Google just announced the Pixel 3 ($799+) and Pixel 3 XL ($899+) and, even though both next-gen smartphones look to be serious upgrades over the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL – bigger screen, smaller feel, glass back, wireless charging, water-resistant – the most exciting thing about them is their new cameras. Going into the launch event, there was a strong argument that the year-old Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were still the best smartphone cameras you could buy. Well, as expected, the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL look to be the kings of the smartphone camera world. Not only are the cameras actually better, but they come loaded with new software (which Google does back) that enable the cameras to do a number of cool things.
• Top Shot allows the Pixel 3’s camera to capture a burst of frames right before and after you click the shutter button, that way you never miss a shot.
• Night Sight lets the camera take several long exposure photos, then combines them together so you get one excellent low-light photo.
• For selfies, Photobooth uses the camera’s AI to determine if you’re smiling and then it will automatically take a photo (no need to hit the shutter button).
• There’s Group Selfies which takes advantage of the Pixel 3’s new front dual-camera system and gives your selfies a 184 percent wider field of view.
• Super Res Zoom lets you zoom in on a subject and, factoring camera shake, still take really sharp photos.
• There’s now Motion Auto Focus which, again, uses the camera’s AI to figure out your subject while your shooting videos and then it keeps it in focus (this is further helped the camera’s new front-facing video stabilization).
