Google Camera update removes wide-angle astrophotography from pixels

Google Camera update removes wide-angle astrophotography from pixels

by

Macro 2 of Google Pixel 4a 5G camera

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

  • Google silently abandoned astrophotography support for wide-angle shooters on Pixel phones.
  • Version 8.1 of the Google Camera app now only allows you to photograph the night sky with 1x or tighter zoom.
  • It is not clear whether the option to switch between the two cameras will return to these phones at a later date.

Google initially allowed users to photograph astrophotography images using the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 primary or ultra-wide cameras. Now, it appears that the company has quietly removed that choice in the latest Google Camera app.

Version 8.1 of the application, as identified by 9to5Google, no longer allows users to select the 16MP, 107 degree wide-angle camera when shooting in specialized mode. Instead, the app now limits users to the 12 MP primary sniper with 1x zoom or more.

It is unclear why Google abandoned the ultra-wide sniper for the fun of stargazing, but it may be due to the overall quality of the snapper in that regard. Posts on the Google Pixel help forums add credit to that. One user explains that while shooting stars at 1x is “amazing”, the photos on the wide-angle lens are “horrible, green, smeared and full of noise”. Several users on this topic also agree with this sentiment.

The photos above were captured on Pixel 5 by forum user Harvey Etheridge. You can see discrepancies in hue and noise from the wide-angle photo (right) compared to the main camera product.

Exchanging light for a wider view

Google Pixel 5 camera against the ocean 1

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

This may be due to the design of the ultra-wide snipers themselves, who sacrifice light and overall quality for a wider field of view. This is even more apparent when there is a lack of light – especially when capturing the night sky.

Please wait.. Loading poll

While Google’s move may be an attempt to improve the overall quality of astrophotography in Pixels, unfortunately it frees phones in a way that would make the experience more enjoyable. In our review of the Pixel 4 XL, we regret the lack of a wide-angle lens for astrophotography on that phone. Photographing with the main camera does not do justice to the scale – and breadth – of the night sky.

It is unclear whether Google may be working on a more refined rework for the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5’s wide-angle astrophotographic intelligence, but for now, you will have to do without it.

Next: The best phones with ultra-wide rear cameras

Source