The Pixel 7 Pro: A Photographer's Delight

Naturally, our eyes are drawn to the Pro more so than the vanilla, so we're starting our review journey with that one. One of the two key differences this year, looking at the spec sheet, is the new telephoto camera, which trades in the larger sensor size for a longer zoom reach - that doesn't immediately strike us as an entirely positive development, though the 5x zoom is appreciated.

The other new bit is the chipset. The tailor-made Tensor G2 comes with some new CPU cores and a new GPU, as well as who knows exactly how many under-the-hood improvements, but is still manufactured on a 5nm process, when competitors are at 4nm.

Physically, the handset is the same as last year, but also different. The camera strip on the back is still here and just as prominent, only now it's part of the aluminum frame and not a separate glass piece as last year.

More optical zoom, AF on the UW, better Super Res

The Pixel 6 Pro brought the major camera upgrades, the 7 Pro builds on them. For starters, the main camera is unchanged from last year's model. The ultrawide may or may not have a new sensor, but it certainly has autofocus this time around - a most welcome development you don't get on the non-Pro. At the opposite end of the zoom range, the telephoto now reaches 5x optical zoom (up from 4x) albeit at the expense of using a smaller sensor.

Main Camera: Capturing Natural Colors with Clarity

The primary camera's sensor is most likely the Samsung GN1 and it has a 1/1.31" optical format and uses 4-to-1 to get from its nominal 50MP resolution to 12.5MP resulting images. Google specifies an 82-degree field of view for the lens, which more or less corresponds to a 25mm equivalent focal length, though the EXIF data reports 24mm and that's what the sensor's crop factor points to as well. The lens is stabilized.

Ultrawide Camera: More Detail and Autofocus

The ultrawide camera maintains the sensor numbers of its predecessor - 12MP, 1.25µm pixel pitch (so 1/2.9" optical format), and it still produces 12.5MP images because numbers don't matter anymore. The lens has a wider field of view this time (125.8° vs 114° on the Pixel 6 Pro), though you won't be getting all of it once the distortion correction has its way. The most important development here is the introduction of autofocus, which not only enables the new macro mode but also allows you to capture a wider variety of shots.

Low-Light Photography: Night Sight Shines

In low-light situations, the Pixel 7 Pro continues to impress. The Night Sight mode, an integral part of the Pixel's camera software, enhances low-light photography by capturing more light and reducing noise. The results are stunning, with well-preserved colors and impressive detail even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're capturing cityscapes at night or dimly lit interiors, the Pixel 7 Pro's camera delivers outstanding performance.

Conclusion

As a photography enthusiast, I highly recommend the Pixel 7 Pro for its exceptional camera performance. The phone's ability to capture natural colors, impressive dynamic range, and powerful zoom capabilities make it a standout choice for those who value photography in their smartphone experience.

However, it's important to note that obtaining the Pixel 7 Pro may require some extra effort, especially if you're located in a region where it is not officially sold. In the case of the Philippines, for example, the Pixel 7 Pro needs to be imported, as there is no Google service center available locally.

Despite these potential challenges, the Pixel 7 Pro's camera prowess and the overall experience it offers make it worth considering for photography enthusiasts who are willing to go the extra mile to acquire it. Unlock your creativity and explore the world of mobile photography with the Pixel 7 Pro.