Google Pixel XL video stabilization samples surface online, shows off insanely smooth shaky-cam correction.
Earlier this month, Google unveiled its Pixel and Pixel XL flagship smartphones. The previous Nexus-series smartphones were targeted at developers and the camera capabilities had been average too. The Pixel and Pixel XL, on the other hand, are premium smartphones, and Google has worked hard on the camera aspect. While one may argue that the smartphones lack optical image stabilization (OIS), the electronic image stabilization (EIS) on the smartphones works pretty well. A Reddit user TCATS5986, who got his early hands-on the Pixel XL decided to put its video stabilization capabilities to test and show how it performs against the Nexus 6P.
The Pixel and Pixel XL features a 12.3-megpaixel rear camera (Sony IMX388 sensor) of aperture f/2.0, 1.55μm large pixels, PDAF, laser auto-focus. Google has also highlighted that DxO Mark has given it a score of 89 points, which is more than iPhone 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7. The Nexus 6P, on the other hand, also comes with a 12.3-megapixel rear camera (Sony IMX377 sensor) of aperture f/2.0 and 1.55μm large pixels. Both cameras also feature 4K video recording capabilities and slow-motion HD (720p) video recording capabilities. Also, neither of the cameras include OIS support.
Now, coming back to the topic, the Redditor shot a few videos on both – the Pixel XL and Nexus 6P to demonstrate how EIS works. He had originally put the videos on YouTube, but they were taken down. Thankfully, someone reposted them on Vimeo. But do note, as it has already gone through video compression while uploading on YouTube and again when it was downloaded and uploaded to Video, the resolution appears to be quite low.
There are two videos; the one above is shot in the parking lot and as you can see, the video quality is quite stable. The camera compensates and corrects the shaking movements very well, ultimately delivering smoother frames. The second video (embedded below), actually compares the Huawei-made Nexus 6P’s camera with Google’s Pixel XL.
Both smartphones feature EIS. The guy walked down the stairs as you can see in the above video, the implementation on the Pixel XL looks miles ahead. Looking at the capabilities of the Pixel XL, looks like the lack of OIS may not be big of an issue at all. The user also shared a couple of photos shared in low-light. At first glance, you may not notice the difference, but when you look at them in higher resolution, you’ll notice that HDR+ mode on Pixel XL helps to capture photos that are less grainy compared to most smartphones out there. ALSO READ: Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL hands-on: The real Google phone is here!
One of the users went on Google Product Forums to ask why Google opted for EIS and not OIS. Fortunately, a member from Google’s camera team, Isaac Reynolds, explained the reason for choosing the technology. “EIS and OIS have very different goals, so you can’t compare them to ask which is better/worse. OIS primarily improves low light photography by physically compensating for hand shake within each single frame, and EIS improves shaky video by maintaining a consistent framing between multiple video frames. OIS is primarily for photo, and EIS is only for video,” Reynolds wrote.
It is good to see how Google has taken advantage of the integration between the software and hardware. This may also be an indication of how Android 7.1 Nougat is optimized, at least for Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. Looking at the videos, what do you think about the video stabilization on the Pixel XL? Let us know about you thoughts in the comments below.
The Pixel is priced at Rs 57,000 for 32GB variant and Rs 66,000 for the 128GB storage variant. The Pixel XL, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 67,000 for the 32GB storage variant, and Rs 76,000 for the 128GB storage variant. Both smartphones are going on pre-order starting tomorrow and will be available on Flipkart.