pro in action. It takes good raw shots too. Notice that there are four options for ‘focal lengths’ plus the front camera, but note that the 4x option is a digital zoom. Google does some AI magic to crisp up your shots that use digital zoom, though, which is why I included samples shot in 4x.
Portrait
Portrait mode is a staple in native camera apps these days and provides a blurred bokeh background behind the subject of your photos. I did not adjust the amount of bokeh after shooting but just know that you can. I was more interested in seeing what the software would produce, though.
Panorama
Google’s panorama mode is super easy to use, and I was impressed with the quality of the photo when I zoomed in. I wonder whether the panorama mode is usable if I were to rotate the phone 90-degrees.
Motion
This NEW Motion mode is definitely the highlight of the Pixel 6 Pro for me, aside from the improved hardware. Motion Mode is a massive improvement and allows you to capture motion blur and light trails without any manual settings or technical know-how.
Video
Shoot 4k or 1080p video at 30 or 60 fps and adjust – but not lock – focus, exposure, and white balance. Google Pixel 6 Pro stabilization settings include:
- Normal – the default setting for light movement
- Cinematic – ideal for smoother pans
- Locked – best for far-away shots
- Action – most suited for lots of movement
Slow-Motion
Shoot in 1/4x (120fps) or 1/8x (240 fps) slow-motion in 1080p. Unfortunately, you can only use the 1x wide camera and 2x tele camera when capturing slow-motion.
Timelapse
Timelapses on the Google Pixel 6 Pro are comparatively better as there are five different options! These do not have sound, but your choices include:
- 1x – good for dramatic speed ups and slow downs
- 5x – good for busy groups
- 10x – good for walking
- 30x – good for lively spots
- 120x – good for sunrises and sunsets
Astrophotography
Google’s astrophotography mode is as easy as stabilizing your device and hitting the shutter button. Your device will need to be left for around four minutes for best results, and you’ll get an impressive photo and an astrophotography timelapse too!
Magic Eraser
The magic eraser tool is new to the Pixel 6 series and is similar to Photoshop’s Clone Tool. All you’ll need to do is open the Magic Eraser, draw on what you want the software to remove from your photo, and pronto! Results are, in my experience, somewhat hit and miss.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Sample Pictures
Comment below which camera modes you think are the most impressive for mobile photography!
Is The Google Pixel 6 Pro Worth It For Mobile Photography And Filmmaking?
So, you’ve heard my thoughts on Google’s newest flagship smartphone and its cameras. Do I think the Pixel 6 Pro is impressive? Yes, I do. I mean, I guess I do. Will I spend $900 to upgrade from my Pixel 4a with 5G? No, I will not. Want to show off what you can do with your Google Pixel 6 Pro? Tag #photoswithphones on Instagram or TikTok, and I’ll share my thoughts!
