Google Pixel 9 Pro Preview: AI that ACTUALLY WORKS?

The PetaPixel Team flew down for the Made by Google event where the Pixel 9 series launched and have some immediate reactions to the new features. With a strong emphasis on AI-based features, does the Pixel 9 Pro have anything compelling to offer photographers and videographers?

Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store:

0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Cameras
2:05 - Displays
2:31 - AI Functions
3:48 - Panoramas
4:19 - Video
5:08 - The wrap

#pixel9pro #pixel9proxl

[momchilyordanov]

I wonder if many users really wanted "more AI". It feels like something the companies want, not the customers.

[tjkrueger]

People aren't upgrading their phones as frequently, so manufacturers are trying to trick you into thinking yours is not good enough. Seriously, these AI use-cases are like solutions to questions we haven't been asking for

[vault-tecrep]

"my intelligence is organic, its just not very extensive"

Chris, you're a funny guy. Got a chuckle outta me

[DoubleTheDom]

It’s truly mad we live in a world where everything is fake. It’s truly an incredible out of touch reality

[JWelsh]

This makes me so sad. In just a few short years we'll be flooded with images from normal people who "enhance" their personal photos with this AI stuff. Didn't see any dolphins on the boat tour? Google can fix that. Missed the superbloom? Google can fix that. Why bother to wait for hours for a great wildlife shot when you can just ask Google to include a wolf and a grizzly bear in your photo? There will be no appreciation for the art of capturing something special and we'll never know what places actually looked like and what happened any more. And no, this isn't just the same as what's been available in photoshop for the last few years in terms of impact. Once everyone's mom can use this tech it will spell the death of photography.

[josech]

Makes me want to buy that Nikon 850 I’ve been thinking about

[mdc-vv]

I don't want more AI slathered over every single facet of my device. I have ChatGPT already, and I use that with intention and purpose. I don't want AI "helpers" popping up when I'm using my camera, putting in directions etc. I want more memory, a better more consistent camera experience and a bigger battery. Google is charging more than an iPhone 15 Pro in the UK for the XL for significantly less memory, worse hardware and more AI bloat. I was excited for Pixel this year, but with Gemini baked in, I'm going to wait for Apple and/or Samsung.

[NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

My favorite part of that was Jaron getting his mind blown.

[johnehman]

It’s no longer photography but a.i.graphy! That may be OK, but let’s differentiate what this is from the sorts of modest modifications to an image that would have traditionally been done in a darkroom.

[jalo]

Jordan was hilarious on that treadmill.

[worthless_opinion]

Maybe I'm old-school, but I don't care for all this AI buffoonery at all. To me it's a gimmick and erodes the integrity of the art of photography.

[slowbluesmaster]

Digital images can never be trusted again.

[ulfw]

AI that no one needs. Just Marketing bla

[dreppy]

Too much AI it makes people lazy. I have s24u and I’m not using the ai features. I hope they focus more on hardware and application improvments.

[penngrey]

What happens in court if a crime is captured on the camera ? Will the defense say the image or video can't be used as evidence because the recorded image or video could have been altered ?

[PawFromTheBroons]

I hate when brands state that reviewers can't test the new features, in a non-controlled environment, and MKBHD releases his review even before the Keynote and does just that.
FFS, if you're confident enough to have a 20Mil Channel do it, treat all others equally.

[JMurph]

I got a good laugh out of the gBike bells sneaking into your audio track. Cool to see that you guys were around!

[joshuatatro]

Now we know why James May says to never run on camera

[EdwinDPZ]

Ehhh, nothing that really makes me feel like upgrading for another year.

[dj_laundry_list]

I'm confused why they market the equivalent full frame focal length but not f-stop