I finally stopped losing the perfect moment because of this hidden camera trick

As a photography enthusiast, one of the first things you notice is situational awareness, and being able to capture the right moment in nature.

That’s true for film cameras, SLRs, and, surprisingly, even smartphones. However, the thing about smartphones is that modern smartphones are rarely single-use.

Between packed HDR images, and some shutter speed, it’s very easy to miss a special moment like your kid jumping right on his skateboard, or a group of friends.

That’s why I turned to Top Shot on my Google Pixel to fix this problem. It looks, works great, I haven’t turned it off since.

Fixed a problem I didn’t realize I could fix so easily. Now, instead of chasing the perfect moment, I can focus more on framing and letting the camera do its thing.

This simple feature has given me a very accurate sight on the gun, and I don’t see myself going back.

No more guessing the perfect moment

Top Shot fixes the moment without making you think about it

The biggest reason you want to use a feature like Top Shot is not to take more pictures, but to take your time better.

Here is how it works.

Instead of relying on a single frame, the camera records a short sequence around the time you press the shutter button.

It then uses a built-in process to analyze what it believes would have been the correct frame.

If there are people in the frame, that naturally means that everyone is looking directly at the camera, with their eyes open rather than being caught in a blink.

That alone is a big step when taking an emergency picture. However, the bigger change is that I don’t need to wait for the exact moment I need to capture something.

When I’m out with friends, it’s never easy to make sure I find everyone with the right facial expression. But now, I don’t need to predict when someone will stop blinking. I only shoot when I get close enough.

Plus, when I check the phone, I can quickly scroll through the frames and pick the ones that look good.

It’s not just a shot, Top Shot gives you several options. And I recommend doing that because there is usually another option for you to choose.

Motion capture is where Top Shot’s benefits are most apparent.

If someone is in the middle, turning their head, there’s a good chance you won’t get the perfect shot when you press the shutter button.

Being able to make a moment requires incredible luck or having to press the shutter button.

Character comes first over time with Top Shot enabled

Fewer shots, less mess, better results

What makes Top Shot great is that it changes the way you take photos. It’s not just about saving spent guns anymore.

Since I no longer have to worry about priorities, I can focus on things like character. It could be things like where I’m standing, what the frame looks like, what’s in the background.

There are more intentions in terms of performance and I can slow down enough to make the design work. Time is not the first thing.

It’s definitely noticeable when you’re shooting at odd angles where you might be holding the phone up, down, and not sure if it’s going to shoot well.

Using Top Shot basically means that you will have options and that the camera is doing its best to nail the image just once.

I have also limited the maximum number of photos I can take.

We’ve all been in situations where we take too many shots in one place just to be safe, especially with people.

Well I hope a photo or two will do the trick. That alone keeps my gallery from overflowing.

Finally, there is the element of human latency to consider. There is always a gap between the person in the frame and me pressing the shutter button.

With Top Shot enabled, it’s no longer a big deal. I’m sure it will capture the moment I planned to photograph.

These are minor annoyances in isolation, but when combined, they give you a clearer version of a slightly blurry scene, or a better statement in a group of people.

It all adds up to a better smartphone photography experience.

An easy way to make sure your Pixel photos last every time

Top Shot is by far the most advertised feature on the Pixel phones. I fell into it by accident.

But enabling it was an obvious choice for me because I was tired of taking photos that were almost perfect, but not perfect.

What I didn’t expect was how much better and easier the experience would be. However, I don’t worry about timing, and I don’t take many shots anymore, just because I know I’m going to get a good shot.

After you get used to that comfort, you really don’t want to go back to the old way of shooting.

After all, a phone is all about the point-and-shoot experience and if a device can significantly improve your chances of getting one shot, why not get it?

SoC

Google Tensor G5

RAM

16 GB

Security

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS

Battery

4870 mAh

Operating system

Android 16

Front camera

42 MP Dual PD selfie camera

Google’s latest Pixel Pro packs a faster but more efficient Tensor G5 chip, an improved ISP, and a brighter display. Also, a series of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.