What you should know
– Google has released the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with updated camera hardware, including a 50MP main camera with increased light sensitivity.
– The specific sensor used in the cameras has not been named, but rumors suggested a switch from the Pixel 6 and 7’s ISOCELL GN1 sensor to the ISOCELL GN2.
– The Pixel 8 features Dual Exposure technology for natural-looking videos, but the sensor used is still unknown, though it is believed to be the Samsung GNV sensor.
– The Pixel 8 Pro includes a higher-resolution ultrawide camera, better telephoto camera, and improved front-facing camera, along with Pro Controls for manual adjustments.
Full Story
The latest Google Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, boast upgraded camera hardware that includes a 50MP main camera with improved light sensitivity. However, the specific sensor used in these devices has not been disclosed by Google. Speculation prior to their release suggested a possible switch from the Pixel 6 and 7’s ISOCELL GN1 sensor to the ISOCELL GN2. Ultimately, it seems that Google stuck with the GN1, although the company has not confirmed this.
While Google has highlighted the Pixel 8’s new primary camera and its Dual Exposure technology, which captures two images simultaneously for more natural-looking videos, the exact sensor remains unknown. XDA Developers suggest that the sensor in question may be the Samsung GNV, which is not a new sensor and has been featured in other Android phones released in 2022, such as the Vivo X80 Pro. It is worth noting that the GNV is a slightly modified version of the GN1, with a size of 1/1.3 inches.
In comparison, the GN2 sensor is larger, measuring 1/1.12 inches, and boasts 1.4μm pixels, while the GN1 has 1.2µm pixels. Although the Pixel 8 series may not feature the highly anticipated sensor, it is still a new addition. Google has always relied heavily on software rather than hardware to enhance its camera capabilities, distinguishing its devices from other top camera phones.
In addition to the upgraded main camera, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a higher-resolution 48MP ultrawide camera, which can capture more light, and an improved 48MP telephoto camera, resulting in cleaner low-light photos. The front-facing camera has also been enhanced with improved autofocus. Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro is capable of shooting HDR+ and Night Sight videos, with cloud processing required due to current smartphone limitations in handling computational video. This feature is set to be available later this year.
Adding to its array of features, the Pixel 8 Pro offers Pro Controls that allow users to manually adjust focus, shutter speed, and ISO, along with exposure, white balance, and shadow brightness settings.
