How to take photos on Xiaomi: from basic settings to professional secrets

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be “just cameras” – these are full-fledged tools for creativity, able to compete with DSLRs in the hands of a skilled user.+ Or Xiaomi 14 Ultra won't save a shot unless you know how to control it. This article isn't about "push a button and get a masterpiece," it's about a conscious approach, from understanding technical limitations to using hidden features. MIUI.

We will analyze not only the basic settings, but also exclusive chips (for example, how to circumvent the limit on manual shutter speed of 30 seconds), compare the capabilities of different models and explain why it is sometimes better to take a picture in the photo. RAW, And we'll also uncover the secrets of Xiaomi's processing algorithms, which sometimes spoil images in pursuit of brightness.

Important: the article is relevant for smartphones on MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS. If you have an older firmware version, some of the features may not be available. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

1. Basic camera settings: what to turn on immediately after purchase

The first thing you need to do is turn off the automatic "improvements", which often pull colors and remove natural shadows.

• 🎨 AI-camera: turn off if you don't like unnaturally bright skies and skin. Xiaomi's algorithm aggressively increases saturation, which is good for social networks, but bad for realistic shots.
• 🌙 Night mode (auto): leave it on, but manually activate it only when needed - it eats parts in light areas.
• 📏 Grid: Turn on the Golden Ratio or Rule of Thirds for composition. 13T/14 A dynamic grid is available that highlights key points.
• 🔍 Photo resolution: Select a maximum (usually 50-200 MP), but remember that such files weigh 10-30 MB. For social networks, 12 MP is enough.

Pay special attention to the format of preservation:

⚠️ Note: In the Redmi models of the budget line (for example, Redmi). 12C) option RAW It can be hidden. To activate it, install third-party software like GCam or upgrade to HyperOS.

2. Shooting modes: when and how to apply them

Xiaomi offers more than 10 modes of shooting, but 80% of users use only Photo and Portrait, meanwhile, even the Document can save the situation if you want to take a picture of a check or a page of a book without distortion.

• 🌄 Landscape: automatically increases the detail of the sky and grass. In models with Leica optics (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) adds a branded "light fog" for the atmosphere.
• 👤 Portrait: Use Natural Light instead of Studio Light – the latter often over-lights the faces. For the best bokeh, adjust the distance to the object (optimally 1-1.5 m).
• 🌃 Night mode: Keep your phone as still as possible or use a tripod. Xiaomi 14 Pro has the option of Night + RAW, which retains more detail in the shadows.
• 🎥 Video: Turn on Ultra Steady to stabilize, but remember it cuts the edges of the frame. For slow-mo, choose 120 fps in daylight and 240 fps indoors.

Hidden function: In Pro Mode, hold your finger to the value ISO Or shutter speed, you get a slider to fine tune it, and it works even in models without a physical wheel (like Xiaomi). 12S Ultra).

Install ISO 100–400 daylight|Check the white balance (AWB or 5000K)|Turn off the digital zoom|Use the shutter speed. 1/1000 moving-object-->

Manual settings: ISO, snooze

Xiaomi Automotive Mode does a good job of 90% of scenes, but in difficult conditions (contrast light, motion, macro shooting) it is better to go to Professional Mode.

ISO: The higher the value, the brighter the picture, but the more noise:

• 🌞 Day: 100-400
• 🌇 Sunset: 400-800
• 🌙 Night: 1600–3200 (but better to use a tripod)

Exposure: Xiaomi is limited to 30 seconds in standard mode.

1. Install the Camera2 API Probe from the Play Market.
2. Check the support LEVEL_3 (full-access camera).
3. Use Open Camera or GCam for up to 60 seconds.

⚠️ Note: When shooting with long exposure (>1 c) on Xiaomi with AMOLED-You can get a burn on your screens, or artifacts from a static interface, so to avoid this, reduce the brightness of the screen to 30% or use a timer.

Focus: In macro mode (flower in the menu), the minimum focusing distance depends on the model:

• Xiaomi 13 Ultra: 2.5cm
• Redmi Note 12 Pro+: 5cm
• POCO X5: 8 CM (use an additional lens)

For precise focus, tap the screen and hold your finger until the lettering appears. AF Lock.

4.Secrets of processing: how Xiaomi "cheats" your photos

Xiaomi's algorithms aggressively process images before they're saved. AI-camera:

• 🌈 Increase the saturation of the sky by 30-50% (even if it is gray).
• 👧‍🦰 «Whiten the skin on portraits (Beauty effect turned on by default).
• 🌳 Add artificial sharpness at the edges of leaves and grass.

To turn it off:

1. Go to Camera Settings → AI-camera → Additionally.
2. Turn off Sky Improvement, Skin Correction, and Texture Improvement.
3. For complete control, take the RAW and handle in Lightroom or Snapseed.

Exclusive for Leica optics: Xiaomi 13 Ultra/14 Ultra is a hidden Leica Authentic mode that mimics film. It's activated like this:

1. Open the camera and go to the other one. → Leica.
2. Select the Authentic Look (film icon).
3. Enable High Resolution to save to 50 MP.

This regime shuts everything down. AI-filters and gives the most natural colors.

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If your photos on Xiaomi turn out too dark, don’t rush to raise the exposure. HDR 10-bit In camera settings, this will expand the dynamic range without losing details.

5. Model comparison: Which Xiaomi camera is best for your tasks

Xiaomi’s smartphone choices often depend on the priorities of the shoot, and we compared the key models from 2023 to 2026 to the criteria that are important for photographers:

If your budget is limited, pay attention to the Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ — his 200-megapixel-camera 16-into-1 It gives more detailed pictures than many flagships. 2022 The main disadvantage is the poor processing of video (no) 10-bit HDR).

It's better for a video. POCO F6 Pro thanks to support for Dolby Vision and Log profile, but its camera loses in the photo due to the lack of a telephoto lens.

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If you want to be flexible, choose Xiaomi. 13T — It offers balanced photo/video capabilities at a price 30% lower than that of Ultra models.

6. accessories for shooting: what is really needed, and what can be done without

Many people buy expensive camera gadgets, but 90 percent of them are on the shelf, and we only selected the ones that really affect quality.

• 📸 Previous PostPrevious Xiaomi Mi Portable Tripod (1500) ₽) It's going to eliminate the stirring in the night. For serious tasks, take a Manfrotto Pixi with flexible legs.
• 🔦 External flash: Xiaomi's built-in flash is useless - it gives hard light. LED-panel (e.g. Godox) LMS-10R) diffuser.
• 🔍 Additional lenses: Xiaomi Macro Lens 2 (2000) ₽) It brings the object closer to 2cm but requires good lighting.Moment Wide 18mm architecturally useful.
• 🎤 Microphone: A Lavalier microphone is required for video (e.g. Boya) BY-M1). Xiaomi’s built-in microphone records a lot of noise.

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy cheap AliExpress camera nozzles, which are degraded by poor quality glass. Except for Moment or Sandmarc lenses, but they cost 5,000. ₽.

If you shoot often, consider a memory card. UHS-II (for example, Samsung EVO Plus 256GB). She'll speed up the recording. RAW video 4K@60fps. In Xiaomi models 14 newer maintained UFS 4.0, But it's not critical to the camera.

7. Photo processing: programs and life hacks

Even a perfect shot needs processing.

• 📱 Snapseed: Free, there is a tool Selective correction for spot editing.
• 🖥️ Lightroom Mobile: The best balance of simplicity and function.Use Xiaomi Leica presets for natural colors.
• 🎨 VSCO: Good for quick application of filters (e.g, KB25 mimics Kodak film).

For RAW-file:

1. Import to Darktable (free) or Capture One (paid but with a trial).
2. Start by correcting the white balance (use a pipette on a neutral gray object).
3. Raise the exposure with a Shadow slider, not Brightness - so there is less noise.
4. For portraits, reduce skin saturation by 10-15%.

Secret trick: Lightroom has a profile Xiaomi Camera Standard, which simulates processing MIUI. To activate it:

1. Open the RAW- file in Lightroom.
2. Go to Profile. → Camera.
3. Select Xiaomi from the drop-down list.

This will return the “branded” look of the photo, but with the possibility of fine-tuning.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions