How to set up a camera on a Xiaomi smartphone: from basic parameters to professional modes

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer budget outsiders in the world of mobile photography, and today even mid-range models such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro are not the same.+ or POCO X6 Pros are equipped with cameras with support for 50 megapixel sensors, optical stabilization and advanced image processing algorithms. However, even the most advanced "iron" stuffing does not guarantee perfect shots without the right setup.

The problem is that most users are limited to automatic mode, unaware of the hidden capabilities of the proprietary application Camera from the Internet. MIUI. Meanwhile, a competent white balance calibration, manual focusing, or activation of Pro mode can turn a blurry night frame into a professional photo. In this guide, we will analyze the unique features of Xiaomi cameras that are absent even from the flagships of Samsung and Apple – for example, setting up Movie Effects for cinematic video or optimizing Ultra Night Mode for shooting in complete darkness.

1. Basic camera settings: what to check first

Before you dive into professional modes, make sure that the basic camera settings are set up correctly, often affecting the quality of shots more than an expensive lens.

Open the Camera app and tap the icon ⚙️ (Or swipe up the screen on some models, and there's some key options for you:

• 📸 Photo resolution: Select the maximum value (for example, 50MP Xiaomi 14 However, remember that these photos take up to 20-30 MBT each.
• 🎥 Video resolution: For most tasks, enough is enough 1080p@60fps. 4K It will require more space and processor power.
• 🔄 The aspect ratio is 4:3 for print, 16:9 for social media. POCO F5 It is also available in 1:1 format for Instagram.
• 🌙 Activate the car so that the camera itself determines whether to turn on Night Mode.

Pay special attention to the item Watermark (or Watermark), its deactivation will save the pictures from the inscription Shot on Xiaomi, which spoils the song. HDR — on models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro, it is better to choose a car-HDR, avoiding over-lit areas.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note) 12 Pro) when filming in 4K@60fps You may be overheating. In this case, limit yourself. 30fps or use a cooling case.

2.Pro Mode: Manual settings for perfect shot

Xiaomi's proprietary Pro mode hides features comparable to SLR cameras, where you can manually adjust:

• 🔘 Excerpt (from) 1/4000down 32(c) To photograph the starry sky, set 10-30c, but use a tripod.
• 📐 ISO (Light sensitivity: Optimal range — 100-800. Values above 1600 nuisance.
• 🎯 Focus: Manually adjust sharpness if autofocus "misses" (relevant for macro shooting).
• 🔄 White Balance: Choose Daylight for Natural Tones or Incandescent Light when shooting indoors.

For example, for portrait photography in daylight, we recommend:

Excerpt: 1/250c


ISO: 100-200




Focus: Auto (or manual eye tuning)




White balance: Cloudy (for warm skin tones)

On models with Leica optics (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Pro mode has unique color profiles: Leica Authentic (natural tones) and Leica Vibrant (juicy colors). Experiment with them when shooting landscapes or food.

Turn off digital zoom (use optical only)

Check the battery level (Pro mode consumes energy faster)

Install a tripod for long exposure

Clean the lens of fingerprints-->

3. Optimization of night shooting: Ultra Night Mode and Long Exposure

Xiaomi’s Ultra Night Mode technology uses multi-frame processing algorithms to pull details out of dark scenes, but the right setup is required to maximize the effect.

1. Activate Night Mode manually (Icon) 🌙 top-down).
2. Keep your smartphone still for a while. 2-5 You know, the second you hit the descent, the timer will appear on the screen.
3. For moving objects (such as fireworks), use Long Exposure mode in the More menu.

On Xiaomi 14 and later, Night Video is available, which improves video in low light conditions.

1. Go to Camera Settings → Video → Nighttime video.
2. Select permission. 1080p@30fps (4K this mode is not available).
3. Use an external light source (such as another smartphone flashlight) to illuminate the object.

⚠️ Note: When shooting in Ultra Night Mode on smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) can cause a “green spot” effect due to overheating of the matrix.

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To shoot the Milky Way on Xiaomi, use the shutter speed 20-25s, ISO 3200 format RAW. Process the photo in Lightroom with increased contrast and reduced noise.

4. Portrait mode: how to achieve a blurred background (boke)

The bokeh effect on smartphones is software-generated, but its quality depends on the right settings, and Xiaomi’s Portrait (or Portrait on global firmware) mode is responsible for this.

The algorithm of the work:

1. Place the object at a distance 1-2 It's a meter away from the camera, too close or far away will make the blur worse.
2. Tap the screen to focus on your face or object.
3. Wait for the Boque prompt to appear ready (on some models - a circle at the bottom of the screen).
4. Press the badge. 🔄, to adjust the level of blur (F1.4 — maximum, F16 — minimal).

On flagships (Xiaomi 14, 13 Ultra) available option Double Bokeh, which blurs the background on both the main and front camera. and on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Portrait Lighting – It simulates studio light sources (for example, Contour Light or Soft Lighting).

If the bokeh effect is unrealistic (e.g., hair or edges of objects are blurred), try:

• 📏 Increase the distance to the background (minimum 3 meters).
• 🎨 Use Pro mode with manual focusing.
• 🖼️ Process photos in Google Photos with the tool Blurr.

5. Video shooting: stabilization, sound and cinematic effects

Xiaomi cameras support advanced video shooting features that often go unnoticed, such as HyperLapse technology allows you to create accelerated videos with smooth stabilization, and Movie Effects mode (available on Xiaomi) 13/14 series) adds cinematic transitions and color filters.

The main settings for high-quality video:

• 🎬 Stabilization: Turn on Ultra Steady to capture motion (e.g. while running). POCO X6 This mode works even in the 4K.
• 🎤 Sound: Use an external microphone (connects via a USB-C The built-in microphone suppresses noise but picks up few low frequencies.
• 🔄 Frame rate: Select for slow-motion 120fps or 240fps (available 12T Pro and newer).
• 🌈 Color profile: D-Log (for post-processing) is available on flagships and HLG (for HDR-video).

For shooting in D-Log format (flat profile for color correction) do:

1. Go to Camera Settings → Video → Color profile.
2. Select D-Log (available on Xiaomi 13 Pro and later).
3. Shoot the video, then import it to Adobe Premiere or CapCut for color correction with the video. LUT.

⚠️ Warning: When you shoot in D-Log, the video will look dull and non-contrast — that's OK.

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For professional video on Xiaomi, use a combination: 4K@24fps + D-Log + This set of settings is as close as possible to the cinematic standard.

6. Hidden features of the Xiaomi camera: what is not written in the instructions

Branded SO MIUI hides a few unique chips that can be activated through Secret Codes or deep settings:

• 🔍 Super Moon Mode: Automatically zooms in on the Moon. Activated manually in Pro mode when shooting the night sky (available on Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra).
• 📱 Double pressing the volume button: Configure in Settings → Special facilities → Quickly launch the camera to open the camera even on a locked screen.
• 🎞️ Shooting in RAW: Includes in Pro mode via the format menu. RAW-file-weight 30-50 MB, but allow flexible post-processing.
• 🔄 Hardware button descent: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and later you can use a physical button on the body for photography (configured in the camera settings). → Buttons).

Another little-known feature is Doc Mode, which optimizes the camera for scanning text and tables, removing perspective distortions, and turning it on:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe your finger up the screen to open the modes menu.
3. Select the Document (Icon) 📄).
4. Point the camera at the text - the boundaries of the document will be illuminated in yellow.

On models with an infrared sensor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) in the menu More available Night Vision mode. It allows you to shoot in complete darkness, but the image quality will be black and white and grainy.

7. Performance optimization: how to avoid lags and overheating

Xiaomi’s powerful cameras require significant processor resources, which can lead to freezes or overheating, especially when shooting long shots. 4K-Video or video using Ultra Night Mode.

To minimize the problems:

• 🔋 Battery charge: Do not shoot video if the charge is below 20% - the processor automatically reduces performance.
• 🧊 Cooling: Use heat sink covers or remove the cover while shooting.
• 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Clean the Camera app's cache regularly in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Update: Install the latest version MIUI — In new firmware optimized algorithms for image processing.

If the camera is slowing down, try:

1. Reset the camera settings to factory settings (Camera Settings → Reset).
2. Disable background applications through Settings → Battery → Optimization.
3. Remove the cover - some accessories block the ventilation holes.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon 888 processor (for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro) when filming in 8K It can create a green stripe artifact. It's a hardware feature of the chipset -- just limit it. 4K.

8 Post-processing: how to improve the photo directly on the smartphone

Even a perfectly shot can be improved with built-in tools. MIUI Or third-party apps. Xiaomi Gallery is available:

• ✨ AI-Retouch: Automatically removes skin defects and brightens portraits.
• 🎨 Color correction: Adjustment of contrast, saturation and temperature.
• 🔍 Pruning and Perspective: Correcting Curves (e.g. for architectural photos).
• 🖌️ Brush: Local lightening or dimming of individual areas.

For advanced processing, install:

• Adobe Lightroom Mobile – to work with RAW preset.
• Snapseed – for accurate correction of exposure and details.
• VSCO — for stylish filters and imitation of film.

If you're filming in RAW, Import the file to Lightroom and:

1. Increase the exposure to +0.5.
2. Raise the Contrast to +20.
3. Reduce the noise in the Details section.
4. Apply the Camera Neutral profile for natural flowers.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra have a unique feature in the gallery AI Watermark – it allows you to add personalized captions with geolocation, date and even weather conditions to your photo.

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For maximum quality, always take a picture of RAW+JPEG (if maintained). JPEG It is suitable for quick publication, and RAW — deep-work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions