Google's 'Night Sight' mode for Pixel phones is a game changing low-light solution

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google's Pixel smartphones have buiilt a reputation for being the very best smartphone cameras without resorting to multiple cameras or larger image processors. A lot of the advantages of Google cameras lie in the computational power and AI (artificial intelligence) that is built into their devices. More impressive is the HDR + functionality which can pull colour and detail while maintaining depth and clarity.

All generations of Pixel devices now get another superpower in the latest Night Sight mode. This uses computational power to take bright and clear photos even in the dimmest conditions. I took my Pixel 3 with a beta version of the Night Sight feature to New York City and was amazed at the colours and detail of the images I took.

Google explains how this all works. "Night Sight constantly adapts to you and the environment, whether you’re holding Pixel or propping it on a steady surface. Before you press the shutter button, Night Sight measures your natural hand shake, as well as how much motion is in the scene. If Pixel is stable and the scene is still, Night Sight will spend more time capturing light to minimize noise; if Pixel is moving or there’s significant scene motion, Night Sight will use shorter exposures, capturing less light to minimize motion blur."

NIght Sight will be rolling out to the front and rear cameras of the three generations of Pixel phones which is awesome for users of older devices.