The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s manual shutter speed is excellent… in some conditions

One of the new features introduced with the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a manual camera mode that lets you control (almost) all aspects of your photos. Pixel phones are usually foolproof cameras so there’s very little need to use that manual mode, but since I’ve recently discovered a new passion for photography, I really wanted to see what these new controls are capable of, especially shutter speed.

Controlling shutter speed wasn’t possible with the default camera app before and it’s the one variable I’ve always wanted to tinker with. So can you snap better pictures on your Pixel by taking the time to set up the shutter speed exactly how you want? The short answer is yes, sometimes. The long answer is more nuanced.