Pixel Camera Tricks: Mastering Astrophotography, Overheating, and Glare

Irene Okpanachi is an Android features writer who has mastered her Pixel camera. She shares four essential tricks she's learned to improve her photography skills.

Okpanachi notes that a good eye can outshoot an amateur holding a professional camera set on automatic. The quality of the shot depends more on the photographer than the gear. Even with advanced features like RAW capability, the camera app has limitations that can be overcome by understanding how to work around them.

One of the key tricks Okpanachi shares is using Astrophotography mode for sharper shots in low light conditions. This feature takes multiple shorter exposures and stacks them into one image, but it requires a stable surface and minimal movement. To use this feature successfully, Okpanachi places her phone on its back on a flat surface until the viewfinder goes pitch black.

Another important tip is to use QuickTake in Photo mode when shooting videos in 4K. This helps prevent overheating issues with the Tensor G3 chip, which can throttle or shut down the camera when it gets too hot. Okpanachi notes that even though the phone's battery is large at 4575mAh, prolonged camera activity can push the temperature above 35°C, the limit set by Google.

Okpanachi also shares a simple trick for reducing glare and reflections in her shots. By cupping one hand above the camera bar and angling it towards the light source, she is able to block stray light from outside the frame.