Older Pixel Pros now have manual lens selection, can capture better HDR+ photos
The June Pixel Feature Drop is backporting some Pixel 8 camera features to the Pixel 6, 7 and the Pixel Fold (and in one case, the Pixel Tablet too). This comes with Pixel Camera version 9.4.
Normally, the camera app automatically decides which lens to use based on zoom level, lighting conditions and more. But now you can go into the Photo Settings and choose a manual lens selection – this lets you pick which camera to use (wide, ultra wide or tele) instead of whatever the phone decides. Note that this is limited to the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro and Pixel Fold (i.e. the vanilla Pixels still only have the auto option).
Manual lens selection comes to older Pixel Pros
This toggle lives under the “Pro” tab of the Photo Settings. Also here you will find the setting for how photos are saved – JPEG only or JPEG+RAW. This isn’t a new feature, but previously it was located under Settings > Advanced.
HDR+ is better at picking the perfect moment to snap a photo
Additionally, the HDR+ mode is now better at picking the perfect moment – you tap the shutter key and the phone will do its best to capture the photo when the subject’s face is in focus and they are smiling. This is added to the Pixel 6 and newer, Pixel Fold and also the Pixel Tablet.
