Google Pixel 3 Night Sight camera mode starts rolling out

All Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL handsets will, over the next few days, receive a camera app update which will bring with it a new feature; Night Sight.

This is Google's answer to Night Mode on Huawei's latest flagship phones, and it makes bold claims that it can significantly brighten up poorly lit situations for a clearer picture.

So how does it work? We'll let Google explain: "Night Sight constantly adapts to you and the environment, whether you're holding Pixel or propping it on a steady surface. 

"Before you press the shutter button, Night Sight measures your natural hand shake, as well as how much motion is in the scene.

"If Pixel is stable and the scene is still, Night Sight will spend more time capturing light to minimize noise; if Pixel is moving or there's significant scene motion, Night Sight will use shorter exposures, capturing less light to minimize motion blur."

All cameras benefit

It's not just the single 12MP rear camera on the rear of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL that will benefit from Night Sight though, with the dual front cameras of both handsets also getting the mode added to their arsenal.

Your Pixel handset will suggest using the Night Sight mode if it detects a low-light situation, and you'll be able to tap the on-screen prompt to jump straight into it. 

You will need to hold the phone still, before during and after tapping the shutter key, to allow the phone to pull in as much light as possible - so ask your subjects to keep still for a few seconds for a blur-free shot.

We'll be putting Night Sight to the test once it's landed on our Pixel 3, so keep an eye out for a review update which will include our full, in-depth findings.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.