Published on October 13th, 2023
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro stand out as flagship smartphones highly focused on AI integration in today’s market.
Google unveiled a suite of features during its annual Pixel event, leveraging the full AI potential of the new Tensor G3 chipset powering these phones.
Among these features, the Best Take camera feature within the Google Photos app is a prominent highlight.
Interestingly, despite being a flagship camera feature of the Pixel 8,
Google has essentially resurrected a feature that initially appeared in the Nokia Lumia 1020 nearly a decade ago.
This observation underscores the foresight of Nokia’s innovations, although it is worth noting that Windows Phones are no longer in circulation.
Best Take joins a host of AI-backed functionalities that Google has introduced to the Pixel lineup, including Magic Eraser and Magic Editor.
However, unlike previous additions, Best Take has stirred a polarized debate among potential Pixel 8 buyers and the broader photography community.
Google consistently strives to enhance its photography capabilities with each Pixel generation.
The Pixel 8 series indeed takes a significant step forward with a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera on the Pixel 8,
and a 48MP ultrawide camera along with a 48MP 5x telephoto lens on the Pixel 8 Pro.
However, it is crucial to note that the essence of Pixel photography has always been rooted in its software.
Therefore, the inclusion of Best Take in the keynote presentation was not entirely unexpected.
Best Take illustrates the remarkable potential of AI.
It alleviates concerns about individuals appearing less than their best in group photos.
This feature intelligently amalgamates similar images into a composite picture where everyone appears at their optimal state.
For those who have encountered the challenges of capturing group selfies with animated friends,
Best Take is poised to be a welcomed addition.
With Best Take, users gain the ability to seamlessly replace subjects with closed eyes, blinking individuals in group photos, or even substitute the distracted expressions of children with more suitable alternatives selected from a burst of photos—
a capability that resonates with professional photographers seeking to optimize subjects within their compositions.
It’s worth noting that the Pixel line has consistently garnered acclaim from professional photographers.
Nonetheless, some individuals perceive Best Take as a somewhat unsettling addition to the Pixel 8, and their reservations in this regard are not entirely unfounded.
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Examining Pixel 8 Best Take: Does It Dilute Photo Authenticity?
The traditional notion of a photograph is that it faithfully represents a specific moment in time, regardless of its imperfections.
However, the introduction of Best Take on the Pixel 8 involves a process akin to digital manipulation, akin to Photoshop.
This feature allows users to substitute faces with what the AI deems as more aesthetically pleasing versions.
While it utilizes pre-existing images for these adjustments,
the end result can appear somewhat artificial and disconnected from the actual moment being captured.
This is because the AI amalgamates faces from different shots and moments, creating a composite image that may seem unusual.
In the context of photography, the act of capturing a moment in time is a fundamental goal.
Best Take, however, seems to deviate from this principle by replacing genuine emotions and rawness with elements from different instances.
The preference, for some, may lean towards cameras with superior stabilization and real-time capture capabilities to preserve the intended moment as it unfolds.
Relying on AI to select moments post-capture might not align with this objective.
The adoption and popularity of Best Take within the Pixel community remain of interest.
Google has indicated potential plans for its integration into older Pixel devices, alongside other features like
Magic Editor and Audio Eraser, further heighten curiosity surrounding its utility and acceptance.
