Google Pixel 8: A Street Photographer Review

In the dynamic realm of mobile photography, where the quest for the perfect tool to capture the essence of urban streets is a constant challenge, the Google Pixel 8 emerges as a major player, ready to set new standards.

This latest addition to Google's renowned Pixel lineup isn't just another smartphone; rather, it stands as a preferred companion for street photographers seeking an immersive visual experience. Can this alternative replace a dedicated camera, such as the famous Ricoh GR IIII, for instance?

The Pixel 8 stands out with its innovative features that surpass the usual expectations in mobile photography. With a significant improvement in its image-capturing capabilities, it promises to deliver unprecedented sharpness and clarity, capturing every detail of bustling urban scenes.

Street photographers, whose eyes are always searching for fleeting moments and unique compositions, will find the Pixel 8 a loyal ally in their artistic quest, always ready to be drawn.

In this article, we'll delve into the technical characteristics of the Google Pixel 8 that make it particularly suitable for street photography. From notable camera enhancements to intelligent software features dedicated to capturing spontaneous moments, the Pixel 8 seems to promise an immersive photographic experience that caters to the specific needs of urban creatives.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of the Pixel 8, where technology and art converge to shape a new era in mobile photography dedicated to lively streets and captivating urban scenes.

OVERALL ASPECT OF THE PHONE

The best features highlighted by Google for its Pixel 8 include:

-A 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, ensuring optimal smoothness and responsiveness. The Pixel 8's screen is among the best in the market, offering excellent image quality with vibrant colors and striking contrast.

The 120 Hz refresh rate allows seamless and enjoyable scrolling through pages and applications. The screen's clarity is impeccable, and as the sole means to compose your image, it never fails, regardless of external light intensity.

In simpler terms, even with direct sunlight on the screen, you'll have no issues composing your image. The colors are accurate, which is a real advantage when editing photos directly with software like Lightroom Mobile, for example.

- A Google Tensor G3 processor manufactured using 4nm technology, providing high-level performance and reduced energy consumption. The Google Tensor G3 processor is one of the most powerful on the market. It enables the Pixel 8 to effortlessly handle demanding tasks such as games and resource-intensive applications.

The Pixel is notably responsive, which is appreciated in street photography conditions. It's swift to access, just a double-tap on the "home" button on the edge, and you're ready to start capturing. This responsiveness particularly appealed to me for capturing spontaneous and fleeting moments. However, the results regarding battery life are a bit more nuanced, as we'll discuss later.

- A 50-megapixel main camera, providing exceptional photo and video quality. The Pixel 8's camera is one of the best available, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the Pixel 8 is equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.

All JPEG photos are rendered as 12 megapixels thanks to pixel binning. This is more than sufficient for "standard" usage, such as online sharing and printing in acceptable dimensions.

For more "extreme" purposes, alternatives like Lightroom's "super resolution" tool work magically when needed. The advantage of pixel binning is that even at a 2x zoom, the obtained JPEG remains at 12 megapixels.

- A battery life of over 24 hours, allowing the phone to last an entire day without needing a recharge. The Pixel 8's battery offers good longevity, sustaining a full day on a single charge even with intensive use.

- An elegant and compact design: Opting for the Pixel 8 over the 8 Pro was due to its size. I prefer phones that easily slip into a pocket and are forgettable. The Pixel 8 is relatively compact (with a 6.2-inch screen).

The camera module extends along the length of the phone, avoiding an unattractive appearance and maintaining balance when placed on a table, for example. The phone's black color is understated and doesn't draw undue attention.

- An optimized Android 14 operating system: Android 14 is a major update that enhances security and privacy, improves accessibility and performance, and introduces new, interesting features.

Additionally, it's noteworthy that Google promises 7 years of updates for this phone, making it future-proof. Combined with good repairability scores, this allows for long-term planning and investment without concerns about programmed obsolescence.

In summary, the Google Pixel 8 is a high-end smartphone that offers an exceptional user experience. It's ideal for users seeking a powerful, versatile device with an excellent camera.

PHOTO ASPECT

The Google Pixel 8 boasts a high-performance camera that allows capturing high-quality photos in a variety of conditions.

The Google Pixel 8 is equipped with a dual-lens camera system. The primary sensor is a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor with an aperture of f/1.68. It captures photos with good detail and brightness even in low-light conditions.

The ultra-wide-angle sensor is a 12-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/2.2, allowing for a wider field of view, ideal for landscapes or group photos.

The Pixel 8 has seen several hardware improvements compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7.

The 50-megapixel primary sensor is larger and brighter, enabling it to capture more light and details. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor has also been enhanced, featuring a wider lens that captures wider and brighter photos.

Google has also made a series of software improvements to the Pixel 8. The new Tensor G3 chip enables faster "intelligent" image processing.

Google's image processing algorithm has been updated, resulting in sharper, more colorful, and more precise photos without distorting reality: the AI serves the photographer to capture what is seen, making the rendering particularly true to reality.

Here's a summary of the technical specifications of the Pixel 8's camera lenses:

• Primary Sensor:
• - Resolution: 50 megapixels
• - Aperture: f/1.68
• - Photosite size: 1.2 µm
• - PDAF (phase detection autofocus)
• - OIS (optical image stabilization)
• - 2x optical zoom
• - Field of view: 82°

• Ultra-wide-angle Sensor:
• - Resolution: 12 megapixels
• - Aperture: f/2.2
• - Photosite size: 1.25 µm
• - PDAF (phase detection autofocus)
• - FOV (field of view): 125.8°

The Pixel 8 can also record videos in 4K at 60 frames per second.
In addition to its two main lenses, the Pixel 8 offers several special photo modes that enable capturing creative and unique photos:

Portrait Mode:

Portrait mode allows for creating portraits with a bokeh effect. The Pixel 8 uses its image processing algorithm to accurately separate the subject from the background, even in complex conditions.

Night Sight Mode:

Night Sight is a specialized mode for capturing clear and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. The Pixel 8 uses a combination of techniques, including extended exposure, image stabilization, and advanced image processing, to produce night photos that rival those from digital SLR cameras.

Macro Mode:

Macro mode captures close-up photos of small objects. The Pixel 8 uses a combination of techniques, including a macro lens and advanced image processing, to produce detailed and attractive macro photos.

In summary, important takeaways include:

- A 50-megapixel primary sensor that captures more light and details than previous sensors.
- A 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor for wider and brighter photos.
- Google's image processing algorithm for sharper, more colorful, and more precise photos.

It's worth noting that Google also offers "smart" photo editing tools (such as the magic eraser), but I don't discuss them in this article because, in my view, they are incompatible with street photography practice.

IN PRACTICE

To provide feedback on the Pixel 8 in practice, with an experience directly from the field, I made the incredible decision to bring only my smartphone on my last trip to Tunisia.

Yes, you heard it right: not my Fujifilm or lenses, just traveling light with my phone in my pocket. So, for my style of photography, street photography, did I feel the absence of my hybrid camera? Did I feel limited, and if so, in what conditions?

Well, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The idea of traveling "minimally" has always appealed to me, which is why I only photograph with a single focal length. I was impressed by the compactness of the phone.

I've often said, the best camera is the one you always have with you. Here, no problem, no need to ponder, you always have the phone in your pocket, you think to take it with you no matter the situation... It is therefore IMPOSSIBLE to miss an opportunity to take photographs under these conditions.

And that's a huge advantage for a photographer. Regardless of the environment, time, or simply the mood you're in, if you're surprised by a scene that gives you an irresistible urge to photograph, you simply have to pull your phone out of your pocket, double-tap the home button to launch the camera module, and within 1 second, you're ready to shoot. Yes, this comes at the expense of some things that only you can determine compared to using a reflex camera: the quality of the lens, the flexibility to change the focal length, the dynamic range of a large sensor.

Even though I must admit that in 90% of situations, I didn't feel limited at all by these hardware restrictions. The implementation of AI helps bridge the differences significantly and delivers surprisingly high-quality results.

I'm not a fan of pixel peeping; for me, the sharpness of an image doesn't define its quality. I believe that the composition of an image, its artistic qualities, holds much more value than its technical qualities, especially in street and travel photography.

So, I'm far less demanding than, let's say, a portrait photographer concerning the technical results of the smartphone, even though they are truly exceptional and impressive in most situations.

It's no coincidence that this smartphone is one of the highest-rated on the DxOMark website. It's important to note that I skipped using RAW files, although they exist, for one simple reason: the files are not processed by AI, thus losing the additional treatment that makes the photo quickly usable.

It might be possible to work with RAW files, but it would take too much time and isn't compatible with my workflow; it would divert me from my main objective: capturing reality.

The JPEG files are exceptional; the colors are true to life, the contrasts are good, allowing for minor edits in a photo editor like Lightroom or Snapseed.

The autofocus was entirely satisfactory; the margin of error is slim with such a large focal length and a small sensor: the depth of field is extensive, making it very easy to have the entire image sharp or nearly so.

However, I noticed since the last update that the autofocus defaulted to infinity when I opened the camera application. The result was occasionally disappointing as the first photos taken "on the fly" turned out blurry.

This only represented a small percentage of my photos, in the quickest situations where I didn't have time to tap on the screen to focus. Hopefully, this issue will be corrected in a future update. There's a tracking autofocus mode (when you tap on a subject, it tracks it) that is comparable to the latest autofocus systems on hybrid cameras and is very appreciable.

I was also occasionally bothered by unsightly lens flares (green dots) on direct lights. This occurs in very specific situations, particularly night photography with artificial lights, and initially, I thought it was due to a protective cover I had placed on the camera module.

However, even after removing it, the problem persisted. Unfortunately, this issue is inherent to the architecture of the camera module, which presents constraints due to its compactness. This "flare" is easily removable in post-production for those who find it too unsightly when it appears.

Speaking of night photographs, it has never been so easy, and I achieved incredible results in the most difficult conditions with the Pixel 8's night mode. The photos are detailed and almost noise-free.

You can venture out into the streets without needing a lens with a very bright aperture and have fun. It's not a limitation.

The same goes for the 2x zoom mode, which is equivalent to a 50mm in full frame format and which I used far more often than I thought I would. Pixel binning ensures a JPEG photograph of the same size as at 1x (12 megapixels), so there's no restriction in using it, and the results are particularly satisfying.

The portrait mode partly relies on this zoom and adds very natural processing filters on faces, as well as a controlled background blur for which the intensity can be adjusted in post-production. I used it for family photos with this mode, and the results are genuinely impressive. The outlines are convincing, as are the artificial "bokeh" effects.

Admittedly, it will never be comparable to a proper lens with a hybrid reflex, but for family memories, it's highly appreciated, especially when you don't need to lug around all that equipment (trust me, it's challenging when traveling with a child who already requires a lot of gear and needs to be carried).

Those for whom portrait mode or 2x zoom is essential should consider the Pixel 8 Pro, which has a telephoto lens and a pro photo mode that allows adjusting ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, etc. It's a shame that the Pixel 8 suffers from this software limitation... let's hope that Google makes this mode available in a future firmware update.

Speaking of exposure time, this Pixel 8 has two "creative" modes that are interesting to use to compensate for the lack of control over shutter speed; the panning with movement effect is well-known in street photography (not my cup of tea), but it can be fun to use from time to time.

I found the long exposure mode much more enjoyable and convincing; it's possible to achieve motion blur that would be difficult to obtain with an hybrid camera (due to the movement blur of the device, for example). The stabilization is a significant advantage. I really appreciated being able to benefit from it.

In conclusion, I didn't regret for a single moment bringing my Pixel 8 as the sole street photography camera for my trip. I believe it can easily replace a Ricoh GR III, and in some aspects, I even think it surpasses it: in terms of compactness, speed, and the versatility of the modes offered.

The only real drawback that could be problematic is that the battery of your camera is also the battery of your phone. And despite all the improvements brought by hardware and software updates to the Pixel, the battery drains quite quickly when you use the phone intensively (it lasts a day, of course!).

This is where having a dedicated camera while traveling has its advantage. The solution: an external battery that charges your phone, and the problem is solved!

Finally, I believe that some photographs taken with this Pixel can be printed in large format without any issues. I plan to put some in my living room, even the nighttime photos.

Moreover, I think I took photos that I wouldn't have been able to capture with my Fujifilm because the AI provides a natural and convincing boost in the most challenging situations (exposure differences, backlighting, nighttime photography, etc.), and the phone is much more discreet than a camera, especially nowadays when everyone walks around with a smartphone in front of their eyes. This is an undeniable advantage in street photography.

Pros:
- Very fast and intuitive
- Non-intrusive AI that enhances photography
- Capability for 2x zoom with the same resolution
- Exceptional color rendering
- Unmatched compactness
- Convincing portrait mode

Cons:
- Unsightly lens flare in certain situations
- Pro controls reserved for the Pro version...
- Camera and phone share the same battery, depleting relatively quickly
- Macro mode's performance

For which type of photographer:

I would recommend this phone for two types of photographers. Firstly, for someone interested in investing in a cutting-edge phone and beginning street/travel photography at a lower cost. They'll have a convincing tool that will help them refine their skills while swiftly achieving impressive results. Later, they could invest in a dedicated camera that will amplify what they've developed with their Pixel.

Secondly, for an experienced and equipped photographer seeking to lighten their load in certain situations and to adopt a fresh perspective in their daily routine. They possess a smartphone as a backup, which allows them to approach a beloved discipline with an alternative tool that can be highly inspiring and liberating (as in my case). This camera has deterred me from acquiring a compact camera.

I was truly amazed by this phone, which, beyond the journey it accompanied me on, brings me complete satisfaction in my daily life, both as a regular smartphone and as a photography tool. My Fujifilm is a bit saddened, tucked away in its drawer, even though I still take it out for special occasions or for more 'serious' portraits. This smartphone, like any other camera, captures light—isn't that what every photographer needs for their craft?

With this Pixel, I've taken photos that I wouldn't have been able to capture with my hybrid camera simply because it's a camera I always have at hand, no matter the situation, and that's invaluable.

I believe this suggests a very promising future for smartphones in general and for photography. When companies like Google (or similar brands) will implement larger sensors and a manual shutter system, the world of photography may face significant changes. I can only encourage you to get your hands on this smartphone if you love photography. It will become a daily companion that will leave a lasting impression on you with its convenience.