Source: Google
What you need to know
- Google has announced the Pixel 5 and 4 5G with new dedicated video modes in the camera app.
- There's a new cinematic pan mode, and Google's finally building in 4K60fps.
- The Pixel 5 and 4a 5G will also ship with ultra-wide cameras and new photo editing features.
Google is focusing on video with the Pixel 5's camera almost as much as photo this year around. The company is launching with three new stablisation modes. Locked, active, and cinematic pan.
The most interesting of these is cinematic pan, a mode that's inspired by (drum-roll) cinema shots. Google says that it creates dramatic moments out of everyday shots. It's not as exciting as all the hundred features you'll find on Samsung's camera apps, but Google says its something that people really want to know how to do. Just like with portrait mode and night sight, the company's trying to distill the most commonly requested use-case into something easily accessible. How well it works given Google's prior performance in this space is something that we'll find out in a review.
Google will also let you shoot in 4K60fps on the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G. The company had previously said that it wasn't offering the option due to storage constraints. With the Pixel 5 and 4a lines, the storage floor of the Pixel has been raised to 128GB which fixes that problem.
Finally, you'll now be able to capture hi-res photos while shooting slow motion and time lapse videos on the new Pixels. Google says these, and the other video features, will come to older Pixels in a software update.
Google has traditionally focused hard on the Pixel's still image prowess, and it hasn't let up in this regard this year around. That said, when you look at the ultra-wide lens included with the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G and Google's inclusion of 4K60fps, these address customer pain points it had previously explained away. With this and other changes with the Pixel 5, Google is making sure to build a Pixel that doesn't have many flaws this year around.
Pixel 5
Google's making as much effort with video as it does with still images on this phone, we'll have to see if it pays off as well in this department.
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 Review: Massive Capacity
The Nighthawk RAX120 is one of the fastest routers you can get with 12 Wi-Fi 6 streams and a 5Gbps Ethernet port. Not everyone needs this much speed but you can be sure that this router will keep up with any internet connection for years to come.
Google I/O 2021 preview: Here's what to expect at this year's event
The annual Google I/O developer conference is back this year after a brief hiatus, so let's take a look at some of the announcements that we're likely to see.
Review: Outriders on Stadia is a good shooter plagued by performance issues
Outriders has been out for a little over a week now and the Stadia version is just not up to expectations. From performance problems and server instability to a complete lack of patches, Stadia players are getting left in the dust.
Get one of these car chargers so your Pixel 5 doesn't die while on the road
Driving with your phone doesn't necessarily use any more power than when it's on your desk, but streaming music to your car and using it for navigation does. This is why it's important to make sure you have the right car charger for the Pixel 5 to ensure you're charging it to the best of its ability. Here are some of the best car chargers for the Pixel 5.