Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A leaker has claimed that the Pixel 8 sequence might achieve staggered HDR tech.
- This function affords increased high quality HDR than presently obtainable on the Pixel 7’s major digicam.
- This leak additionally means that the Pixel 8 might subsequently achieve a sensor improve.
Google’s telephones have lengthy provided an HDR+ images function as a tentpole mode, with each the Nexus and Pixel line utilizing this multi-frame HDR answer to enhance dynamic vary and cut back ghosting when taking common snaps.
Now, tipster and developer Kuba Wojciechowski has uncovered references to 2023 Pixels gaining staggered HDR support. Wojciechowski dug into the Google Digital camera Go app and found references to the function for 2023 units.
The tipster additionally rightfully notes that the Samsung Isocell GN1 major sensor used on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series don’t provide staggered HDR help. Nonetheless, the Isocell GN2 certainly affords this functionality, suggesting a major digicam improve could possibly be on the playing cards for the Pixel 8.
How does this examine to Google’s present tech?
Google’s unique HDR+ answer took a sequence of brief exposures. However the firm switched to HDR+ with bracketing from the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G onwards. This method sees 5 brief exposures captured earlier than the shutter press and an extended publicity when the shutter button is tapped.
In the meantime, staggered HDR is Samsung’s extra trendy tackle HDR images. This tech captures three separate exposures (brief, medium, and lengthy) in very fast succession, then merges them for the ultimate photograph. So it looks like the medium publicity specifically is lacking from Google’s HDR+ options, for one.
Google’s unique HDR+ answer (prime) and HDR+ with Bracketing approach.
Samsung famous on the time of the GN2 launch that staggered HDR introduced richer element and extra vibrant colours than the GN1’s real-time HDR mode, including that it diminished power consumption by as much as 24%. The corporate has additionally confirmed with different sensor launches that staggered HDR is quicker than typical HDR options, though we’re unsure if this was compared to the GN1’s mode or earlier HDR implementations.
After all, pace is life in terms of HDR seize. And so any pace enchancment right here must also translate into diminished ghosting and doubtlessly much less time spent wanting on the dreaded “processing” display screen. Toss in different aforementioned upgrades and the Pixel 8 might ship extra environment friendly, increased high quality HDR photographs if it leans on this answer.
Nonetheless, the larger takeaway right here is the truth that Google might improve the primary digicam sensor within the Pixel 8 sequence. Switching to a sensor just like the Isocell GN2 would additionally open the door for improved low-light efficiency thanks to larger pixels and improved autofocus by way of Twin Pixel Professional tech.
