Xiaomi smartphones have long proven themselves as devices with excellent cameras that can compete with the flagships of other brands. However, even the most advanced technology requires the right setup — without this you risk getting mid-quality images without revealing the full potential of the device. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic parameters, but also hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise.
It is important to understand that the camera settings in Xiaomi can vary significantly depending on the model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and the version of the MIUI firmware. We will focus on universal solutions, but also point to the features for top devices. If you want to learn how to shoot like a professional, read on.
Basic camera settings: where to start
Before diving into the subtleties, make sure you have the latest version of the Camera app installed. To do this, check for updates on Google Play or through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → The older versions often lack important features like night mode for video or AI-optimization.
The main parameters are hidden behind the icon ⚙️ In the upper right corner of the camera interface, you can see it here:
- 📸 Photo resolution – choose the maximum for your model (for example, 200 MP for Xiaomi 13 Ultra), but remember that such shots take up a lot of space.
- 🎥 Video quality – for most tasks enough 4K@30fps, But for dynamic scenes, it's better. 1080p@60fps.
- 🔄 The aspect ratio is 4:3 gives more detail, 16:9 is more convenient for storis.
- 🌙 Night mode – turn on the car so that the camera can determine when to activate it.
Critical: On models with a telephoto lens (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the Smart Zoom option appears in the settings, which automatically switches between the main and telephoto camera. Disable it if you want to manually control the magnification.
Shooting modes: which to choose and how to set up
Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer up to 10+ shooting modes, but most users are limited to Photos and Videos. Meanwhile, the correct use of specialized modes can dramatically improve the result:
| Regime. | When to use | Optimal settings |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | For shooting people with blurred backgrounds | Bokeh effect: F1.4, lighting: Natural |
| Night mode. | In low light (evening, room) | Exposure time: 3-7 seconds, ISO: Auto |
| Professional | For manual setting of parameters | Format: RAW, white balance: 4500K (daylight) |
| Documents | Scans of papers, checks, pages of books | Contrast: +15%, sharpness: Max. |
The Movie Mode (available on flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Pro) features cinematic background blur and manual focus, for better results:
- Activate the logarithmic profile in the mode settings.
- Set a frame rate of 24fps for the "cinema" view.
- Use an external microphone – the built-in microphone often records noise.
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If the Professional photos are too dark, increase the EV (exposure) by +0.7 or +1.0. This compensates for the shading without losing detail.
Fine tuning: hidden features of MIUI Camera
MIUI hides a number of useful options that are not visible at first glance, to activate them:
- Open the camera settings → Additionally.
- Tap 5 times on the app version (bottom of the screen) to unlock the hidden menu.
- Turn on the options: 🔍 AF retention for video - fixes the focus when shooting. 📊 Histogram – shows the distribution of light/shadows. 🎯 Grid. 3×3 diagonal - for accurate framing.
On models with Sony IMX707 sensor (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the Pixel Shift option appears in the hidden menu. This technology combines several images to increase detail — ideal for shooting architecture or landscapes. However, it only works with a tripod!
How to reset the camera settings to factory?
Optimization for social networks: Instagram, TikTok, Telegram
Each social network has its own content requirements, and Xiaomi’s camera settings allow you to adapt to them:
- 📷 Instagram: Aspect ratio: 4:5 (optimum for tape) Resolution: 1080p (No need to go above, compression will still reduce quality. Color profile: Live colors (for bright shots).
- 🎬 TikTok: Video format: 9:16 (vertical). Stabilization: Ultra (for dynamic scenes). Microphone: Directed (to reduce noise).
Key life hack: for storytellers, use the Short video mode with settings:
Duration: 15 seconds
Resolution: 1080p
Stabilization: On.
Effects: Responsive. (add später in the appendix)This will avoid double compression (first in the camera, then in the social network).
1. Clear the camera cache in the settings
Enable the "Short Video" mode with vertical format
3. Disable watermarks (Settings → Watermark)
4. Check the vacant space (minimum 2 GB)
5. Activate Ultra-stabilization-->
Problems and solutions: why Xiaomi camera is bad
Even Xiaomi’s top-end models can have camera problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI If the camera starts to lag or turn green in the photo, try rolling back the firmware through Fastboot. This often helps with bugs with the camera module drivers.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Blurred photos in good lighting | Dirt on the lens or the wrong focus | Wipe your lenses with microfiber, turn on Continuous Autofocus |
| The green tint in the pictures | Color rendering calibration failure | Reset the camera settings or update the firmware |
| The camera focuses for a long time. | Low lighting or macro mode enabled | Use Laser Autofocus (if available) or additional light |
| Video twitches as it moves | Stabilization or low frame rate disabled | Enable Ultra Stabilization and shoot at 60fps |
If none of these methods worked, check the camera through the engineering menu:
#4636## → Testing equipment → CameraSo here you'll see the actual state of the modules, and the red status of any of them means hardware malfunction, in which case only the service center will help.
Professional chips: RAW, LUTs and manual settings
For those who want to get the most out of the Xiaomi camera, there are a few advanced techniques:
- 📊 Shooting in RAW: Activated in Professional mode → Format → RAW. Suitable for post-processing in Lightroom or Photoshop. ~30 MB per picture, so take selectively.
- 🎨 Using LUTs: In Movie mode, you can download custom.cube files for color correction. Popular LUTs for Xiaomi: Kodak 2383, Fuji Eterna.
- ⚙️ Manual focus: In Professional mode, tap on the subject and hold for 2 seconds to block the focus. For macro shots, use a manual value. MF (10 to 20 mm).
A unique feature of Xiaomi: on models with a Samsung GN2 sensor (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the “Dual Native ISO” option is available in manual settings.
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To shoot the starry sky on Xiaomi, use the combination: Night mode + RAW + shutter speed 30 seconds + ISO 3200. Set your phone on a tripod and use a remote or timer to avoid shaking.
Update camera firmware: is it worth the risk
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the camera module that can improve image processing, add new modes or fix bugs. However, not all updates are equally useful.
- ✅ Changelog lists improvements for your model (e.g., “Night Mode Optimization for Xiaomi”) 12T"). You've noticed bugs (green, focus issues) and added support for new formats (e.g., new formats, 8K video).
- ❌ It's better to wait if: The update came out less than a week ago (there may be hidden bugs). In reviews, users complain about the deterioration in quality.
To check the camera firmware version:
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to Settings. → About the programme.
- Compare the version with the latest updates on the forum xiaomi.eu.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) After updating the camera through Fastboot, the AF calibration may be lost. If this happens, reset the camera settings or reflash the module through the Mi Flash Tool with a tick. clean_all.