How to set up a camera on Redmi Note 8 for the perfect photo: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones with a great camera, despite the release of new models. Its 48-megapixel core module, combined with the right settings, is able to deliver images that are not inferior to the flagships of 2019-2020. However, most users use the camera “as is”, unaware that even basic tweaks can radically improve the quality of photos.

The problem is that factory settings MIUI Camera is optimized for the average user: automatic white balance is often wrong, HDR It doesn't turn on on time, and the night mode doesn't work well. This article provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the Redmi Note 8 camera (including the Note 8 Pro and Note versions). 8T), We're going to take a look at both the standard parameters and the hidden chips that aren't written in the official manuals.

We will pay special attention to setting up the manual mode (Pro Mode) for shooting in RAW — This is the only way to get really raw data from the matrix for processing in Lightroom or Photoshop. MIUI Camera with third-party apps (such as GCam) and what accessories will help improve the quality of shots without buying a new phone.

1. Basic camera settings: what to turn off and turn on immediately

Before you dive into manual settings, you should optimize the standard settings of the Camera application. Many of the default options are either useless or even degrade the quality of your shots.

Open the Camera app, swipe up (or tap the gear) and go to the Camera Settings.

• 🔍 Disable Watermark – it spoils the composition and is useless for most users.
• 📏 Set an aspect ratio of 4:3 (rather than 16:9 or 18:9) – this uses the entire matrix area without trimming.
• 🌙 Enable "Night mode" in the quick menu (if it is not there) - it will be useful for shooting at dusk.
• 🔄 Disable the Auto-HDR» switch on HDR This will prevent you from having a camera suddenly refuse to use. HDR where he's needed.

Note the photo quality item. Here, you should choose High (not Super High), as the latter saves images at 48 MP resolution, but without a noticeable increase in detail, only the increased weight of the file. Exception: if you shoot for further cropping (crop) or printing in large format.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 8, when selecting Super High mode, the night mode and some processing effects automatically turn off. Use it only in good lighting.

2. Automatic mode optimization: how to make AI work for you

Regime. AI-The Redmi Note 8 camera is often criticized for being overhanded, but when set up correctly, it can be useful.

AI-algorithms MIUI They do well:

• 🌿 Scene recognition (sky, grass, snow) – automatically adjusts white balance and saturation.
• 👤 Portrait shooting – blurs the background even without a specialized mode.
• 📦 Filming documents – aligns perspective and removes shadows.

But there are situations where AI merely:

• 🌃 Night photography – artificially inflates exposure by adding noise.
• 🎨 Creative shots – repaints colors (for example, makes sunsets unnaturally red).
• 🔍 Macrographing – excessively blurring the background, losing details.

To turn it off. AI For a specific frame, touch the icon AI in the top panel (it will turn gray). To completely disable, go to Settings → AI-camera and deactivate the option.

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If you like the effect AI, But you don’t like its aggressiveness, try third-party cameras like Google Camera (GCam) – there is a more balanced processing.

Manual control: Pro Mode for professional shots

Pro (or Manual) mode is your main tool for controlling your shooting. On the Redmi Note 8, it supports setting:

• 📸 Excerpts (from) 1/1000 before 32 seconds)
• 🔘 ISO (100–3200)
• 🎯 Focus (manual focusing)
• 🔄 White balance (2500K–10000K)
• 📐 Exposition (compensation) ±2 EV)

How to use Pro Mode effectively:

1. Shooting in RAW: Enable the Save option in RAW in the Pro Mode settings. RAW-Redmi Note 8 files are saved in format DNG It contains 4 times more data than JPEG — It's critical for post-processing.
2. Night photography: Set shutter speeds for 2-4 seconds (use a tripod!) and ISO Example: Excerpt: 3", ISO: 600, White Balance: 4000K.
3. Moving objects: To freeze motion (such as sports), select shutter speed 1/500 shorter.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Redmi Note 8 disables digital stabilization. Use a tripod or lean your phone on a stable surface to avoid grease.

Set the phone on a tripod or stable surface |

Turn off digital zoom (use optical only)|

Check white balance with gray card |

Take a test frame and evaluate the histogram|

Save. RAW + JPEG backup-->

4 Night mode: how to shoot in the dark without noise

The night mode on the Redmi Note 8 works differently than on flagships: there is no real-time multi-frame addition, so it is important to understand its limitations.

What works well:

• 🌆 Urban landscapes with artificial lighting (lanterns, windows).
• 🌌 Starry sky (at 8-10 seconds exposure) ISO 1600).
• 🕯️ Candles or fires – the algorithm copes well with contrasting light sources.

What won't work:

• 👥 People moving will be lubricated due to long exposure.
• 🌑 Absolute darkness (for example, a forest at night without a moon) – the matrix will not physically catch enough light.
• 🚗 Fast movement (cars, bicycles) – only a luminous trail will appear.

Practical advice:

1. Always use a tripod or support - even a slight tremor of the hands will spoil the shot.
2. If the night mode refuses to turn on, switch to Pro Mode and manually set the shutter speed for 2-4 seconds.
3. To shoot people in the dark, use external lighting (for example, a flashlight with a warm light).

5. Portrait Mode: How to Get a Natural Bokeh

The portrait mode on the Redmi Note 8 uses software background blur, as the phone doesn’t have a second depth measurement module (like the iPhone or Google Pixel).

Problems of portrait mode and their solutions:

For better results:

• 📏 Distance to object: 1-2 meters (not closer than 50 cm!).
• 🌈 Lighting: Natural light is better than lamps. Avoid contrasting shadows on your face.
• 🔄 Background: The farther the background from the object, the more natural the bokeh will be.
• 🎭 Effects: In portrait mode settings, select Natural (not Studio or Contour).

If the standard portrait mode is not satisfied, try alternatives:

• GCam with Portrait Mode module – better handles edges and colors.

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For the most natural portrait, shoot in Pro mode with an open aperture (emulated software), and add background blur later in Lightroom using a depth mask.

6. Macrographing: How to Photograph Small Objects

The Redmi Note 8 has a separate 2-megapixel macro module, but its quality leaves much to be desired, but even with it you can get good results if you follow these rules:

Optimal settings for macro:

• 🔍 Mode: Switch to macro module (flower icon) only if the object is closer than 4 cm For a distance of 5-15 cm use the main camera with manual focusing.
• 📸 Focus: Turn on Manual Focus in Pro Mode and set the value to 5-10 (out of 100).
• 💡 Lighting: Use side light (e.g., a table lamp at an angle of 45).°), to emphasize the texture.
• 📱 Stabilization: Press the downhill button for 2-3 seconds for a series shot (then select the sharpest shot).

Common errors in macro photography:

⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note 8 has a fixed focus and aperture, so: - It can't shoot objects beyond 5cm (everything will be blurry). - It's not suitable for shooting in the dark (too noisy). - It distorts colors - always shoot in the dark. RAW corrective.

For a serious macro shot, consider buying a nozzle lenses (such as the Xenvo Pro Lens or Apexel Macro) that are attached to the main camera and give you an increase to the main camera. 15x It costs from 1000 to 3000 rubles, but the result is comparable to a DSLR.

7 Third-party applications: when a standard camera fails

With all the advantages of a standard camera MIUI, She has limitations:

- There's no full noise control.

- There's no log profile for the video.

- Algorithms HDR Google Camera is in the process of.

Recommended alternatives:

How to install GCam on Redmi Note 8:

1. Download version 7.3 or 7.4 (for example, download version 7.3, BSG GCam or Urnyx05) From Celso Azevedo.
2. In GCam settings, select: Model: Pixel 3 XL Config: <Download the config for Redmi Note 8> HDR+: On Night Sight: On
3. Turn off Save in MIUI Camera to avoid conflicts.

Important: Some versions of the GCam may not work with a front camera or a macro module.

8 Post-processing: How to save even unsuccessful photos

Even with perfect camera settings, it sometimes takes some tweaking. The Redmi Note 8 is especially important to correct:

• 📊 Noise (especially on the ISO 800).
• 🎨 Color balance (MIUI cold-tone).
• 🔍 Sharpness (programmatic magnification often blurs details).

Free tools for processing:

• 📱 Snapseed – for basic correction (exposure, contrast, selective editing).

Example of processing RAW from the Redmi Note 8:

1. Open the file in Darktable or Lightroom.
2. Set up a camera profile: Camera Standard.
3. Upgrad the exposure to +0.5–1.0 EV.
4. Reduce the noise to 20-30.
5. Add a sharpness mask with a radius of 0.8-1.0.

⚠️ Attention: During processing JPEG Redmi Note 8 does not increase the contrast more than +20 is going to make noise in the shadows. Work with the Tone Curve to fine-tune it.

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Always keep the original pictures (especially the originals). RAW) Formatting the phone or resetting the settings will remove them without the possibility of recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the Redmi Note camera 8