Smartphone Redmi Note 8 Pro became a hit of its time, offering users an impressive core module 64 MP. However, many owners of this device are often unhappy with the results of shooting, believing that the device does not meet expectations. The problem lies not so much in the hardware, but in the automatic processing algorithms, which are by default tuned to the average result.
To unlock the true potential of the Samsung GW1 matrix, you need to manually adjust a number of parameters and understand the logic of the MIUI software. In this article, we will discuss specific steps that will allow you to turn mediocre images into quality photos worthy of publication on social networks.
You don't have to be a professional photographer to take great shots, but you have to know which sliders to move and which scenarios to choose to achieve maximum dynamic range.
Basic setting of camera parameters
The first thing to start optimizing is to move away from Auto mode in favor of manually controlling basic parameters. The standard algorithm often overexposes images, knocking out lights and losing detail in the shadows. Go to Pro mode or use settings inside a standard application.
Note the aspect ratio. By default, the camera often shoots at 16:9 or 4:3, cutting the useful area of the matrix. For maximum quality, always choose the 4:3 format, since this is the size that corresponds to the physical proportions of the sensor without digital crop.
⚠️ Note: Do not use digital zoom (finger zoom) as it simply cuts and stretches the picture, drastically reducing the detail.
Also critical is to turn on the framing grid, which will help you follow the rule of thirds and keep your horizons straight, and you can activate this feature in the settings menu by finding the grid item and switching it to the active state.
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For landscape photography, always include the horizon level in the settings - this will help to avoid littered photos that cannot be corrected by framing without loss of quality.
High resolution mode 64 MP
The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s main feature is its 64-megapixel array. In normal shooting mode, the phone uses pixel-binning technology, combining 4 pixels into one to produce 16 MP with better noise cancellation. However, for landscapes and static objects with good lighting, the 64 MP mode gives a huge increase in detail.
To activate this mode, switch to the appropriate item in the menu of the camera modes. Here it is important to understand that the file will weigh much more (about 20-25 MB), and the saving process will take a couple of seconds, but the result is worth it - you can zoom in and see the smallest textures.
When shooting at 64MP, the lens' aperture actually decreases, so the shutter speed can be lengthened: Keep your phone as still as possible or use a tripod to avoid lubricating the image due to microshaking of your hands.
Why are 64 MP night photos worse?
Use this mode only in sufficient light. In cloudy weather or indoors (indoors) without a tripod, it is better to switch back to the standard 16 MP, where HDR algorithms work more efficiently.
Working with HDR and dynamic range
HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology is key for small-sensor smartphones, taking multiple exposure shots and gluing them together to preserve detail in both bright and dark areas of the shot. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this feature works aggressively, sometimes creating an unnatural look.
In the camera settings, it is recommended that you set the HDR mode to Auto, in which case the system will decide when the algorithms need to intervene, but in difficult conditions, such as in counterlight, it is better to force HDR to be turned on.
There is also an advanced HDR+ mode available in third-party apps or through hidden menus, but even Xiaomi’s standard algorithm, when used correctly, gives a great result.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Influence on photo |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 64 MP (day), 16 MP (night) | Details and sensitivity |
| Format | 4:3 | Use of the entire matrix area |
| HDR | Auto/On | Balance of light and shadow |
| Stabilization | Included (EIS) | Smoothing shaking in video |
Remember, HDR processing takes time. After pressing the down button, don't pull the phone for a few seconds until the processor completes the calculations.
Manual ISO settings and shutter speeds in Profi mode
For those who want to have full control of the process, Manual allows access to the camera hardware, where you can adjust the sensor sensitivity (ISO) and shutter opening time (suspension).
The golden rule of mobile photography is to keep ISO at a minimum (usually 50 or 100). Increasing ISO inevitably leads to “digital noise” – graininess, which is especially noticeable in the shadows. Redmi Note 8 Pro copes with noise well, but it is better to prevent it.
Adjust shutter speed depending on the lighting. For static objects, you can set long values (1/10, 1/5 of a second), but then you need a tripod. For hand-held shooting, try not to go below 1/60 of a second to avoid smear.
☑️ Settings for the perfect portrait
White balance (WB) is also best set manually if the automation is wrong, for example, when shooting a sunset, select Cloud or Shadow mode to enhance warm hues, or Incandescent lamp for cold tones.
⚠️ Note: When shooting in Pro mode, focusing is also translated into manual mode (MF). Don’t forget to put the focus slider on infinity for landscapes or macro for close objects, otherwise the frame will be blurred.
Secrets of portrait photography and bokeh
The portrait mode on the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses data from the telephoto lens and the main camera to create a background blur effect. To get a quality result, you need the right lighting and distance.
The optimal distance to the subject is 1 to 2 meters. If you get closer, the algorithm can get it wrong and blur part of the face. If you go further, the bokeh effect will be too weak. It is also important that the object does not merge with the background in color.
You can adjust the blur in portrait mode settings. Don't set the maximum value because it looks unnatural. The value of f/2.0 - f/2.8 usually gives the most realistic picture, simulating expensive optics.
Use natural light. A flash in portrait mode on a smartphone is almost always evil, it makes your face flat and creates hard shadows. It's better to face a window or a source of soft diffuse light.
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The quality of a portrait is 90% light-dependent. Soft diffuse light works wonders even with a budget-friendly smartphone optics.
Processing and preservation of images
Once the frame is done, the work is only half done. The built-in MIUI editor offers powerful tools for quick correction. Use Magic to automatically improve, but don't overuse filters.
For serious processing, it is better to use third-party applications such as Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile. They allow you to work with curves, spot color correction and defect elimination, which is not available in a standard gallery.
Be sure to save the originals. Even if you've processed the photos for Instagram, the full-resolution source may be needed for printing or cropping in the future. JPEG format is standard, but if you shoot in RAW (through third-party apps), the quality will be an order of magnitude higher.
Clean your phone’s memory of bad takes regularly. A full drive can slow down the processor, which affects the speed of processing photos immediately after shooting.