How to capture Slow Motion Video on Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, equipped with a triple-lens camera system and powered by the Tensor G4 chip, offers robust video recording capabilities, including slow-motion video at up to 1080p 240fps. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on capturing high-quality slow-motion videos, leveraging the phone’s computational photography and AI-driven features, along with tips to optimize results for cinematic footage.

Prerequisites

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Ensure your device is updated to the latest Android version (e.g., Android 15) for optimal camera performance and access to features like Video Boost.

• Adequate Lighting: Slow-motion videos require bright lighting to minimize motion blur and noise, especially at high frame rates like 240fps.

• Stable Support: Use a tripod or gimbal to reduce camera shake, which is more noticeable in slow motion. The phone’s stabilization helps, but external support enhances quality.

• Storage Space: High-frame-rate videos consume significant storage. For example, 1080p 240fps video uses approximately 300–400 MB per minute. Ensure sufficient free space.

• Optional Apps: The default Camera and Google Photos apps are sufficient, but third-party apps like Movavi Clips or Filmora can enhance post-production editing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording Slow-Motion Video

Step 1: Enable High-Resolution Video Settings

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel 9 Pro XL.

2. Navigate to Apps > Camera or search for “Camera” in the Settings search bar.

3. Tap Video Settings and ensure the following:

   • Resolution: Set to 1080p (the maximum resolution for 240fps slow motion). Note that 4K is limited to 60fps.

   • Frames/sec: Confirm support for 240fps in slow-motion mode (handled automatically in the Camera app).

   • Stabilization: Enable Standard, Locked, or Active stabilization. For slow motion, Active is ideal for capturing heavy movement.

4. (Optional) Enable 10-bit HDR Video for vibrant colors:

   • Go to Settings > Camera > Video Settings > HDR.

   • Toggle on 10-bit HDR for enhanced dynamic range, available on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Step 2: Open the Camera App

1. Launch the Camera app from the home screen, lock screen, or by double-pressing the power button (if enabled in Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap).

2. If in Photo mode, swipe to Video mode by dragging the mode selector at the bottom of the screen to the right.

Step 3: Access Slow-Motion Mode

1. In Video mode, swipe the mode selector to Slow Motion. The Slow Motion option is typically labeled “Slow Motion” or represented by an icon with three horizontal circles indicating a blur effect.

   • Alternatively, tap More (or the three horizontal lines in older versions) and select Slow Motion from the list.

2. The camera will automatically configure for slow-motion recording, defaulting to 1080p at 120fps or 240fps, depending on prior settings.

Step 4: Adjust Camera Settings

1. Frame Rate and Resolution: In Slow Motion mode, tap the frame rate indicator (e.g., “120fps” or “240fps”) at the top of the screen to toggle between:

   • 1080p at 120fps: For a 4x slow-motion effect (120 ÷ 30 = 4) with higher resolution.

   • 1080p at 240fps: For an 8x slow-motion effect (240 ÷ 30 = 8) with smoother motion but slightly more noise in low light.

2. Lens Selection: Choose from the available lenses:

   • 0.5x Ultra Wide (48MP): Ideal for expansive scenes like landscapes or group activities.

   • 1x Main (50MP): Best for general use with excellent detail and low-light performance, thanks to the 1/1.31″ sensor.

   • 5x Telephoto (48MP): Perfect for zoomed-in slow-motion shots of distant subjects, enhanced by Super Res Zoom up to 30x.

3. Stabilization: Confirm stabilization is set to Active for dynamic scenes:

   • Go to Video Settings > Stabilization and select Active for heavy movement.

4. Focus and Exposure: Tap the screen to set focus on your subject. Drag the exposure slider (sun icon) to adjust brightness manually if needed.

5. Additional Features:

   • Enable Gridlines for better composition (Settings > Camera > Grid Type).

   • Use Cinematic Blur for a bokeh effect in slow motion, keeping the subject in focus (Video > Cinematic Blur).

Step 5: Frame Your Shot

1. Position your subject in bright, even lighting (e.g., natural daylight) to ensure sharp details and minimal noise. Slow-motion videos at 240fps require more light to avoid graininess.

2. Stabilize the phone using a tripod or hold it steady. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) reduce shake, but slow motion amplifies minor movements.

3. Focus on fast-moving subjects (e.g., water splashes, sports, or birds flying) to maximize the dramatic slow-motion effect. Tap the screen to lock focus, leveraging the phone’s AI-driven autofocus for moving subjects.

4. Plan the action. Record short bursts (5–10 seconds) to capture the key moment, as slow-motion videos are extended during playback (e.g., 10 seconds at 240fps becomes 80 seconds at 30fps).

Step 6: Record the Video

1. Tap the red Record button to start recording. Alternatively, touch and hold the Capture button for quick recording.

2. Keep the camera steady and follow the subject smoothly. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip and AI processing ensure zero shutter lag and sharp details, even for fast-moving objects.

3. While recording, you can:

   • Tap the Capture button to take a high-resolution still photo without interrupting the video.

   • Pinch to zoom or use the on-screen zoom slider (up to 30x with Super Res Zoom).

4. Tap the Stop button to end recording. The video is saved as an H.265-encoded .MP4 file in the Google Photos app.

Step 7: Edit and Adjust Playback Speed

1. Open the Google Photos app and select your slow-motion video.

2. Tap Edit to access editing tools:

   • Slow-Motion Range: Drag the white vertical bars beneath the timeline to define the section that plays in slow motion. By default, 1080p 240fps videos play back at 30fps (8x slower), and 120fps plays at 30fps (4x slower). Adjust the markers to apply slow motion to specific moments.

   • Trim: Drag the ends of the timeline to shorten the clip.

   • Speed Adjustment: To convert the video to normal speed or adjust playback, drag the slow-motion markers to the end of the timeline (right marker first, then left) to play the entire video at regular speed.

   • Stabilization: Tap Stabilize to smooth out shaky footage.

   • Enhancements: Use Adjust to tweak brightness, contrast, or color, or apply filters for a cinematic look.

3. Save edits by tapping Save Copy to preserve the original or Save to overwrite. To revert changes, tap Edit > Revert.

4. For advanced editing, use third-party apps like Movavi Clips:

   • Import the video, select the clip, and drag the speed slider to slow down specific sections (e.g., 0.5x for half speed). Save and export the edited video.

Step 8: Share or Export

1. Share directly from Google Photos to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, WHICH support slow-motion playback.

2. Important: Sharing via apps like WhatsApp may compress the video, removing the slow-motion effect. To preserve it:

   • In Google Photos, tap Edit, adjust the slow-motion range, and tap Save Copy to embed the effect. Share the new clip.

3. For professional editing, transfer the video to a PC using USB-C or upload to cloud services like Google Drive. Edit in software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora for advanced speed ramping and effects.

4. Note: If sharing immediately after recording from the Camera app, the entire video may play in slow motion. Open Google Photos, adjust the slow-motion range, and save before sharing.

Pro Tips for Stunning Slow-Motion Videos

• Optimize Lighting: Shoot in bright daylight or use external lighting (e.g., ring lights) indoors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 1/1.31″ sensor performs well in low light, but bright conditions reduce noise, especially at 240fps.

• Short Bursts: Record 5–10-second clips to manage file sizes (e.g., 10 seconds at 1080p 240fps uses ~50–75 MB) and simplify editing.

• Use Cinematic Blur: Enable Cinematic Blur mode for a bokeh effect, keeping the subject in focus while blurring the background. Tap the subject to direct focus during recording.

• Leverage Super Res Zoom: For distant subjects, use the 5x telephoto lens with Super Res Zoom up to 30x for high-quality zoomed-in slow-motion shots. Upload over Wi-Fi to process Zoom-enhanced videos faster.

• Experiment with Lenses: Switch between ultra-wide, main, and telephoto lenses to capture varied perspectives. The main camera excels for detail, while the telephoto is ideal for sports or wildlife.

• Audio Considerations: The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s microphones capture clear audio, but slow-motion playback stretches audio, making it less usable. Consider muting or adding background music in post-production.

• Third-Party Apps: For advanced speed ramping (gradual speed changes), use Movavi Clips or Filmora to create dynamic slow-motion effects.

• Avoid Flickering Lights: Artificial lights (e.g., fluorescent) can cause flickering at high frame rates. Shoot in natural light or adjust the anti-banding setting to 50Hz or 60Hz in Settings > Camera > Video Settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Choppy Video: Ensure you’re using 1080p 240fps or 120fps. Choppy playback may occur in low light or if the frame rate is too low for the action. Increase lighting or use 120fps for better quality in dim conditions.

• Autofocus Issues: In low light, autofocus may struggle. Tap the screen to manually lock focus on your subject.

• Large File Sizes: If storage is limited, use 1080p 120fps (~170 MB per minute) instead of 240fps, or clear space using Google Photos’ storage management tools.

• Slow Motion Not Preserved: When sharing, save the video as a new clip in Google Photos to embed the slow-motion effect before sending via compressed apps like WhatsApp.

• Flickering Footage: Adjust the anti-banding setting in Settings > Camera > Video Settings, or shoot in natural light to avoid flickering under artificial lights.

• Poor Quality in Low Light: Some users report reduced quality at 240fps in low light due to noise and lower texture. Switch to 120fps or improve lighting conditions.

• Video Lag: If the phone lags during recording, enable Video Boost for enhanced processing or restart the device to clear background processes.

Technical Notes

• Frame Rate Details: At 1080p 240fps, videos play back at 30fps for an 8x slow-motion effect (240 ÷ 30 = 8). At 1080p 120fps, playback at 30fps yields a 4x effect. The Pixel 9 Pro XL does not support 4K slow motion, unlike competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (4K 120fps).

• Stabilization: The combination of OIS and EIS, with options for Standard, Locked, or Active stabilization, ensures smooth footage. Active mode is best for dynamic slow-motion scenes.

• Storage: A 1-minute 1080p 240fps video uses ~300–400 MB, while 120fps uses ~170–200 MB. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 128GB base storage may fill quickly; consider higher storage options (256GB or 512GB).

• Comparison: Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max (4K 120fps with simpler controls), OPPO Find X8 Pro (4K 120fps with AI-driven Lightning Snap), and Xiaomi 15 Ultra (4K 120fps with Leica optics), the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 1080p 240fps offers smoother slow motion but lacks 4K slow-motion support. Its strengths lie in Google’s computational photography and intuitive editing in Google Photos.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s slow-motion capabilities, powered by the Tensor G4 chip and a versatile triple-lens camera, make it an excellent choice for capturing dramatic, high-quality slow-motion videos. With 1080p 240fps recording, Cinematic Blur, Super Res Zoom, and robust editing tools in Google Photos, you can create professional-quality footage with ease. By following this guide, you will be able to harness the phone’s AI-driven features to capture stunning slow-motion moments, from sports to creative experiments, optimized for both casual sharing and advanced editing.