Action camera Xiaomi Yi: how to use from scratch and reveal all the possibilities

Contents

• First Installing and Basic Setup
• Shooting modes: which to choose for different scenarios
• Camera Control: buttons, gestures and voice control
• Hidden settings: how to improve video quality
• Accessories: what you really need to shoot
• Typical Problems and How to Solve Them Without a Service Center
• Frequent questions about Xiaomi Yi

Xiaomi Yi action camera is a compact device that can shoot video in resolution up to 4K frequent 60 fps, to withstand immersion to a depth of 40 (in a waterproof enclosure) and work until 2 But many users use only one charge. 20-30% This article will help you understand all the nuances from the first inclusion to professional tricks.

We'll look at the Yi models. 4K, Yi 4K+, Yi Lite and others, paying attention to their features. 4K+ Supports electronic stabilization EIS, Yi Lite is devoid of display, which makes it difficult to set up "in the field." If you have a different model, check the compatibility of features in the specifications.

First Installing and Basic Setup

Before first switching on, make sure that the battery is charged at least on the 30% — That's enough for the initial setup. It comes with a short camera. USB-cable (usually Type-C or Micro-USB, depending on the model), but no charger – use a smartphone adapter with current 1-2A.

To turn on the camera, press the power button on 3-5 The Yi logo will appear on the display models, the Yi Lite will flash the indicator. 20 Seconds – The camera initializes the file system on the memory card.

• 📱 Installation of the app: Download the official Yi Action app (available for Android and iOS).The alternative is Xiaomi Home, but it doesn't support all features.
• 🔗 Wi-Fi Connection: Select Settings from the Camera Menu → Wi-Fi, turn on the access point. Password default is 12345678 (can be changed).
• 📁 Map Formatting: Use Class Cards UHS-I U3 or higher (recommended brands: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung) EVO Format the map directly in the camera via Settings → Format a map.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the memory card while writing or formatting. This can damage the file system. If the camera is "hang" during formatting, wait 10 minutes, then restart it with the Power button holding for 15 seconds.

After you connect to the app, update the camera firmware.

1. Open Yi Action and connect to the camera.
2. Go to the Device Settings section → Update of the PO.
3. If a new version is available, download it (requires a stable Internet connection).
4. Don’t turn off the camera during the upgrade – the process takes 3-7 minute.

Shooting modes: which to choose for different scenarios

Xiaomi Yi offers 7 offers+ We're going to use video modes, but most people are going to just use standard video, and we're going to figure out when and what mode to use.

For extreme sports (bicycle, snowboard) choose 2.7K/60fps with stabilization enabled (Settings) → Stabilization → EIS). If you are shooting in poor lighting (evening, forest), lower the resolution to Full. HD and increase the value ISO manually (maximum — 3200, But better not higher. 1600, avoidance).

For underwater photography, use the white balance "Underwater" (Settings) → White balance → Underwater and red filter (sold separately) without filter, the colors will be greenish at depths of more than 3 meters.

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If you shoot on Yi Lite without a display, use sound prompts: in the Settings menu → Sounds, turn on the voice prompts option. The camera will voice the selected modes, such as: Video, 4K, 30 frames".

Camera Control: buttons, gestures and voice control

Xiaomi Yi is based on a combination of physical buttons, touch screen (on models with a display) and mobile application.

• 🎮 Front button: Short press - start/stop recording. Double press - take a photo. 2 seconds hold - turn on/off Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Side button (Mode): Switch between modes (video/photo/timelapse) on Yi 4K+ Holding this button opens the Quick Settings menu.
• 📱 Touch screen: Swiping left/right - switching modes. Swipe down - quick settings (Wi-Fi, resolution, stabilization).
• 🗣️ Voice control: Supports commands in English: "Yi take a photo", "Yi start recording". To enable, go to Settings → Voice control.

For remote control, use the remote (sold separately) or smartphone through the Yi Action app. The app provides features that are not available on the camera itself:

• 📡 Real-time preview (delay) 0.5-1 sack).
• 🎬 Video editing (stripping, adding music).
• 📲 Updating the firmware “over the air".

⚠️ Warning: When you control over Wi-Fi, the camera discharges quickly — connect only to set up or view frames. Use physical buttons or remotes for long-term shooting.

On models without display (Yi Lite), focus on the sound signals:

• 🔊 One short signal – camera on, video mode.
• 🔊 Two signals - photo mode.
• 🔊 Three signals -- timelapse mode.
• 🔊 Long signal – low battery charge (10%).

Hidden settings: how to improve video quality

By default, Xiaomi Yi uses a "medium" setting that works for most scenarios, but if you want to get the best quality, you'll have to dig through the menu.

Open the Settings. → The camera and pay attention to the following parameters:

• 🎥 Bitrate: For the 4K Set 60 Mbps (default 45 Mbps). HD — 30 Mbps But: High bitrate will quickly fill the memory card.
• 🔄 Cyclical recording: Turn it on if you're shooting a small amount of mapping. The camera will automatically break the video into fragments by snippets. 3/5/10 minute.
• 🎛️ Color Profile: Choose Yi Color for saturated colors or Flat for later color correction in editors.
• 🔇 Noise suppression: Turn off if you shoot in a quiet environment – the camera will suppress all high-frequency sounds, including voice.

For the night shot:

1. Set the shutter speed to 1/30 or 1/15 (manually in Settings → Excerpt).
2. Raise up. ISO before 1600-3200, But be prepared for the noise.
3. Use an external light source (such as a flashlight on your helmet).

If the video is “twitched”, check the stabilization settings:

• 🌀 EIS (Electronic Stabilization: Works only in modes 2.7K/30fps and 1080p/60fps. It's off when you're shooting in 4K.
• 🛠️ Gimbal: If you use a mechanical stabilizer (for example, DJI Osmo, turn it off. EIS customized.

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For better video quality, always use memory cards with a recording speed not lower than the previous one. V30 (or U3). Cheap cards may not cope with high bitrate, which will lead to breaks in the recording.

Accessories: what you really need to shoot

In the basic kit Xiaomi Yi is a minimum of accessories: mounting on Velcro, waterproof body (not in all models) and USB-For a serious shoot, you'll need to buy a few things.

For underwater photography, be sure to buy a red filter (cost) ~800 ₽). It compensates for the loss of red spectrum at the depth. Without a filter, the video will be blue-green, and it will take hours to restore colors in editors.

If you plan to shoot from a drone, check the mount compatibility. Xiaomi Yi is suitable for most drones DJI (Mavic Air, but you will need an adapter (~1 200 ₽).

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For shooting in cold weather (below) 0°C) use a silicone battery case, which prevents the battery from cooling rapidly, increasing the battery life. 20-30%.

Typical Problems and How to Solve Them Without a Service Center

Even reliable technology sometimes fails, and here are the most common Xiaomi Yi problems and ways to solve them:

• 🔋 Camera won't turn on: Check battery power (plug in charge for 30 minutes) If the indicator isn't on, try another one USB-cable (sometimes a problem in a damaged wire) Reset settings (hold Mode) + Power for 10 seconds).
• 📷 Video interrupted or not saved: Format the memory card directly in the camera (not on the computer!). Check card speed: for 4K Need a class map U3 or V30. Reduce bitrate to 45 Mbps in settings.
• 🌡️ The camera overheats and turns off: Do not film in 4K Take off the waterproof housing, which degrades the heat sink. Use an external fan (e.g., a waterproof enclosure, USB-laptop-cooler).
• 🔊 Bad sound (noise, distortion): Turn off Noise Reduction in the settings. Use an external microphone (connects via USB-C or 3.5 mm jack, depending on the model, check if the microphone is closed with a finger or mount.

If the camera makes a mistake "SD Card Error, try the following steps:

1. Remove the card and check it on the computer using the utility SD Card Formatter (official program from the SD Association).
2. Format the map in the exFAT file system (for maps in volume) >32 GB).
3. If you make a mistake again, try another card. Some Xiaomi Yi models don't work with Transcend cards.

⚠️ Attention: If the camera turns on after the fall, but gives out artifacts on the screen (strips, flickering), the matrix is likely damaged. 5 000-7 000 ₽, It's often comparable to the cost of a new camera. Check the warranty - some models (Yi) 4K+) They have an extended guarantee on the matrix.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi Yi