Google introduced a new Panorama system with the Pixel 9, and a new Pixel Camera update now brings it to the Pixel 8 lineup, breathing new life into an older Pixel phone. The improved mode takes inspiration from Photo Sphere, a mode removed from new devices starting on the Pixel 8 in 2023.
Pixel Camera update brings new Panorama mode to Pixel 8
The Pixel Camera version 10.2, which began rolling out in early December, brings this improvement and is now available via a Play Store update. It offers an “easy-to-follow UI” that uses a series of dots and various prompts. This should guide you while taking the pictures on your Pixel 8 . The interface also gets a level indicator to keep your shots straight, which is mandatory to avoid any misalignment.
As said, the interface feels inspired by Photo Sphere and relies on floating dots to guide you through the capture process. This updated Panorama mode uses the Pixel’s full HDR+ photo system to take individual high-quality frames and stitch them together. It also gets Night Sight integration, where you can set it to Off, Auto, or On. This should enhance your nighttime panorama images.
Night Sight integration
A key highlight of this feature is that it offers you the flexibility to set the capture direction. As you move your phone in this mode, a small preview appears above the viewfinder showing your progress. You can set the capture direction, left or right, by tapping the Settings gear at the bottom. You can also set up or down capture by rotating your phone to landscape orientation.
Pixel 8 series’ cameras still pretty capable today
The Pixel 8 lineup still has a pretty decent imaging hardware. The standard Pixel 8 has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus. The Pro model, on the other hand, has a sharper 48MP ultrawide lens and a dedicated 48MP telephoto lens that can zoom in 5x. Both phones have a 50MP main camera and a 10.5MP selfie camera that work together with the Tensor G3 chip to combine raw sensor power with Google’s computational photography power.
