How to set up a camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide from basic parameters to professional modes

Why does the Redmi Note 9 camera require manual tuning?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is equipped with a quadro camera with a main module at 48 MP, but even this "iron" does not guarantee perfect shots without the right settings. By default, the camera application uses automatic processing algorithms that often overstate contrast, add noise in dark scenes or improperly balance white. For example, when shooting against the sun, automation can make the face bluish, and at dusk – blur details due to prolonged exposure.

In this article, we’ll break down not only basic parameters like resolution or timer, but also hidden MIUI Camera features that Xiaomi doesn’t advertise. You’ll learn how to turn off unnecessary processing, set up manual focus for macro photography, use Pro Mode for night photos, and even save RAW images for professional processing.

Important: All screenshots and menu paths are relevant for MIUI 12–14 (inclusive). If you have an older firmware version, some items may be missing - update your smartphone via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Basic camera settings: what to change first

Before you dive into professional modes, check the basic parameters that affect the quality of all your shots. Go to the Camera app, swipe up the screen (or tap the gear) and open the camera settings. There are 5 key points that you should configure immediately:

• 📸 Photo resolution: Choose 48 MP (or 12 MP pixel binning for better detail in the dark). Redmi Note 9 takes 12 MP by default, but in good lighting 48 MP gives more detail.
• 🔄 The aspect ratio is 4:3 for photo printing, 16:9 for social media stories. Avoid 1:1, it cuts the edges of the frame.
• 🌙 Night mode: Turn on the Auto option so that the camera itself offers to activate it in dark scenes. Manual mode is turned on by the "Moon" button on the camera's home screen.
• 🔍 Grid: Activate the Rule of Thirds (3×3) — This will help to properly build compositional staff.
• 📁 Rescue folder: by default, photos are saved to DCIM/Camera, But you can choose Micro.-SD, if it is installed.

⚠️ Note: If you shoot in 48 MP, each shot will weigh ~15-20 MB. When you're shooting, it's going to fill up your memory quickly. Use this mode only for really important shots.

Also note the Watermark option, which is best turned off if you don’t want Shot on Redmi to appear on all photos, but the Save Settings option is to enable the camera to remember your preferences between sessions.

Shooting modes: which to choose for different scenes

Redmi Note 9 offers 7 basic shooting modes, but most users only use Photos and Videos. Meanwhile, choosing the right mode can dramatically improve the result.

The most underrated mode is Pro Mode, which hides powerful functionality: you can manually adjust ISO (sensitivity), shutter speed, white balance, and even focal length. For example, for shooting waterfalls during the day, set shutter speed 1/1000c, and for glowing trails at night - 4c (use a tripod!).

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To quickly switch between modes, swipe left/right on the camera screen. Double-pressing the volume button triggers fast shooting (even on a locked phone).

Professional settings: how to shoot as a pro

If you want to make the most of the Redmi Note 9, go to Pro Mode, which is available in settings that are usually only available in DSLRs:

• 📐 Focus: by default AF (Autofocus, but for macro you can switch to MF (manually) and set a value from 0.1 m to ∞.
• ⚡ Exposure: regulated by a slider from -2 before +2 EV. For contrasting scenes (such as sunset) reduce by -0.7 light-keeping.
• 🌡️ White balance: Automation often fails in artificial lighting. For incandescent bulbs, choose 3200K, fluorescent — 4000K.
• 🔄 ISO: Keep it between 100 and 800 during the day and 800 and 3200 at night.
• ⏱️ Shutter speed: use motion (cars, water) to capture motion 1/500c and faster.

A critical nuance for the Redmi Note 9: When shooting in Pro Mode in RAW format (Save RAW option in settings), shutter speed is limited to 1/4s without a tripod, exceeding this value leads to severe loss of detail due to hand tremors.

For the starry sky:

1. Set the phone on a tripod.
2. In Pro Mode, select ISO 3200, shutter speed 20c, focus MF → ∞.
3. Use a 3c delay timer to avoid shaking when pressed.
4. Shoot in RAW and then process in Lightroom (increase exposure and remove noise).

Set your phone on a tripod | Turn off autofocus (switch to MF) | Set ISO no higher than 3200 | Use a timer or remote |Shoot in RAW for post-processing-->

Video settings: 4K, stabilization and sound

The Redmi Note 9 camera supports shooting in 4K@30fps, but the default is 1080p@30fps. To change the resolution, tap the video settings icon (cog in the upper right corner of the video screen).

• 🎥 4K (3840×2160) — The best quality, but the files weigh ~350 MB/min. Suitable for installation.
• 📺 1080p@60fps — Smooth video for social networks (Instagram, TikTok).
• 🔄 1080p@30fps s EIS — Software stabilization enabled (useful for hand-held shooting).
• 🎤 External microphone – if connected via Type-C (e.g. Boya) BY-M1).

For a stable video without shaking:

1. Enable Electronic Stabilization (EIS) in your video settings.
2. Shoot at 1080p@30fps – at 60fps or 4K, stabilization works worse.
3. Hold the phone with both hands, your elbows pressed against your body.
4. Use apps like Filmic Pro to manually adjust bitrate (on the Redmi Note 9, the maximum bitrate in the stock camera is 40 Mbps).

⚠️ Attention: when filming in 4K Redmi Note 9 turns off autofocus in video mode. To avoid blurred frames, focus on the object beforehand and do not change the distance to it.

Hidden camera features: what the Redmi Note 9 can do, but Xiaomi doesn’t tell you

MIUI hides a few useful features that you can activate through the camera settings or engineering menu.

1. Double press volume: Starts fast shooting by default, but you can reassign to camera turn on or take a picture. Path: Settings → Buttons and gestures → Quick camera start.
2. Shooting in RAW + JPEG: In Pro Mode, enable the option Save RAW. The phone will save two files: compressed JPEG for quick viewing and raw RAW for processing.
3. Manual HDR setting: HDR is automatically enabled only in high contrast. In Pro Mode, you can force it to activate with the HDR button (appears when you press the screen).
4. Turning off noise cancellation in video: By default, the microphone suppresses background noise, but this spoils the sound of music or nature. Disables in Video Settings → Sound Improvement.

Another hidden possibility is long exposure in Starry Sky mode, which is hidden in Additional → Long exposure (only at night) and it automatically takes a series of images and glues them together to reduce noise, often better than the manual Pro Mode.

For experimentation lovers: if you enter a command in the engineering menu

##4636##

Testing → Camera

Don’t change the settings on this menu.

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RAW captures 20 to 30 percent more detail in shadows and lights than JPEG, but files take up 5 to 6 times more space. Use this format only for important frames that you'll be processing.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right settings, Redmi Note 9 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

The 2 MP module in Redmi Note 9 has a fixed focus and only works 2-5 cm from the subject.

1. Bring the phone closer (until a clear image appears).
2. Use additional lighting (flash or external source).
3. Shoot in 4:3 format – it uses the entire sensor, as opposed to 16:9.

Another common complaint is "camera focuses a lot," which is because the default is Continuous Autofocus (AF-C), which is constantly adjustable to motion. For static objects, switch to Disposable AF-S in Pro Mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions