I tested EVERY Pixel Camera. Here's what I learned.

Summary

In this video, Ryan Thomas compares the camera quality across all Google Pixel phones from 2016 to 2024, focusing on the XL and Pro models. He discusses the evolution of camera hardware, including the shift to larger sensors and the improvements in dynamic range, sharpness, and night photography. Ryan highlights how Google has reused camera sensors over the years, with significant changes starting from the Pixel 6 era. The video also compares portrait mode and long-range zoom, noting key differences and advancements in image quality across generations.

Takeaways

• 📸 Ryan Thomas compares camera quality across all mainline Pixel phones from 2016 to the present, focusing on the XL or Pro models.
• 🛠️ The comparison is based on the latest public software available for each device, with no beta versions or custom ROMs used.
• 🔍 Google reused camera sensors across the first five Pixel generations, with significant changes starting in the Pixel 6 with the GN1 sensor.
• 🎨 Early Pixels (1-3) showed a magenta tint in images, which was corrected starting with the Pixel 4.
• 👁️‍🗨️ The larger sensor introduced in the Pixel 6 results in a shallower depth of field, creating more background blur but less focus on the edges.
• 🌤️ Dynamic range and HDR capabilities improved significantly from the Pixel 1 to the Pixel 8, with newer models handling bright and backlit scenes better.
• 🌙 Nighttime photography saw major improvements, especially from the Pixel 6 to Pixel 8, with better sharpness and reduced noise.
• 📦 Portrait mode and cutout quality improved over time, with the Pixel 8 Pro showing the best results in terms of dynamic range and natural falloff.
• 🔍 Telephoto zoom performance varies, with the Pixel 8 Pro offering the best long-range sharpness and detail.
• 📈 Ryan concludes that while the camera quality has improved over the years, the biggest leaps were seen between the Pixel 5 and Pixel 6, with newer models refining rather than revolutionizing the camera experience.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The primary focus of the video is to compare the camera quality of every mainline Google Pixel phone released from 2016 to the present day, analyzing how the camera hardware and software have evolved over the years.

Why did the creator choose to focus on the main camera across all Pixel models?

The creator focused on the main camera because it provides a direct comparison across all Pixel models, as the early Pixel models did not have ultra-wide or multiple camera setups, making the main camera the most consistent point of comparison.

What significant hardware change occurred with the introduction of the Pixel 6?

The Pixel 6 introduced a significant change in hardware by adopting the GN1 sensor, which is physically larger and has quadruple the resolution of the sensors used in previous generations. This marked a major leap in camera capabilities for the Pixel lineup.

How does the video address the impact of software updates on camera performance?

The video notes that all phones are running the latest public software available, highlighting that software updates over the years have improved the camera performance of each device, enhancing their capabilities beyond what was possible at launch.

What color shift is observed in the first three Pixel models, and when does it change?

The first three Pixel models (Pixel 1, 2, and 3) exhibit a noticeable magenta color shift in their photos. This color shift largely disappears starting with the Pixel 4.

What effect does the larger sensor of the Pixel 6 and later models have on image quality?

The larger sensor in the Pixel 6 and later models creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in softer elements around the edges of the image and a deeper separation between the subject and the background, which affects the overall focus and sharpness.

How does the dynamic range improve across the Pixel generations?

Dynamic range improves significantly across the generations, with earlier models like the Pixel 1 struggling with blown-out highlights, while later models like the Pixel 8 handle challenging lighting conditions much better, preserving more detail in both shadows and highlights.

What challenges do the earlier Pixel models face in low-light photography?

Earlier Pixel models, particularly the Pixel 1 and 2, struggle with noise and softness in low-light conditions. The video highlights that while there is a noticeable improvement in later models, even the most recent Pixel phones still have some noise in extremely dark scenarios.

How does the Pixel 4's telephoto lens compare to the Pixel 5's camera setup?

The Pixel 4's telephoto lens provides a significant advantage in zoom and long-range detail, which the Pixel 5 lacks due to the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens. The Pixel 4 is particularly noted for its superior performance in long-range shots compared to the Pixel 5.

What general conclusion does the video reach about the progression of Pixel camera technology?

The video concludes that while there has been impressive progression in Pixel camera technology over the years, with significant jumps such as the transition from the Pixel 5 to the Pixel 6, the improvements in recent years have been more incremental. The video suggests that the largest leaps in camera quality occurred in earlier generations.