If there's one thing that defines Google's mobile phones, it's their ability to take studio-quality photos and videos with minimal effort, and that's due to a powerful mix of hardware, processing, and smart features. Learn the camera tricks of the Google Pixel This makes that easy result even better, and in this guide you'll find everything you need to get the most out of your Pixel in any situation.
In addition to shooting in automatic mode, it's worth taking some time to understand the Camera app and its settings. From quick gestures and guided framing including advanced modes such as Night Vision, Motion Sweep, and high-resolution zoom, as well as AI-powered editing. Google Gemini And Pro controls, here's a complete, updated and carefully explained tour to make your gallery look amazing.
Gestures and shortcuts that save you time
The fastest way to avoid missing a photo is to master the shortcuts and control the camera with gesturesWhile the camera is open, you can rotate the phone twice to switch between the rear and front cameras, a gesture that saves you from tapping icons. The double turn is immediate and reliable, perfect for switching from a landscape to a selfie without breaking the rhythm.
Swiping up from anywhere on the interface will open the quick camera settings, where you can change resolution, formats, or timer without leaving the viewfinder. This bottom panel greatly speeds up the changesespecially when you alternate between photo and video.
For group selfies, enable palm detection: simply showing your hand to the camera triggers the shutter, saving you from timers or pressing the button in awkward positions. The palm gesture is very convenient for self-portraits. and it works in a very similar way to what we've seen from other manufacturers.
Another hidden gem is holding down the shutter button in photo mode to start recording video on the fly. This trick saves you from fleeting scenes and it behaves like social media stories: you record while holding down the button and stop when you release it.
Are you annoyed by pinch-to-zoom? You can remap the volume buttons to zoom in or out, or even to take the picture. Go to More settings and then to Gestures to choose whether the volume controls zoom, shutter, or neither.
If you're new to Pixel, don't underestimate the help icon in the top right corner: it explains what each mode does and how to get the most out of it. The built-in help clears up any doubts instantly. without leaving the camera.
Composition and framing like a professional
A well-framed photo looks much better even without any other changes. Activate the grid from the settings icon, go to More settings, and choose the guide type: 3x3, golden ratio, etc. The grid helps you align horizons and subjects already comply with composition rules naturally.
Also activate Framing Suggestions to receive visual level and orientation cues. You'll see two lines in the center: when they overlap and the angle reads zero, you're perfectly straight. The horizon level prevents crooked photos And, if you point it up or down, a vertical indicator appears for adjustment.
Another useful option is the dirty lens alert: in More settings, within Advanced options, you can activate an alert if the lens is stained. You'll avoid those ghost stains. that ruin a good shot.
Image quality, resolution, and storage space
Choosing the right resolution is key to balancing quality and storage space. Higher resolution and frames per second result in larger file sizes. From the quick settings you can change the photo and video resolution and select space-saving efficiency options.
In photography, you can enable RAW format if you want to do more in-depth editing. RAW offers greater processing flexibility and preserves detail and dynamic range. RAW combines very well with high-contrast scenes, although it takes up more space and requires further editing.
The Pro series models allow you to shoot at 50 MP. To activate it, open the camera, go to Settings, select the Pro tab, and set the Resolution to 50 MP. On the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL you can also take 50MP portraits. When you activate high resolution, it applies to both Photo mode and Portrait mode.
In video, in addition to the codec and resolution, you have the option to store efficiently from Advanced Options. If storage is tight, prioritize efficient options.If you're looking for maximum quality, increase the resolution and fps when the light is good.
At night and under the stars: Night vision and Astro
Pixel's Night Vision makes a difference when capturing low-light scenes; if you're looking for Tricks to improve your night photosYou just need to select the mode and remain steady during the shot so that the processing multiplies the clarity without destroying the realism. The stabilizer does most of the work and the results are very consistent.
Astrophotography mode is automatically activated when framing and stability are adequate, allowing you to capture stars in detail even on affordable models. If you're going for the night sky, use a tripod or prop up your phone. to improve sharpness and avoid vibrations.
In addition, Macro Focus is compatible with Auto Night Vision, combining light and proximity for amazing detail photos in dark environments. Flowers, textures, or drops of water come to life at night with this combination.
Creative movement: Motion sweep and Long exposure
Motion mode lets you add dynamism with two effects: Motion Wipe and Long Exposure. To use it, choose Motion in the Photo mode carousel and select the effect. It's a simple way to create a sense of speed or fluidity. without external accessories.
In Motion Sweep, follow a moving subject and shoot to blur the background while keeping the subject sharp. It works especially well with people or vehicles in motion. and in scenes with good lighting.
In long exposure, keep the mobile phone still so that the moving subject appears with trails or creative blur. The exposure time is adapted to the scene and to the size and speed of the main element.
Helpful tips: You'll get better results when the subject's face is visible, the movement is clear, and the subject occupies a good portion of the viewfinder. Keep the subject in the foreground and stabilize your posture before touching the shutter.
Device availability for these effects: Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 support both; 8, 8 Pro, 7, 7 Pro and 7a also support them; 8a, Fold and 7a Long Exposure is active and Sweep may not be; 6 and 6 Pro both are present, while 6a and earlier generations do not include them. Consult the official list for your model if you have any doubts. before going out to practice.
Impressive macro shots and close-ups
Pixel phones that support Macro Focus (7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9 and later) let you get incredibly close to tiny details. Just point your phone at the subject, tap the area you want to highlight, and when the flower icon appears, take the shot. Avoid blocking the light with your mobile phone or your hand and provide soft lighting.
If you want to refine the focus on a specific area, tap on the desired point. Macro photography adds a spectacular touch to textures and tiny elements.from leaves to jewelry or food.
Zoom, lenses and Pro controls
The Pixel automatically chooses the optimal lens based on zoom and lighting, but you can enable manual selection in Settings, Pro tab, Lens selection. You'll see buttons to choose Ultra Wide, Wide, or Telephoto. This way you decide when to use each optician. and you can hold down the lens button to adjust the zoom precisely.
Manual selection is available on 6 Pro, 7 Pro, 8 Pro, Fold and Pixel 9 and later. If you prefer the classic experience, leave the selection on automatic., since the algorithm is usually right.
For quick zoom, tap the 2x or 5x shortcuts above the shutter button, or slide to bring up the zoom control. Zoom stabilization is activated at 15x zoom on the 7 Pro, 8 Pro and Fold automatically, helping to keep the image under control.
Pixel phones allow up to 30x zoom on some models, and on the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL you can reach up to 100x zoom after installing the Pro Resolution Zoom template from Settings, More, Template Download. Shooting above 30x will give you two images: one enhanced with generative AI and one without AI, so you can choose the one you prefer.
In addition, the 8 Pro family incorporated Pro controls, also extended to the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, which allow you to adjust ISO, shutter speed and focus from a lower slider. These controls add a creative touch to photos and videos. without the need for third-party apps.
The so-called High Resolution Zoom introduces generative AI to recover detail when zooming in. Use it wisely: it can create plausible textures and look spectacular, but it's still just a reconstruction. For scenes with good contrast and lighting, the result is usually convincing..
Group modes and AI for perfect photos
Better Shot captures several photos and automatically chooses the best one, ideal for avoiding closed eyes or awkward expressions. Activate it in Camera Settings and let the system work its magic. No more repeating the same group photo ten times so that everyone turns out well.
If you take photos with motion enabled in Automatic or On mode, you can then manually choose your favorite shot from the captured frames. It's a precise way to freeze the exact moment without sacrificing naturalness.
On Pixel 10 and later, you can turn on Auto Best Take, which combines each person's best facial expressions into a single image, as long as you have Best Take and Google Photos enabled. It's not generative AI that changes gesturesbut a blend of a real burst to achieve the most favored set.
Activate Frequent Faces so the camera can recognize the people who appear most often in your photos and recommend better shots. The data is stored locally, not sent to Google, and is deleted if you disable the option. Additionally, starting with Pixel 6, it helps to better represent skin tones..
Include me, available on Pixel 9 and later, lets you also appear in the group photo: you take the first shot, pass the phone to another person to include you, and the camera aligns and merges both. The app itself guides you with a frame that turns red if it's not aligned. and white when everything fits together.
Panoramic and spherical photos
To take panoramas, go to Panorama in the carousel, tap the shutter button, and move following the arrow. You can change the direction by tapping the preview bar, the center indicator, or by going to Settings > Direction. Pause briefly at each point and monitor the level to avoid crooked lines.
If Night Vision kicks in during a panorama, you'll need to pause for a few seconds at each point. Patience translates into better low-light panoramas.And remember: for vertical shots, rotate your phone.
If you get errors or artifacts, try sweeping more slowly and without moving from your position. The key is to turn around. and avoid lateral displacements.
The 360-degree spherical photo feature is available on Pixel 3 through 7a models. Go to Spherical Photo, align the white dots that appear, and complete the sphere. It's perfect for immersive landscapes, interiors, or tourism..
Smart Video: From Night Vision to Magic Eraser Audio
Google has focused heavily on video with features that deliver a significant leap in quality. On the Pixel 8 Pro, Enhanced Video processes each frame with a cloud-based HDR Plus channel, improving dynamic range and color. It may polarize due to its intense HDR aesthetic.So use it when appropriate.
Also included in the 8 Pro is Night Vision video, which uses multi-frame to improve detail and exposure in dark scenes. The result, according to the demos, is one of the cleanest on mobile.Ideal for city nights or dimly lit interiors.
Audio Magic Eraser, available on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, separates sound from video into layers like voice, wind, or crowd to suppress what's distracting. Background noise reduction is especially useful outdoors and makes the voice stand out.
Don't forget the trick of holding down the shutter button in photo mode to instantly record video, and adjust the resolution and fps from the quick settings before you start. If you're looking for smooth gameplay, increase the frame rate to 60 fps in good lighting.For static or low-light scenes, 30 fps usually performs better.
Underwater photography
Underwater photography complicates color reproduction because the water absorbs reds, yellows, and oranges. The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL have a specific AWB algorithm that corrects the white balance to produce more natural tones. Activate it in Advanced Options, Underwater Photography and Video.
It is essential to use an approved waterproof case, both for the safety of the device and for ergonomics. Remember that underwater light fades quicklyThe closer you are and the clearer the water, the better the performance.
Portrait, selfies and facial retouching
If you're not happy with the mirror effect of the front camera, disable Save selfie as preview in More settings, under photo. This way the image has a natural orientation, as others perceive you when they look at you.
In Portrait mode you can adjust facial retouching between Off, Subtle and Soft, modulating skin texture, dark circles and eye brightness. The idea is to beautify without exaggerating.respecting features and tones.
For proper portraits, tap to focus on the eyes and use good front or soft side lighting. If your model allows it, try 50 MP on compatible Pro models. to preserve more detail in hair and clothing.
Focus and exposure with precision
Point the camera at your subject and tap the screen to focus and adjust the exposure. You'll see a white circle following the subject; to lock the focus and exposure, tap the lock icon. Locking is key if there is movement or changes in light. while you rebuild.
If you have accessibility features enabled, you can double-tap to focus. These shortcuts make one-handed operation easier. and avoid accidentally touching the shutter.
Bonus: Install the Google Camera on other Android devices
The native Camera app comes pre-installed on Pixel phones, but you can try it on other phones using GCam, available as an APK file. You'll need to allow apps from unknown sources and download it from your browser. A popular repository is that of Celso Azevedo, where you'll find versions for multiple devices.
Keep in mind that not all features will be available on every Android device, and compatibility varies depending on the processor and camera libraries. Try different builds if something isn't working. and check the support modules for your model.
Before you start shooting, take a few minutes to set up grid, framing suggestions, palm detection, resolution, and, if your model allows it, Pro controls and manual lens selection. Mastering these basics completely changes the experience. and it allows you to focus on what's important: the scene.
