What to Know About i loved the Pixel 11’s Magic Capture. Then I zoomed in
As soon as I heard about Google’s latest AI-powered camera feature, I was highly sceptical.
Could Magic Capture, the Pixel 11‘s headline new photography trick, really turn basic videos into a gallery of great stills? I didn’t think it could deliver.
However, after trying it out on the Pixel 11 Pro, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Magic Capture is a total breeze to use, and churns out a string of solid photos. Or so I thought.
It really feels like magic
Magic Capture is one of those features that would’ve blown people’s minds just a few years ago. You take a video like normal, but with AI analysing every frame in the background. Then, within seconds of stopping the recording, you’ve got a selection of photos, in addition to the footage.
Google couldn’t have made it easier to use Magic Capture. Its dedicated button is right next to the main photo/video toggles, and there’s no learning curve at all. Just take a video as you would normally, and AI will do all the hard work for you.
Matias Inghe
The potential use cases for Magic Capture are almost endless, but I can see it being particularly useful in two scenarios: capturing children and pets. For both, the combination of photos and video is what really brings memories to life.
So, with my mum’s dog Toby currently staying with me, it was a perfect opportunity to put Magic Capture through its paces.
Image quality is lacking – but does it matter?
I chose the perfect time to try it out. So much happened in the 63-second clip that any AI would have a hard time keeping up, but Google tried its best!
Almost immediately after the video ended, I headed to Google Photos and was very pleased with what I saw. Magic Capture didn’t necessarily get all of Toby’s best moments, but it did capture some heartwarming photos that I’d have never gotten otherwise.
On the surface, image quality looked good, too. However, upon further inspection, some flaws became evident. Despite Google’s best attempts to clean up the images, there were some notable issues.
Magic Capture struggled to keep Toby’s face in focus given his constant movement, though this is unlikely to be any easier with young children! It also lacked a lot of detail you’ll find in regular stills, with colours tending to look more washed out.
Are these photos usable? Yes, absolutely. But are they as good as regular stills from the Pixel 11 Pro’s camera? Not by a long stretch.
Ultimately, it comes down to what’s most important to you. If you prefer consistently excellent photos (from what is arguably the best point-and-shoot camera phone), stick to photography the traditional way.
But if you only care about not missing key moments, and are happy to sacrifice some image quality, Magic Capture is a genuine hit.
Ironically, despite the extensive use of AI, photos via Magic Capture feel more authentic and less staged than regular ones. For that reason alone, it’s something I’m excited to continue using.
