How to improve the camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from settings to hardware upgrades

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones with a decent camera, but its potential is not fully revealed in standard settings. + 5 MP users often encounter low-light noise, over-lit frames or blurred details. The problem is not the weak hardware - it's software optimization and the inability to use hidden functions.

In this article, we’ll break down 7 practical ways to improve your camera without buying a new phone: from fine-tuning the stock Camera app MIUI We will focus on unique Redmi Note 7 chips that the manufacturer does not advertise, for example, manual mode with support. RAW All methods are tested on current versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14) and do not require root rights unless otherwise stated.

1. Optimization of the standard application "Camera"

Stock camera Redmi Note 7 It hides most of the useful features behind non-obvious gestures and menus, and let's start with basic settings that will immediately improve the quality of the images. 20-30%:

Open the Camera app, swipe up to access settings (icon) ⚙️) and check:

📸 Photo resolution: select 48 MT (even if the default is 12 This will increase the detail, but the files will weigh. ~15-20 MB.
🌓 Night mode: turn on the Auto – the algorithm will activate in low light automatically.
🎯 Focus: Turn off the car-HDR, If you are shooting in dynamic scenes (sports, children). HDR add lambs.
🔍 Grid: Activate the Rule of Thirds for the correct composition.

The most important setting is the Pro mode (manual settings), where you can manually configure:

📐 Excerpt (from) 1/4000 before 32 sec. – useful for shooting stars or light graphics.
🔄 ISO (100–3200) – the lower the noise, but good lighting is required.
🎛️ White Balance – Choose an incandescent lamp for warm interior shots.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW (dng) disable all post-effects in the settings. Stock camera uses aggressive processing that spoils RAW-file.

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To quickly switch between modes, tap twice on the screen in the Camera app - this will open a menu with a preview of all available options.

2.Install Google Camera (GCam) for better handling

Xiaomi stock camera is losing Google Camera in processing HDR, GCam uses Pixel algorithms that better handle dynamic range and noise. Redmi Note 7 will be suitable for modified versions from developers BSG or Urnyx05.

Download the current version of GCam for Redmi Note 7 (for example, GCam_7.3.018_Urnyx05-v2.7.apk) forum 4PDA or XDA Developers, after installation:

Open GCam and give all the necessary permissions.
Go to Settings. → Camera model and select Nexus 6P (Optimally, the Snapdragon 660).
Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced in the settings HDR.
For night shooting, use Night Sight mode with shutter speed 3-5 seconds.

Stock camera and GCam comparison on Redmi Note 7:

Parameter	Stock camera.	Google Camera
Dynamic range (HDR)	Medium, often over-lit sky	Wide, retains details in shadows and light areas
Night photography	Noisy frame, loss of detail	Clean frame with minimal noise
Portrait mode	Imaculate mask, artifacts around the edges	Clear background blur, natural edges
Color rendering	Oversaturated colors (typical for Xiaomi)	Natural tones that are close to reality

⚠️ Note: Some versions of GCam may not save photos on the Redmi Note 7 due to conflict with the Redmi Note. MIUI. Solution: in GCam settings, select the Save Format → JPEG and turn it off HEIF.

📊 What camera do you use on the Redmi Note 7?

Stock (MIUI Camera)

Google Camera (GCam)

Both are in situation.

Another.

3. Manual setting of shooting parameters (RAW + Lightroom)

If you're willing to spend 5-10 minutes to process each image, and to take a picture of RAW + Editing in Adobe Lightroom will give results at the level of SLR cameras. RAW-Files store all sensor information, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance and noise reduction flexibly.

How to film in RAW on the Redmi Note 7:

Open Pro mode in the stock camera.
Click on the settings icon (⚙️) and turn on Save. RAW.
Take a picture - next to JPEG A.dng file will appear.
Move it. RAW Open to PC and open in Lightroom or Darktable.

Basic edits for RAW Redmi Note 7:

📈 Exposition: increase by +0.5–1.0 EV (RAW usually darker JPEG).
🎨 Color Profile: Choose Adobe Color or Camera Standard.
🔊 Noise Reduction: Use Color Noise Reduction = 25, Luminance = 15.
🔍 Sharpness: Add a field mask with a radius of 1.0 and a number of 50.

How to Correct Violet Artifacts on the RAW Redmi Note 7?

Purple spots appear due to defect in Sony sensor IMX586 high-pitched ISO. In Lightroom, reduce Purple Hue in the section HSL/Color → Huh to -30 Add Defringe to Detail → Lens Corrections.

4. Hardware improvements: lenses and lighting

Software optimization has limits — if you want macro shots, wide angles, or professional lighting, you'll have to buy accessories. Fortunately, the Redmi Note 7 supports most of the universal solutions:

Top.-3 camera-accessories:

📷 Head-mounted lenses: Xenvo Pro Lens (macro) + wide angle - attached to a magnetic ring. Apexel 12x Macro – for shooting small objects (insects, textures).
💡 Ring lamp: Neewer 18" LED Ring Light with adjustable color temperature (3200K–5600K).
🎥 Stabilizer: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 – Removes Hand Trembling in Video.

How to fix lenses:

Buy a universal adapter with a metal ring (for example, Kase Magnetic Lens Adapter).
Plug the ring on the main camera of the Redmi Note 7 (without closing the flash!).
Magnetize the lens – it should fit tightly to the sensor.

⚠️ Note: Cheap plastic lenses (for example, for 300)₽ AliExpress often gives strong edge distortions. Check reviews before buying - look for mentions of vignetting and chromatic aberrations.

Make sure the lens is clean (wipe with microfiber)|

Turn off digital zoom in camera settings|

Use manual focus (tapping on the screen) + retention)|

Shoot in good lighting (lens reduces light transmission)

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5. Update firmware and core to improve the camera

Official updates MIUI While rarely bring major improvements to the camera, custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS) can replace camera drivers with more optimized ones, there are also modified cores (such as FrancoKernel) that improve system-level image processing.

How to flash custom firmware on Redmi Note 7:

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an account binding Mi).
Install. TWRP Recovery (violet version) codenamed Redmi Note 7).
Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience 12) and kernel (optional) with XDA.
TWRP: Wipe → Format Data → Install ZIP.

Advantages of custom firmware for the camera:

🔄 Support Camera2 API at full speed (in stock) MIUI may be limited).
📱 Ability to install GCam without bugs (no conflicts with the system) MIUI).
🔧 Access to manual kernel settings (e.g. frequency adjustment) CPU shoot 4K).

⚠️ Attention: After the custom firmware firmware is installed, the data encryption may break. TWRP Check firmware compatibility with your Redmi Note 7 version (e.g. global violet or Chinese lavender).

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Custom firmware only increases camera quality when set up correctly, and without experience, it's better to limit yourself to GCam and manual parameters in the sewage software.

6. Hidden chips of the Redmi Note 7 camera

Xiaomi hides a few useful features that are not documented in the official instructions.

🔍 Super Macro mode: in the stock camera, switch to a macro lens (5 MP), then tap the magnifier icon - an enhanced approximation will be activated.
🌃 Night Mode for Video: Select Night Sight in GCam → Video (only works with root rights).
📏 Gold section grid: in camera settings, turn on Grid → The Golden Ratio (hidden in some versions) MIUI).
🎬 Video recording in 4K 60 FPS: in video mode, select 4K, Hold the record button for 3 seconds and the 60 option will appear. FPS.

Another hidden possibility is shooting in format LOG (flat profile for color correction, to activate:

Install GCam with Flat Color Profile support (e.g. Wichaya version).
In the GCam settings, find Base → Flat Color Profile and Enable.
Shoot the video – it will be dim, but with a wide dynamic range for post-processing.

How to turn the shot on RAW front-camera?

Stock camera doesn't support RAW on the frontal, but in GCam you can bypass the restriction: 1. Go to Settings. → Advanced → RAW. 2. Choose Front Camera RAW (It does not work on all versions of GCam). 3. RAW The front camera will be saved to the folder. DCIM/GCam/RAW.

7. Alternative applications for shooting and processing

If GCam and stock camera are not satisfied, try specialized applications:

Annex	Advantages	Deficiencies
Open Camera	RAW support, manual settings, no advertising	Weak. HDR compared to GCam
Footage	Professional video mode with focus picking	Paid version (290)₽)
Snapseed	Local correction, masks, presets	No support. RAW (only JPEG)
VSCO	Filters with natural color reproduction	Subscription for full access

For video, we recommend Filmic Pro (paid but with a free trial).

🎥 Set up a bitrate video (up to 50 Mbps for video) 4K).
🎚️ Use logarithmic profile (analogue) LOG GCam).
🔊 Connect an external microphone through USB-C.

⚠️ Note: When shooting a video in Filmic Pro on the Redmi Note 7, the processor may overheat. CPU Monitor) and take breaks every 15 minutes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about camera improvements

Can you physically replace the Redmi Note 7 with a more powerful camera?

Technically yes, but it's impractical. - Sony sensor IMX586 In Redmi Note 7, it's soldered to the motherboard, and it requires micro soldering to replace it. Even if you install another module (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), you'll have to stitch the drivers, which often leads to a bootloop.

Why do photos turn green or purple at night?

This is a defect in the white autobalance in the stock chamber.Solutions: Use GCam with manual white balance (exhibit) 4000K–5000K). In the stock camera, turn off Auto Color Correction in the settings. RAW And correct the color in Lightroom (White Balance Selector tool).

How to make a blurred background (boke) in portrait photos?

In stock cameras, Portrait only works on the main camera. For better effect: Use GCam with Portrait Mode enabled. Move 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject, so the camera will better separate the background. Manually modify the mask in Snapseed (Depth tool). On the front camera, the bay is simulated software and looks unnatural.

Why is the video in 4K jiggles?

The problem is the Snapdragon 660 processor's limitation.Solution: Shoot video in 1080p 60 FPS — It's gonna be smoother than 4K 30 FPS. In Filmic Pro, reduce the bitrate to 30 Mbps. Close all background apps (use Greenify).If the phone overheats, remove the case and let it cool.

Which GCam Settings Are Best for the Redmi Note 7?

Optimal parameters for the version Urnyx05 v2.7: Camera model: Nexus 6P HDR+: Enhanced Night Mode: Auto (Survey) 3-5 Noise reduction: High ABB: Disable (use manual balance) Format: JPEG (RAW Only if necessary. - Choose a video 1080p 60 FPS bitrate 25 Mbps.