Professional bokeh shots are now available to every smartphone owner, and the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is no exception in this technology race.This device, equipped with a quad camera with a main module at 48 MP, offers powerful tools for post-processing and real-time shooting. However, many users underestimate the potential of the embedded software, missing the opportunity to take studio footage on the go.
To get a really good result, just pressing the shutter button is not enough. You need to understand how the software simulation of depth of field works and what parameters affect the final image. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms of the camera, the settings of the Portrait mode and the secrets that will allow you to squeeze the most out of the optics of your gadget.
Technical capabilities of the Redmi 8 Pro camera
At the heart of the Redmi 8 Pro’s photography system is the Sony IMX586 sensor, which delivers high resolution and great detail even in complex lighting. It is this module, paired with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 processor, that processes depth data. Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze the scene, defining the boundaries of the object and the background space to create a natural blur gradient.
It is important to note that the camera software is constantly being improved through MIUI system updates. Xiaomi developers are implementing new object recognition scenarios, which avoids the typical errors when the background “hits” the edges of hair or clothing. Understanding how hardware interacts with the software helps the user to predict the behavior of the camera in various conditions.
Besides the main module, the auxiliary depth sensors play a critical role in mapping distances, and the accuracy of the blur depends on the contrast between the object and the background, as well as the distance to the object being shot. If these parameters are not met, the software algorithm may miscalculate the focus area, leading to artifacts in the image.
Use of the built-in Portrait mode
The main tool for obtaining a blurred background is the regular Portrait Mode in the Camera application. When activated, the system automatically switches to using the telephoto lens or digital zoom of the main module, while using the depth sensor. On the screen, you will see a yellow focusing frame that should cover the face or subject of the shooting for proper calibration.
At the top of the interface, you can often have a blur level setting, which is denoted by an aperture icon or slider. By moving this regulator, you change the virtual value of the f-number, which affects the intensity of the bokeh effect. For group shots, it's better to choose less blur so that all faces remain clear, whereas for single portraits you can twist the effect to the maximum.
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Keep your phone at a distance of 0.5-2 meters from the subject for optimal operation of the depth sensor in Portrait mode.
Lighting should be considered: in low light conditions, the camera can force the night mode to turn off the bokeh simulation to increase the brightness of the frame, in such situations, it is better to use external lighting or flash to keep the background blur algorithms working.
Configure effects and filters in real time
Modern versions of the MIUI shell offer enhanced opportunities for creative shooting directly in the viewfinder. In addition to standard blur, users can apply various light effects, such as studio lighting or counterlight, these features change not only the degree of blur, but also the nature of the light falling on the object, creating a more dramatic picture.
To access the extra settings, you have to click on the magic wand icon or the triple line in the camera menu, and there are filters that can enhance the contrast between the foreground and the background, making the bokeh effect more visible. By experimenting with color profiles, you can achieve a cinematic look without using third-party software.
⚠️ Attention: The use of heavy filters in real time can increase shutter latency, so it is better to use standard settings when shooting moving objects.
Also available is the "Beauty" feature, which often works in tandem with portrait mode. Smoothing of the skin and correction of facial features can affect the definition of the boundaries of the object, so it is recommended to adjust these parameters moderately so as not to disrupt the algorithms of background segmentation.
Shooting in Pro mode for manual control
For advanced users who want to have full control of the process, Pro mode is available. Although it does not have automatic background blur like portrait mode, it allows you to control shutter speed and ISO. Reducing the ISO value reduces digital noise, which makes subsequent software background blur more quality and natural.
Using MF manual focus, you can shift (focus point) to the foreground, making the background blurry optically, if the lens design and distance permits. However, on smartphones, the depth of field is great because of the small sensor, so it is difficult to rely entirely on optics. The main emphasis is on post-processing or using macro mode to shoot very close objects.
The secret of macro photography
When shooting in RAW (DNG) format in professional mode, you save as much as possible scene data, which provides huge advantages in later processing in editors, where you can manually draw a blur mask with high accuracy, without relying on the camera's automatic algorithms.
Post-processing of photos in the MIUI editor
If you don't like the result of the automatic shooting, Xiaomi's built-in gallery offers powerful editing tools. Open a photo, click on the Change button, then select the tool tab and find a feature associated with the portrait or blur. Some versions of MIUI have the feature to re-apply the portrait effect even to regular shots.
The built-in editor allows you to adjust the blur force after the fact, if the picture was taken in a special mode that stores depth data. You can change the focus point by moving it from the face to the background or vice versa, although on the Redmi 8 Pro this feature may be limited compared to the flagship models.
☑️ Quick retouch algorithm
Keep in mind the basic adjustments: the increased contrast and saturation often makes the background blurry more expressive. The Magic tools in the editor can automatically improve the composition, which visually enhances the effect of depth in the photo.
Third-party applications to enhance the effect
Staffing isn’t always enough, and then apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, with Google Camera (GCam), Retrica and AfterFocus leading the niche. Installing a ported version of GCam specifically for the Snapdragon 712 processor can dramatically improve portrait quality by adding smarter blur algorithms and HDR+.
AfterFocus allows you to manually highlight the foreground and background object, creating a blur gradient of any complexity, and it is the perfect tool for situations where the camera automation has gone wrong and “eat” the edges of the object or not blurred the background where it was necessary.
| Annex | Type of blur | Difficulty | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi camera | Automatic (AI) | Low. | Natural, fast. |
| Google Camera | Portrait mode | Medium | High detail |
| AfterFocus | Hand mask | Tall. | Controlled, creative |
| Snapseed | The Lenses Tool | Medium | Artistic effect |
Using third-party software takes time to set up and train, but the result often exceeds expectations, especially for photographing objects or eating, where the standard portrait mode may not recognize the object correctly.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
One of the most common problems is to cut the edges of an object when the background is overlaid on hair or clothing, which occurs when there is insufficient contrast or too close to the background. To avoid this, move the subject away from the wall or trees, creating a physical distance for the algorithms to work.
Another mistake is the camera shaking while shooting in portrait mode. Because the processing is in real time, the lubrication can lead to an error in the depth calculation. Try to keep the Redmi 8 Pro as still as possible when you lower the shutter using both hands or a stop.
⚠️ Note: Do not use digital zoom in Portrait mode unless absolutely necessary, as this reduces the quality of the matrix and worsens the operation of blur algorithms.
Also worth keeping your lens clean. Fat spots from your fingers create a light scattering effect that the camera may perceive as part of a blurred background, reducing the overall sharpness of the frame.
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The blur quality is 80% dependent on the correct distance to the object and background, and only 20% on the camera settings.