How to set up a camera on a Xiaomi phone

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are equipped with powerful touch modules that can compete with compact cameras. However, standard automatic settings are often not enough to unlock their potential.

In this article, we will discuss how to correctly adjust the basic parameters of the Camera application, you will learn what values to set for maximum resolution, how to work with a framing grid, and why it is important to pay attention to white balance before starting a photo shoot.

Owners of MIUI or HyperOS devices have access to advanced functionality hidden from the eyes of the beginner, and we will help you understand these settings so that each frame is exactly the way you intended it to be.

Basic settings of resolution and aspect ratio

The first thing to do to improve the quality of the photos is to change the standard aspect ratio. Many models are set to 4:3 with interpolation by default, but to get maximum detail, you should choose a full-resolution mode of the sensor, which is especially true for models with high-resolution matrices, where each megapixel counts.

In the top menu of the camera interface, find a button that displays the current ratio (such as 16:9 or Full). Click on it and select the value that corresponds to the native resolution of your main camera. Often this is a 4:3 option marked "High resolution" or simply High.

Using maximum resolution only makes sense in good lighting. In low light conditions, it is better to switch to standard mode, since the pixels will combine to reduce noise, which will give a cleaner picture.

• 📸 For landscapes, choose the maximum resolution 4:3.
• 📱 For storis in social networks convenient to use 9:16.
• 🖼️ For printing large photos, it is important to keep the ratio of 3:2.

⚠️ Warning: Shooting at maximum resolution (e.g. 64MP or 108MP) takes up significantly more space in the device's memory. Make sure you have enough free space or cloud sync enabled.

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Use HEIF in your camera settings if you plan to store thousands of photos on your device, saving up to 50% of your space without losing any visible quality.

Setup of the framing grid and level

The composition of the frame is as important as the technical parameters of the matrix, and to make your photos look professional, it is recommended to activate the grid display. It divides the screen into nine equal parts, helping to apply the rule of thirds when building the frame.

To enable this feature, go to the settings menu (three bars in the corner of the screen) and find the "Grid" option. Here you can choose the classic 3x3 grid or the more complex "Golden Ratio". It is also useful to enable a display of the horizon level so that the horizon line in the photo is always flat.

Using a grid helps align the verticals of buildings in architectural photography and position objects in portrait photography correctly, a simple tool that instantly improves image perception.

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The grid does not fall on the final image, it serves only as an auxiliary tool for assembling the frame in the viewfinder.

Working with white balance and exposure

Automation is often a mistake in determining color temperature, especially in mixed light. To make the colors in the photo look natural, you need to be able to adjust white balance (WB) manually. In the Xiaomi camera interface, this can be done by selecting the appropriate icon or through pro-mode.

The exposure determines the brightness of the shot. Before you take the shot, tap the screen in the area of the main subject. You will see an exposure slider, which you can move, you can brighten or darken the scene, which is critical when shooting against light or in the snow.

So you can capture focus and exposure with a long press on the screen, and you'll see an AE/AF Lock icon, and the camera won't try to refocus or change the brightness even if you change the angle, and it's an indispensable tool for serial photography.

• ☀️ For snowy landscapes, increase the exposure.
• 🌑 For sunset silhouettes, reduce brightness.
• 💡 In artificial light, adjust the white balance.

Don't be afraid to experiment with sliders. Digital photography allows you to see the results instantly and make edits. Unlike film, there's no cost of error other than time spent.

Use of Professional Mode (Pro)

For those who want to have full control of the shooting process, Xiaomi cameras have Pro mode, which gives you access to manual shutter speed settings, ISO, focal length and white balance, making your smartphone a full-fledged tool for the photographer.

Shutter speed (S) regulates the time during which light hits the matrix. Short shutter speed (for example, 1/1000) freezes movement, and long exposure (for example, 2 seconds) blurs water or light of car headlights. Long exposure requires a tripod.

ISO is responsible for sensor sensitivity: Low values (ISO 50-100) give a clean picture without noise, but require a lot of light. High values (ISO 1600+) allow shooting in the dark, but add graininess.

Manual focusing (MF) allows you to target objects that autofocus doesn't see, such as through glass or macro textures. The focus slider moves the plane of field from macro to infinity.

⚠️ Note: When shooting in format RAW Pro files are taken in the 3-4 more space than usual JPEG. Keep track of memory during long photo sessions.

Video recording and stabilization setting

Xiaomi smartphones can not only take photos, but also shoot high-quality video. In the video settings, you can choose 4K resolution and 60 fps frame rate for maximum smoothness. However, it is worth remembering that 4K 60fps is a lot of loading the processor.

Stabilization is an important parameter. In modern models, it is often software or hybrid. Make sure that the camera settings activate the option "Video Stabilization", which will help avoid "shaking" when shooting from the hands while walking.

If you're planning to edit a video, it makes sense to turn off beautify effects and noise cancellation to get a more "honest" picture. Also check the microphone settings: in some scenarios, it's useful to use an external sound source.

• 🎥 Enough for social media 1080p 30fps.
• 🏃 Choose 60 fps or 120 fps for sports.
• 🎬 For the movie, set 24 fps.

When shooting 4K video, zoom is often digital and degrades quality, and it is better to approach the subject or use optical zoom if your smartphone design provides it.

Scenario mode and artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) Xiaomi automatically recognizes scenes in cameras: food, sky, greens, documents or pets. AI It's a great tool for the newcomer to use for color saturation and contrast.

However, power users may not like overprocessing, and if the colors in the photo look unnaturally bright (“squinty-eyed”), try turning off AI amplification or reducing its intensity in the settings, which will make the images natural.

There are also many scenario modes in the arsenal: Night, Portrait, Panorama, Long Shutter, each with its own processing algorithms, such as Night, which takes multiple frames with different exposures and glues them together into one bright shot.

Don't rely on automation alone. Understanding which scenario you choose will help predict the outcome, such as Food mode, which emphasizes warm tones, and Documents, which increases text contrast.

Cleaning the lens and optics care

Often the problem is not the settings, but the physical condition of the lenses. Fat spots from the fingers on the lens create a fog effect and glare when shooting against the light. Before each important shot, wipe the camera with a soft cloth.

Use a microfiber that does not scratch the coating. It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals or alcohol-containing liquids, as they can damage the oleophobic coating of the lens. Easy breathing and dry cloth wiping are enough.

Check regularly if there is sand or dust in the notch of the camera module. Small abrasive particles can scratch the glass when you put the phone in your case. Gently blow the module or use a soft brush.

⚠️ Warning: Never use paper wipes, toilet paper or clothing to wipe your camera. Paper fibers and rough fabric leave micro scratches on the glass that will eventually deteriorate the quality of the photo.