Google introduced the Night Sight feature when the Pixel 3 launched and it allowed for more realistic images in low-light environments, and it has gone from strength to strength since.
That’s not only down to an improvement in camera hardware on recent models of Google Pixel including the most recent Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro, but a boon in AI processing tech that, when paired with Google’s Tensor G chipset, can deliver impressive results.
That’s especially true of Night Sight, a feature created by Google to further enhance the Pixel’s ability to shoot photo (and even video on the latest models) in low-light conditions. With that said, here’s everything you need to know about Google Night Sight.
What is Google Night Sight and how does it work?
As the name implies, Google Night Sight is a feature that helps users take better pictures in low lighting.
The feature uses AI as well as machine learning to lighten up pictures taken in dark environments. Firstly, it detects any motion within the image, as motion can cause issues with long exposure and make the photos blurry.
Detecting any blur helps the camera to decide if it should use long or short exposure to minimise any issues within the photo.
It also works in a similar way to Google’s HDR+ system, taking bursts of frames so it can merge multiple frames together to create the best photo possible.
AI is also used to help balance out the colour in an image, as you may have noticed that pictures taken with Night Sight-like features can have a yellow or reddish colour. Night Sight aims to overcome this with AI, processing the picture to ensure that it looks more realistic.
The fact it works via AI also means that Google can update and develop its Night Sight feature over time to continually improve it. That means that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are much more capable than the Pixel 6 and even Pixel 7 in low-light conditions, thanks to both AI and improved hardware.
Which devices feature Google Night Sight?
Google Night Sight is exclusive to the Pixel series. However, since Night Sight is a software feature and not hardware, the company updated its older Pixel models after the Pixel 3 launched.
That said, you’ll find Night Sight on flagship smartphones including the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It’s also available on budget options like the Pixel 7a and, of course, it’s also available on the top-end Google Pixel Fold too.
You might like…
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
