This Camera is the bomb

[Mike Dee]

Yeah the pixel 3, The mic doesn't pick up ambient sounds well, with a clearly discernible hissing during quiet scenes. Pixel 2 had same hissing in background problem, and no update ever fixed it. So while photos are top notch, the video recording leaves much to be desired.

I recall the hissing on the Pixel 2XL. I'm not hearing it on the 3XL

 

[Almeuit]

Yeah the pixel 3, The mic doesn't pick up ambient sounds well, with a clearly discernible hissing during quiet scenes. Pixel 2 had same hissing in background problem, and no update ever fixed it. So while photos are top notch, the video recording leaves much to be desired.

Yep and I think that's exactly what he was talking about.

 

[gebco]

Using the Pixel 2 XL, I find that it is more than adequate for my walkabout shots. But I still pull out my DSLR for my wide angle shots or BIF.
I haven't taken the time to see how the Pixel files hold up to PP, especially for low light.

 

[lcs101]

Yep and I think that's exactly what he was talking about.

I was assuming it was the incredibly "tinny" sound (for voice) that reviewers have picked up on. That's definitely something that has me hesitant to switch over to the Pixel.

Google's response: "We made several advances in the audio recording capabilities of Pixel 3, including enabling stereo recording in landscape mode. When recording outdoors, our tuning is specifically designed to reduce background noise like wind and road noise and overly loud sounds and optimize for audible speech. To achieve this, we selectively de-emphasize some frequencies, which minimizes disruptive noises and optimizes the resulting audio. We do extensive user testing of our products to ensure they are tuned for real world usage, and we’re always looking at additional tuning opportunities based on user feedback" (https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-pixel-3-problems-3607481)

 

[EMGSM]

As an avid photographer with multiple DSLRs and about 20 lenses in my collection I used to laugh at cell phone photography. Don't get me wrong...some cell phones took nice snapshots but I was never impressed enough where I felt comfortable going away without a dedicated camera so I bought a compact DSLR with a internal zoom lens to get by. That was until I purchased a Pixel 2 XL. I was floored by it's results despite lack of manual controls. My only regret was hating the original Pixel's bezels so much that I didn't realize what I was giving up.

In comes the Pixel 3XL....OMG....this thing is can't be real. The clarity and detail is amazing. I'm not suggesting that there aren't other cameras that can go toe to toe with it and the Prior Pixels are no slouches but when I look at some of the results I can't believe it's coming from a tiny sensor with a tiny lens.
My daughter who tried to convince me in the past that iPhones take better pictures came to me yesterday to borrow my phone to take pictures. I asked "what happened...is the battery on your X dead?"
She replied "No.... I like the way your phone takes pictures". For my daughter to admit that is pretty impressive because if pictures were only slightly better she wouldn't have come to me.

My dilemma is that my dedicated equipment just sits now. I'll have to remember to juice up the batteries on occasion.

I have a similar story. I paid thousands for lens/cameras/bags/filters/tripods etc. Now they just sit and its all thanks to the P2XL. It produced the best photos form any smartphone I owned at the time (Android & iPhone).

 

[Sturm Rider]

Yes, but it's so hard to let go of that flagship DSLR. I know struggling with it now.

 

[Mike Dee]

I have a similar story. I paid thousands for lens/cameras/bags/filters/tripods etc. Now they just sit and its all thanks to the P2XL. It produced the best photos form any smartphone I owned at the time (Android & iPhone).

There's a time and a place for Dedicated cameras....it's hard though with the quality results we are seeing.... Can't wait to see what the future brings.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yes, but it's so hard to let go of that flagship DSLR. I know struggling with it now.

When I retire I may get back into it.

 

[akhil8]

Saw so many reviews, everyone is praising the camera

 

[Theot]

This is good to hear. I'm still debating upgrading and looking at all the options because there are a lot of great options right now. However I don't know if I can give up my great camera on my Pixel 2 so if I upgrade to the 3 its good to know it is as good or better.

On the video note, that is one area that definitely lacks on my Pixel 2, the video quality is just meh and the audio quality is pretty bad, sometimes you can't hear anything going on. I'd be willing to comprimise a little picture quality to get better video quality and audio. I was hoping the V40 might do this but looking at some of the reviews and comparisons the V40 camera isn't even in the same league.

 

[MartianReplicant]

It's why it's so hard for me to let go of my Nexus 5X for it's higher quality camera (compared to similarly priced, even considered it's more than 2 years old by now) than it's other "budget" siblings.

I'm practically forced to get the Pixel line (my own preference of camera quality mind you, it's not saying I'm literally "forced") if I want similar quality from it.

 

[scgf]

It's why it's so hard for me to let go of my Nexus 5X for it's higher quality camera (compared to similarly priced, even considered it's more than 2 years old by now) than it's other "budget" siblings.

I agree. I remember when I first got a 5x. I took it to a friend's house to take some photos of his new kittens. I also took my 'proper' camera and I was shocked that in every case I preferred the photos from the 5x. I dislike zoom lenses anyway, so the fixed focus lens on a phone is no disadvantage to me. Shortly after I sold both my DSLR and compact camera.

 

[Theot]

It's why it's so hard for me to let go of my Nexus 5X for it's higher quality camera (compared to similarly priced, even considered it's more than 2 years old by now) than it's other "budget" siblings.

I'm practically forced to get the Pixel line (my own preference of camera quality mind you, it's not saying I'm literally "forced") if I want similar quality from it.

I think I know what you are saying. I'm right there. There are devices out that I really like for their added features yet I don't need the features and I don't want to give up what I get for camera quality, stability and updates.

 

[puch96]

I'm coming from the original Pixel XL.. (and I thought it was a good camera for my needs).. Until now.. Wow.. Pixel 3 XL takes amazing shots. Point and shoot!. Baamm! Extremely nice pictures.

 

[Mike Dee]

Let's not forget to post your photos in the stickies thread for Pixel 3 photos.... Don't be shy

 

[emkii]

I'm actually jealous seeing all the pictures online... Night Vision also looks to be insanely good

 

[lcs101]

I'm surprised there has not been a stronger reaction about the audio/microphone in recording video, especially considering Google's response. Everything about this camera makes me want to get the Pixel 3 XL...except that issue. With young kids, I take videos quite often, and think I would cringe every time I hear that awful audio on playback.

 

[Mike Dee]

I'm surprised there has not been a stronger reaction about the audio/microphone in recording video, especially considering Google's response. Everything about this camera makes me want to get the Pixel 3 XL...except that issue. With young kids, I take videos quite often, and think I would cringe every time I hear that awful audio on playback.

I'm going to have to try it again....I didn't find it as bad as the 2XL

 

[SupraLB]

I agree, the audio quality is just so terrible on my Pixel 2. I mean really terrible. Was hoping for improvement. Although, I'm spoiled by my previous phone of the LG V20, which records audio incredibly well. Maybe the best phone for audio recording capabilities.

On the camera improvements, I upgraded my Pixel 2 with the Pixel 3 camera software. I can tell there is an improvement. I'm sure not as good as the Pixel 3 with new chips, but nice to see it improves on the 2 as well. At the very least, I do like the camera layout MUCH better. Easier to switch settings and the zoom in/out button on the screen is nice to have.

 

[worldspy99]

For still camera photos Pixel 3 is still better than the competition.
For video I think the iPhone does a better job. Google needs to work out the audio kinks in video mode.