Capture the stars with Pixel 4

Due to the rise of amazing smartphone cameras, such as that in the Pixel 4, great shots are no longer reserved to professionals. Even an amateur can capture clear and vibrant photos with the help of a smartphone with a good camera lens and clever software. That said, to get the best out of your hardware, requires the mastery of several skills. (Check out the Pixel 4 features here)

Google believes that with the right technique, anyone can take good pictures. And thanks to the Pixel 4’s telephoto lens and clever image processing, astrophotography is possible. Night Site mode, allows the phone to capture detailed shots in low light conditions, which when coupled with an impressive telephoto lens, give a whole new meaning to the term star gazing.

If you want to try your hand at astrophotography, Marc Levoy, Google’s photography lead engineer, has a few pointers that will help you get the most out of your Pixel 4 camera.

Photo by Pok Rie from Pexels

Tip 1: Hold the phone still
Use both hands to hold the device steady. This can be achieved by tucking your elbows and holding the phone close to your chest. Then, spread your feet apart to maintain good balance. Otherwise, lean against a wall or solid object to minimize shaking.

Tip 2: Create a makeshift tripod (using ordinary items to steady the Pixel 4)
The Pixel can be placed on something solid like a tree trunk, a rock or a car hood. Keeping the phone steady while taking a shot allows for longer exposures, better stability and less noise compared to what’s achievable with a handheld shot.

Tip 3: Exercise patients
Taking pictures in low lighting conditions can be tricky. The Pixel 4 may require some time to capture enough light. The phone lets you know when exposure is adequate with a countdown timer, which may be up to four minutes with the help of a tripod.

Tip 4: Rely on autofocus
For the best results, let autofocus do the heavy lifting. But, if you fancy a shot in manual mode, select a manual focus mode (“near” or “far”) on the toolbar. “Far” is required for shots of the night sky, for closer objects, choose “near”.

Tip 5: Set the exposure of the compensation slider
In order to get a detailed night shot, tap on the subject, then move the exposure slider up or down till the quality is at its best.

That’s it. These tips will help you with your astrophotography. And with time, you will be able to capture amazing stills of the night sky!