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When the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G were released, they supported astrophotography with the ultra-wide lens. However, after a Google camera update, that feature is no longer supported.
According to 9to5Google, the Google Camera 8.1 update that was released in mid-November removed the ability to use the ultra-wide lens for astrophotography. Previously, when switching to the astrophotography function, users could switch between .6x, 1x and 2x. Since the update, the .6x option is no longer available, and a Google support document says that astrophotography only works at zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.
It’s unclear why the option was removed, but it’s disappointing regardless of the reason. The feature may no longer be available because the quality is not up to Google standards, but that is just speculation; Google could easily clear things up by giving an explanation.
Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners can still use the ultra-wide lens for Night Sight, but not to capture the stars. Using an ultra-wide lens for astrophotography makes perfect sense because it allows users to capture more scenes. But users will have to settle for the normal lens, which still offers a relatively wide field of view.
As 9to5Google Notes, you can uninstall the Google Camera updates and go back to version 7.6, which allows Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners to use the ultra-wide lens for astrophotography. That’s the version that actually launched with the Pixel 5.
Pixel 5 Forums || Pixel 4a 5G forums
With winter storms sweeping across the US, this may not be the best time for astrophotography. But it’s a bit frustrating to see features being removed from Google’s flagship products for no apparent reason. Reddit users have certainly noticed.
Maybe Google Camera will update in the near future and bring the feature back. For now, astrophotographers can use zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.
