As an avid smartphone photographer and videographer, I’ve been using Pixel phones since the first model launched. The Pixel 3 has an excellent slow motion video mode that allows you to capture high quality slow motion footage up to 240 frames per second (fps). In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to access and use this fun feature to add a creative flair to your videos.
Table of Contents
Accessing Slow Motion Mode
Accessing slow motion video mode on the Pixel 3 is easy:
- Open the Camera app
- Swipe over to the Video mode
- Tap the settings icon in the top left (shaped like a gear)
- Select Slow motion from the list of options
You’ll see a small “SLOW” label under the record button, indicating you are now in slow motion mode.
How Slow Motion Works on the Pixel 3
The Pixel 3 can shoot slow motion video at 240 fps at a 720p resolution. This allows you to capture 8x more frames per second compared to traditional 30 fps video.
When you record in slow motion mode, the footage will play back at 30 fps by default. This stretches out the clip and makes motions appear slower. You can adjust the playback speed later while editing.
Some key capabilities in the Pixel 3’s slow motion mode:
- Record up to 0.4 seconds of real-time video which gets stretched into ~3.2 seconds of slow motion
- Add slow motion effects to both new and existing clips
- Control the playback speed (between 0.125x to 8x regular speed)
Tips for Shooting Good Slow Motion Video
Capturing compelling slow motion footage takes some practice. Here are some tips:
- Stabilize your shots – Any camera shake gets amplified in slow motion. Use a tripod or brace yourself against a wall or flat surface.
- Track moving subjects – Choose subjects that move fluidly like water, clouds, or dancers. Avoid quick erratic motions.
- Capture a short burst – You only get 0.4 seconds to work with. Identify the key moment and shoot a short burst focused on that.
- Use ample lighting – Slow motion accentuates camera noise and artifacts. Shoot outdoors in daylight for best results.
- Be creative with compositions – Interesting angles, reflections, shapes, and textures all get enhanced in slow motion.
Editing Slow Motion Video on the Pixel 3
The Pixel 3 makes it easy to tweak and edit slow motion clips right on your phone:
- Open the Google Photos app
- Find the slow motion video clip
- Tap Edit then select Tools
- Use the slider to adjust playback speed or choose a shorter slow motion clip
- Trim, crop, or make other edits as desired
- Export and save the final edited clip
Some additional editing tips:
- Add multiple slow motion effects to one clip
- Adjust when the slow motion starts/stops
- Reverse sections to play backwards
- Pair with a regular speed clip for contrast
- Add music, filters, text overlays and more
