How to set up a camera on Xiaomi Redmi 8T: from basic parameters to professional modes

Why does the Redmi 8T camera require manual tuning?

Xiaomi Redmi 8T is equipped with a quadruple camera with a main module at 48 MP, but by default the hardware works in a "universal" mode. The manufacturer optimizes the firmware for the mass user, sacrificing detail for the sake of shooting speed, as a result, even in good lighting, photos can be blurred, with overexposure or unnatural colors.

Compounding the problem, Redmi 8T uses Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms, which use aggressive smoothing and saturation by default. This is good for social media, but bad for those who want to preserve natural textures. Fortunately, the camera settings have hidden tools to disable software “improvement” and regain control of the shoot.

In this article, we will analyze not only basic parameters like resolution or timer, but also little-known functions – for example, how to manually adjust the white balance for shooting by candlelight or how to use Pro Mode for photos in RAW format. Special attention will be paid to video optimization: why Redmi 8T “brakes” when recording in 4K and how to fix it.

Basic camera settings: what to change first

Before you dive into professional modes, check the basic parameters. They affect 80% of the final quality of the shots. Open the Camera app and tap the icon. ⚙️ This is what you need to set up right away:

• 📸 Photo resolution: 12 MP is the default (pixels combine for better light transmission). For detailed shots, choose 48 MP, but remember that the files will weigh 3-4 times more.
• 🎥 Video resolution: maximum — 4K@30fps, But you can get overheated when you're recording in this mode. 1080p@60fps.
• ⏱️ Timer: Turn on a 3-second or 10-second delay if you take a selfie often.
• 🔄 Save settings: activate the option Save settings so you don’t reconfigure the camera every time.

Note the Watermark option. Xiaomi defaults to adding a brand logo and a smartphone model to the photo, which not only spoils the composition, but also reveals information about your device. Turn off this feature if you don't want to "glow" online.

⚠️ Note: When shooting in 48 MP format, optical stabilization is turned off (OIS). Use this mode only in good lighting or with a tripod.

Turn off watermark |Select 12MP or 48MP resolution |Set timer 3 seconds for selfies |Activate saving settings |Chronicize white balance (auto/manual)

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Shooting modes: which to choose for different scenes

Redmi 8T offers 7 basic modes, but most users are limited to Photo and Video. Meanwhile, the right mode choice can save a frame in difficult conditions.

The most underrated mode is Pro Mode, which allows you to manually configure:

• 📐 Excerpt: from 1/4000 sect 32 You can choose to shoot the sky. 10–30 sack.
• 🔆 ISO: 100 to 3200. ISO 1600+ pop up.
• 🎯 Focus: manual focusing is useful for macro photography (minimum distance - 5 cm).
• 🔘 White balance: presets for different light sources (incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc.).

Photo Photo|Video|Portrait|Night mode.|Pro Mode|Other-->

Video optimization: how to avoid jerks and overheating

Redmi 8T is capable of recording video in 4K@30fps, but in practice many people face two problems: overheating (after 5-7 minutes of recording) and jerking when driving.

⚠️ Attention: When recording in 4K Electronic stabilization is shut down (EIS). To avoid “shaking”, use an external stabilizer or remove from a tripod.

Overheating occurs because the Snapdragon 665 processor is not optimized for long-term processing. 4K-Flow solutions:

• ❄️ Remove the cover before shooting - it blocks the heat sink.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to 100%. At a charge level below 20%, the processor automatically reduces performance.
• ☁️ Avoid direct sunlight. Shooting on the beach or in the car in the summer will speed up the heating.
• ⚙️ Reduce the permit to 1080p@60fps — It'll reduce the load. 40%.

The jerks in video are usually associated with autofocus or low-speed write to a memory card.

1. Your microSD class: 4K requires UHS-I U3 or V30.
2. File system format: The card must be formatted in exFAT (not FAT32!).
3. Focus settings: In Professional mode, set Manual Focus if the autofocus is "breathing."

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Before an important video shoot, restart your phone – this will clear the camera cache and reduce the risk of lag.

Hidden camera functions: what the instructions will not tell

Xiaomi hides some of the camera's features in the back of the menu or behind gesture combinations. Here's what you can activate on the Redmi 8T:

• 🖼️ Raw photos (RAW): In Pro Mode, tap the icon JPG in the top menu and select RAW. The files will be saved in.dng format (weight). ~20MB).
• 🔍 Enlargement in viewfinder: Twice tap the screen to turn on zoom 2× (It's an 8MP telephoto lens, and it's better than digital zoom.
• 🎭 Effects of Portrait Mode: After shooting in Portrait Mode, you can change the degree of background blur (F1.4–F16) and add studio lighting.
• 📱 Selfie gestures: In camera settings, turn on Smile or Gesture (raised hand) for self-rescuing.

Another useful feature is double-pressing the volume button. It triggers the camera by default, but in settings (Settings → Special Options → Volume Button) you can attach a quick shot (photo without unlocking your phone).

Setting up a selfie camera: how to avoid distortion

The Redmi 8T front camera has an 8MP resolution and a 78° viewing angle. It's narrower than flagships (usually 85-90°), but wider than budget models. It makes the faces at the edges of the frame look a little stretched.

1. Open the camera settings → Selfie.
2. Activate the option Face correction (reduces distortion at the edges).
3. Turn off the beauty or set the level to 10-20% – strong smoothing spoils the texture of the skin.
4. For group selfies, use Wide-angle mode (three-tree icon), but remember: edge distortions will intensify.

If you want to get detail, take a selfie on the main camera (switch to the rear module in the Camera app), the resolution will be higher, and the facial distortion will be minimal.

1. Turn the phone over with a screen away from you.
2. Touch the icons ⤵️ (switching cameras) twice - activated mirror mode.
3. Use a timer or voice command "Cheese!" (only works on Chinese firmware).

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Selfies on the main camera are obtained better than the front, but require the skill of composition - watch the shadows and background.

Post-shoot photography: built-in tools

The Gallery app on Redmi 8T offers basic editing tools that many people miss. Here's what you can do without third-party software:

• ✂️ Cutting and alignment: the tool Coverage allows you to rotate the photo in 1 increments° and correct perspective (useful for architectural shots).
• 🎨 Color correction: in the Color section, you can separately adjust Temperature (from cold to warm), Hint and Saturation.
• 🌟 Local edits: the brush tool allows you to brighten or darken individual areas (for example, the face in the portrait).
• 🖌️ Removal of objects: function Magic eraser (hidden in More) → Edit) removes small artifacts (dust, wires).

For advanced processing, we recommend exporting photos to RAW (if you shot in Pro Mode) and opening them to Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed.

• Restore the red-lighted areas with the help of Light Recovery.
• Reduce noise at high ISOs with a sharpness mask.
• Apply color profiles (e.g. Xiaomi Vintage for retro effect).

⚠️ Note: When editing in the Gallery, the original file is overwritten. To save the source, first make a copy (hold the photo). → Copy).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions