[Update: The Google Pixel 3a takes pictures that are just as good as the original Pixel 3, and it’s much less expensive — so inexpensive, in fact, that it might be hard to justify not buying it…]
The camera on the Google Pixel 3 is stellar, and I say this having used it for a month alongside more expensive “pro” equipment. In fact, if you can get by with the standard 28mm (equiv.) field of view, the Pixel 3 might be all you need. It’s that good.
So if you’re in the market for a phone with a great camera, consider the Pixel 3. [Update: Or look into its cheaper cousin, the Google Pixel 3a.]
The camera’s hardware is run of the mill: A 1/2.5″ 12Mp sensor paired with an f/1.8 lens (f/11 equivalent!). But Google’s software* turns that combo into magic, often producing just the right image, and almost always giving you a file with enough detail that you can tweak it any way you like. And in addition, you get specialized features like Night Sight, which lets you capture images that would require a tripod with other equipment.
Judge for yourself. Here’s a smattering of shots I’ve taken with the Pixel 3.
Processed Images
“Sunset in Montauk.” Processed in SnapseedThis is heavily cropped. The Pixel has that much detail.This is the full image from which I cropped the version I like.“Moon on Ice.” A heavily processed version of a Night Sight image.“Moon on Ice.” A heavily processed version of a Night Sight image.“Moon on Ice.” This is straight from the camera (except that I straightened the horizon). And yes, that’s the moon, not the sun!“Geese.”
Mostly Unprocessed Images
If You Gaze Long Into a Selfie, the Selfie Will Also Gaze Into You. This isn’t photoshopped.“Desert Hike.” The Pixel did a fine job capturing me on a hike through the Neveg Desert“Candles.” The Pixel’s simulated depth of field is very convincing. You have to look pretty carefully to find any flaws.Hardly a stellar image, because I was shooting through a window and a screen. But that’s not the Pixel’s fault. It got the job done.“Jerusalem.” Straight from the camera. The Pixel captured the local beauty just fine.
Essentially, the camera takes multiple shots and combines them into one final product, so the tiny sensor behaves like a much bigger one.
About J.M. Hoffman
A prolific writer and avid photographer, J.M. Hoffman picked up his first camera when he was eight years old. And even though he abhors a cliche, he never looked back.
Acclaimed as a "master raconteur" who writes with a "flair" (Times Literary Supplement of London), Hoffman authored two non-fiction books and contributed to over a dozen others before writing The Warwick Files. He continues to write fiction and non-fiction.
In addition to writing and traveling the world lecturing about his books, Hoffman has also directed a dance troupe, taught darkroom technique, and explored Patagonia on horseback. From time to time he can be seen playing table tennis poorly at the WTCC. He lives just north of New York City.
One thought on “Google Pixel 3 Camera: Initial Impressions (It’s Great!)”
One thought on “Google Pixel 3 Camera: Initial Impressions (It’s Great!)”