Google's original Android smartphones "Pixel 3" and "Pixel 3 XL" have finally appeared in Japan. Night view mode, which was not implemented at the time of release, will be available. Since I had the opportunity to test it a little earlier this time, I have posted examples including shooting comparisons with Huawei "HUAWEI P20 Pro" and Apple "iPhone XS Max".
The Pixel 3's night view mode support has been achieved by updating the standard camera app.It is necessary to change the mode in advance
Night view mode on Pixel 3 requires holding the camera for a few seconds after switching modes
First, the night view mode can be used by switching from normal shooting to "others" and selecting "night view mode". And when you actually shoot, you need to keep holding the camera for a few seconds. From this, it can be inferred that the system is such that the images are taken continuously for several seconds internally and the information is complemented by software from multiple images.
The photo was taken in Shinjuku at midnight, so the surroundings are darker than in the photo. Basically, shooting is done automatically except for switching between normal ⇔ night view mode.
*: Since the file size is large, please be careful when clicking the example (some images are rotated).
Pixel 3 XL: Normal mode (1/25 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 346)
Pixel 3 XL: Night view mode (1/9 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 91)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Normal mode (1/25 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 500)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Night view mode (4 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 640)
iPhone XS Max (1/25 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 640)
Pixel 3 XL: Normal mode (1/17 sec / F1.8 / ISO 444)
Pixel 3 XL: Night view mode (1/8 second / F1.8 / ISO 235)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Normal mode (1/17 sec / F1.8 / ISO 800)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Night view mode (4 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 1000)
iPhone XS Max (1/17 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 1000)
Pixel 3 XL: Normal mode (1/8 second / F1.8 / ISO 880)
Pixel 3 XL: Night view mode (1/13 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 1698)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Normal mode (1/17 sec / F1.8 / ISO 2500)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Night view mode (4 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 1250)
iPhone XS Max (1/17 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 2000)
Pixel 3 XL: Normal mode (1/15 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 3947)
Pixel 3 XL: Night view mode (1/9 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 2938)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Normal mode (1/17 sec / F1.8 / ISO 6400)
HUAWEI P20 Pro: Night view mode (5 seconds / F1.8 / ISO 3200)
iPhone XS Max (1/4 second / F1.8 / ISO 800)
Overall, the Pixel 3's night view mode is brighter and less noisy, resulting in a cleaner photo. Also, the impression is that it is a relatively natural finish, not a "bright" photograph that can be seen at a glance. On the other hand, it is certain that the HUAWEI P20 Pro equipped with a large 1 / 1.7-inch sensor has the advantage.
It's not clear how far this night view mode is realized by software, but it is certain that the power of a single camera and AI makes it possible to shoot attractive night views. I hope that it will continue to be strengthened in the future.
