How to Use Pixel Top Shot - Google Store
Master the art of motion: using Top Shot on your Pixel phone.
Capture fleeting moments in perfect clarity with Pixel’s AI-powered Top Shot feature.
We’re talking perfectly timed jumps, genuine smiles, and those unpredictable pet moments. Learn how to use Top Shot to capture dynamic action and become a motion photography master.
Top Shot is a camera feature available on Google Pixel 3 and later phones. This Pixel camera mode uses AI to capture a burst of photos while simultaneously recording a short video.
Top Shot then uses
to analyse the frames, suggesting the best one based on sharpness, lighting, composition, and motion. This seamless integration into the Pixel camera app makes capturing the perfect moment easier than ever. Pixel’s ability to understand motion within the frame helps Top Shot capture key moments of action, like a smile at its brightest or a perfect jump.To enable Top Shot on your
, follow these steps:Open the Camera app on your Pixel.
Tap on the Settings icon (this might be a gear icon or a down arrow at the top of the screen).
Look for Top Shot in the settings menu.
Set Top Shot to Auto or On.
Here’s the difference between the two settings:
Auto: Top Shot activates automatically when it detects motion.
On: Top Shot is always active.
Recommended photos are saved in higher resolution, so you can select the best one from a series of captures. This means you don’t need to retake photos because of missed moments or slight imperfections. You’ll get a suggested frame, but you’re free to choose your favourite shot.
Motion Mode works together with Top Shot to capture the best photos in action-packed situations. It helps you take Action Pan and long-exposure photos. Action Pan adds a creative blur to the background of a moving subject, while Long Exposure adds a creative blur to the moving subject itself. Follow these steps to enable Motion Mode:
Open the Camera app.
Scroll to Motion.
Choose either Action Pan or Long Exposure.
Top Shot works together with motion photos to select the best still frame.
Note: Some settings are available on selected phones from Pixel 6 and later. Check whether Action Pan and Long Exposure are
.When to use Top Shot for the best results.
Top Shot is ideal for lots of situations, including:
Action shots: perfect for capturing kids playing sports, pets running around, or any fast-moving subject.
Group photos: ensuring everyone has their eyes open and is smiling at the same time.
Candid moments: capturing natural expressions and spontaneous actions without missing the best frame.
Low-light conditions: Top Shot can help reduce blur and capture brighter images in less-than-ideal lighting.
Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
Ensure Top Shot is enabled in the camera settings.
Check storage space on your device and free up space if needed. Top Shot captures multiple images, which can quickly fill up storage.
Make sure the camera app is up to date.
Hold your pixel as steadily as possible to reduce hand shake.
Try different angles or move closer to the subject for a sharper shot.
Consider a tripod for even greater stability. If you have a foldable Pixel phone, you can use
.
Open the photo and swipe up to view the captured sequence, then pick and save your favourite frame.
AI recommendations are simply suggestions – trust your own eye and choose the shot you like best.
Top Shot is a handy feature on your Pixel phone that helps you catch those fast, blink-and-you-miss-it moments. Once you know how it works, how to turn it on, and the best times to use it, you’ll start getting better shots of the action.
