Have you ever envied Instagram photos taken on professional cameras, thinking your Xiaomi couldn't? Many users make the mistake of thinking that you need an expensive camera to get high-quality shots. In fact, even the Redmi Note 12 or even the low-end models. POCO X5 Pro can give results at the level of DSLRs, if you know the hidden settings of the camera, choose the right shooting modes and competently process frames.
In this article, we will break down 12 professional techniques that will turn your Xiaomi into a tool for shooting at the level of the camera. DSLR. From the secret features in the Camera app to post-processing in Lightroom Mobile, you’ll learn how to shoot blurry-background portraits, noise-free nightscapes, and dynamic videos in the video. 4K HDR. We also tested the unique mode "Document 2.0" in the MIUI 14, which automatically removes shadows from photos of papers and screens, and tell you how to use it.
1. Xiaomi camera settings that 90% of users don't include
By default, Xiaomi’s camera is in “beginner mode,” with simplified processing algorithms that sacrifice detail for shooting speed, and to unlock the full potential of the module, you need to manually activate hidden options.
Open the Camera app, tap the icon ⚙️ (or swipe up the screen on some models and go to Settings → Please, please, turn it on:
- 📸 Save raw files (RAW) — Allows you to edit photos without loss of quality (available on Xiaomi flagships) 13/14 and POCO F5).
- 🔍 Improved detail (Super Resolution) – increases the resolution of images due to AI (works only in good lighting).
- 🌙 Night mode in manual mode - gives control over shutter speed and ISO dark-screen.
- 🎯 Grid and level – help to align the horizon and follow the rule of thirds.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi models of the budget line (for example, Redmi). 10A) option RAW It may be missing because of a weak processor, and in this case, use third-party applications like Open Camera.
Another life hack: in the menu Settings → Video activate Ultra stabilization (available on Xiaomi) 12T It uses data from the gyroscope and AI to smooth out the shaking of the hands, so you can now shoot video on the move without name.
2. Shooting modes: which to choose for the perfect shot
Annex of the Chamber to MIUI It offers over 15 modes, but most users only use Photos and Videos, while the right mode can dramatically improve the result without post-processing.
| Regime. | When to use | Advice on settings |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | Photography of people, pets | Select the Boque effect (background blur) and adjust the blur level with a slider. 10 levels are available on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra! |
| Night mode. | Evening landscapes, streets, starry sky | Use a tripod or put your phone on a hard surface. POCO F4 GT Hold the shutter speed up to 30 seconds. |
| Professional (Pro) | Full control of the exhibition | Install. ISO higher 800 (Otherwise, there will be noise, and exposure — 1/1000 day-shot. |
| Document 2.0 | Photos of text, checks, screens | Turn on Remove Shadows and Fix Perspective – the AI will automatically straighten a piece of paper. |
| Motion. | Dynamic scenes (sports, dancing) | Choose Long Shutter speed for light tracks or Freeze for sharp frames. |
Special attention deserves the Cloning mode (available on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra and newer. It allows you to take multiple shots with one object in different poses, and then combine them in one frame. Perfect for creative photos!
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If your model does not have Document 2.0 mode, use the Microsoft Lens app – it is free and works better than a regular scanner. MIUI.
3. Composition: how to build a frame according to the rules of professionals
Even the most expensive camera can't save a shot if it's randomly composed. Professional photographers monitor the composition, the location of objects in the frame. Here are 5 tricks that work on smartphones:
- 📏 Rule of Thirds: Place key elements (human eyes, horizon) on grid intersection lines 3×3. Turn it on in the camera settings (Grid) → 3×3).
- 🔄 Leading lines: Use roads, fences or shadows to "lead" the viewer's gaze to the main subject.
- 🖼️ Frames in frame: Shoot through arches, windows or branches - this adds depth to the frame.
- 🔳 Negative space: Leave an empty space around an object (such as the sky above a person) to emphasize it.
- 🌀 Symmetry: reflections in puddles, mirrored facades of buildings – Xiaomi perfectly conveys such scenes due to its wide dynamic range.
On ultra-wide lens models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), experiment with perspective: get as close to the subject as possible (5-10 cm) and shoot from the bottom up, creating a fish-eye effect that bloggers are now trending.
⚠️ Note: When shooting on an ultra-wide lens (0.6x) Avoid bright light sources at the edges of the frame – they can cause strong vignetization (darkening of the corners).
Grid used 3×3|Main site on the intersection line|No extra elements on the edges|Horizon is flat (include level in settings)|Experimented with angle (bottom/top)-->
4. Lighting: How to shoot in bad light without noise
One of the most challenging tasks for smartphones is to shoot in low light conditions. Even Xiaomi’s flagship models start to make noise when you raise them. ISO There are ways to get around that limit:
1. Use external light sources:
- 💡 Ring lamp (costs from 500) ₽) — Ideal for portraits and product shooting.
- 🔦 Smartphone flashlight: Point it at the ceiling or wall for diffuse light (don't shine directly at the object!).
- ☀️ Natural light: Take pictures at the window in cloudy weather - soft lighting will hide skin flaws.
Camera settings for darkness:
- In Pro mode, set it up. ISO on 800–1200 and exposure 1/10–1/30 seconds (use a tripod!).
- Turn on Night mode and manually increase exposure time to the maximum (on Xiaomi 13 Ultra – up to 30 seconds).
- Turn it off. HDR — In the dark, it only adds to the noise.
Post-processing:
If you have any noise, use Topaz Denoise. AI (Free trial, or Lightroom Mobile with Noise Reduction Preset, set the Luminance slider to 30 to 50 percent, enough to remove the grain without losing any parts.
How to shoot a starry sky on Xiaomi?
5. Focus: How to Make a Photo 100% Sharp
Blurred photos are one of the main problems for beginners. Xiaomi has several ways to focus accurately that work even in difficult conditions:
1. Manual focusing (MF):
In Pro mode, tap the icon. 🎯 And you can move the focus slider, which is useful for macro photography, or when autofocus doesn't see an object (like through glass). Xiaomi 13 Pro has laser autofocus that works in complete darkness.
2. Focus locking (AE/AF Lock):
Point the camera at the object and hold your finger on the screen for 2 seconds until the inscription appears. AF Lock. Now the focus and the exposure are fixed, so you can recompose the frame without fear of it being blurred.
Tracking mode:
It is turned on with a long tap on the object in Photo or Video mode. The camera will automatically monitor the moving object (person, car, animal). POCO X5 The Pro works even when shooting in 4K 60fps.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in Portrait mode, focus on the person's eyes. If the camera is clinging to the nose or ears, tap the screen in the eye area, so you get a natural bokeh.
6. Video Shooting: How to Record Videos in 4K shakingly
Videos on Xiaomi often suffer from two problems: tremors and overexposed frames, which are solved with settings and accessories:
Stabilization:
- 🎥 Enable Ultra-stabilization in the video settings (available on Xiaomi) 12T Pro and newer).
- 🤳 Use an improvised stabilizer: press your elbows against your torso or lean against a wall.
- 🛒 Buy a jimbal (for example, DJI OM 5) – it syncs with Xiaomi’s camera over Bluetooth.
2. Video settings:
- 📹 Take it down. 4K 30fps (not 60fps) — Less processor load and better stabilization.
- 🔊 Turn on the external microphone (if connected) in the sound settings.
- 🌡️ Turn off the car.-HDR — It can cause flickering when lighting changes.
3. Installation:
For quick processing, use CapCut (free, there are templates for you to use). TikTok/Reels). To remove the jitter in post-production, apply the Stabilization effect with force 20–30%. Higher values can distort the frame.
7. Post-processing: applications and settings for professional appearance
Even a perfect shot requires minimal processing, and here are the tools that professionals use:
| Annex | What to use for | Recommended settings |
|---|---|---|
| Lightroom Mobile | Color correction, exposure, sharpness | Preset Auto, then manually: Contrast +15, Shadows. +30, Clarity. +20. |
| Snapseed | Local edits, retouching. | Tool for lightening shadows on the face, glamorous light for portraits. |
| VSCO | Filters and toning | Filter A6 warm-colored HB2 cold-hearted. |
| Topaz Gigapixel AI | Increase in authorization | Standard model, scale 2x, low-noise. |
For quick processing right in the Xiaomi gallery, use the built-in editor:
- Open the photo. → Edit.
- Choose the Color. → Autocorrection.
- Go to Effects and apply Portrait Light (for photos of people).
- Keep a copy so you don’t lose the original.
Important: When processing RAW-In Lightroom, first set white balance with a pipette (white balance tool), and then adjust the exposure.
8 Accessories That Will Turn Your Xiaomi Into a Professional Camera
Even with perfect camera settings, some scenes require additional equipment.-5 smartphone accessories:
- 📸 Moment nozzles (wide-angle, macro, telephoto lens) - attached to the Xiaomi body using a magnetic ring. Cost: from 3 000 ₽.
- 🔦 LED-Neewer 480 – adjustable brightness and color temperature (3,200–5) 600K). Ideal for taking pictures and portraits.
- 🎤 Microphone BOYA BY-M1 — It's connected via Type-C and it's clearing the wind.
- 🛠️ Ulanzi State MT-08 — compact, with Bluetooth remote descent.
- 🔋 Powerbank Xiaomi 20000mAh — shoot 4K and RAW battery-drive.
For macro photography (insects, textures) you can do without nozzles: use the back of the binoculars (press the lens of the smartphone) or a drop of water on the lens (focus at a distance of 1-2 cm).
⚠️ Warning: When using external lenses, turn off digital zoom in camera settings (Settings) → zoom → Optical only, otherwise the smartphone will try to combine optics with software magnification, which will spoil the quality.