Google has introduced an exciting new feature for Pixel phone users who enjoy night sky photography. The latest Pixel Camera app update adds manual controls for Astrophotography mode, giving photographers more flexibility when capturing stunning images of stars, planets and other celestial objects.
What’s New in Astrophotography Mode
The Pixel Camera app version 9.5.118 brings manual activation of Astrophotography mode within Night Sight. Previously, users had to rely on the phone automatically detecting ideal conditions before enabling this specialized long-exposure mode. Now, photographers have direct control over when to use Astrophotography capabilities.
Key changes include:
- Manual toggle for Astrophotography mode
- Adjustable exposure times up to 4 minutes
- Custom shutter timer options (3, 5 or 10 seconds)
- Ability to use handheld without a tripod
These new controls open up creative possibilities for night sky photography on Pixel devices.
How to Enable Manual Astrophotography Mode
Step 1: Open the Pixel Camera app and swipe to Night Sight mode.
Step 2: Tap the controls icon in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Locate the Night Sight slider and swipe it to “Astro” on the far right.
Step 4: The shutter button will change to show the Astrophotography icon, indicating the mode is active.
You can now adjust exposure time and other settings before capturing your shot. The phone will still recommend using a tripod for best results with longer exposures.
Tips for Great Astrophotography Results
- Find a dark location away from light pollution
- Use a tripod for exposures longer than 30 seconds
- Experiment with different exposure times
- Try framing terrestrial objects in the foreground
- Use the self-timer to avoid camera shake
- Post-process RAW files for more editing control
Compatibility and Availability
Manual Astrophotography mode requires a Pixel phone running Android 14 or later. While Google hasn’t officially released this Camera app version through the Play Store yet, tech-savvy users can sideload the APK file from trusted third-party sites.
However, it’s generally recommended to wait for the official update through proper channels to ensure security and stability. Google will likely roll out this feature more widely in the coming weeks.
This update demonstrates Google’s commitment to empowering mobile photographers with pro-level tools. Pixel users now have even more control when capturing the beauty of the night sky.