Google Pixel 8 Pro Camera Test -VS Apple 15 Pro & Sony A7Cii!

[@BrianCatalano]

I have to say, I prefer the Pixel 8 Pro colors in both video and photo over the iPhone 15 Pro Max... What about you?

[@DigiDriftZone]

I bought the iPhone 15 because I wasn't planning on using it instead of my ZV-E1, however, having seen the true Apple LOG, it can actually be used as a B cam, so I am sending my 15 back and getting the 15 Pro for that reason. Does the Pixel have true LOG with 14 stops of dynamic range? -- that's so crazy, a phone with more dynamic range than the ZV-E1 (at ISO 1,200, which is around ISO 10,000 full frame equivalent), it's as if they used the same Sony sensor, except shrunken down. Of course the biggest downside is the 24mm f/6.4 full frame equivalent but for certain shots, like top down product shots, I generally use f/6+ anyway (the other 2 cameras I think are unusable at 13mm f/10 and 77mm f/24 equivalents).

[@BrianCatalano]

@@DigiDriftZone I get all that, and the 15 Pro will be perfect then... The Google pixel doesn't have a true log, and I'm not precisely sure how many stops of dynamic range it has, but the 14 on the apple is crazy!!

[@DigiDriftZone]

​@@BrianCatalano I do agree the Pixel in auto mode looks much better, but the ability to colour match the iPhone Pro to the ZV-E1 and to remove that hyper sharp phone video look got me really excited. My 15 Pro will be arriving today and the 15 will be boxed up :) - very frustrating of Apple not to give you LOG on the non pro, I get why, but being a software only feature still is frustrating. I hope Google follow suit and add LOG too.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@DigiDriftZone that is strange how phone makers can charge for software changes within the same hardware... think it's a smart upgrade for you though! I'd love log on the pixel but I still think I could grade it to match s-cinetone fairly easily, by just lowering saturation, contrast, sharpening, highlights, and slightly raising black level...whereas as with log it would be better, but more time consuming!

[@rushabhshah.2768]

I feel like the detail in pixel 8 pro is less than pixel 7 pro, the portrait mode is very bad on pixel 8 pro compared to all other pixel phones except for pixel 1. iPhone 15 pro is perfect in every way this year iPhone 15 pro max takes the crown for me but till now it was always pixel over iPhone, pixel still wins in some categories but just by a small margin, otherwise iPhone is really consistent and trustworthy by giving realistic footage

[@rbroggo]

I have the 8pro and really enjoy using it. The fact that we're even having conversations about having our smartphones be our daily photography driver is nuts. It wasn't even that long ago that people wouldn't even humour the idea of doing a shoot with a smartphone only. I do have a question, regarding the 8pro. In the video you mention turning off the HDR function. Where is that setting as I can't find it anywhere?

[@BrianCatalano]

I couldn't agree more! I was just having this conversation with someone that this is the first time I have felt that the smartphone (that I owned) was officially capable of being a legit travel camera and could seriously be used for client work! So in the video mode, hit the gears to go into the settings, and you'll see 10-bit HDR. I make sure that it's off. Everything is way too saturated for me and although you could likely color grade it to be more neutral, it's not worth the extra work in my opinion!

[@rbroggo]

@@BrianCatalano thank you. Is the same HDR option available in photo mode? I'm noticing that there's some post processing being done to my images. For example, my skies are really bright in my portrait shoots. When I go in to edit them, the HDR is disabled whilst I edit, then enabled afterwards. It's frustrating as I'm colour matching how I like then changes again

[@BrianCatalano]

@@rbroggo there's isn't a HDR option to turn off in photo and it's true the phone is processing multiple exposures to create an high dynamic range image so the foreground (the person in the portrait) and the background (the sky) will look "enhanced", but in my experience it's usually done fairly tastefully or at least easy to edit by just reducing the saturation, changing the sky, or reducing the skin tones (all within the Google photo editor). Yet, it's possible that there is a setting I'm missing on yours that's accidentally turned on or something... as it's hard to tell without seeing your images. Not sure if that helps at all...

[@unluckytrader7893]

Man, what a review. You should have started this channel years back.

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much... I really appreciate that, and you are right--as in I also wish I started a channel years before I actually did! Thanks again!!

[@TomScryleus]

good video. I really like the googel 8 pro footage. I was shocked to see the iphone footage looking so... bad.. Usually iphones beat other smartphones in the video department. just out curiousity. did you film in 10bit apple log?

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you... And no I didn't shoot in log as I wanted to compare both in their auto modes, unedited. I'm sure though if I shot in pro res I could make the apple look better, but I was surprised with the general color differences, too!

[@kermitrehab]

he had a protective cover over the iPhone camera that was extremly dirty.that's why everything looks so bad.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@kermitrehab hello again, for whatever reason KZbin isn't showing me your response if you did respond to my previous comment. Yet, to rehash what I said, both cameras had protectors on and both looked clean prior to shooting and upon replicated the comparison, they appear the same in this video, so either some moisture has got under the protector (which I put both on and was very careful). Yet, they are different brands, which could be the problem... so maybe I need to try a different brand and welcome to any recommendations if you have any... But I will test this again in the future. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@kermitrehab]

just remove the protection and wipe the cameras, then try again ! I can promise you, your photos will turn out so much better, on both phones. @@BrianCatalano

[@BrianCatalano]

@@kermitrehab I actually did just that yesterday and got similar results. Yet one variable that's worth noting is only recently when you put HDR footage on a rec709 timeline in my editing software, Premiere, will it automatically convert the color space... And in the past it's been notoriously difficult to do so, so there may still be kinks to work out (with Apple and Adobe), that's why I turn HDR off on my pixel as it looks better in camera and in post. If I didn't have a rambunctious toddler, I'd probably remove the screen protector altogether, but maybe not for a few years...

[@chosenideahandle]

You put so much into these! Still rocking my iPhone Mini 12 here. I use it to cut last minute stuff into my videos sometimes, and my ability to match is not good lol.

[@BrianCatalano]

Yeah, I get that... I haven't been upgrading phones as I didn't think it would be possible to actually use footage from one, but after color correcting some clips, I think it's now possible to match phone to camera... Ugh, but one more piece of tech to get wrapped in, but it is nice to have a capable camera now in my pocket!

[@BryanElliott_]

THAT LOG ON THE NEW IPHONE 15 is pretty interesting! I’ve seen a lot of reviews on that make me wanna upgrade earlier then I should ! Thank for the video the quality is getting so good bro ! Happy for ya!!

[@BrianCatalano]

Really appreciate you... thank you! Yes, the log on the iphone looks amazing, but for me, I dont want to shoot in raw or in log on my phone (especially since the files are so big)... I want my smartphone to do all the work, but on a camera, I don't mind that workflow. However, it is really cool and its interesting to see how the tech will evolve in the next few years! Thanks again, Bryan!!

[@LivingInLAwithANJ]

I have the iPhone 15 pro max, but surprised by good the Google pixel looked in comparison ❤🎉

[@BrianCatalano]

I was surprised too. I just presumed the iPhone was going to be better but... I think the pixel has a better general image!

[@drs2328]

@@BrianCatalano by far!Very surprised by Google!

[@BrianCatalano]

@@drs2328 me too! I had mixed expectations but I at least presumed the iPhone would blow it out of the water in most categories... And the Pixel held its own and for me, had a more pleasing image straight out of the box!

[@TartinaraTesla789]

@LivinginLAwithANJ Congrats you just got the worst camera in that price range

[@DigiDriftZone]

In terms of photography on phone vs pro camera, If you want to replicate the results of a Phone on a full frame camera, get a 24mm lens and set it to f/6.3, you will get strikingly similar images (or 16mm F4 on APS-C). Because of this, you can expect phone images in general to look quite flat, the sun just an ugly blob, also usually less dynamic range which is compensated by hyper sharpness and usually a lack of micro contrast in favour of overall contrast/saturation (or fake looking high dynamic range with the computation). Also things like ugly flares because of the fixed aperture. One thing that's interesting on recent iPhones is ProRaw actually truly captures up to 14 stops of dynamic range (at ISO1,200 anyway, ISO10,000 equivalent on full frame). So by adding an ND filter, you can actually pull up the shadows and bring down the highlights MORE than on the A7C II in Lightroom - I mean, holy shit! -- unfortunately, in bright conditions this does drop by a few stops with lower ISOs, but still, that's really exciting. I do wonder how the Pixel compares here...

[@BrianCatalano]

So much gold in this comment... You're right on all fronts! I think for me, straight out of the box, I prefer the Pixel but I am confident that I could make the apple better in post especially if I was shooting in 10bit log...and likely with their RAW as well. I can now see the phone as a very capable b-cam or bts cam in most cases...and as a hobbyist (or possibly more), a competent A-cam!

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@BrianCatalano Thank you and indeed! - when I got my Fuji APS-C the lens everyone was talking about was the 16-80mm f/4, we now have 16mm f/4 APS-C equivalent on phones, that's crazy!

[@BrianCatalano]

@@DigiDriftZone I know ...and the whole focal range is impressive as well!

[@tracy419]

I know this video is a bit older and the 9 is already coming out, but thanks for this video. I've been looking into creating a couple of KZbin channels around my food forest and the 8 pro is what I'm using, but don't know much about photography or videography and am mostly looking for the dummies version of setting and forgetting most of it. Do you have more on just working with the 8 pro by chance? Or maybe know of a channel that talks more about content creation with smartphones? Thanks again for your video.

[@BrianCatalano]

Hello, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment and I understand how complicated learning about photography/videography can be... I am still using my 8 Pro and have made a few videos with them including this 6 months later review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHbRn5KwbdqrjaM However, I don't know if it's helpful enough in getting you started with general settings nor do I know any content creators teaching that specific topic, but maybe something I will consider. All I can say, is you just have to start doing it and publishing and you will get better and learn more with each video. Yet, feel free to ask me any questions you have along the way. Best of luck and thanks again!!

[@tracy419]

@@BrianCatalano thanks, I appreciate your response and I actually just watched that video, so thanks again🙂 I don't know if smart phone content creation videos for dummies is a profitable niche (can you even get affiliate money doing them?) or not, but if you end up doing something like that, I'll definitely be watching.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@tracy419 well, I do think there are more people like you out there who are making content on their phones, especially now as the quality has improved so much... and many more will be doing the same in years to come, so I will consider a video like that in the future. Thanks for the idea!!

[@kermitrehab]

4:52 - bro didnt even clean the lenses on the iphonoe beore taking photos and videos, also .. is there some crappy protection sitting on the ipohne 15 pro max camera ?

[@BrianCatalano]

That could have been a possible issue, but they both had "protectors" on the cameras, and I did wipe them down before usage. Yet, I treated the phones the same. Just picked up and shot, so maybe there is a variable not accounted for; the quality of the 15 Pro Max's screen or how moisture can get behind one vs the other. It's worth looking into. Every phone I've ever used has had them on, and have never had an issue with them before but if you know of a good brand, please let me know. Thanks!

[@kermitrehab]

from one of the shots it looks like the protector on the iphone is full of smudges and oils from hand or god knows what, anyway all those protectors are complete garbage quality glass, if even glass. i.imgur.com/Umk9eiO.png I would recomend removing all that and wiping the lens next time you do any tests.

[@_CRiT_hits_]

Great video. I just wish you spent more time on the actual pictures and footage of the cameras. I felt like it was 80% you talking, re-used clips and screenshots and 20% footage. And of that 20% it was very quick 1-2s clips so it was hard to make any comparisons.

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you, and that's completely fair... I may have been rushing to cover a lot of topics in a short amount of time, so I appreciate the feedback! I have a lot more videos planned and will go more in depth with just photography... after I actually get more time to put the camera to use in more settings. Thanks again!

[@nilaxgajjar8]

@BrianCatalano, Thank you for sharing the informative video. I appreciated how you highlighted the hardware differences between the devices. More than just a camera comparison, you've integrated your core camera skills, which is impressive. Your composition style is quite artistic

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much! It's hard to sum up or qualify how nice it is to read your comment... I never know what to expect when I get a notification here on KZbin, but all I ever hope for is to read a message like this. Not trying to sound over the top, I'm just sincerely appreciative and glad you picked up on what I was aiming to do in this video! Thanks again!!

[@Lynn-zw7dr]

Thanks from the UK Brian very useful ❤😊

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it... Cheers from here in LA!

[@spigot_holdings]

when a video boosted video is shared via google photos and then downloaded or saved to another account...it saves(or downloads) in 1080p rather than 4K ( downgraded version). Do you guys have this issue on Pixel 8 Pro? Basically the 4K version cannot be found on the device nor we can't share it via google photos to download

[@BrianCatalano]

I answered this with your other comment, but I will repeat just in case you missed it: Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention as I am working on a Video Boost video... and I hadn't noticed this until you mentioned it, but what I am finding is different. So it appears for me that Video Boost records the original video in 1080p but after it is processed (Boosted), it saves it as a 4k file, and when I share it (by creating a link and emailing it), these resolutions remain, the original video is 1080 and the boosted is 4k and within the Google Photos app on my phone it is the same. So maybe look at how you are sharing the files (annoyingly, you have to share them separately) and maybe look at your settings within Google Drive. Sometimes Google tries to save space and shares/stores lower resolution files maybe unless you manually say to share original resolution (which I may have done years ago and can't recall). Either way, it is confusing that it records in 1080 and Boosts back to 4k. Not sure if I answered the question, but I appreciate you asking it so I could investigate!

[@simonbussey7530]

There's a good reason to leave the default setting to 12MP. The sensor is small and the pixel binning that takes place really boosts the ability to catch light. In most scenarios you will actually get better quality, less noisey, sharper pictures in 12MP. It's a commonly held mis-belief that higher MP=higher quality images.

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you again for sharing this!

[@benk2374]

On the Pixel 8 Pro this isn't accurate. The P8P in 50mp mode isn't actually shooting using the 50mp. It's basically doing a multi shot high res mode like Olympus and some other mirrorless cameras do. It's taking multiple 12mp binned raws, stacking and combining them into a 50mp shot.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@benk2374 I hope @simonbussey7530 sees your comment, as you both sound way more knowledgeable than me on this topic, and I'd love to hear his thoughts... I've been playing with both 12MP and 50MP, and other than the ability to crop in further on the 50, I'm noticing the 50 doesn't introduce more noise but does general produce a better image... But I'm not pixel-peeping per se, just Pixel perusing... so that all would make sense. Thank you!

[@jorgeescudero5034]

​@@benk2374not really. It is using the real 50mp sensor but is using multistacking to "fill" the gap for small pixels, usually androod high resolution photos have some "oil painting" details, but they pixel looks pretty legit.

[@aniketgowardhan1456]

Absolutely enjoy and love your video ❤

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much... I really appreciate it!!

[@spigot_holdings]

This is kind of channel I was looking for!!! Pixel 8 Pro, Sony A7Cii etc....I am confused whether to take Sony A7Cii or Pixel 8 Pro...with all the video boost etc...!!! ( Currently I have Pixel 7 Pro)

[@BrianCatalano]

Amazing! Glad I could help and it's a strangely unique problem as I don't know a lot of other people who have both, but I just got back from a long trip where all I can say is I was thankful that I had both cameras. The ultra wide lens on the pixel came in handy and the A7Cii for lowlight and just to have better quality photos. Yet, I will continue to compare both on my channel and honestly, I don't know which is rather have if I could only have now. You can check out my most recent POV video from my A7Cii with comparison with my phone here (but more are coming): kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV6rgKSGfrBssLM

[@ÆßV]

I've tested these devices for years now as a senior xda dev and what I can say for sure is that Google needs to fix it's portrait algorithm. It's 10/10 sometimes and its 1/10 in other's. For landscape photography, Pixel is the King. Be it texture rendition or colours. But people may not find this approach great when it comes to human subjects. iPhone's skin texture rendition is among the best (appealing) and since iphone 12, Apple has taken Samsung's route of brighter tones, higher saturation etc. So much so that the human photos from my Iphone 15 pro max have a brighter exposure, flatter skin-tones than my S23. The highlights are extremely bright and the contrast is kinda deep too. It kinda adds wax skin effect and warm skin-tones in most shots. Apple's video noise reduction and HDR performance in low-light videos is why I like it. Nonetheless, great comparison. Cheers 🥂

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you for all this... Great breakdown! I take mostly landscape, and hardly ever portraits, so that makes sense (anecdotally for me)... Yet, it is interesting to see how each camera brand has their particular strength, and I wonder if they always will, are those differences lessening with each generation? Regardless, I was surprised with how different the iPhone and Pixel were. I'm looking forward to seeing what Samsung does next too. Thanks again... You got me thinking!

[@jerradmechals1]

Great comment dude well said i agree completely

[@BrianCatalano]

@@jerradmechals1 agreed, he summed it up pretty perfectly!

[@prashantkrishna5272]

Your videos are so underrated man !!

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much... I really appreciate that!! (Great comment to wake up to! Thanks again!)

[@docholliday1811]

Awesome video and really informative. Thank you.

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know! It helps keep me going more than I can express... Thanks again!!

[@munibali2242]

I have actually applauded apple in the past few iterations for a great camera, but this time - all in all - Pixel 8 Pro wins by quite some distance. See 3:40 for reference. 15 Pro Max looks like it is being filmed from my kid's LeapPad. I was particularly shocked when you said you liked the cinematic shot in iPhone more than the pixel's max blurring (while keeping in mind the pixel handicap at 1080p vs 4k). I actually thought this was where iPhone looked the worst. "Cartoony" artificial, overexposed, unrealistic colors (I know this by comparing with the Sony shots from earlier), with laughable bokeh (why does it feel worse than before because I usually like Apple's bokeh). That being said, I can see how social media influencers would gravitate towards all those properties I just listed. Some people may applaud this (and I see a few comments below doing just that), but that "waxy" or pearly skin effect and deceptive negotiations between highlights and contract is just not my preference. Doesn't help when so many of our youth suffer with self-esteem issues about their skin as well.

[@BrianCatalano]

I don't know where to begin... Great points all around! To be honest, I wrote my observations regarding the cinematic blur footage while I was looking at both phones in my hand, and I was likely looking too much at how the blur was rotoscoping (or cutting out) my hair, and the iPhone's 4k looking initially great... But when I pulled both in my editing timeline, the pixel looked so much better. Way more natural... Less phone-hyper-hdr-y, and the Pixel felt balanced even if the blur wasn't as good, I'd still prefer it. So I appreciate you seeing that as well...and generally, great points and observations... Thank you!

[@JohnnyJammerizer]

You are so spot on regarding the cinematic vdo part. I just wish google can allow cinematic mode in 4K in a future update if that's even possible with the current hardware. In regards to portrait photography , coming from the Samsung S21U, I wished the Pixel 8 pro had the possibility to tone alter the bokeh effect after the shot because to me its a bit too much and can look too artificial at times. With the Samsung you could tune the bokeh effect afterwards in the edit mode or even change to diffent bokeh effects...with the P8 pro you can only undo the effect.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@JohnnyJammerizer yes, I'd love that too. It does seem that Google is playing catch-up on the whole cinematic portrait blur to both Samsung and Apple which seems surprising as Google had always had a leg up with computational photography in the recent past... But I do imagine, we will have to wait until the Pixel 9 before we get those features and in 4k!

[@AlexR-wk6zf]

Hey Brian. Video boost is already out. Would you like to do a promised review of the feature? Thanks ahead of time.

[@BrianCatalano]

Hello! Yes, I totally plan on do a full length video soon... Thank you! I have a short up already if you want to check it out (it was on the night that it dropped on my phone): kzbin.infoXHkrVbSjm3I?feature=share

[@Lucatoni22]

You kidding me only 3 k subs I thought you had millions when the pop up to subscribe

[@BrianCatalano]

I really appreciate you taking the time out to comment this... as honestly, a message like yours is the fuel that keeps me going. These videos are hard to make, and I never know if I'm on the right track... so this really does help. Thanks again!!

[@khemetbey803]

I like your content, great job! Earned a subscriber

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much... I really appreciate that! Out of curiosity, are you more into mirrorless cameras or smartphones?

[@khemetbey803]

@@BrianCatalano To be honest I have not picked up a camera in awhile due to the need for convenience and price of lenses, so, I have recently got into smartphones for photography. I am using pictures I take to draw from, a phone suffices for that.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@khemetbey803 brilliant and that makes complete sense! I'm also using my phone a lot more and in the process of making more Pixel content and specifically a video about smart phone photography because I think a lot more people are taking it seriously due to the technology closing the gap!

[@khemetbey803]

@@BrianCatalano I, for one, would definitely appreciate the shared knowledge. I do want to get creative with photography and filming.

[@khemetbey803]

@@BrianCatalano I enjoy the Pixel 8 Pro photo output. I have to play with the creative aspect of it i.e. moving the subject to obscured places.

[@eugenewangchuck8633]

The low light comparison with ZV-E1, you should choose ISO higher using ISO Auto so that the output is much cleaner, and also you can add noise reduction when editing. I think ZV-E1 with f4 still can win phone's low light ability.

[@BrianCatalano]

You are probably right! However, do you mean, change the ISO manually on the Pixel instead of auto ISO...or auto ISO on the zve1? If the former, I probably should have. That's something worth playing with as I know some cameras lock their ISO range but if you manually raise it, it will perform much better especially if you have good software for noise reduction or a plug in. If you mean shoot higher than ISO 12800 on the zve1... That's interesting. I pretty much only shoot in the base ISOs so it's something I haven't experimented much with. I got used to cine ei on the fx3 so I just shoot in 800 (or 640) and 12800. I think if I edited in Resolve I might consider shooting higher, too! You got me thinking though... Thanks!

[@eugenewangchuck8633]

@@BrianCatalano If the environment is too dark and you limit ISO to 12800, you will get dark and blur video images. In such case, using higher ISO gives better results. ZV-E1 is good at low light compared to a7cii, and ISO102400 is still usable if you compare to phones. The output with ISO102400 has more details than the output from phones in low light. So, you may try setting ISO limit to 102400. Off course, the camera will not use such high ISO in normal low light situation so that your video will not be affected.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@eugenewangchuck8633 that's an interesting approach... I will try that next time. Thank you! Like I said, I try to never go above the second base ISO in SLOG3 of the zve1 for fear of noise... However, with my A7CII, where the second base ISO is 3200 in slog3, you have to shoot above that and it's surprisingly less noisy than you would think... It still performs much worse in lowlight compared to my fx3 and ZV-E1, but I'm finding you have to go above 3200 which is counterintuitive. I'm working on a video comparing those two cameras now. Thanks for giving me something new to test!

[@eugenewangchuck8633]

@@BrianCatalano I see, you are right. ISO12800 is a base ISO for zv-e1, and close to ISO12800 such as ISO 10000 is very noisy so that by setting ISO to 12800 you can get cleaner output. However, if you shoot in extreme low light situation and ISO12800 cannot handle it, the result is not very good. If you set ISO to Auto from 12800 to 102400, you will get better result when ISO12800 cannot handle it. Anyway, 99% of time camera will choose ISO12800 so that you will not lose anything.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@eugenewangchuck8633 yes, I definitely get that... I usually never shoot in auto ISO (except now on the Pixel 8 Pro and A7CII), and love have ”cine ei” locking my iso on the FX3, but I do want to experiment more with this on the zve1 with flexible ISO! Thank you!

[@chrisregister8021]

So where is the in between? something That is a dedicated camera but simple like a smartphone camera...

[@BrianCatalano]

That's a great question! For me, a great in between would be a point and shoot, like the Sony ZV-1... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnLHinuYl95loJI

[@rileyfreeman5990]

Just picked up the ZV-E1 and videos like this make me wonder if I wasted my money lol. I love it so far tho

[@BrianCatalano]

Ha ha... I get that, but honestly I now have the FX3, A7Cii, ZV1, and zve1...and I think my favorite is the zve1! Every camera I pick up, I compare it to it... and am usually disappointed. If I did a proper comparison between the Pixel 8 pro and the zve1, I don't think the pixel would even compete. Long and short of it, I think you made a great purchase! I have a bunch of zve1 videos on my channel and way more coming because I think it is the best camera of the year (or last few), for me!

[@rileyfreeman5990]

@@BrianCatalano okay that makes me feel better lol. I’ve watched all your zv-e1 videos, they’re part of the reason I decided to go with this camera! They’re very well made and super insightful! I think I’m going pick up the Rokinon 18mm f2.8 as my main travel vloging lens.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@rileyfreeman5990 I really appreciate that more than you know, and the zve1 doesn't get enough love... And I'm not fully sure why, but I see more and more bigger creators have the zve1 as their main a or b cam, but they don't discuss it much. I do think it will gain in popularity over time! Also, I really do love the 18mm f2.8. It's a perfect all around wide angle lens... Both compact and affordable, pairs perfectly with the zve1, especially with dynamic stabilization! Thanks again!!

[@francoismarc3]

Daaaaaang, the Pixel 8 looks great! It's a shame Samsung and Apple dominate the phone market here in Korea; I would have to order the Google from Amazon (and hopefully not pay import fees hahah). Seriously, that phone looks amazing for social media and KZbin! But here's the bigger question. When are you going to sell me your A7cii or ZV-E1?!? You cant keep both!! Hahahaha Great video as always!!!

[@BrianCatalano]

That is a shame... I'm surprised Google hasn't made more of a push in other markets. What phone do you currently have? I will sell you my zve1 or my A7Cii as soon as I know which one to sell!! Thank you!

[@francoismarc3]

@BrianCatalano I'm currently using the Samsung Galaxy S21ultra. It's a great phone, but the came is lacking in some features. I don't think Samsun will let Google come here hahaha. Look forward to your camera decision soon!! Hahah

[@BrianCatalano]

@@francoismarc3 silly Samsung!! But I get it ... and I will!

[@KingNipz]

Hi! Does anyone else find when they select 50MP resolution, the photos are always blurry compared to the 12MP resolution setting? If so, know any fix?

[@BrianCatalano]

Great question, from what I gather, with 12mp you can snap quickly and the camera can process/render the image immediately. However, with 50mp, you have to hold still for a long beat to allow it to process all those megapixels... So, you can't just snap a pic, you have to press the shutter, hold, and wait. Does that make sense?

[@simonbussey7530]

​@@BrianCatalanopixel binning really improves the quality on these tiny phone sensors. In anything less than ideal conditions the photos in 12MP are noticeably better quality with lower noise, than 50MP. The extra light means lower ISO and smaller exposure times. On a mobile display you'll never see the resolution difference, but you'll certainly notice the improved image quality.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@simonbussey7530 excellent point... and new information for me but makes a lot of sense! I wasn't sure if it was binning, skipping, or downsampling... and I'm generally unsure as to how these small sensors do that they do, so thank you! Now, I want to do more research and comparisons between the two resolutions. Thanks again!!

[@foobar1500]

There are multiple factors at play. In short, phone cameras are not optimised to take >12 MP photos since 12 MP is quite sufficient for almost all users. Breaking it down: - in 50 MP mode every pixel has at most quarter rate of photons coming in, and the same applies to readout SNR, - they're also at least twice as sensitive to blurriness due to shake, and focusing is also more of an issue, - sensors built for preferred 12 MP readout having Quad Bayer filter pattern have to trade off even more of either resolution or colour accuracy in the demosaicing phase in 50 MP mode, - 12 MP readout is almost certainly significantly faster than 50 MP readout, which poses additional complications when computational photography tries to compensate for above issues with multiple exposures, and - software has to find a compromise which end users find acceptable after all this. Most of my 50 MP test photos with Pixel 8 Pro don't really bring any benefits in comparison to 12 MP, but I have couple which are actually quite good at improving resolution. In these cases fine details were relatively high-contrast black text on a fixed subject at a distance of over five metres, outdoors in tropical, very favourably lit conditions.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@foobar1500 I can't thank you enough for taking the time to go into such depth. It's rare that you learn anything useful from a KZbin comment, but a few messages in this thread over the past week have legitimately taught me more about how phone cameras work than anything else I've read or watched previously... yet, yours may have taken the cake! Thanks again, I really appreciate you sharing this!!

[@neilwcr]

You really need to try the Sony Xperia 1 mark v. The UI will be extremely familiar to you and the results will blow Google out of the water

[@BrianCatalano]

I'd love to! I wish I could just play with one for a bit, but nobody I know has one at the moment!

[@serktv6231]

Did anyone notice the delay between audio and video with the iphone 15pro cinematic mode? 4:03 or is it because of the cut scene

[@BrianCatalano]

Great catch! Yes, something happened during the render (purely an editing error), I'm not sure if it was a frame rate issue or what but I only caught it after I published the video!

[@serktv6231]

@BrianCatalano hihihi....I was about to Boo👎 lthe iphone 🤣 But I saw the fade jump cut, so I thought. Maybe it's the editing. Happens sometimes 🥲

[@BrianCatalano]

@@serktv6231 ha ha! Yeah, it was more of a case of... boo, the editor!

[@serktv6231]

@BrianCatalano hahaa...noooo don't be like that 🥲 your video is informative and good. I can't decide between the iphone, pixel and s23 ultra. They each have their best sides.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@serktv6231 I really appreciate that... Thank you! And I also get your dilemma. I am a Mac user, but everything else I do is on Google but I love cameras and Samsung makes amazing hardware... But this is my third Google because I find the Apple OS frustrating, and Samsung seemed unnecessary for me and the time, and I like Google's integration software. Yet, I am curious to see what the s24 will be. What phone do you have currently?

[@vueport99]

XPERIA 1 V comparison is needed for the zoom lens

[@BrianCatalano]

Agreed!! I'd love to get my hands on one to test... Great idea!

[@Taxi-yq6vv]

The 16:9 ratio is just a crop of the whole 4:3 photo. So yeah you get a lot more in the shot on 4:3.

[@BrianCatalano]

Yes, precisely! It would be cool if there was some sort of anamorphic mode that used the full resolution and desqueezed to 16:9. Regardless, it's still more than enough for me!

[@Matty_B717]

"The best camera is the one you have." Anymore, it's mostly just personal preference. I like the colors on Pixel better. More life-like and less cartoony. And once it's graded, you really can't tell a difference between 1080 and 4K.

[@BrianCatalano]

I agree on all that! I too think it's a personal preference, and maybe some brand bias on my end that I'm unaware of fully, but I prefer the colors on the pixel.

[@spigot_holdings]

@BrianCatalano Compare a video between Pixel 8 Pro with video Boost vs Sony A7Cii

[@BrianCatalano]

I definitely will be when I get video boost... Hoping to play with it soon!!

[@aliettienne2907]

Unequivocally I can say that Google matches the Sony A7Cii super clarity and clean view which is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The super clean view is one area of Pixel 8 Pro recording that is satisfactory impressionable. 😎💯💯💪🏾👍🏾

[@BrianCatalano]

I agree with you! I was surprised by how easy it was to match the A7Cii and the 8 pro with a color grade... Quite impressed with it so far!!

[@SADASVN]

Oh you came to Mauritius island. :)

[@BrianCatalano]

Yes, I love Mauritius! My in-laws live there... I'm actually headed there in two weeks and can't wait to take tons more pics!

[@VoicedTV2]

The advances of technology with phone cameras are crazy. With certain phones you can just use that to Vlog & be good. Are we counting our days with cameras?? 😂

[@BrianCatalano]

I know, it's crazy!! And... I don't know, maybe soon!? Yet, the true test will be when a big budget IMAX movie gets made on a phone (like they did with the Sony FX3)... If or when that happens, our days may be up!

[@elenahalushka4481]

Thank you for this video!) it’s really helpful me. I’m psychologist with iPhone 13 and I wanna buy new phone with good camera for making talking video in instagram in TikTok. I saw video about filming on IPhone 15 pro and camera that cost 100 000$ Arri Alexa and I was shocked coz it’s was videos in the same level. But I’m sure that after this video I will buy Google Pixel Pro.

[@BrianCatalano]

That's amazing, and I'm really happy to hear that I was able to help you make a decision here... I definitely think the Pixel will be perfect for your needs, and if I was on Tik Tok, that's the content I'd be most interested in! I got my undergraduate in Psychology and masters in Special Education, so I'm as interested in your niche as I am with cameras... Let me know how it goes when you get the phone as I'd be interested in your impressions of it. Thank you!!

[@cozalenko7-341]

Love my pixel 8 pro. Simply awesome. 💪🔥

[@BrianCatalano]

I couldn't agree more!! I've even been enjoying it more than I expected I would have, especially the camera!

[@cozalenko7-341]

​@@BrianCatalanothanks so much for the camera tips with it too. I've changed them to the ones you use. Should I lens select on auto or manual though? Thanks heaps.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@cozalenko7-341 that's a great question... And something I just adjusted. I am now using auto lens select, so I can get the Macro Focus. I didn't realize you don't get Macro if you are in manual select...

[@cozalenko7-341]

Thanks so much ​@@BrianCatalano. That's fantastic. 😉 PS I'm in Australia. You now have another Aussie fan and subscriber. Cheers mate. 🤘😁🇦🇺🌏🦘🪃🍻

[@BrianCatalano]

@@cozalenko7-341 that's really kind of you... Thank you! And cheers right back! Hoping to get back to Oz one day to take some pictures!!

[@krisvaras7801]

ah yes, the ''google 8 pro'' and ''apple 15 pro''

[@BrianCatalano]

Two great devices, but just curious, did you have a preference?

[@atemkeng33]

Thanks for the video and your efforts :) I mean, a FF camera will always be better than a phone. Especially when using a good lense with a F1.4 to F2.8. But, for most people taking pics on their phone, it is for instagram and a normal user might not be able to tell what he is missing on the phone compared to the camera. I think the iphone might take more pleasing pictures for most people, if you just want to post it on instagram out of the box. It tries to make face and skintones flattery. Could it be that the pictures of the pixel 8 pro have a more HDR style? They look more contrasty which isn't always good for portraits, in my opinion. But then again, taste varies, right? :)

[@BrianCatalano]

I completely agree with all that... I was recently caught trying to explain to a non camera obsessed person why someone would use a camera and not a phone... And I realized I didn't have a clear or succinct answer. I can only see that delineation becoming harder to justify. Yet, I still believe there's a world where a compact, full frame camera could have software similar to the pixel or iPhone. I also could imagine a world where I explain cameras better to smart phone users! Either way, I agree!

[@NizarNoor]

HDR style means less contrast and more flat. So it can’t be both in the same picture.

[@BrianCatalano]

@@NizarNoor I think I get why that's confusing... the high dynamic range look that a lot of us think of when we imagine a phone's image is after it has been post-processed with saturation and contrast... whereas high dynamic range, in and of itself means, that we can obtain more information in the shadows and highlights, so if we were shooting in a log format, you'd have a higher dynamic range, but it would look flatter with less contrast. You could then apply your own color grade to it and have more room to push and pull colors manually--instead of the phone doing it, or maybe overdoing it, which is usually the case. I'm not sure if that helped or just made things more confusing!?

[@Mouis2023]

I enjoy the video...nice

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

[@Ampedup562]

The Pixel it’s amazing wow

[@BrianCatalano]

I was really surprised too! It exceeded my expectations!

[@spigot_holdings]

When a boosted video is shared via Google Photos and subsequently downloaded or saved to another account, it is saved or downloaded in 1080p rather than the original 4K resolution, resulting in a downgraded version. Are you experiencing this issue on the Pixel 8 Pro? Essentially, the 4K version cannot be located on the device, and sharing it via Google Photos for download is not possible

[@BrianCatalano]

Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention as I am working on a Video Boost video... and I hadn't noticed this until you mentioned it, but what I am finding is different. So it appears for me that Video Boost records the original video in 1080p but after it is processed (Boosted), it saves it as a 4k file, and when I share it (by creating a link and emailing it), these resolutions remain, the original video is 1080 and the boosted is 4k and within the Google Photos app on my phone it is the same. So maybe look at how you are sharing the files (annoyingly, you have to share them separately) and maybe look at your settings within Google Drive. Sometimes Google tries to save space and shares/stores lower resolution files maybe unless you manually say to share original resolution (which I may have done years ago and can't recall). Either way, it is confusing that it records in 1080 and Boosts back to 4k. Not sure if I answered the question, but I appreciate you asking it so I could investigate!

[@JulioJimenez-ys8zd]

If the regular camera 📸 has an edge i still will go with the phone at least i can put it in my pocket while the camera 📸 i probably need a backpack 🎒

[@BrianCatalano]

That's a really good point and even if I have a backpack full of cameras, it's way easier to just reach into my pocket to take a pic... And now, I don't feel I'm compromised with the photo quality!

[@AndriyYakovlevleo]

How much Google pay you?

[@BrianCatalano]

Ha ha... I wish! I was actually an HTC guy before and then Google bought them (yet, sadly, neither has attempted to buy me)! But when HTC was doing the camera hardware, I was always drawn to their image, and I'm not sure why, precisely.

[@AndriyYakovlevleo]

@@BrianCatalanothe iphone camera can't be that bad

[@BrianCatalano]

@@AndriyYakovlevleo you know, in my experience (it's my wife's iphone and she's uses it to create content), I have to say that it usually looks great in camera but whenever I try to edit iPhone videos in my timeline (even with the most recent updates to premiere in 2024) the color space transforms, are way off ... So the HDR footage is really difficult to make look good and these were unedited. Whereas I didn't have that issue with the Pixel (but I had HDR turned off). I think this is why Apple made a prores raw (log) option, so you can color grade the footage. Regardless, the pixel seems a more easy format to work with as is.

[@AndriyYakovlevleo]

​@@BrianCatalanoI don't know dude, but if you had recorded in auto mode the result would have been completely different. In your video, the video from the iPhone looks terrible, and I'm sure the iPhone is better.

[@AndriyYakovlevleo]

​@@BrianCatalanoApparently, you don't know how to edit video from an iPhone, then this explains everything😅

[@creativeearthian1702]

I find it absurd that you're saying the iPhone recorded that cinematic part better. It was a complete overexposed disaster

[@BrianCatalano]

I agree, that's why I added that caption modifier... because when I viewed both the iPhone and the Pixel in my hand to examine how it cut around and rotoscoped the subject, the iPhone did a much better job... But once I put both footage in my editing timeline, the iPhone looked awful. This is likely due to how Apple's HDR color works within an Adobe rgb conversion. This is why I turn HDR off on the Google but I also think the pixel general handles colors and skin tone much better too... So even though the blur effect doesn't mask as well on the pixel, you are right, it looks so much more natural and correctly exposed. I should have noted that more clearly. Thank you!

[@creativeearthian1702]

@@BrianCatalano appreciate the awesome reply. Cheers:)

[@ronaldartakva8058]

Pls. Whenever you decide to put down your camera and prefers your phone..pls. just give that camera to me ❤️🙏

[@BrianCatalano]

Ha ha... Deal!! I probably need to deal with my camera addiction anyways!

[@mikering6393]

Damn, the iPhone video was blown out too bright

[@BrianCatalano]

I know, rather unexpected... I think it's mostly due to Apple's HDR vs Google's non-hdr

[@silence1s3]

a7cii is 10000% better quality.. and if you cant see it change your eyes

[@BrianCatalano]

Ha ha! I tend to agree (hence why I have it)... And a full frame, 33MP camera will smoke any phone in most scenarios, but I was surprised at how easy it was to match the image, so as a b-cam, it's a great option... Or if it's the only camera you have on you, its impressive how far the tech has come!

[@JulioJimenez-ys8zd]

I think that he said that but phones is getting better which is true

[@BrianCatalano]

@@JulioJimenez-ys8zd thank you... And you're spot on!

[@benleonheart]

Google Pixel all day, every day

[@BrianCatalano]

I couldn't agree more!!

[@davidstjohn1]

The iPhone looks terrible

[@BrianCatalano]

I was surprised too... My thought was, as one commented here, who thought that maybe the screen protector on the camera was dirty, but I checked... And it didn't look any different unless moisture got in there somehow, but I had a protector on the pixel too. For me, it had more to do with Pixel having better colors...

[@OgoSergey]

I think it's funny to try to justify Google where Apple ahead at a long distance. Ridiculous and shameful spin, cheap and low anti-advertising. Google many places are better today and it would be better to emphasize the current advantages. And then they tightened up the shortcomings. Ordering such a stupid advertisement is extremely stupid. Cinematic mode from Google For now it's a shame and it would be better if it was completed.

[@BrianCatalano]

It appears we have different view points here, and I apologize as I don't fully understand the case you're trying to make, but that's completely ok... I still appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective!

[@OgoSergey]

​@@BrianCatalanoI like and use Pixel for many years. Pixel 7 Pro for now and 8 Pro prepurchased. But it is precisely such stupid purchased comparisons is cause disgust. Turned up the brightness to iPhone , you ask stupid questions. Report Google, - This kind of advertising works the other way around!

[@BrianCatalano]

@@OgoSergey that's cool! And yeah, I still think there's something lost in translation here, but no problem as it sounds like the Google Pixel 8 Pro is not for you. I hope you find a new phone, if you haven't already, that meets your needs... Thanks again!

[@OgoSergey]

@@BrianCatalano lol dude. I know about Pixel more than Google. And your review is suck. You so funny bab. And sorry for my English.

[@RetroKid]

Another useless camera comparison with totally useless subjects. No one uses their camera to take picture after picture of inanimate objects and random places. People use their cameras to TAKE PICTURES OF PEOPLE...not alleyways and brick buildings. On top of that, where are the indoor photos of people? Only narcissists take that many pictures of themselves, and only idiots take pictures of themselves in the dark. Most NORMAL people take pictures of other people indoors, like in a restaurant or living room. THOSE are actual examples that would make for a relevant camera comparison...but no one does those because only the Pixel does indoor lowlight well.

[@BrianCatalano]

Thanks for taking the time to express your personal preferences... Good luck in finding what you're looking for!

[@Coco1477]

Actually more people prefer to take pictures of places they visit more than pictures of people they see everyday. The scenarios presented in the video are completely reasonable.

[@RetroKid]

What's your proof of that? Because my proof is something like FACEBook. The site is huge because people want to share pictures of people...not sunsets. How many pictures of scenery do you have in your gallery versus how many pictures of people you went there with, met, or care about? What's the ratio? 1:1? Or are there way more faces in your pics than trees, bushes and brick buildings?

[@BrianCatalano]

@@Coco1477 I appreciate that... I was hoping to do some initial first impressions/tests of the camera in various settings and lighting conditions that would represent how others might use the pixel. Yet, I'm aware that everybody uses their camera differently, and I never know what type of shot or footage will be most helpful... So again, I appreciate you saying that. Thank you!!

[@Coco1477]

@@BrianCatalano no problem mate 👍 awesome video.