I Tested the Pixel 11 Pro Camera in Paris
Exploring Google's flagship phone camera features and AI-powered innovations
1New Hardware and Software
The Pixel 11 Pro comes with Tensor G6 processor and a new peachy color. While camera hardware appears similar to last year's model, the main image sensor is new and offers better quality. The telephoto sensor is physically larger. The real innovation lies in software: 'Camera Looks' feature, similar to Apple's Photographic Styles, modifies colors and exposure for creative results beyond clinically accurate photos.
2Camera Looks Experience
The photographer used Camera Looks throughout the day. Each look can be customized: adding warmth, adjusting shadow depth, or even applying grain. However, the grain effect doesn't fully capture authentic analog film feel, appearing too digital. The photographer preferred shooting in RAW format to bypass Google's processing and maintain editing flexibility.
3Magic Capture Feature
The new Magic Capture feature records a few seconds of video and uses AI to select the best frame capturing the moment. When tested on street skaters, it proved surprisingly effective. This feature isn't meant for professional sports photographers but rather for parents wanting to capture perfect moments of their children without multiple attempts.
4Telephoto and Macro Shots
The 5x telephoto lens has been updated to allow closer focusing, functioning like a macro lens. A padlock photo demonstrated pleasing shallow depth of field. The phone also offers digital zoom up to 120x, using generative AI beyond 30x to reconstruct details. This was tested on a distant French flag, with AI recreating what the sensor couldn't capture.
5AI's Impact on Photography
Generative AI's intervention in photos raises ethical questions. While reconstructing distant objects, AI might add non-existent details. For the photographer, this compromises image authenticity. However, this feature remains optional for users. The technology challenges traditional notions of photographic truth while offering new creative possibilities.
6Eiffel Tower Perspectives
At day's end, the photographer experimented with different lenses and styles at an Eiffel Tower viewpoint. Some photos using 'Editorial Camera Look' showed overly intense teal skies, though the style produced pleasing results in other instances. RAW files revealed significantly more dynamic range than JPEGs, offering greater editing flexibility.
7Initial Impressions
While it's too early for definitive conclusions about Pixel 11 Pro's cameras, the photographer was generally pleased with results from this photo walk. Overall image quality appears solid, though comparisons with iPhone 17 Pro or Galaxy S26 Ultra await further testing. AI-powered features continue to blur lines between photography and computational imaging.
8The Future of Photography
Pixel 11 Pro automates traditional photography skills, increasing accessibility. However, this might diminish the value of 'decisive moment' capture for professionals. As AI's role in image processing grows, ethical boundaries around photographic truth need redefinition. Users will increasingly determine where to draw the line between technological assistance and artistic integrity.
Original article: CNET — Pixel 11 Pro'nun Kamerasını Paris'te Test Ettim