How to set up the camera on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a professional guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has become a hit in its segment, thanks in large part to the main camera with a resolution of 48 MP based on the Samsung ISOCELL GM1 sensor. However, to get really high-quality pictures, it is not enough just to open the application and press the downhill button. Factory settings are often focused on fast, not high-quality shooting, which requires intervention from the user.

Deep customization allows you to unlock the potential of the matrix, improve detail in low light and avoid typical errors such as overlights or “porridge” in the shadows. In this article, we will discuss how to properly adjust the basic and auxiliary parameters so that your Redmi Note 7 shoots at the limit of its technical capabilities.

Before we get to the tricky manipulations, we need to understand the basic principles of MIUI software in conjunction with hardware. Many users overlook the fact that the 48 MP sensor defaults in 12 MP mode using binning technology, combining pixels to improve light sensitivity. This is normal and correct behavior for most scenes, but this is necessary to understand further settings.

Basic configuration of the camera interface

The first thing that a user encounters after launching an application is the viewfinder interface. Standard settings often hide important tools that you might need at any time. First, we recommend going to the settings menu by clicking on the three bars in the upper right corner and selecting Settings, which is where the fundamental parameters that affect the entire shooting process lie.

Be sure to turn on the Grid lines option, which is not just a decorative element, but an essential composition tool to help apply the rule of thirds. Horizontal and vertical lines help to align the horizon and correctly position objects in the frame, which is especially important for landscape shooting on the wide screen of the Redmi Note 7.

Also worth paying attention to the option “Save camera settings.” If this feature is activated, the smartphone will remember the last mode used (for example, night or portrait) and the value of the exposure correction. This saves time, but can lead to accidental errors if you forget to return the settings to the original position.

• 📸 Turn on the grid display to improve the frame composition.
• 🔇 Turn off the shutter sound if you plan to take covert photography (not work in all regions).
• 📐 Activate the horizon level to align the horizon line when shooting landscapes.
• 💾 Set up automatic geodata saving if you are a travel blogger.

⚠️ Attention: Turning on geotags can significantly increase the size of the photo file and consume battery power faster, as it is constantly running GPS-module.

Setup of resolution and shooting format

One of the main features of the Redmi Note 7 is the ability to shoot in high resolution. By default, the camera shoots in 12 MP mode using pixel combining technology. To activate the 48 MP mode, you need to manually switch to the corresponding mode through the “More” menu or the top toolbar in the camera application.

It is worth noting that 48 MP mode has its own peculiarities: files take up much more space (about 10-15 MB versus 3-5 MB), and the processing of the image can take 1-2 seconds, during which it is better to hold the phone still. In addition, this mode often turns off HDR and night mode, which can worsen the quality in difficult lighting.

For everyday shooting, especially indoors or in the evening, it is better to leave the standard 12 MP. The pixel binning algorithm creates a cleaner picture with less noise. 48 MP mode makes sense to use only in bright daylight when maximum detail is required for subsequent printing or cropping.

As for formats, Xiaomi uses standard firmware in its firmware JPEG. Some users are looking for a way to shoot in RAW, But on the Redmi Note 7 stock camera, this feature is often missing or hidden. RAW-file (DNG) You may need to install third-party software such as Google Camera or Open Camera, which we’ll talk about below.

Working with exposure and focus

Exposure control is a key skill for any photographer, even a mobile one. The Redmi Note 7 screen, when you click on the focus object, appears a brightness slider (sunshine). Don't ignore it! The camera often tends to make the frame lighter by knocking out details in light areas (sky, white clothes).

To get a more contrastful and rich picture, it is recommended to lower the exposure slightly, this will make the shadows deeper and the colors more saturated, especially when shooting sunsets or objects against a bright background. Try lowering the slider 1-2 divisions below the recommended value.

Focus on the Redmi Note 7 implemented through the system PDAF (It works quickly, but in difficult conditions (macrography, low contrast) can "walk." In such cases, use manual focus if available in the selected mode, or fix the focus with a long press on the screen (it will appear the inscription. AE/AF Lock).

Use of Night Mode and HDR

Night Mode is a software algorithm that takes multiple images of different exposures and combines them into one. On the Redmi Note 7, it works wonders by allowing light and detailed footage to be taken even in very low light. However, it requires a complete stillness of the smartphone for 3-4 seconds to work.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is useful in high contrast situations, such as when you shoot a person against a bright window or a landscape with a bright sky. The camera takes several frames and aligns the brightness of light and dark areas. On the Redmi Note 7, it is better to use automatic HDR, since forced on can lead to an unnatural look of pictures.

⚠️ Warning: When shooting at night with your hands, even minimal shivering can lubricate the shot. If you don't have a tripod, stick your phone against a stationary object (pillar, wall, rock).

If you see details getting lost, try taking a picture in normal mode, but with artificial lighting or flash (although the flash is best not used for artistic purposes at all).

• 🌙 Use night mode only if you can fix the phone.
• ☀️ HDR Turn on automatically or manually in the backlight.
• 🚫 Avoid using flash for portraits – it makes the face flat.
• 🌆 For shooting lights, the “Long exposure” mode is better».

Portrait mode and bokeh

The Redmi Note 7's portrait mode uses software-based background blurring. Since the smartphone doesn't have a telephoto lens or ToF sensor (in most versions), blurring is based solely on object-based boundary recognition algorithms. Quality depends on the contrast between the object and the background.

For best results, step away from the object 1-2 meters and make sure that the lighting falls on the face of the model. The algorithm works best when the object is some distance from the background. If the person is standing close to the wall, the blur will not work or it will be incorrect.

In the portrait mode settings, you can choose the bokeh effect and the degree of blur. Don't set the maximum value, as this often leads to artifacts around hair and clothing. The value of f/2.8 or f/4.0 looks most natural and looks like the operation of aperture optics.

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For a better portrait, use natural light from the window. Stand facing the window so that the light falls evenly on your face, avoiding hard shadows.

Third-party solutions: Google Camera (GCam)

If the stock camera isn’t your thing, the best solution for the Redmi Note 7 is to install a ported version of the Google Camera (GCam), an app taken from Pixel phones that has been creatively adapted by enthusiasts to run on the Snapdragon 660 processor.

GCam offers a much improved HDR+ algorithm that makes images more dynamic, with better detail in shadows and lights. GCam also often has Astrophotography mode for capturing the starry sky with hands, which is missing from stock firmware.

To install, you need to find a stable build (port) for the Redmi Note 7 (codename: lavender — Arnova8G2, BigKaka, Shamim, after installation. APK-The file may need to download a configuration file (.xml) that optimizes settings for a specific camera sensor.

Example of steps to install GCam:



1. Download APK- GCam file for Snapdragon 660.




2. to permit installation from unknown sources.




3. Install the annex.




4. (Optional) Import XML-config via double tap on the black zone around the trigger button.

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Installing Google Camera is the most effective way to dramatically improve the quality of photos on Redmi Note 7 without root rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)