Google Camera update strips wide-angle astrophotography from Pixels

Google Camera update strips wide-angle astrophotography from Pixels

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Google Pixel 4a 5G Camera Macro 2

Credit: David Imel / Android Government

  • Google has quietly dropped the astrophotography support for the wide-angle shooters on Pixel phones.
  • Version 8.1 of the Google Camera app now only lets the sky shoot with 1x zoom or tighter.
  • It is unclear whether the option to switch between the two cameras will return later on these phones.

Google initially allowed users to take astrophotographic images using the primary or ultrawide cameras of Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5. It now appears that the firm has quietly removed this choice in the latest Google Camera app.

Version 8.1 of the app, as spotted by 9to5Googleusers can no longer select the 16MP 107-degree wide-angle camera when shooting in the specialized mode. Instead, the app now limits users to the 12 MP primary shooter with one zoom or greater.

It’s unclear why Google dropped the ultra-wide shooter from the stargazing fun, but that may be due to the snapper’s overall quality in this regard. Posts on Google’s Pixel help forums provide reliability for this. One user explains that the shooting of the wide-angle lens is’ terrible, green, spotty and full of noise, although stars at 1x are ‘amazing’. Several users on this thread also repeat this sentiment.

The above snaps were captured on the Pixel 5 by forum goer Harvey Etheridge. You can see the deviations in hue and noise of the wide-angle image (right) compared to the product of the primary camera.

Trading light for a wider view

Google Pixel 5 Ocean Camera 1

Credit: David Imel / Android Government

This may be due to the design of ultrawide shooters that sacrifice light and overall quality for a more extensive field of view. This is even clearer when light is missing – especially when the night sky is captured.

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While the move by Google is an attempt to improve the overall quality of astrophotography on the Pixels, the phones are unfortunately getting rid of a mode that will make it a more enjoyable experience. In our Pixel 4 XL review, we regret the lack of a wide-angle lens for astrophotography on the phone. Shooting with the primary camera just does not do the scope – and the breadth – of the air’s justice.

It’s unclear if Google might be working on a more refined workflow for the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5’s wide-angle astrophotography smartwatch, but for now, you need to get by without it.

Following: The best phones with ultra-wide rear cameras

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