RAW Xiaomi camera: a complete guide to the format for the perfect photos

Have you ever noticed that photos on Xiaomi sometimes look too “processed” – with inflated contrast, oversaturated colors or blurred details in the shadows? JPEG, It's a machine that automatically compresses and optimizes images, sacrificing quality for compactness. But what if you want to maximize detail, dynamic range and flexibility for post-processing? RAW.

In this article, we will explain what is RAW Xiaomi’s camera, how it works on different models (from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra), and why professional photographers prefer it to the standard one JPEG. You will learn how to include the film in RAW, What applications to use for processing, and when to actually switch to this format, and also to uncover the myths about raw files and show real-world examples of how they transform after correct editing.

What is it? RAW and how it differs from JPEG

Format RAW (Raw is a digital negative that stores all raw information from the camera matrix without compression and automatic correction. JPEG, where the smartphone adjusts the white balance, contrast and sharpness, RAW-The file captures the “clean” data from the sensor, giving the photographer full control over the final image.

The main differences:

• 📊 Dynamic range: RAW Stores up to 14 bits of information per channel (vs 8 bits y) JPEG), This allows you to restore details in the red-lighted areas and shadows.
• 🎨 Color depth: 16-bit color in RAW vs. 8-bit JPEG — It's a million shades instead of thousands.
• 🔍 Details: No compression artifacts like in JPEG, where small details are "blurred" when maintained.
• ⚖️ File size: One RAW-The file weighs 20-50 MB (versus 3-10 MB y) JPEG), So shooting in this format quickly fills up the memory.

For example, if you are photographing the sunset on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the JPEG The sky can burn out to a white spot, and the shadows in the foreground turn into black silhouettes. RAW You can manually restore the texture of clouds and work out details in the shadows, achieving a natural balance.

⚠️ Attention: RAW It's not going to make a bad photo good, it's just going to save as much information as possible for post-processing, if it's a bad one (blurred, incorrect exposure), even if it's not good enough. RAW it won't save the day.

What Xiaomi smartphones support shooting in RAW

Not all Xiaomi devices can save photos in the RAW. This function depends on the hardware platform and the firmware version. Here are the key models with support:

To check for support RAW on your device:

1. Open the standard Camera app.
2. Go to Pro (or Manual) mode.
3. Click on the settings icon (⚙️) And look for the format option. RAW or Save RAW.

If you do not have an option, try updating the firmware or installing alternative software (we will talk about it below).

How to turn it on RAW Xiaomi camera: step-by-step instructions

Activation of the shooting in RAW It takes less than a minute, but the process is slightly different depending on the model and version. MIUI/HyperOS. Let’s take a look at a universal algorithm:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Pro mode (aka Manual or Professional) on some models (like Xiaomi 14) this mode is hidden behind the swipe to the left.
2. Click on the settings icon (⚙️ or ⋮) top-right.
3. Find the option "Format" RAW» (It could be called "Save." RAW, RAW + JPEG or DNG).
4. Select the right mode: 📷 Only RAW — Save only the raw file (saves space, but deprives you of it) JPEG quick-watch). 📷📷 RAW + JPEG — Maintain both formats (recommended for beginners).

Get back to the shooting.

.dng

On Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path might look like this: Camera → Professional treatment → Settings (⚙️) → Format → RAW (DNG).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) RAW Only available when you're manually focused. If you're inactive, tap the screen to select the focus point.

Free space on the phone (minimum 1 GB)|Battery charge > 30%|Unplugged. HDR (may conflict with RAW)|Viewing app installed RAW (For example, Google Photos or Lightroom)-->

The best applications for shooting and processing RAW Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s standard Camera app is suitable for basic photography in the RAW, But for enhanced opportunities, alternatives should be considered:

Photography applications

• 📱 Google Camera: Google’s Ported Camera with Improved Processing RAW. Suitable for older Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) A2 or POCO F1). You can download it here (select the version for your processor).
• 📱 ProCam X: Paid App with Support RAW, manually adjusting the shutter speed and ISO, and histogram for controlling exposure.
• 📱 Open Camera: Free, open source software. Supports RAW, But requires manual adjustment for each frame.

Applications for processing

• 🖌️ Adobe Lightroom Mobile: Best Beginner Choices. Automatically Recognizes RAW-files, offers presets and accurate color correction.
• 🖌️ Snapseed: Free Google Editor with Support RAW. Convenient for quick editing (for example, shadow restoration).
• 🖌️ Darktable: Powerful tool for power users (available on PC) to work with curves, masks and layers.

Example of workflow in Lightroom Mobile:

1. Import. RAW-file (.dng) in the application.
2. Start by correcting your white balance (use a pipette for neutral areas).
3. Raise the exposure and shadows to restore the details.
4. Adjust contrast and clarity (but don’t overdo it — RAW It is subject to aggressive processing, but artifacts are still possible).
5. Export the result to JPEG quality 90-100%.

💡

If RAW-The file looks too dark in the standard gallery, don’t panic – that’s OK! raw shots initially have low contrast for maximum editing flexibility.

When it's worth filming in RAW, When is the best time to stay on JPEG

RAW — Not only is it unnecessary, it's harmful in some scenarios, and we'll figure out when to switch to raw format and when it's enough. JPEG.

Take it down. RAW, if:

• 🌅 Complex lighting: Counterlight, sunsets, night scenes – where you need a wide dynamic range.
• 🎨 Planning post-processing: RAW It gives freedom to experiment with colors and tones.
• 🖼️ Maximum detail required: For example, for printing photos in large format.
• 📸 Manual shooting: If you set up your own ISO, shuttering, RAW save your efforts.

Stay on. JPEG, if:

• 📱 We need speed: RAW slows down (especially in series) and takes up a lot of space.
• 🌞 Good lighting: During the daytime JPEG never yield RAW quality.
• 📤 Photo for social media: Algorithms Instagram/Facebook compress images, negating the benefits RAW.
• 🔋 Limited battery power: Processing RAW increases the load on the processor.

Example: if you are photographing documents or quick storis shots, JPEG But for a portrait with professional light or a landscape with great contrast, you'd better choose. RAW.

💡

RAW It's not a substitute for the photographer's skills, it's a great way to correct mistakes and to creatively process them, if the shot is initially bad (lubricated, overcast, out of focus), even if it's not. RAW won't help.

Common myths about RAW Xiaomi smartphones

Around. RAW There's a lot of misconceptions, especially when it comes to mobile photography:

Myth 1: «RAW always better JPEG»

🔹 Reality: RAW It's better only if it's handled properly. Without editing, a raw file often looks dimmer and less contrasting than a raw file. JPEG, where the smartphone has already applied automatic optimization.

Myth 2: «RAW It's just professionals»

🔹 Reality: RAW And it's also useful for amateurs if they're willing to take time to process, for example, to restore the sky to the light or to correct the white balance.

Myth 3: «RAW takes up too much space»

🔹 Reality: Yes, one file weighs 20-50 MB, but modern smartphones support memory cards up to 1 TB. RAW allows you to “squeeze” the maximum from the frame, avoiding re-shooting.

Myth 4: “On Xiaomi RAW It works worse than mirrors»

🔹 Reality: Quality RAW It depends on the matrix and the processor, not the type of device. - Xiaomi flagships (like 13 Ultra with Sony sensor) IMX989) dynamically RAW Not inferior to many mirrorless.

Myth 5: «RAW hard-to-find»

🔹 Reality: Modern applications (e.g. Lightroom Mobile) offer automatic presets for the mobile app. RAW, It takes a few clicks to get a great result.

It is important to understand that RAW — It's a tool, not a guarantee of a perfect shot, and its effectiveness depends on your skills and your goals.

Problems with RAW Xiaomi and how to solve them

Despite the advantages, the filming in RAW Xiaomi smartphones sometimes have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. RAW-Files are not opened in the gallery

🔧 Solution: Install an app to view RAW, for example:

• Google Photos (supported) DNG).
• Simple Gallery (Free Alternative with Support) RAW).
• FastStone Image Viewer (for PC)

2. RAW eat up memory too quickly

🔧 Decision:

• Use the regimen. RAW + JPEG, Then delete the unnecessary raw files after processing.
• Move it. RAW Memory or Cloud (Google Drive, Mega).
• Set up automatic cleanup in the Files app (Settings) → Cleanup → Large files).

3. RAW brake

🔧 Decision:

• Close the background applications before shooting.
• Turn it off. HDR (he's in conflict with RAW on some models).
• Reset the camera settings to factory settings (Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear data).

4. RAW it's too noisy

🔧 Decision:

• Take it off. ISO ≤ 1600 (manually operated).
• Use a tripod or stabilize your smartphone to avoid lubrication at long shutter speeds.
• When processing, apply noise reduction in Lightroom (Details section) → Noise suppression).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) RAW It can be saved with a cropped dynamic range due to the limitations of the processor, in which case installing a GCam with the right config will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about RAW Xiaomi