Google Pixel 10’s Video Woes: The Hidden Camera API Bug Behind the Shaky Footage

Google’s Pixel 10 may boast top-tier hardware and advanced AI-powered imaging, but recent user reports reveal a frustrating truth — its video stabilization isn’t living up to expectations. What was once one of Pixel’s strongest features has started to crumble, leaving users puzzled by shaky, stuttering footage that feels out of place on a flagship phone. The culprit? Not the hardware, but a software-level flaw buried deep in Google’s Camera API.

When the Pixel 6 debuted, it set a new benchmark for steady mobile video, challenging even the iPhone. Fast-forward to 2025, and the Pixel 10’s camera experience feels oddly inconsistent. Users report jittery video transitions, lag while zooming, and micro-stutters when switching lenses — all despite the powerful Tensor G4 chip and premium image sensors. The problem isn’t what you’d expect: the camera hardware is perfectly fine. It’s the underlying API that’s letting it down.

A Reddit user named No_Prticular7571 took it upon themselves to dig deeper after noticing that enabling Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) made things worse instead of smoother. Out of curiosity, they tried recording video using the Open Camera app, which offers an alternative OpenCameraAPI for stabilization. The results were shocking — the same Pixel 10 Pro suddenly produced fluid, stable video without a hint of stutter. But when switching back to the default Pixel Camera app, the shakiness returned instantly.

This unexpected twist confirmed what many suspected: the Camera API itself is bugged. The issue is especially noticeable when using the 5x telephoto lens, where the Pixel Camera app delivers visibly jumpy results compared to third-party options. Even Google’s Video Boost feature — designed to enhance footage post-capture — can’t mask the instability, merely applying a digital bandage to shaky source material.

What makes matters worse is that this bug spans multiple Pixel generations. Owners of the Pixel 9 have reported nearly identical behavior, suggesting that Google’s Camera API has carried this flaw across updates. Apps like ProShot and BlackMagic also show smoother results, reinforcing that the problem lies squarely within Google’s own software framework.

The Redditor who uncovered the issue has already submitted a full bug report to Google Support, urging the company to fix the API. While Google has yet to respond officially, the discovery highlights an important truth: Pixel hardware is far more capable than the default camera software allows. In fact, other users have found that using third-party apps can even unlock 12-bit photo and video capture — something Google’s stock app doesn’t fully utilize.

For now, if you’re a Pixel 9 or 10 user tired of jittery videos, you might want to ditch the native camera app and try Open Camera. It’s free, lightweight, and — most importantly — proves that your Pixel’s hardware isn’t the problem. With a simple app swap, you can experience the kind of buttery-smooth stabilization the Pixel 10 was meant to deliver all along.

Until Google patches its Camera API bug, the Pixel’s full potential remains trapped behind shaky code. It’s a reminder that in 2025, even the most advanced hardware can be undone by a single line of bad software.