7 Hidden Google Pixel Camera Settings You’re Not Using

I have been a Google Pixel man for the reason that authentic Pixel launched in 2016. I actually just like the Pixels due to Google’s software program design, nice Pixel-exclusive options, and — in fact — the cameras.

The principle draw to the Pixel digicam expertise is its simplicity. You’re taking out your cellphone, press the shutter button and you might be assured a fantastic picture. And as nice as that simplicity is, there are additionally loads of settings you’ll be able to configure to customise the digicam.

From simpler taking pictures controls to good storage administration, listed here are seven of one of the best digicam settings to your Google Pixel that you just’re in all probability not utilizing.

What’s the favourite setting of the hidden Pixel digicam app?

4 votes

Use framing options and a grid

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As handy as you’ll be able to depend on your Pixel to take picture in nearly any state of affairs, a very nice picture all the time begins with the correct framing and alignment. And also you may not realize it, however your Pixel has two settings that can assist you with this.

Within the Pixel Digicam app, faucet Picture settings icon within the decrease left nook, after which faucet three factors (proper above the Professional button) to open the principle digicam settings web page. From right here, scroll all the way down to the Composition part to seek out out Framing options AND Community sort.

When framing options are turned on, you may see a degree line within the viewfinder to point whether or not you are holding the cellphone straight or at an angle. It additionally exhibits the diploma of your present angle/tilt and you will really feel a delicate vibration whenever you degree it. In the meantime, the grid sort enables you to select one in all three grids to overlay on the viewport: 3 x 3, 4 x 4, or golden ratio. You may select to solely use framing hints or simply use a grid, however I’ve discovered that utilizing each is one of the best ways to line up my photographs completely each time earlier than I press the shutter button.

Allow fast entry controls

Quick access controls in the Pixel Camera app.

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Along with higher framing your pictures, the Pixel additionally has hidden controls that allow you to simply alter shadows and different settings proper from the viewfinder. Chances are you’ll not all the time need to do that, however in conditions the place you do, these controls are invaluable.

To start out, open the Pixel Digicam app, faucet on the identical Picture settings button within the decrease left nook, faucet three factors once more, scroll all the way down to Fast entryand faucet the change subsequent to it Fast entry controls. Now, return to the principle digicam display and faucet wherever within the viewfinder. While you do, you may see three new sliders that you need to use to regulate your picture earlier than you seize it.

The slider on the left adjusts white stability, whereas the 2 on the correct management your shadows and publicity. Whether or not you need to make your picture just a little more energizing, brighter or extra contrasty, these fast entry controls allow you to do exactly that.

Maintain the viewfinder to lock focus

Focus lock in the Pixel Camera app.

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Whereas we’re looking out, there’s one other little trick right here that you just in all probability did not learn about. While you faucet a topic within the viewfinder, a white circle seems round it and mechanically retains the topic in focus even if you happen to transfer the digicam or change your place.

Nevertheless, if you happen to press and maintain wherever within the viewfinder, that circle will flip yellow and focus shall be locked on that particular space. Google’s autofocus is normally fairly dependable, however there are some situations the place you need to lock the main focus to a selected location and maintain it from altering. In these conditions, urgent and holding this manner is one of the best ways to do it.

Change the motion of the quantity key

Volume buttons on the Pixel 10 Pro.

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By default, the quantity button acts because the shutter button whenever you’re utilizing the Pixel Digicam app. It is good to have a bodily button you’ll be able to press to take a photograph, however do you know you’ll be able to change it to one thing else?

Open the Pixel Digicam app, faucet on Picture settings button, faucet on three factorsand scroll down the web page till you discover it Fast entry part. contact Quantity key motion and alter it from Shutter THE Bigger. Now, urgent the quantity keys whereas within the viewfinder controls your digicam’s zoom — urgent the quantity keys zooms out and in. On the Pixel 10 Professional, urgent the quantity buttons can change the zoom vary to 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x, 30x .1x, and .

I realized about it when my colleague Rita El Khoury wrote in regards to the Pixel digicam’s quantity zoom setting earlier this 12 months, and it has been a recreation changer ever since. I’ve all the time discovered touchscreen controls for digicam zoom a bit complicated, and this makes it simpler than ever to seize the proper zoom vary.

Modify movement image settings

Motion Photo settings in the Pixel Camera app.

Joe Maring / Android Authority

Considered one of my favourite underrated options within the Pixel Digicam app is Movement Picture. It information a small video clip earlier than and after you press the shutter button, which you’ll be able to view at any time in Google Photographs. I do know it sounds bizarre, however it actually provides some life and magic to a nonetheless picture, similar to the Dwell Picture characteristic on the iPhone.

Movement Picture is ready to Auto by default, and on this mode, your cellphone will mechanically resolve whether or not or to not flip a photograph right into a Movement Picture. Alternatively, you’ll be able to flip Movement Picture on for each picture you are taking — or flip it off if you happen to do not just like the characteristic. To do that, open the Pixel Digicam app, faucet on Picture settings button, discover Movement image part and set it to INACTIVE OR ACTIvErelying in your desire.

Flip off mirroring for selfies

Selfie taken on a Google Pixel phone.

Joe Maring / Android Authority

While you take a selfie together with your Pixel’s front-facing digicam, the picture is reversed from what you see within the viewfinder, similar to a mirror. Should you don’t love this, you’ll be able to change it with only a few faucets.

To do that, faucet on Picture settings button within the Pixel Digicam app, faucet the three dots to open the principle settings web page, and go to Composition part. Faucet the toggle button subsequent to it Preserve selfies as seenand now pictures from the entrance digicam shall be saved as they seem within the viewfinder – no extra mirroring.

Activate Storage Saver in case your house is low

The setting of

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Final however not least, this final Pixel Digicam setting will be actually helpful when your cellphone is low on storage however you continue to need to maintain taking photos. From the Pixel Digicam app, faucet Picture settings icon, contact it three factorsand contact DEVICE STORAGE. From right here, faucet the change subsequent to it Cupboard space saver.

As soon as enabled, Storage Saver adjusts many digicam settings to maintain your pictures and movies as gentle as doable. It locks video recording to 1080p Full HD, disables Video Enhance, limits the decision of your nonetheless pictures to the default setting, and extra. You may contact Settings that may change to see something affected and you may faucet a button subsequent to it Flip off when storage is offered. While you do that, Storage Saver shall be enabled, however it will not take impact till your cellphone has lower than 1GB of space for storing left.

Whereas Storage Saver will not magically add more room to your cellphone, it is a good approach to ensure you can maintain taking as many pictures and movies as doable with the restricted house left in your gadget.


These are my favourite hidden settings for the Pixel Digicam app, however what are yours? Is there an atmosphere right here that you just actually like? Is there anything you want that I did not point out? Both approach, let me know within the feedback under.

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(tagsTranslate)Google Digicam(s)Google Pixel(s)Pixel

Liam Johnson
Liam Johnson

Hi, I’m Liam Johnson, the founder and editor of Nextuo.
Technology has always been my passion, and for over 8 years I’ve been exploring the world of hot tech, mobiles, gadgets, and gaming.

At Nextuo, I share unbiased reviews, guides, and insights to help readers make smarter tech decisions. My goal is to make technology more accessible, clear, and useful for everyone.

When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me testing the latest gadgets, discovering gaming innovations, or engaging with the global tech community.

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