How to improve the quality of photos on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from settings to accessories

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still a popular choice due to the balance of price and features, but its camera is 48 MP Sony IMX586 — It's often not working at full capacity because of factory settings. Many users complain of noise in the dark, blurry as they zoom in, or unnatural colors. It's not hardware, because even budget sensors can produce decent images when approached properly.

In this article, 10 proven ways to improve photos on Redmi Note 8, from fine-tuning the firmware to using third-party apps and inexpensive accessories.

• 🔧 Hidden camera settings that Xiaomi does not advertise
• 📱 Best Alternative Photography Apps (with Comparison)
• 🌓 How to shoot in the dark without noise and blur
• 🛠️ Hardware limitations of the model and how to get around them

All recommendations tested on firmware MIUI 12.5–14 and are relevant for Redmi Note modifications 8/8T/8 If your smartphone is running on custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), some points may differ - check in the comments.

1. Optimization of standard camera settings

The Redmi Note 8’s factory settings are designed for “universal” results, but often lose out on details. The first thing to do is turn off automatic mode and manually adjust key options.

Go to the Camera app. → Swipe up to open the menu → choose ⚙️ Settings. Pay attention to these points:

• 📸 Photo resolution: set 48 MP (if shooting in good light) or 12 MP with pixel binning (for night shots). 48 MP gives more detail, but files weigh 15-20 MB - check the free space on the phone.
• 🌈 Color profile: Choose Saturated for bright landscapes or Natural for portraits.
• 🔄 HDR: Turn on the car-HDR, But turn it off when shooting moving objects (there may be a “ghost” effect).
• 📏 Grid: Activate the Rule of Thirds for the correct composition.

Also check the section Additional:

• 🔍 Improved detail: Include textures (such as fabric or foliage) for shooting).
• 🌙 Night mode: Install Auto or On, but remember that it only works in static scenes.

⚠️ If after the changes the camera began to “brake”, return the resolution to 12 MP – processing 48-megapixel images requires more resources.

Turn off the watermark|Establish a grid "Rule of thirds"|Turn on HDR only for static scenes|Select a "Natural" profile for portraits|Activate "Detail Improvement" for textures-->

2.Using GCam (Google Camera) for better processing

Xiaomi's stockware often "recycles" images by adding redundant sharpness or noise cancellation.The solution is a ported Google Camera (GCam) that better handles white balance and dynamic range.

For Redmi Note 8 will fit versions from developers BSG Or Wichaya. APK forum 4PDA or XDA Developers (look for themes marked Redmi Note 8) After installation:

1. Open GCam and provide all permissions.
2. In the settings (⚙️ → Advanced select:

Photo

Photo+

Comparison of GCam and stock camera images:

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the GCam may not support 48 MP on the Redmi Note 8. In this case, shoot in 12 MP - the quality will still be higher than in the stock app.

Stock (MIUI Camera)|Google Camera (GCam)|Other Appendix (specify in the comments)|I don't know what it is.-->

3. The shooting in RAW post-processing

Format RAW (or.DNG) It saves raw sensor data without compression, allowing the later to correct exposure, white balance and editor noise.On the Redmi Note 8 RAW available:

• 📱 In the stock chamber: Professional mode → Format → RAW.
• 📷 At GCam: Settings → Save. RAW (if supported by the version).

For processing RAW fit:

• 🖥️ Lightroom Mobile (free, with presets for Xiaomi).
• 📱 Snapseed (Simple interface, Selective correction tool).
• 💻 Darktable (for PC, analogue of Lightroom).

Example of workflow for RAW Redmi Note 8:

1. Take a shot in RAW daylight (ISO not more than 800).
2. Import to Lightroom and adjust:

JPEG

💡

If RAW-Files take up too much space, use the format RAW+JPEG in professional mode – the phone will save both options: “raw” for processing and ready shot for quick viewing.

4 Night photography: how to reduce noise and blur

The main problem of Redmi Note 8 in the dark – noise on the ground ISO It's over 1600 and it's blurry because of the long shutter speed, and it's solved by a combination of settings and techniques:

Method 1: Night mode + manual

• 🌃 Open the stock camera. → Select Night Mode.
• 📏 Set the shutter speed manually (tap on the icon) ⏱️):
• 🔄 Turn off the car.-HDR — It degrades detail in the dark.

Method 2: GCam + Night Sight

On Google Camera:

1. Select Night Sight mode.
2. Press on. ⏱️ Set Max duration (usually 3-7 seconds).
3. Keep your phone still or use a tripod.

Method 3: Shooting in RAW + post-processing

If the night mode gives too "greater" result:

• Remove in Professional mode with the following parameters:
• Process it in Lightroom:

⚠️ Note: When shooting with a shutter speed longer 1/2 Redmi Note 8 If the phone gets hot, pause on the phone. 2–3 minute.

5. Portrait Mode: How to Avoid Artifacts

The side of the Redmi Note 8 is blurred software — Xiaomi’s algorithm often misses the edges of hair or small details.

Stock camera settings:

• 👤 Select Portrait Mode.
• 🔄 Turn off the beautiful lighting – it adds unnecessary glare.
• 📏 Set background blur to 50-70% (100% gives unrealistic effect).
• 🎨 Turn on Natural Skin Color (in Portrait Mode Settings).

Alternative annexes:

• 📷 GCam with portrait mode: better separates the object from the background, but can “eat” small details (earrings, glasses).
• 🎭 Focos (for Focos) iOS/Android): Allows you to edit the blur after shooting (requires) RAW).

Shooting techniques:

• 📏 Keep the distance to the object 1-1.5 m - closer the blur algorithm works worse.
• 🌈 Avoid complex backgrounds (branches, grids) – they “break” the mask of blur.
• 💡 Lighting should be uniform (without sharp shadows on the face).

The example of "before and after":

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For the perfect portrait on the Redmi Note 8, combine GCam (for clarity) and Focos (for blur).

6. Accessories for photo enhancement (budget up to 2000) ₽)

Even with the right settings, the Redmi Note hardware limitations 8 The small sensor is still there (1/2"), There's no optical stabilization and a weak flash, and inexpensive accessories can help solve some of the problems:

External lenses (500-1500) ₽)

• 🔍 Macro-lens (magnification 10–15x): For small objects (insects, textures) like Xenvo Pro Lens.
• 🌄 Wide-angle lens (0.6x): Expands the viewing angle to 120° (useful).
• 👁️ Telephoto lens (2x): It simulates optical zoom (better than digital zoom in 2–4x).

Important: The lenses are attached to a magnetic ring or clip – check compatibility with your Redmi Note 8 case.

Structures and stabilizers (300–2000) ₽)

• 📷 Mini-Statuttage (e.g. Joby GorillaPod): for night photography or selfies.
• 🎥 Stabilizer-cardan (e.g, DJI Osmo Mobile SE): Eliminates tremors in video and photo.
• 🔦 Desktop stand with flexible legs: for macro photography.

3. Lighting (400-1500) ₽)

• 💡 LED-Panel (e.g. Neewer 10) for portraits or product shooting.
• 🔦 Ring lamp with a mount on the phone: uniform light for selfies.
• 🌈 Color filters: for creative effects (e.g. orange filter for Golden hour»).

External microphones and flashes

• 🎤 Lavalier microphone (e.g. Boya) BY-M1): If you're making a voice video.
• ⚡ External flash (e.g., Godox Litemons) LED10): brighter than built-in 5-10 times.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap lenses (< 500 ₽) chromatic aberration is often added (purple halos at the edges).Before buying, read the reviews with photo examples on the Redmi Note 8.

A tripod|External lenses|Lighting|None of the above.|Other (write in the comments)-->

7. Cleaning the lens and caring for the camera

Dust, fingerprints, or scratches on the glass of a lens can ruin even a perfectly tuned frame, and regular cleaning is an easy way to improve clarity by 20 to 30 percent.

How to clean the lens correctly:

1. Use a microfiber wipe (for example, for glasses).
2. For persistent contaminants: moisten the napkin with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol (70%).
3. Rub it in a circle, from center to edge (don’t push hard!).
4. To remove dust from under the glass, use a compressed air balloon (keep 10 cm away).

What can't be done:

• ❌ Use paper wipes or clothes – they scratch the coating.
• ❌ Blowing with the mouth - saliva leaves greasy traces.
• ❌ Use abrasive cleaning products (for example, toothpaste).

How to protect your camera from damage:

• 🛡️ Use a cover with a protruding side (protects glass when falling).
• 🔄 Check the lens sealing ring regularly (if you have one in your model).
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperature changes (for example, shooting in the cold). → transfer to a warm room, which can cause condensation within the module.

8. Update firmware and core to improve the camera

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the camera, but they don't always hit all regions.

Method 1: Update through MIUI

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Press on. ⋮ → Select a service pack (if there is a downloaded file).
3. If there are no updates, check the firmware region:

Method 2: Installation of a custom core

For advanced users: Some custom cores (such as FrancoKernel or Perseus) optimize the camera performance:

• 🔧 An unlocked loader is required and TWRP.
• 📱 Look for kernels marked Redmi Note 8/8T on XDA Developers.
• ⚠️ Risks: Artifacts or a broken camera are possible (do backup!).

Method 3: Mods for the camera

Some modifications (e.g, ANX Camera or Footiejam Camera added:

• 🎛️ Manual tuning ISO, white balance and exposure.
• 📸 Support RAW10/12 (More data for post-processing).
• 🔄 Alternative algorithms HDR noise-cancellation.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial software can lead to blocking of encrypted data (for example, banking applications.

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Updating the firmware to the latest version MIUI It can improve photo quality by 10-15% with optimized algorithms.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving photos on Redmi Note 8