Slow motion on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to capture moments that usually go unnoticed: a drop of water, a bird's wing flapping or a balloon bursting. However, many users face problems: the video is produced in jerks, not smooth enough or too dark. In this article, we will discuss how to activate the mode correctly, choose the optimal settings and avoid typical errors.
The feature is available on most Xiaomi models, starting with the Redmi Note 5 and the flagship series Mi 8/9/10/11/12/13/14, but implemented in different ways. For example, budget devices are limited to 120 FPS at 720p resolution, while top models support 960 FPS at 1080p. We will explain in detail how to determine the capabilities of your device and maximize their use.
Which Xiaomi models support slow motion photography?
Slow motion is available on all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2018, but its options vary by processor and camera.
- 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 9/10/12, POCO M3/M4): before 120 FPS into 720p, stabilised.
- 📱 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note) 11/12 Pro, POCO X3/X4): before 240 FPS into 720p or 120 FPS into 1080p.
- 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mix 4/Fold): before 960 FPS into 720p or 480 FPS into 1080p, hardware-stabilized.
To find out the exact specifications of your device, go to Camera Settings. → Additionally. → Slow-motion. It'll show the available modes. Notice that some firmware (MIUI 13 and below) the option can be hidden behind a long press on the camera screen.
How to turn on slow motion: step-by-step instructions
Activation takes less than a minute, but requires pre-setting.
- Open the Camera app (an icon with the inscription Camera).
- Swipe your finger across the screen to the left (or right, depending on the MIUI version) to open the list of modes.
- Select Slow Motion (in Russian firmware – “Slow shooting”).
- Press the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper right corner to adjust the parameters.
If there is no mode in the main menu, try:
- 🔍 Update the Camera app via Google Play.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone (sometimes the option disappears after the update) MIUI).
- 📱 Install alternative software (e.g. GCam for advanced features).
Make sure you have ≥2GB of memory |
Close the background annexes|
Turn off the energy saving |
Put your smartphone on charge (for long sessions)-->
Optimal settings for smooth video
The quality of slow-motion video depends on three key parameters: resolution, frame rate (FPS) and lighting.
| Parameter | Recommendations | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 1080p (if supported) | Higher detail, but the file weighs more. 720p is enough for social media. |
| FPS | 240 FPS (universal) | The 960 FPS is highly decelerated, but requires bright light and fixed focus. |
| Stabilization | Insert (if any) | Eliminates jitter, but can cut the edges of the frame. |
| Focus | Manual (AF-S) | Autofocus in slow motion works slowly, which makes the video blurry. |
Critical error: shooting in low light at high FPS (480+) The sensor does not have time to capture enough light, which makes the video dark and noisy. Use external light sources or reduce the FPS to 120-240.
⚠️ Note: When shooting at 960 FPS The duration of the video is limited to 0.2 seconds of real time (stretched to 6-7 seconds in slowdown!
Secrets of shooting: how to avoid jerks and blurring
Even with the right settings, the video may not be perfect. Here are some professional tips to improve the result:
- 🎯 Fix the subject in the center of the frame: autofocus in slow motion works slowly, and manual focus prevents “jumps” of field.
- 🌞 Shoot against the sun: if the light source is behind the object, the contours will be clear and the shadows will be soft.
- 🖐️ Use a tripod or support: even micro-arm movements at 480+ FPS They create an earthquake effect».
- ⏱️ Start recording in advance: Xiaomi’s camera buffer saves the last 1-2 seconds before the button is pressed, but not all models support this feature.
For dynamic scenes (such as sports), choose 240 FPS, which is enough to convey movement without excessive slowing down. If you need to capture small details (water splashes, bursting bubble), try 960 FPS, but consider the duration limit.
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To avoid overheating your smartphone during long shooting, reduce the screen resolution to 720p in the system settings (Settings → Display → Screen resolution).
How to edit and save slow-motion videos
After shooting, the video is automatically saved to the gallery, but by default it is played at a normal pace.
- Open the video in the standard Gallery app.
- Click on the pencil icon (✏️) editable.
- Select the Speed tool and move the slider left to 0.25x or 0.125x (depending on the original FPS).
- Save the modified file as a new copy.
For advanced installation, use the applications:
- 🎬 CapCut: Free Editor with Templates for Slow Motion.
- 🎬 KineMaster: Allows you to overlay effects and music.
- 🎬 InShot: convenient for pruning and export to social networks.
⚠️ Note: When exporting video to 4K starting-up 1080p The quality won't improve, but the file will get heavier — 1080p at bitrate 15-20 Mbit / s.
How to remove the Xiaomi watermark from the video?
Common problems and solutions
Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes when shooting slow motion.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Video twitches | Low FPS or weak processor | Reduce the resolution to 720p or FPS to 120. |
| No sound. | Slow motion is recorded without audio track | Add music to the editor or record the sound separately. |
| Video too dark | Lack of light at high FPS | Use external lighting or lower the FPS. |
| Camera app flies out | Overheating or lack of memory | Close the background apps and let the smartphone cool down. |
If after applying the tips the problem remains, check:
- 📲 Version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔧 Developer Settings: Turn off the option Do not save camera actions (if enabled).
Top.-5 Ideas for slow-motion photography
Don't know what to shoot? Here are some creative ideas that will highlight your content:
- Art: painting with watercolor, sculpting from clay, blowing glass.
For inspiration, check out the works of the authors on YouTube or TikTok with the hashtags #SlowMotionXiaomi or #MiSlowMo. Pay attention to the lighting and composition of the frames - this is the key to professional results.
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For dynamic subjects (such as sports), use 240 FPS – this is enough for smoothness and the file won’t be too heavy.