Google Pixel 6’s Video Stabilization Modes: Explained

The Pixel 6 series offers the very best camera that Google has ever included with a phone, improving video quality and zoom range, a combination that benefits greatly from better stabilization options. Stabilization is often the difference between the look of a smooth, professional-looking production and an amateur video.

When zooming in from a long-range with any type of camera, the tiniest movement can result in a big jostle of the subject, potentially ruining the video. Pixel smartphone cameras benefit from Google’s Super Res Zoom feature which expands the range of the camera, so this might be a concern even when there isn’t a dedicated telephoto lens. Shooting with the wide-angle camera helps but doesn’t prevent the shake that is common in hand-held video, and walking while recording will introduce vibration with every step.

Google supercharges the camera app of its Pixel phones with special video stabilization modes to help remove the shake. Currently, there are four types available: Standard, Locked, Active, and Cinematic Pan. Each has a different effect on how the camera app adjusts for movement. The newest and most useful for the Pixel 6 Pro is Locked since it helps eliminate hand-shake when zooming in on distant objects. When using the camera app in video mode, tapping the hand icon at the lower-left will reveal all four options. Tapping Locked will enable Locked mode, causing the camera to attempt to eliminate all camera movement. This mode starts at two times zoom since it uses the image data at the edges for electronic stabilization. The effect is an impressive, rock-steady video at full resolution even when recording hand-held with the Pixel 6’s 7 times zoom or the Pixel 6 Pro’s 20 times zoom.

More Pixel 6 Video Stabilization Modes

Panning and sweeping movements are also particularly challenging since years of television and movies have set high expectations for slow, steady pans that are very difficult to achieve with a smartphone. Google makes this ridiculously easy with its Cinematic Pan stabilization mode, which works to minimize hand-shake, slowing playback to half-speed while retaining the full quality, and it’s available even when using the Pixel 6’s 4K resolution. While audio isn’t recorded in this mode, the video effect is stunning, making a walking video appear as if it was recorded with a camera that was dollied around on wheels.

Active stabilization is best for times when some camera jostling is expected, perhaps while running or biking on a rough road. In this mode, the video resolution is capped at 1080p even on the Pixel 6, allowing extra room around the edges for Google’s stabilization algorithm to reverse the motion and smooth out most of the bumps. This mode is similar to Standard but resists tilting to the left or right, keeping the video level. The lower-quality means this should only be used when necessary.

Of the options, Active is good for somewhat out-of-control situations, Standard is best for normal use, Locked works great for long-range zooming on a subject that stays in place, and Cinematic Pan is the choice for super steady recording, as long as slowing to half-speed is okay. With four options to choose from, the Pixel 6 series is ready to record stabilized video in almost any situation.

Source: Google

About The Author

Alan Truly
(1137 Articles Published)

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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