SUGGESTION: I have the Pixel 8 Pro and you actually CAN use the 5x lens for portrait photography. All the pictures capture depth information and then in the edit there is an option for portrait blur, which the depth, the amount of blur, and the focus point can all be adjusted along with some other portrait features. I have tried it and it looks great!
Hello, I have the Google pixel 6 Pro and find it difficult to engage the 5x zoom without going through digital zoom first , on the pixel 8 Pro can you engage the zoom lens straight away as it's fairly difficult on the pixel 6 Pro. Thank you
The pictures do not capture depth information, there’s no sensor to do so on that phone. The after the fact portrait is purely software and can be done on any pictures, even pictures saved from another device or from the internet.
I've pre-ordered my Pixel 8 Pro as an upgrade to my 3 year old Galaxy A51 5G. One of the features that "sold" me was the camera and video editing on the phone. As I'm retired now, I will be traveling a little more and want to take better pictures and videos. I had great results with my camera in a submarine in Maui back in 2021, but the lighting was off and I would have liked to edit out the background chatter from inside the sub. Having 7 years of software support helps too. As I never use my phone for gaming, many of the other reviews are irrelevant to me. Oh, and funny, but the ad in the middle of your video was for the Pixel 7a... ha ha ha!!!
I'm a big fan of computational photography, but I don't like that there's a trend towards having to upload your photos to Google's servers in order to do some of the more advanced processing. I don't like having to be always online to use certain features, and it also puts an expiration date on that software (tied to the expiration date of the server / software updates).
Nah it's Google's business model via data mining your information. @@tcideh4929You don't need those tools to take great photos on Pixel 8. You can do great work offline using RAW shooting and Adobe Lightroom Mobile. Often the auto output of the Google camera app is already quite good, but it can shoot computational RAWs with linear 14 bit data -- but for auto outputs just decide if you want srgb or p3 colors, and if you want sdr or hdr brightness levels, and just point and shoot it. It will come out amazing. I just use RAWs for artistic effects more than technical corrections. My complaint is the size of the device. How cool would it be to lose no functionality but have it all in a smaller and lighter package? That would be awesome.
@@tcideh4929 google server can process the image while running it through their AI. while the phone is not powerful as a the server...any phone in the sense as I see. Unlike other apps which requires access to storage.... this seems more trusted and safer. Altho i agree that its a hassle ..... if its frequenct can easily see that all points converge to buy a 'premium plan' of 2TB cloud storage. I disabled back up to google photos and never had to use the magic editor so far (unless to show friends how it works). The camera does a pretty good job and if taken right, no edit needed (from the phone) (again....according to my experience)
Subscribed... First video of yours I've stumbled onto and I really enjoyed it. I love the way you explain everything thoroughly about the cameras and get into the photography. I'm a complete amateur grandma who loves taking photos of family as well as wildlife and beautiful scenery here in Florida. I'll be back to watch more of your reviews. Thank you 👍👍👍.
Interesting and fair review. Just got my Pixel 8 Pro and this video has helped me understand what I can do with it. I have a couple of digital cameras and I’m hoping that I can replace at least 90% of my photo taking by just carrying the phone around with me.
I've got my P8P, and I can finally sell my beloved Canon 80D. I am very happy now with the Pixels camera that excels in all aspects, especially for videos.
@@jz2811I've got a couple of canon eos m's that I use with fuji fim picture style and vintage lenses. No matter how 'good' the pixel 8 pros pictures are (or any other modern camera phone) there's a real vintage vibe and character that only a camera vintage lens can capture. So don't be in a rush to get rid of of your canon 80d.......
@@AustinRoss of course and I own several excellent Sigma Art lenses. However, my current job requires a more portable video camera with 4K capability, built-in stabilization, instant cloud upload, and on-the-fly editing features. The P8P is significantly superior in these aspects and its my first phone that oveperforms DSLR in low light video output, too (P7P wasnt there yet). When it comes to photography, the quality largely depends on the lenses, but I've witnessed the capabilities of this phone, and it's surprisingly decent for capturing documentary-style photos as well.
I'm really enjoying my Pixel 8 pro. It's my first pixel coming from an old Sony Xperia 5iii. It's been great so far, I like the screen and the pictures I've just taken on holiday in Greece have been great too. Not a massive fan of the AI stuff for reasons mentioned in video but it is handy on the odd occasion. I took some great pics of the kids playing in the pool and used the magic erase to edit out people in the background. It worked pretty well to be honest and for those instances where you either capture the moment or wait until they are out of shot in the background and miss the moment it's a win for someone like me who hasn't learnt to use something like Photoshop. Having had the Sony and having a little old dchool photography knowledge I went for the pro as it now has the ability to be set manually if I want but I'm pretty impressed with the preset images straight out of it to be honest. It's very convenient.
I must say I've been following and watching you since way back. But for me, this is one of your best videos to date. Open, honest and something I think a lot of starting creators need to hear! Good job my man...! And congrats on where you are today!
Wish there was a higher bitrate video option on my 8 Pro, and more manual video options too. But overall very happy with my 8 Pro, big upgrade for photography over my 6 Pro.
You can, there are plenty of apps for that. A customised gcam can greatly improve picture quality, and there are apps that will give you acces to ProRes and even RAW video
Very impressive video on the Captain Jordan section. So sharp! Nice that you are not just blatantly praising it, but pointing out the negatives as well as the positives. That's one thing I really like about all your reviews. Thanks guys!
Good review! One thing I noticed when I had a P8Pro next to my 14 Pro, was that it consistantly got the white balance right with scenes that contain warm indoor lighting (Philips Hue) and a white wall. The 14 Pro persistently transforms it into an almost monochromatic affair, ruining the atmosphere. Even in Proraw it wasn't optimal.
With the video stabilization on pixel 8 pro. . Try adjusting the frames per second to 30 from the standard setting of 24. Huge difference. I just came from jogging shooting video and barely moves. Pretty steady compared to my wife's iPhone 13 pro
the review of a camera ain't over till Chris and Jordan sing. Already pre-ordered it, it would have been too late to get the offer. Still, very comforting to know it's a good choice. Good and unbiased review, as usual.
Good review Gents! I bought a Pixel 8 Pro and love it. The Ultra HD photos are fantastic as is the low light capability. I plan on using it on my daily hikes in conjunction with my Lumix G9 which has the 100-400mm lens on it most days.
Chris & Jordan, Great content as usual and glad you like P8P cause im loving mine..Switched over from a Sony WX500 point & shoot camera to a pixel 3a years ago when i saw what the camera was capable of and never looked back. The future is bright f1.68 😁 and god only knows what the future holds, keep up the good work guys and all the best from East Yorkshire, UK..👍😀
My main concern about the cameras is overprocessing of images, wish that could be controled, images end up oversharpened with boosted clarity and etc., there is lack of naturalness, of course most of the phones nowadays have these issues. The only phone which has this natural look which is close to digital cameras is Oppo Find X6 Pro, just take a look of some camera samples, it is a real joy to look at.
Yeah I agree with this. I have owned the Pixel 1, 4 and 6 and have really enjoyed all of them but I think the native camera app would really benefit from some picture profiles. I believe the iPhone does this? If I want a flatter, less contrasty, less of the "Adobe clarity slider" look, applied directly to the shots as I take them that would be fantastic. Sometimes I think it's all just a bit much and giving the user more control over the baseline look would be really welcome.
I'm love taking photos absolutely love taking photos and thank you both for making my decision in 2024 to get the p8p. I was just going to get the p8 but I always regret after purchasing the lesser phone for less money that I miss so much
@@RielaKOKORO Well, you can't go wrong with the iPhone (especially since it's a tad little faster and more stable), but the four things I thought were slightly better with the Pixel 8 was its more diverse interface (had been with Apple for more than ten years and the user interface has barely changed), its camera (pictures with richer colours, although videos are better on the iPhone), its rather practical AI from Google (which is just a little better than Siri) and its price. Either way, you can't go wrong!
Fantastic video, I primarily edit in lightroom mobile so am not overly fussed about the AI capability but im sure it will be interesting to see the difference between the P8Pro and Adobe results. Am patiently waiting for delivery of my new pixel coming from P6.... Thanks for your thoughts, I'm excited 😁
Great edition guys, thank you. It would be nice if Google really invested in understanding the enthusiast photographer for their 'Pro photographer mode'. Hopefully this will develop quickly in the coming months.
I like the 15 Pro Max feature where it keeps the original when taking portrait mode shots, since portrait mode is hit and miss and can destroy your picture. Also you may not want the effect in the next picture and forget (or don't have time) to switch back to normal mode. I would like that on the Pixel as well. As it is now, I will not use Portrait Mode on the Pixel, I will just take the picture and decide afterwards if I want to apply the Portrait effect. That way, you can also test how much blur and depth you want and YOU CAN USE it on the 5x zoom lens. It is a pity that you did not try this. Still, I really enjoyed the review!
I have the same issue( not the blur part) but with Pixel 7 Pro, it automatically increased the contrast and some over processed filters to it. Thus making it look too fake. I have tried reducing the contrast but it still looks weird. Wish there is a setting that allows me to reduced the strength of the processed look.
13:52 - I totally agree Chris. Camera phones have replaced snapshots and snapshots have become a party trick. You can be serious about a snapshot but it is still not serious photography. Since I’m not willing to change from iPhone, this is just interesting.
I don't usually comment much but when I do it is because I have just watched an excellent review which I didn't expect. Lot's of interesting informations, thank you!
Excellent review. I don't think the AI stuff subtracts from all the great photography features on the phone. I rarely use magic eraser on my pixel 6 Pro. I'm not really concerned about how well this magic editing works. One thing you briefly touched on is the long exposure mode. I find that has gotten very good on my Pixel 6 Pro. Got some really nice smooth water shots of New England rivers last week. It's a really underrated feature. Great for use in crowded areas like museums or popular tourist spots. You can disappear the people without having to use magic eraser. I think the upgrades from the 6 are significant and I'm looking forward to getting this phone. However, I don't plan on selling my camera gear.
I know its not the newest phone now but I would love to see you review a Sony Xperia 1 V since its pretty much an Sony camera in a phone (or atleast Sony markets is that way)
I think it's superior to the Galaxy, iPhone and Pixels but ONLY if you know what you are doing....non photographers (or even non photography enthusiasts) would struggle with Sony because auto modes are not what it's good at....it's the manual stuff that makes it another level.
My math might be wrong but the ultrawide is 12mm. What I find astonishing that you don't have any over contrasty look issue. I am not the only one having it and I am on the latest software. So did you just not notice that or is it not on your device? My camera app is version 9.1.098
My RX100 packed up, usually left in car when photo opportunities arose so getting the best camera phone I can get my hands on. Was really hoping the 15 pro max would be that phone but I think those pro controls and high res sensors have tilted the balance to pixel 8 pro. I'll give it a go and see how I get on till next year's raft of cameras are floated Captain 😂
Mine is still kicking, but its viewfinder is dead and back screen cracked, it served me well and survived a complete soaking (after staying for weeks in rice) the soaking was not what killed the viewfinder either, that just stopped working on normal use three years after the soaking. However, I have taken pictures side by side with a Samsung S21 FE and the Samsung blew it away in performance. I have a picture that looks awesome from the phone and the dynamic range of the rx cannot keep up. I have a samsung s10E myself and its photos are slightly better than my Rx, more dynamic range, about the same close focus distance, I miss the control of F stop, but I still get better results with this phone.
I get it however if you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, watch, computer, as much as I can see the benefits of the pixel.. I find I cannot switch... I guess that is why some carry two phones, but the 15ProMax allowed me to finally leave my RX100 at homne
Hey mate! Loved the video I usually stick to the same 3 youtubers gor my phone camera content and 2/3 of the three seem to love iphone (theyre good) But seeing your side by sides it really shows how well android phones are!
3:32 there is no way the difference in dof to be that great compared to the Iphone. They have about same equivalent lenses (1/2 or 1/3 stop over f/5.6 in full frame terms)
Added note: if you are comfortable side loading, you can just download the APK from the 8 Pro camera for a Pixel 8. All the same features (minus wide angle) 300$ less.
While it would be cool to have an additional zoom camera, the lenses required and the thinness of the phone would result in a tiny sensor and very lighting sensitive? I have a P30 Pro with a 5x zoom and digital zoom to 10x is pretty good and usable for online use.
Should we really consider '7 years of support' a selling point given Google's horrendous track record of killing off products and services? I'd like to be optimistic, but the company's history speaks for itself.
@@jonathanbaird Personally, I am not a fan of 7 years of OS-updates. Delivering 4 years of OS-updates is enough for users and it makes development of future OS's faster (you don't have to take 6-7 year old hardware into account). This may be one of the reasons why IOS feels so outdated compared to Android? On the other hand, 7 years of security updates is absolutely a good thing! Unless Google decides to stop developing mobile phones, they have no choice but deliver on this promise. Of course there will still be features in the next versions of Android that the Pixel 8 Pro won't get.
I spent 10 days in Paris with my Father, was going to be pushing a wheel chair around museums, and did not really have the freedom to wander as I might normally. I decided against taking my DSLR and took my Lumix DMC-ZS100, and left that at the apartment. I used my Pixel 8 Pro exclusively. just so easy to use while paying attention to other things.
Great review, but I notice neither you nor any of the reviews I've watched comment on a feature of the 8 pro that is a real game changer in my view: the so-called super high rez zoom. In previous pixel models I've had like the 6 pro, if you were using the finger pinch to zoom the lens in between the fixed values, you got images that were noticeably mush compared to the native fixed width of the lens. That is, a digital zoom. But now you can effectively have a decent zoom on a smartphone without sacrificing quality to the degree you had to before. This allow for far more creativity in framing your images instead of just choosing one of the fixed values for the three lenses. (.5x, 1x, or 5x). Also, there was no mention of the macro capability which is really awesome as well.
Been waiting and hoping to see this phone get covered by you two. It's interesting to see how image editing is developing in smartphones. To what is available on pixel is more or less (to me) convenient common photoshop edits. I'm also looking forward to future photo comparisons from MKBHD; always neat to see how great imaging system and software stands up to general color preferences. \\
Brilliant brilliantly done Great content. I got pixel 6A. Should I go to the 8 pro? Is it worth the money? I'm a photographer. I use the Nikon d850 and the d500. Please respond. Thank you. They do have good cameras on the phone. The people they see the pictures. I just shoot them on the spot they say. Wow! And I can turn them into black and white. I like black and white. Oh well. What do you think? Is it worth the money?
I wish you showed few sample editted RAW images. Pixel decided to give this function to only to pixel pro, just like apple. It would be nice to see how good the raw files are.
I'm very impressed with the 50MP raw mode. I tested the main camera on the Pixel 8 Pro against my 20 MP full-frame Canon 6D with a 16-35 F4L set to 25mm f8 at ISO 100, and the Pixel image is more detailed *and* has less noise in the shadows. And the raw file doesn't have the over-sharpened and over-smoothed look that the JPEGs do. The 50MP mode is slow, though. You have to hold the phone still for a second, even in sunlit scenes. I wouldn't use it for candid photography / moving subjects.
This is my last Pixel phone (6 Pro) I'm not going to give money to company that doesn't allow me to use the full potential of it's cameras. Can't shoot full resolution if I want to, no pro settings, no way to turn off oversharpening and over processing (which is especially visible when you take photos of old stone buildings). No way Google.
I was debating between a new One+ and the Pixel 8Pro. Got a deal I couldn't pass up with the 8Pro so I jumped. And the camera is the reason. Thanks for the info.
Wow, i watched a lot, really a lot of P8P Reviews, and i think, this is one of the best, thank you guys 👍 and btw, liked the Captain Jordan Character 😅 If you had to choose between S23U and P8P for every day Social Media Photos of some Food, wich would you recommend?
Sub'd... Excellent work !!! My first "pro" camera I used ... for portraits, still-life, landscapes, industrial, weddings / events, and yes, even music groups (promos, etc.), was a (then) Minolta SRT-101...added autowinder and variable telephoto and wide angle lensed next... I've owned Nikon's, Leica's, and 4x5 Graphlex, etc...but... 'Just bought/ordered my new (upgraded) Pixel 8 Pro yesterday morning (just watched your vid), ... ... & 'glad I ordered the 8 PRO now, instead of the Pixel 8... Excellent vid, great work, and your explanations are extremely thorough & well thought out. Thank you.
The AI stuff doesn't really appeal to me. My Pixel 4a still takes great photos. For friends and family, I like the way my indoor, low light photos come out (parties, dining out, etc.) straight from the camera. Just enough in camera processing to give me useable photos for posting to social media and small prints. When there is good light, the photos have plenty of resolution. I tend to shoot RAW and edit the DNG files on my phone directly with Adobe Lightroom when I want more control than snapshots. I use the Adobe presets with a bit of tweaking using the Lightroom tools. It's all I need and is always with me as a back up camera even when I'm out with a dedicated camera. Doing the quick edits from DNG files on the phone makes it almost as convenient as straight from camera JPEGs. No point in moving that workflow over to my computer. The only reason I will upgrade from the 4a, besides the cracked screen, is that the security updates run out this year. I will likely upgrade to a Pixel 7a since it looks like there will be no 8a (rumors are that only every other pixel will get the budget "a" model going forward). As much as I like smartphones in general, I've never understood the appeal of high cost flagship models for something that can be lost in a storm drain. I always look for the least expensive, viable option and the budget Pixels seems to be the sweet spot for me (but not until they go on sale).
Thanks for this fantastic review! One thing that's missing a bit for me here is what would happen if you tried some independent camera apps on Pixel, like Camera FV-5. If you get your favourite experience there and Pixel 8's superior hardware, perhaps that would be a much happier arrangement at very little extra cost? I don't know the answer to that, but I was hoping, you would tell me.
Hope the pro mode comes to my pixel 6 pro... I was very disappointed in my pixel when I got it because my 3 year old Samsung phone had pro mode... I don't understand why it took so long to include this functionality???